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Tame it and you’ll be the master of your business universe. Get blindsided by its breath of fire and your company can turn to ashes. This analogy has deep roots in reality. When we asked hundreds of U.S. manufacturers about their biggest supplier issues, a recurring theme emerged: The chain keeps getting more unpredictable and difficult to reign in control.
This infographic highlights the realities of managing complex supply chains and what could make them easier to control.
It’s not far-fetched
to compare
today’s supply
chains to the fiery mythical creature.
Risks and challenges in today’s supply chain
Manufacturers would rather cope with economic risks than deal with supply chain disruptions.
Click to reveal what manufacturers fear the most
What’s worse: A broken supply chain, less client demand or a bad economy?
The fear of a dysfunctional supply chain
The view of supply chain challenges depends on the size of the manufacturer. Cost and agility are big sticking points for midsized companies. Large manufacturers seem more likely to give equal weight to all issues.*
Challenge is in the eye of the beholder
Large manufacturers
Midsized manufacturers
Large manufacturers
Midsized manufacturers
Click to reveal the least-pressing supply chain issues
Click to reveal the biggest supply chain issues
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to subdue an unruly supply chain.
Company size, growth rate dictate supply chain goals
By company size
By company growth rate
Click to reveal the top supply chain goals
Flip the switch to see how supply chain
strategies will receive a boost by company size.
Midsized manufacturers are not planning any changes to their supply chain strategies over the next five years, but large companies are — and by a significant margin.
Strategies to tame the dragon
See how
manufacturers
innovate
Want more
survey insights?
— Brian Larsh, Director, Business Advisory Services, Grant Thornton LLP
“Supply chains have become far more complex over the past few years, to the point where they’re seldom 100% understood. Our ability to access that expanded marketplace to receive materials and supplies has created complex supply chains that we don’t thoroughly understand. You need very thorough investigation and mapping of the supply chain to understand it and predict where the breakdowns may occur.”
“Grant Thornton” refers to Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions. Please see grantthornton.com for further details.
© 2015 Grant Thornton LLP | All rights reserved | U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd
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