What are the critical elements involved?
How does it impact individuals and businesses? Curious to know more?
Join Maria Villablanca in the video below as she provides expert insights into the key areas driving supply chain transformation.
Gain a deeper understanding and learn from the best.
Transcript: Maria Villablanca on Supply Chain Transformation
Rob: Welcome to the channel! Today, we’re diving into supply chain transformation. To help us understand this topic, we’re joined by an expert, Maria Villablanca. Welcome, Maria!
Maria: Thanks for having me, Rob! It’s great to finally connect in person after all this time on LinkedIn.
Understanding Supply Chain Transformation
Rob: Absolutely! So, Maria, you’re well-versed in supply chain transformation. Can you break down what it is and why it’s important?
Maria: Sure thing! Supply chain transformation is more than just adopting new technologies. It’s a complete overhaul of how a company thinks about and manages its supply chain. Historically, supply chains were linear—get the product made and delivered. But with digital tools, we’re moving towards a more connected and transparent approach.
About 15 years ago, we started talking about digitalization, which evolved into what we now call digital transformation. This used to focus on digitizing paper-based processes, but recently, especially with the pandemic, the focus has shifted. Now, it’s about transforming the entire supply chain to be more adaptive and efficient in today’s environment.
Key Areas of Supply Chain Transformation
Rob: That’s interesting! What are some of the main areas where supply chain transformation is happening?
Maria: There are a few key areas. First, digital advancements. Companies are moving from old, labor-intensive processes to using data analytics and AI to make quicker, more informed decisions. This brings greater transparency and efficiency.
Second, business model changes. Companies are increasingly selling directly to consumers, which shifts how supply chains operate. For example, companies that once only sold to businesses are now engaging with end consumers through online channels.
Third, sustainability. Companies are rethinking their processes to be more environmentally friendly. Coca-Cola, for instance, redesigned its bottle caps to stay attached to the bottle, reducing waste. This kind of transformation impacts design, production, and sourcing.
Implementing Supply Chain Transformation
Rob: If a business wants to start its own supply chain transformation, where should they begin?
Maria: It’s important to understand that transformation is a continuous journey, not a one-time fix. Start by identifying specific areas where changes will be most beneficial, whether it’s procurement, data management, or another aspect. Avoid the temptation to jump on every new tech trend without addressing actual problems.
Instead, focus on solving concrete issues that will improve your operations and outcomes. A common mistake is getting caught up in the latest technology without a clear problem to solve, often referred to as “shiny object syndrome.”
Rob: That makes a lot of sense. Thanks for sharing these insights, Maria! If anyone wants to learn more about supply chain transformation, where can they find more information?
Maria: I have a podcast with over 200 episodes where I discuss these topics in depth and interview various experts. It’s a great resource for anyone interested in the challenges and solutions related to supply chain transformation.
Rob: Awesome! We’ll put the link to your podcast below. Thanks again for joining us, Maria. It’s been great having this conversation!
Dive deeper into this topic by watching the full video above.
Connect with Maria here:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MariaPVillablanca
Website: https://www.mariavillablanca.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariavillablanca/
And listen to Maria’s podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/transform-talks-the-supply-chain-transformation-podcast/
Related articles on this topic have appeared throughout our website, check them out:
- Future Supply Chain Insights from Pro-to-know, Sheri Hinish
- These Three Technologies are Hot, But Are Supply Chains Adopting Them?
- Supply Chain and the Internet of Things – Towards New Paradigms
- Change Leadership: The Real Key to Transforming Your Supply Chain
- 6 Steps to Sustainable Supply Chain Reality
Editor’s Note: The content of this post was originally published on Logistics Bureau’s website dated February 14, 2024, under the title “Understanding Supply Chain Transformation with Maria Villablanca“