$10.00 SCLA 2024: Supply Chain Reimagined for Optimal Performance Global Sourcing Complexity in HighGear The Ever-Expanding Role of the Supply Chain Executive Using Agility to Bend – Without Breaking – Our Supply Chains Establishing Healthy Boundaries for Resilient Leadership Navigating New Realities after Covid 2024 Circle of Excellence Winner Sustainability Done Right The Supply Chain Leaders in Action (SCLA) Legacy Award AI in the Supply Chain: Navigating Hype and Reality Enhancing Supply Chain Efficiency The Circular Economy: Exploring Its Principles and Practices SCLA 2024 Directory and Reference Guide
9 Editor’s Letter 48 2024 COE Winner: Shows How To 10 Global Sourcing Complexity in High Gear Amidst global complexities including canal restrictions, geopolitical tensions, and port labor negotiations, sourcing strategies are challenged by emerging wars, geopolitical shifts, and the need for diversified supply chains. 14 The Ever-Expanding Role of the Supply Chain Executive Explores the multifaceted challenges faced by modern Supply Chain leaders, from fostering supplier relationships to managing regulatory compliance and embracing technological innovations, highlighting the necessity for a strategic and holistic approach to meet evolving stakeholder expectations. 16 Using Agility to Bend – Without Break- ing – Our Supply Chains Delves into the pivotal role of rapid adaptation and cognitive flexibility within supply chain operations, emphasizing the imperative for strategic flexibility and proactive responsiveness to navigate the evolving landscape of global trade dynamics. 19 SCLA 2024 Directory and Reference Guide 44 Establishing Healthy Boundaries for Resilient Leadership Emphasizes the critical role of managing personal and professional boundaries to enhance leaders' resilience, effectiveness, and well-being. 46 Navigating New Realities: Cultivating Resilience and Innovation in Supply Chain Management for Change and Adaptation Explores the imperative for supply chain professionals to shift away from the concept of a "New Normal," instead embracing ongoing change and adopting innovative strategies to flourish amidst the dynamic challenges of today's volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment. 5 Do It Right The article details the achievements of Ferguson, the 2024 Circle of Excellence Award winner, highlighting its sustainable practices and innovations across packaging efficiency, health and safety, thermostat recycling, and water conservation, while also discussing broader trends in sustainability, corporate responsibility, and ESG. 50 The Supply Chain Leaders in Action (SCLA) Legacy Award Acknowledging the exceptional careers and enduring impact of our award winners recognizing their significant contributions to the field and their pivotal roles in shaping the future of supply chain management. 52 In Memoriam… Celebrating the Remarkable Life and Enduring Legacy of Omar Keith Helferich 54 AI in the Supply Chain: Navigating Hype and Reality Provides an insightful examination of the practical applications and potential of AI technologies within supply chain management, distinguishing between realistic impacts and common misconceptions while offering strategies for successful AI integration. 56 Enhancing Supply Chain Efficiency: A Guide to Optimizing Networks through Software Offers a comprehensive seven-step approach to leveraging software for supply chain optimization, emphasizing the importance of accurate data and strategic decision-making. 59 The Circular Economy: Exploring Its Principles and Practices Dives into the concept of the circular economy, its growing importance in sustainability efforts, and the practical application of its principles, illustrated through examples from various industries.
