| | JULY 20169Consultants ReviewExternal Change Force - It can be hard for companies to do what's right (due to presence of sacred cows) ­ particularly when it comes to job layoffs, salary and benefit changes/reduction, and major operational and strategic shifts. Hiring consultants can help to reach the desired conclusions with sufficient political cover in case certain parties are unhappy (e.g. a displeased Board or disgruntled employees). Acquire Software Implementation Expertise- You can certainly benefit from a consultant's expertise in business process improvement. But some projects call for a layer of IT as well. Number of vendors offer supply chain management software. The worldwide market for such software is large and expanding. A consulting firm can help to evaluate the various supply chain vendors and implement the software. Best practices across Industries and Functions Consultants have the rare privilege of:· Serving multiple clients in the same sector (e.g. Beverages, Retail,Apparel)· Serving multiple clients facing similar problems across different sectors A consulting firm can offer industry best practices based on the company's projects over the years with numerous customers.Improve Performance - Manufacturers that concentrate on their supply chains stand to reap big rewards. Hiring a consulting firm can provide the additional focus you need to enjoy the benefits of a more efficient partner network. A PricewaterhouseCoopers' Global Supply Chain Survey reports that companies that recognize the supply chain as a strategic asset enjoy better operational and financial results compared with those entities who don't. The top companies in the PwC survey had 87 percent more inventory turns per year compared with firms generating average results and 30 percent higher Earnings before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) margins. Obtain an Outsider's Fresh Perspective- An activity as complex as retooling a supply chain will involve many stakeholders at your company. So there are plenty of feathers to ruffle when it's time to cut out inefficient or redundant processes. A consulting firm can help deflect some of that heat and, hopefully, begin the process of building a consensus around a particular supply chain direction. Next big things in a retail supply chain industry are to develop supply chain which can meet consumer expectations in an Omni ­ Channel Environment. This can be achieved only through the combination of developing in-house competency as well as robust consulting partners. 4567OrderDeliveryReturnBrick &Mortarstore· Store· Online· Store in any city· Online· Many other channelsBrick &Mortarstore· Same Store· Home· Same Store· Home·Store in other city·Store in other city· HomeBrick &Mortarstore· Same Store· HomePastPresentGoingForward3Building long term sustainability in supply chain strategy is needed to future proof the business
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