When it comes to implementing supply chain management (SCM) solutions, most companies to date have adopted a patchwork approach, using numerous solutions from a variety of software vendors.
Thanks to a market consolidation of SCM vendors, as well as a desire to simplify the entire process, look for more companies to either seek out a single-source supplier or to outsource it all to a third party, predicts Forrester analyst Patrick Connaughton.
53 percentage of companies that have implemented many best-of-breed SCM applications from multiple vendors
35 percent that have implemented SCM software from their ERP vendor
24 percent that build their SCM applications in-house whenever possible
18 percent that have implemented a preintegrated SCM suite from one vendor
17 percent that outsource SCM applications or processes whenever possible
During his career Dave Blanchard has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. He also serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2010), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its second edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.