Operations leaders’ agenda

In times of global business disruption, operations leaders should seize the opportunity to build enterprise resilience, drive transformation and reframe the future of their organizations.

Get our latest newsletter direct to your inbox | EY Supply Chain Digest

 
 
Top COO actions | EY capabilities | Case studies | Our insights | Connect with our supply chain leaders

Five actions supply chain and operations management can take today

An increasing number of disruptions are stressing supply chains and impacting business performance. External pressures from stakeholders are also driving operations management and strategy leaders to seek supply chain solutions to help them become more resilient, sustainable, secure and transparent. Here are five actions to make the digital and autonomous supply chain a reality:

  • Build resiliency into your supply chain

    Traditional supply chain structures are not equipped to cope with massive and ongoing disruptions. Moving from “just in time” to “just in case” requires companies to improve their supply chain resiliency. Supply chain solutions include embedding end-to-end visibility, simulation and risk monitoring into the supply chain; securing alternative sources of supply; developing a resilient operating model and workforce; and improving cybersecurity. Enterprises can also improve supply chain logistics agility by fulfilling customer orders from the most optimal node in a cost-effective way.

  • Integrate sustainable supply chain practices

    Consumers across the globe are demanding more sustainable products, and companies must respond by embedding end-to-end sustainability into their supply chain processes. Building circularity into supply chain processes means not only trying to reduce a negative footprint but also creating a positive one. This can be accomplished by using renewable energy in manufacturing and delivery and aiming for zero waste along the value chain. Enterprises are also looking for ways to reduce carbon emissions in the supply chain, and this means they must reconsider the materials used in manufacturing and packaging, the markets they compete in and optimizing supply chain logistics.

  • Move from linear supply chains to connected ecosystems

    Companies further along their transformation journeys can respond quicker to changing customer demands and disruptive forces. With only 25% of companies digitally networked and even fewer autonomous, enterprises must move from linear to connected ecosystems of partners, suppliers and alliances, and then toward fully autonomous supply chains that are resilient and sustainable. Integrated business planning, transport and warehouse logistics, product innovation and customer collaboration must be part of the mix for improved supply chain operations management.

  • Elevate your procurement function

    Procurement is no longer simply about cost savings: it is a strategic endeavor that includes collaboration and finding new ways to add value. Organizations should consider an analytics-driven sourcing strategy to optimize supplier portfolios; adopt new technologies, such as AI for contract management and cloud-based supplier collaboration tools; and improve working capital through supply chain finance and supply chain optimization.

  • Invest in digital manufacturing

    Operations management and strategy for Industry 4.0 is about improving productivity and decreasing waste and cost. One powerful way to transform the manufacturing function is through the adoption of the smart factory — where cyber-physical systems monitor factory processes, provide analysis, and automate or support decision-making and controls. With digital manufacturing, enterprises can gain on-demand visibility into performance across the production chain, lower costs and improve collaboration with suppliers and customers.

.

EY capabilities

Supply chain and operations

Based on your overarching strategy, we’ll help redefine your end-to-end supply chain and operations to support your enterprise objectives.

Read more

Supply Chain Transformation

Consulting at EY can turn your supply chain transformation ambitions into reality through the power of people, technology and innovation. Find out more.

Read more

Smart Factory

EY Smart Factory arms your shop floor with dynamic predictive data analytics, virtual reality and artificial intelligence to deliver unprecedented performance.

Read more

Future of Supply Chain

EY research reveals the top challenges for supply chain leaders and organizations.

Explore

.

Case studies

Explore our entire case study library

.

Supply chain sustainability report

 
A survey of supply chain leaders shows the need for visibility on sustainability performance and a holistic business case to drive results.

Learn more

 

Colorful rooftop solar system on the rooftop of industry plant

.

Connect with our supply chain leaders

EY Consulting includes experienced leaders in every sector, who bring the power of people, technology and innovation together to deliver value and growth for our clients.

Contact us

Ashutosh Dekhne

Ashutosh R Dekhne
EY Americas Supply Chain & Operations Field of Play Leader
 LinkedIn

Sumit Dutta

Sumit Dutta
Principal, Supply Chain & Operations, Ernst & Young LLP
 LinkedIn

Glenn A. Steinberg

Glenn A. Steinberg
EY Global Supply Chain and Operations Leader
 LinkedIn

EY - Suzanne Bouhia

Regenia R. Sanders
EY Consulting US-Central Supply Chain and Operations Leader
 LinkedIn

Rae-Anne Alves

Rae-Anne Alves
EY Americas ESG and Sustainability Supply Chain Leader
 LinkedIn

Amy Brachio

Amy Brachio
EY Global Deputy Vice Chair, Sustainability
 LinkedIn

Sarah Matthews

Sarah Matthews
Principal, Supply Chain & Operations, Ernst & Young LLP
 LinkedIn

Morgan Malone

Morgan Malone
Ernst & Young LLP Americas Consulting Supply Chain and Operations Principal
 LinkedIn

EY - Multi ethnic team meeting via video conference

How EY helps orchestrate ecosystems of value

EY leverages key information technology partners to create long-term value for our clients and drive business innovation.

Read more

Contact us

Contact us