<!––>All successful supply chain implementations have two things in abundance: vision and discipline. They have a clear, measurable vision of what success looks like, and the discipline to evaluate every single requirement through that filter.

Each proposal has to pass the “Will this improve our KPIs significantly?” test. A no, or even a marginal yes, gets it thrown out. Just like that.

This focus on KPIs is crucial for two reasons:

• At the end of an implementation, it allows you to measure whether the intended improvements were achieved – and to what extent.

• During the implementation, it helps ensure that the required improvements are achieved.

Both reasons are important, but the second is fundamental. It sends a clear message to everyone involved that a supply chain implementation isn’t about change for the sake of change, but about change for the sake of a breakthrough in KPIs.

The focus on KPIs not only filters out the irrelevant and the downright unhelpful; it also creates an environment where ideas that add real business value are allowed to flourish.

Highly successful supply chain implementations are highly disciplined – but not in a rigid “Here are the requirements, now just you stick to ‘em” sense. They are disciplined about being open to ideas that add real business value; and absolutely ruthless about discarding those that don’t. Instead of a situation where a list of ad hoc requirements are regarded as sacred, you have a flexible, open working environment that’s completely focused on ensuring that significant improvements to KPIs are actually achieved.

All this isn’t rocket science. It’s just the natural outcome of what supply chain implementations should be about: big leaps towards new and improved ways of working, and impressive additions to your bottom line.

So, do stay focused on measurable KPIs. Don’t spoil your chances of success by treating vendors as vending machines. And do maximize the likelihood of breakthroughs by steering clear of rigid preconceptions and welcoming new insights that enable significant improvements to your KPIs.

Q.E.D.

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