Answers in integration
In a Supply Chain Management (SCM) survey conducted for Access Group, 45% per cent of companies (rising to 53% of larger firms) identified meeting demand whilst minimising stock levels as a leading issue. This is further examined in an accompanying white paper: ‘Supply Chain Nirvana’.
Amongst the 300 business decision makers working in UK manufacturing and logistics surveyed, supplier reliability topped the list of key impediments to meeting demand whilst minimising stock levels. Other problems identified included communication difficulties with suppliers and customers as well as the disruptive effects of production bottlenecks and rush jobs.
Ian Roper, divisional director, supply chain solutions at Access Groupsays: “Some of the answers to these issues include true integration between MRP systems, production scheduling, forecasting, stock and inventory control and so on, complete with cost and time information.”
