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Does the finance chalice pass SCM by?

The rapid proliferation of digital technology in recent years has disrupted global trade and supply chains. As we continue to embrace this transformation, we are ushering in a new era of flexibility in business operations, shattering traditional barriers, and redefining industry standards. As the industry continues to embrace these advancements, we stand at the precipice of a new era in global trade characterized by unprecedented speed, agility, and efficiency. In traditional frameworks, supply chains were primarily viewed as linear processes that involved physical components. In traditional frameworks, supply chains were primarily viewed as linear processes that involved physical components. However, this limited perspective has led to one of the underlying challenges in supply chain management. The discipline of supply chain management has long been strongly associated with logistics, overlooking the broader aspects of a comprehensive supply chain strategy. This narrow focus became e
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Can supply chain finance help enforce ESG?

  Implementing the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in January 2026 for large corporates and smaller firms in January 2027 makes it clear that supply chain sustainability will become even more critical. Recent research by HSBC and the Boston Consulting Group has shown that global supply chains are responsible for up to 80% of the world's total carbon emissions, underscoring the urgent need to make supply chains greener and more socially responsible. Could supply chain finance (SCF) play a crucial role in aligning ESG with supply chain management? Could SCF incentivize suppliers to improve their ESG performance, ultimately leading to a much-needed reduction in carbon emissions globally? Global supply chains are responsible for up to 80% of the world's total carbon emissions. Companies have seen various stakeholders taking the lead on ESG, from CSOs and CFOs to general counsels and company secretaries. The CEO, however, should take primary accountabili

Traceability: Meet your food before your first bite!

  Traceability is a digital solution that enables companies to effectively track their products from origin to consumer by utilizing digital markers for identification. Various traceability solutions exist, including Digital Traceability, Laboratory Traceability, and Mapping Traceability. With the growth of the market for high-quality food products, the importance of traceability and origin verification has increased significantly. These measures are crucial in protecting brands and ensuring ongoing consumer satisfaction. 58% of consumers are willing to pay a premium if it supports local farmers. In food production, consumers have a strong desire to have complete visibility into their food's origin and production methods. Research conducted by Label Insight revealed that 81% of consumers actively seek more information about where their food is grown or raised before purchasing. Moreover, 58% are willing to pay a premium if it supports local farmers, while 57% will only buy items ce

Spurious Correlations in Supply Chain Management - sneakier than you think!

  The supply chain management landscape has undergone a massive transformation recently, rendering the traditional "fax" approach obsolete. In light of this, companies are gravitating towards digital solutions, which not only streamline the entire process but also help sustain market competitiveness. The old-school methods of communication channels were heavily reliant on paper, resulting in significant inefficiencies, errors, and time delays, which were avoided with the implementation of automated solutions such as email, EDI, and other digital communication channels. As the world of technology continues to evolve, more efficient and innovative solutions are constantly emerging, helping businesses remain competitive and future-proof in their respective industries. The realm of digitalization in supply chain management extends far beyond the realms of emails or EDI. Exploring the frontiers of predictive decision support is the key to unlocking immense potential and gaining a

India: A rising giant in the world of supply chain management!!

  India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. The growth in real GDP during 2022-23 is estimated at 7.2 percent compared to 9.1 percent in 2021-22, according to data released by India's Central Statistics Office (CSO). Boasting a robust economy and favorable demographics, it's no wonder many international companies are eyeing India as a prime location to set up their manufacturing facilities and supply chains. As this trend continues, the demand for supply chain management in India is expected to soar. The thriving economy and burgeoning consumer market have created a wealth of new growth opportunities, but they also present unique challenges for companies operating in India. To succeed in this dynamic market, it's essential to understand these challenges and how to overcome them. By doing so, businesses can position themselves for success and tap into India's immense potential. According to official estimates, India's population is set to reach a st

From Blind Spots to Bright Insights: 5 Strategies for Supply Chain Excellence

Imagine an adrenaline-filled pilot of a WWII fighter plane with battle scars limping back to base. What enabled the pilot to return safely? Engineers carefully inspected the returned planes and improved the areas where they found gunfire holes. As the person responsible for managing the fighter plane disruption problem, would you rely on the data you see to define mitigation actions, such as reinforcing the plane where holes were spotted, to protect your soldiers and pilots? Would you comfortably make informed decisions based on the accurate and available data you have seen? The challenge lies in human beings' tendency to be biased toward what they see, causing them to discard what they don't see easily. WWII fighter plane engineers taught us a valuable lesson. If they had analyzed the planes that did NOT make it back to the home base, they would have likely come to different conclusions. However, the challenge of obtaining data from the planes that didn't return must be ac

The Vicious Cycle of Supply-Chain Innovation - Trapped Between Inflation and Interest Rates

  Although headline inflation has fallen in most economies in recent months, core inflation remains stubbornly high. During times of high inflation, the cost of goods and services often increases rapidly, putting a strain on a business's finances. As a result, many business leaders may focus on cost management strategies, such as reducing expenses and cutting back on investments, to maintain profitability. Unfortunately, this can make it challenging to prioritize supply chain optimization. Supply chain optimization can be a highly effective strategy to alleviate the impact of high inflation. However, it is crucial to understand that supply chain optimization can be a highly effective strategy, especially during times of high inflation, and can help alleviate the impact of high inflation on their finances. By streamlining and improving the efficiency of supply chain processes, businesses can achieve long-term cost savings and improved profitability. Optimizing the supply chain can h