All too often supply chain professionals are the unsung heroes of business. Companies can make excellent products, they can run brilliant marketing campaigns, but the performance of the supply chain can make the difference between delighting and disappointing the customer.
Companies all around the world are struggling with falling demand for their products, and tightening of the financial markets, so the pressure to cut costs is intense. In such an environment, the spotlight is firmly on supply chain professionals to deliver improved performance and, at the same time, do it more cost effectively.
And those organisations that have not yet recognised the value of excellence in supply chain are going to have to demonstrate a high degree of agility if they are to keep up with their more forward-thinking rivals. Times like these separate the men from boys.
A key way of recognising outstanding achievement is through The European Supply Chain Excellence Awards.
Last year saw some outstanding entries from right across Europe. Nokia Siemens Networks, overall winner of the 2008 awards, was described by the judges as demonstrating all the characteristics and attributes of a world-leading supply chain. “With this model they are going to be a leader in the transformation of their industry.”
NSN followed a radical transformational strategy where new processes were defined and implemented, new facilities established, and major SAP changes undertaken – all significant tasks. The extensive programme of implementation completely transformed the previous operating structure (Siemens and Nokia), creating a new best-practice model – a truly end-to-end supply chain. The results are impressive: installation cost reduction per installed system of 50 per cent; service installation cost reduction of 20 per cent; installation engineering productivity improved by a factor of two to three.
Klaus-Michael Kuehne of Kuehne + Nagel won the individual contribution award joining such luminaries as Lawrence Christensen of Sainsbury’s.
The awards are split into a number of categories – sector awards covering the key areas of trade and industry, and business process awards that recognise excellence in specific supply chain functions.
The awards are presented at a glittering dinner at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel before an audience of more than 450 industry leaders. This year the dinner will take place on 12th November.
The European Supply Chain Excellence Awards, which are organised by Supply Chain Standard in partnership with consultancy PRTM, are renowned for the rigour of the judging process which also provides valuable feedback for entrants.
How to enter
To find out more and download an entry form, visit the awards web site: www.supplychainexcellenceawards.co.uk
