A recent web conference hosted by IDC Manufacturing Insights, featuring analysts Simon Ellis and Heather Ashton, highlighted the top ten predictions for supply chain strategies for 2014. An audio replay is available at http://bit.ly/IDCMI_SupplyChain_Predictions2014. Here are the predictions (directly quoted).
1. Operational resiliency will be the focus of supply chain strategies in 2014 and beyond
2. Supply chain technology investment will involve modernizing existing systems while also trying new approaches
3. Volatile demand and extending supply will put pressure on supply networks to be closer to demand
4. The need to be faster will require manufacturers to explore more deeply integrated supply chain planning and fulfillment functions
5. No longer exclusive to consumer industries, manufacturers will look for ways to further develop a “demand orientation” through demand sensing and capture
6. Manufacturers will prioritize risk and resilience capabilities, particularly in supply chain monitoring and visibility
7. Global trade management will mature as a critical capability in managing growth in emerging markets
8. Manufacturers will renew interest in the data management and governance organization in 2014
9. In the context of procurement and interest in driving more productive collaboration, B2B commerce networks will become anthropological “dig sites”
10. Manufacturers will seek new ways to extract data-driven value, leveraging mobile and cloud for access anywhere, anytime
