The breakneck speed of globalization continues to accelerate; and so the inter-dependency between supply chain entities is growing ever more entwined and critical. Global supply chain networks are constantly evolving to accommodate geopolitical volatility, facilitate new product introductions rapidly and to ensure a stable, flexible and competitive high quality manufacturing base.

To establish a supply chain operation that can thrive requires a mix of vision, experience and structure. Our philosophy on building supply chains is organized around the principles of alignment, risk management, flexibility, information integration and rationalization.

A Foundation For Risk Management

Our belief is that alignment between partners in the supply chain is the single most important factor in reducing and managing risk, and that achieving that alignment is an absolute and critical step in building world-class global supply chains. This requires close collaboration, a shared vision and a cohesive and committed internal communication from leadership to build alignment between partners at a strategic, operational and tactical level.

Risk management dictates that partners share investment strategies, organizational goals and business plans in order to leverage assets in the supply chain effectively, minimizing duplication of operations.

Flexibility is achieved through planned investment in redundancy by incorporating this concept in production capacity, business processes and network architecture. This enables speed of adaptation to changing business environments.

Information systems that facilitate sharing, visibility and collaboration with supply chain partners both upstream and downstream enables true integration, and are an essential platform for building a competitive sustainable advantage.

Simplification of the supply chain should be an ongoing goal. This can include standardizing networks, business processes, product engineering, and product portfolios.

Taken together these principles enable the construction of supply chains that are adaptable, flexible and responsive to the environment; all principles that are deeply embodied in the organization of William Marsh & Company ^®.

Speed and agility are the essence of a competitive strategy.