Cisco - A Supply Chain Leader Putting its Money Where its Mouth Is

Some companies never cease to amaze me-in the best of ways. In 2008, Cisco, a company that is recognized as having one of the best supply chains in the world, signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) to invest $16 billion dollars in China over the next five years. Earlier this fall, the Cisco-Fudan-Stanford (CFS) Supply Chain Leadership Institute was officially launched (http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/regional/2009-07/20/content_8450863.htm). The Institute, which is a collaboration between Cisco, the School of Management at Fudan University and the Stanford Graduate School of Business, will provide intensive training to leaders of Chinese companies, with a goal of creating global leaders in supply chain management by sharing world-class management concepts.I have long admired Cisco for its leadership in supply chain management, but this just takes it to a whole new level. Over the years, much has been written about sourcing in China-from tax rebates on Chinese exports…to manufacturing in China…to the quality of Chinese goods…to reducing exports of pollution-intensive products…to working toward an innovation-based economy-the list goes on and on (and on). But here is an example of a company putting its money where its mouth is-by cultivating the talent within these Chinese companies Cisco, Stanford and Fudan are helping these leaders gain the skills they need to reach their goals of innovation and competitiveness in an international market.I am refreshed to see that the business world recognizes what I’ve long espoused-that supply chain organizations are critical to the success and competitiveness of leading-edge companies. Ok, so maybe a downturn in the economy didn’t hurt for world-class companies to see the importance of Procurement and Supply Chain at the Board table, but regardless, I’m happy to finally see these organizations getting the recognition they deserve.And here’s something else I’m ecstatic about…Angel Mendez (Senior Vice President, Customer Value Chain Management, Cisco), is keynoting at our SIG Global Sourcing Leadership Summit next week in San Diego, October 20-22, 2009. In keeping with Cisco, we are putting our money where OUR mouth is-by bringing this highly-respected executive from a world leader in supply chain management to the Summit, we will be sharing the best of best practices with our attendees. That is what our Summits are all about-sharing best practices, networking with peers and strategizing on turning our learnings into implementable solutions. We hope to see you there!