Software implementation projects are fraught with the danger of vendors over-promising and under-delivering on the beneficial impact of their tools. To minimize this risk, work with a consultant who understands your needs, has experience with the systems being considered, and knows how to integrate the new tools into your existing platform.
Wrap Up
Supply chain capabilities are critical to the success of fresh produce businesses. Meeting customer demand while controlling costs and meeting profitability targets requires a capable set of procurement, distribution, transportation, and technology processes. Over time, these processes must be retooled to meet the rising expectations of retailers and thwart the expanding capabilities of competitors. However, most produce companies are challenged to simultaneously manage day-to-day operations and develop new capabilities.
Fortunately, consultants are available to support these capability development needs. They possess the expertise and resources to reshape current competencies into the desired supply chain capabilities that create competitive differentiation. Armed with adequate information about your current situation, a consultant will be able to create a customized plan of attack for supply base optimization, fulfillment service enhancement, transportation capacity management, technology deployment, or other desired capabilities.
With the ‘how-to’ plan in hand, it is then up to your organization to move forward. Competitive differentiation will only be achieved if you adopt the plan, invest the necessary resources, and make your supply chain team accountable for implementation success.
Read Part I
Supply Chain Consulting – Part 1
Asking the right questions to drive results
