Five SCM Tasks for Management

We begin by summarizing the five tasks for better SCM, shown in Table 5.6. These tasks are not necessarily new. Managers have always developed strategies, measured employees, cut costs, implemented new systems, and sought out partners for cooperative efforts. However, the need for better SCM requires new ways of performing old tasks. 

2 Implementing collaborative relationships Internal organization form, responsibilities, and measures enable supply chain innovation. The task covers relationships inside the organization. 

3 Forging supply chain partnerships Outside partners are needed to be successful. Old paradigms must be discarded. Implementation requires an organized, multicompany project approach. 

4 Managing supply chain information Opportunities to succeed wildly or fail miserably abound. Supply chain systems must support supply chain processes. 

5 Removing cost from the supply chain Effective change to improve service and reduce cost requires understanding and managing root causes of cost in supply chain processes. 

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