Faster, Smarter, Cheaper

Manufacturing companies have been using supply chain optimization (SCO) solutions to solve complex operational challenges and improve their supply chains for years now. While a select few have successfully leveraged the potential benefits of these increasingly sophisticated analytics tools, many have only scratched the surface. This joint research project by IndustryWeek Custom Research and FICO — in which we delve into the perspectives of over 400 senior executives and managers — explores the success factors and pitfalls of manufacturers’ SCO initiatives. For this study we defined supply chain optimization as “the deliberate application of advanced analytical processes and solutions to optimize supply chain performance and manage costs,” not as a general concept or management goal. Roughly three out of four manufacturing companies have been using or plan to use supply chain optimization solutions within the next 12 months. Among these solutions users, however, only a third believe their efforts are more advanced than their competitors. Well over half report that they are either trailing or only keeping pace with their rivals.