Evolution Instead of Revolution

Supply chain integration links the logistical operation internally with the Marketing, Sales, Production and Purchasing departments and externally with customers, forwarders and suppliers.

A close collaboration between the supply chain partners subsequently results in significant stock reductions (30-40% in practice), an improved customer service (e.g. improved lead time, reliability and stock availability), reduced distribution costs and a more efficient internal organisation. Supply chain integration puts Supply Chain Management on the map as a new business discipline. Contrary to the massive ERP projects, which often include a complete business process redesign, a supply chain integration project uses an evolutionary approach.

In a relatively short time period, the supply chain partners are integrated and obtain full visibility of the relevant stock, orders and flows within the entire chain. This information enables the partners to subsequently optimise the supply chain step by step, by introducing new concepts such as cross-docking, merge-in-transit, rolling stock and dynamic sourcing. As a consequence, a typical return on investment for a supply chain integration project is no longer than 1 or 2 years. Using a pragmatic approach, Jeroen van den Berg Consulting offers support during all phases of the project: from streamlining the supply chain and the warehouse processes and establishing a proper IT infrastructure to supervising the implementation of the required information systems and organisational changes.