BME survey shows that risks are not perceived
“Supply Chain Risk Management” is important to ensure a seamless supply chain. This topic is rarely prioritized by companies or defined as a separate organizational unit. Risks are only rarely perceived or are perceived as a sideline. These are the results of an online survey conducted by the Bundesverband Materialwirtschaft, Einkauf und Logistik e.V. (BME) and the Hochschule Fulda. Within the scope of this survey, 214 supply chain managers and executives from the fields of trade, industry and services were interviewed. The participants were asked about the position of SCRM within companies in Germany and what strengths or weaknesses emerge in its implementation.
“The answers have surprised us a little”
Because of the current situation, two new questions have also been added to the survey. These will be used to discuss the Corona crisis. Carsten Knauer, BME Head of the Logistics/SCM Section, explains: “The answers were a bit surprising. For example, around two thirds of the companies surveyed do not yet consider the outbreak of a pandemic as a risk factor”. It is very surprising that only a quarter of the participants see a pandemic as a risk for the company. Similarly, only a few have an action plan to secure the supply chain. Other companies, on the other hand, have already prepared themselves very well for possible risks.
Knauer appeals: “The existential importance of SCRM for successful crisis management is not yet recognized equally by all companies. They often see supply chain risk management as a sub-function of established areas such as logistics, purchasing or procurement.
Virus could encourage rethinking
Michael Huth, Professor of General Business Administration, explains: “The effects of the corona pandemic on the supply chains of the companies we surveyed are manageable. Nevertheless, the corona crisis is likely to lead to a rethinking of their own SCRM”. The companies are aware that supply chains must be made more transparent. If the impact of the pandemic on business processes increases, SCRM should become increasingly important.
Source: www.kloepfel-consulting.com