The Definitive Guide to Integrated Supply Chain Management: Optimize the Interaction between Supply Chain Processes, Tools, and Technologies

3. Key Strategic Principles

Efficient and effective supply chains do not evolve naturally. A great deal of detailed planning, coordination, and negotiation is needed between stakeholders to create a supply chain with a logical structure, streamlined flows, and integrated processes. Reaching this level of supply chain coordination requires a deliberate and unified focus on leveraging beneficial supply chain principles. There must also be a conscientious effort to align supply chain strategies among the participating organizations. And awareness of potential supply chain barriers must be maintained. A failure to align participants along all three elements will lead to conflict and a fragmented supply chain that is incapable of reaching its potential. ...