Sustainable Line of Sight in Your Supply Chain

The recent drive to incorporate ‘Sustainability’ into Supply Chain Management has caused companies to reexamine their internal and external processes. Companies are evaluating their procurement, sourcing and supplier management from a new perspective. Incorporating sustainability concepts into business relationships creates line of sight across the value chain.

In a recent post, we explored some reasons why most companies incorporate eco awareness into the supply chains. Included in that list was the sustainability concept of ‘Alignment’ and its impact on the supply chain. Creating alignment across the value chain can improve operational efficiency, reduce cost, and add value.

In addition to simply creating alignment within a company’s own organization, leading businesses are creating alignment with their suppliers and customers. This ensures that every stakeholder understands the direction and can see how they contribute. A balanced approach includes:

•    Internal Business Processes: Corporate goals focused on the process improvements which promote and enable a sustainable supply chain.

•    Employee Engagement: Individual and organizational performance metrics which support corporate business sustainability goals.

•    Customer Expectations: Sustainable product expectations clearly communicated down the supply chain.

•    Supplier Integration: Creating integrated processes with supplier to improve communication, increase efficiency, and ensure common sustainable processes.

•    Learning and Growth: Create working relationships that promote change, innovation, and growth across the supply chain. Customers and suppliers grow and develop with your business.

•    Financial Balance: Allowing all partners the ability to succeed financially creates a stable business environment and an aligned business sustainability direction.

Creating supply chain management alignment through increased eco awareness, applied sustainability concepts or a fully integrated sustainable supply chain can have immediate business impacts. Taiga Company provides professional consulting and small business resources to companies seeking to make significant and sustainable improvements in their operations.