Is your supply chain manager a big phony? Your suppliers think so
Posted 04-07-2010 at 03:00 PM by Albert Fong
Browse around the Web and you’re likely to find a study on just about anything. Managing Automation recently came across an Oregon State University study that answers the loaded question, “Is your supply chain manager a big phony?”
The study found that from a supplier perspective, supply chain managers don’t have a good reputation. And the more roles and responsibilities they have, the more frowned upon they are by suppliers. It’s an interesting finding since the manager often serves as the face of your company, responsible for building and maintaining relationships. From a PR perspective, they can make or break your business’ credibility.
From a practical level, the more prudent takeaway is the people don’t like multitaskers. Another study on the art of multitasking from the University of Utah out this week found that most are terrible at it so the two studies would seem to correlate with each other. In other words, we’re not as good at multitasking as we think we are.
From a supply chain perspective, however, the OSU study provides a hard truth: supply chain managers need consistent collaboration and communications to build trust with suppliers. Can you honestly say that is happening on a regular basis? Better yet, is there enough visibility and transparency within your supply chain so that a multitasking supply chain manager isn’t viewed as a liability? Trust is difficult to earn and even more difficult to get back.
The study found that from a supplier perspective, supply chain managers don’t have a good reputation. And the more roles and responsibilities they have, the more frowned upon they are by suppliers. It’s an interesting finding since the manager often serves as the face of your company, responsible for building and maintaining relationships. From a PR perspective, they can make or break your business’ credibility.
From a practical level, the more prudent takeaway is the people don’t like multitaskers. Another study on the art of multitasking from the University of Utah out this week found that most are terrible at it so the two studies would seem to correlate with each other. In other words, we’re not as good at multitasking as we think we are.
From a supply chain perspective, however, the OSU study provides a hard truth: supply chain managers need consistent collaboration and communications to build trust with suppliers. Can you honestly say that is happening on a regular basis? Better yet, is there enough visibility and transparency within your supply chain so that a multitasking supply chain manager isn’t viewed as a liability? Trust is difficult to earn and even more difficult to get back.
Total Comments 0
Comments
Total Trackbacks 0
