Across almost ever industry sector we are seeing a strong correlation to these key challenges, listed in order of mention frequency in our survey work in January 2022. These include Cost / Price / Inflationary Issues that are not going away anytime soon. This was followed by Supply / Supplier Risk Management, Supplier Development & Management as a closely following category of concern. Not a surprise, next came Logistics / Logistical / Transport challenges from both a cost and availability perspective. After these were important added issues: Staffing – Us & Suppliers, On Time Delivery & Lead Time Expansion, Continuity of Supply, Technology – Expanded use and adoption in Supply Management and the increasing need for better Inter/Intra Organizational Collaboration in supply management.

 

With respect to the most important skills their teams need now, driving price was NOT the number one thing. This is a big shift from just 2 years ago when the focus was on efficient supply versus the shift to a more effective supply chain today. In short - 'we have to get our stuff, irrespective of price." The groupings of critical, need now skills in order of frequency mentions are Supply Strategy, Risk and Change Management, Supplier Development and Management, Technologies for Supply Management, Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning & Management, Logistical/Logistics Management, Cost Management, Finance Acumen, and Quality Management skills.

 

The next Webinar I am facilitating for Next Level Purchasing Association is on March 17, 2022, where three expert panelists will tackle the top three specific skills needed under the main category of Supply Strategy, Risk and Change Management, Supplier Development. I hope to see you there!