We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • ::COVID-19 COVERAGE::
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • SUBMISSIONS
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
Home » Supply chain chiefs eye omnichannel expansion
Forward Thinking

Supply chain chiefs eye omnichannel expansion

October 24, 2013
Supply Chain Quarterly Staff
No Comments

A new survey finds more evidence that omnichannel commerce remains a hot topic with supply chain executives. The 2013 Global Chief Supply Chain Officer Strategy Report from the U.K.-based research and publishing firm eyefortransport (EFT) found that 58 percent of respondents plan to either expand or investigate expanding their omnichannel capabilities within the next 12 months. EFT canvassed 319 supply chain executives worldwide in August 2013 for the study.

Customer demand for multiple delivery options and purchasing choices is part and parcel of omnichannel commerce, and that means companies will need to configure their distribution and order fulfillment models and supply chain strategies accordingly. When asked about their greatest concern with omnichannel expansion, 26 percent of respondents cited integration of information technology (IT) systems among multiple channels. This was most likely prompted by concerns about gaining full visibility, especially with suppliers and solutions providers, the report said. Their second biggest concern was customer satisfaction, named by 21 percent, and sales and operations planning (S&OP), named by 18 percent. Other concerns included managing inventory levels, last-mile delivery, consolidating distribution networks, and changing relationships with suppliers.

The study also found that improving internal efficiency remains a top priority for supply chain chiefs. When asked to identify the most effective measures for cutting supply chain costs, 74 percent of the respondents said improving internal efficiencies. Renegotiating existing transport contracts and improved forecasting, each cited by 45 percent of the respondents, tied for second place.

Sustainability continues to preoccupy supply chain executives. More than 70 percent of respondents said that subject was either important or fairly important to their businesses. When asked about barriers to achieving greater supply chain sustainability, 18 percent cited lack of resources; 17 percent said implementation costs, and 15 percent cited a lack of shared values with supply chain partners.

The survey additionally explored the role of big data in supply chains. When asked in what areas of the supply chain big data could yield the greatest return on investment, 26 percent of respondents cited increased visibility. Another 23 percent said enhancement of demand planning capabilities, and 18 percent said it would be most valuable in the area of product- and market-segmentation strategies.

The annual study also covered such topics as emerging markets, contingency planning, collaboration, outsourcing relationships, and more.

  • Related Articles

    Supply chain chiefs worry about the future

    Supply chain chiefs wary about the future

    Supply chain chiefs seek to conquer demand variability

Recent Articles by Supply Chain Quarterly Staff

Cargo volume down in Oakland

Safety experts to headline National Forklift Safety Day 2022 program on June 14

FedEx and Aurora expand autonomous trucking pilot

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • Logistics pros warn of business impact from Russia-Ukraine war

  • Container prices continue to drop

  • How to resolve your inventory dilemma

  • Warehouse vacancy rates sink to 27-year low

  • Empty shipping containers stack up at U.S. port depots

Featured Video

Cccb7d13 710a 4473 8132 da8b6cc286f1

The Sportsman's Guide Case study: Increasing Accuracy & Productivity

Viewer Contributed
Thanks to the Lucas Warehouse Optimization Suite, The Sportsman's Guide has increased productivity, reduced training time, and experienced a boost in accuracy for both full-time staff and seasonal employees. Want to learn how Lucas can help your DC be more efficient, accurate, and safe while reducing labor costs?...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • Omnitracs One – Last Mile Solutions

  • The enterprise shipper's guide to building a smarter truckload RFP

  • Fixed vs. Flexible Automation: Which Option is Better for 3PLs?

  • Enhancing Relationships in Logistics through Data & Collaboration

View More

Subscribe to Supply Chain Quarterly

Get Your Subscription
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • E-NEWSLETTERS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CUSTOMER CARE
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
  • STAFF
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright ©2022. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing