The COVID-19 pandemic caused multiple disruptions across global supply chains, including production disruptions and supply discontinuities, thereby exposing multiple shortcomings in traditional Supply Chain Management (SCM) practices. These weaknesses include a fragmented technology architecture, inefficient capacity/resource utilization, and unstructured risk and compliance management. While supply chain leaders across organizations are working on overcoming these shortcomings, the pandemic has made it clear that uncertainties and disruptions are likely to become frequent in SCM, and supply chain leaders need to future-proof their SCM practices against any impending disruptions.

This viewpoint outlines the factors necessary to build resilience and agility for future-proofing SCM and harnessing digital technologies to accelerate this journey. It analyzes aspects such as the pandemic’s impact on global supply chains, key shortcomings in traditional SCM practices, emerging changes in business models in light of the pandemic, characteristics of a future-proof supply chain, the role of digital transformation in future-proofing SCM, elements of successful digital transformation, and the role of service providers in driving digital transformation.

Scope

• SCM processes including make/manufacture, deliver, and after-sales services
• All geographies and industries

Contents

In this viewpoint, we study the following topics:

• The impact of COVID-19 on global supply chains and emerging changes in business models
• Key characteristics of a future-proof supply chain
• The role of digital transformation in future-proofing supply chains and elements of successful digital transformation
• The role of service providers in driving digital transformation and associated benefits

Membership(s)

Procurement and Supply Chain

Sourcing and Vendor Management