Looking Backward and Forward in the Supply Chain, Optimism Abounds

It’s the end of the year—the traditional time to take a look back and a look ahead. From both points of view, I have a great deal of optimism for supply chain management and the supply chain profession.

Part of the good vibes comes from the fact that the overall economy in 2011 was a heck of a lot better that in recent years. That was reflected in a resurgence of attendance at many of the industry events we attended this year. Whether it was at the big, ISM, APICS or CSCMP conferences or at local gatherings, attendance was noticeably up, the attendees seemed eager to learn, and the general atmosphere was decidedly upbeat.

Cause for optimism also lies in the results of a recent survey SCMR conducted with our sister publication Logistics Management. Among other inquiries, we asked readers about their hiring plans. Fully three out of four reported that they had already hired new logistics professionals in 2011 or they were soon planning to do so—reinforcing our long-held belief that ours is one of the best fields for steady work.

Supply chain professionals did experience their share of challenges on a global scale in 2011—the earthquake and tsunami in Japan perhaps the most shattering. But great devastation and disruption also came from the tornadoes in Missouri and neighboring states, flooding in Thailand and Australia, and earthquakes in New Zealand. Hard to find much good news in any of this. But supply chain managers affected by the disasters often showed great innovation and perseverance in working around the disasters and keeping their pipelines running.

Looking forward, I see even brighter days ahead. Increasingly, our profession is being recognized as one of the core business disciplines that directly—and powerfully— impacts business performance. (Finally, are we getting the respect we deserve?)

Technology promises to improve apace next year, too, with new analytics capabilities coming on line and the software-as-a service model reaching new levels of user access. The relevance: supply chain mangers will be able to make better decisions faster and at a lower cost.

On the professional development front, more and more educational opportunities are opening up will all of the new online courses. In addition, more and more universities and professional associations are adding to their executive development programs.

So optimism is my byword for 2012. And personal and professional success is my hope for all of our readers in the New Year!

SC
MR