Leaders In Action Journal IN THIS ISSUE: SCLA 2024: Reimagining the Supply Chain for Optimal Performance Amy T. Thorn CEO, DBM Association Editorial Director/SCLA Journal Ron Malec Director of Creative Services Susanne Eaken Administrative Director Contributing Columnists In this edition of the SCLA Journal, intertwined with insights from the 2024 Supply Chain Leaders in Action executive forum, we embark on a comprehensive journey through a diverse range of topics unified under the theme "Supply Chain Re-imagined for Optimal Performance". From navigating the intricate landscape of global sourcing amid geopolitical tensions to tackling emerging conflicts, we delve deep into the evolving roles and responsibilities of supply chain executives in reshaping operational paradigms. Emphasizing the imperative of agility within supply chain operations and the criticality of establishing resilient leadership boundaries in this redefined landscape, we underscore the essence of adaptability and foresight. Furthermore, we explore strategies for navigating new realities and fostering innovation in supply chain management, spotlighting sustainable practices and innovations showcased by Ferguson, the 2024 COE winner. Additionally, we delve into the practical applications and potential of AI in the supply chain, while also providing an extensive guide to optimizing supply chain efficiency through software utilization. All these efforts converge towards our overarching mission of re-imagining the supply chain for optimal performance. Moreover, this issue features the SCLA 2024 directory, offering insights into the compelling sessions and thought leadership presented at the annual June event, beginning on page 19. 6 Heidi Benko Bruce Dzinski Lisa Ellram Tom Goldsby, Ph.D. Michelle Hammond, Ph.D. Harry Haney, Ph.D. Christopher Jones Walter Kemmsies Ron Marotta Jeff Metersky Amanda McKendree, Ph.D. Claudia Saran Shayne Wahlmeier Published annually by: Supply Chain Leaders In Action 2938 Columbia Ave., Suite 1102 Lancaster, PA 17603 Phone: 717-295-0033 Fax: 717-299-2154 e-mail: athorn@dbm-assoc.com www.SCLAsupplychain.com Distribution Business Management Journal, A DBM Publication 2938 Columbia Avenue, Suite 1102 Lancaster, PA 17603 Internet: www.SCLAsupplychain.com Distribution Business Management Journal (ISSN 1535-1254) is published annually by DBM, Inc., 2938 Columbia Avenue, Suite 1102, Lancaster, PA 17603, phone 717-295-0033, fax, 717-299-2154, internet http://www.DCenter.com. Periodicals postage paid at Lancaster, PA and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to DBM Journal, 2938 Columbia Avenue, Suite 1102, Lancaster, PA 17603. Subscriptions in the U.S. $20.00 for one year, $35.00 for two years, single copies $10.00. Subscriptions in Canada $25.00 for one year, $45.00 for two years, single copies $7.00. Outside the U.S. and Canada, $30.00 for one year, $55.00 for two years. International single copy $15.00. Send remittance in advance to DBM, 2938 Columbia Avenue, Suite 1102, Lancaster, PA 17603. Printed in the USA copyright ©2024 by DBM, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means without permission from the publisher. Permission to photocopy for internet use or the internal use of specific clients is granted by DBM Inc. for libraries and other users registered with the Copyright Clearance Center, CCC provided that a base fee of $1.25 per copy of the article plus 60 cents per page is paid directly to CCC, 222 Rosewood Dr., Danvers, MA 01923
Re-Imagining the Supply Chain for Optimal Performance This edition of the SCLA Journal covers a diverse range of topics unified under the theme "Supply Chain Re-imagined for Optimal Performance". As the world continues to evolve, the field of supply chain management remains a critical driver of business. The ever-changing landscape of global trade, technological advancements, and customer expectations continue to shape the way businesses operate and collaborate. In this issue, we have a range of articles that feature and reflect the latest trends and insights in the supply chain industry. Our team of experts and thought leaders cover various aspects of supply chain management, providing valuable perspectives for our readers. Many of the articles are tied to the sessions being presented at the SCLA 2024 event. Of note are articles such as "Global Sourcing Complexity in High Gear," which discusses geopolitical tensions and sourcing strategies, and "Using Agility to Bend Without Breaking Our Supply Chains," which explores strategic flexibility in supply chain operations. Senior supply chain leaders are more challenged than ever, needing to foster supplier relationships, manage regulatory compliance, embrace technological innovations, and embody a strategic, holistic approach to meet stakeholder expectations. 9 Tools such as AI are becoming increasingly important in this landscape, as highlighted in article and super sessions on incorporating AI technology within supply chain management. Other articles focus on enhancing supply chain efficiency, exploring the circular economy, and recognizing excellence within the industry. This year's Circle of Excellence Award winner is Ferguson, with Michael Jacobs, the SVP of Supply Chain and his team accepting the award. We’re excited to present our annual Distinguished Service Award to Marcus Olsen, VP of strategy for Surplus City. We extend our gratitude to the SCLA 2024 program chairs and education committee chair Shayne Wahlmeier, VP, Supply Chain Automation, Walmart, as well as all the exemplary executives who volunteered their time and talent to bring the SCLA 2024 program to fruition. We hope this issue provides you with valuable information and inspires you to continue exploring ideas and strategies to optimize not just your business operations, but the way you think about business itself. Amy Thorn CEO & Editorial Director, DBM Journal
Fleepit Digital © 2021