Designing a Connected Supply Chain | e2open + Accenture

Summary

The video discusses the evolving landscape of supply chains, emphasizing that they may never return to a state of normalcy. Key challenges include data issues, labor shortages, and scalability, requiring companies to adapt and build resilience. The partnership between Accenture and E2open is highlighted as a solution that enhances visibility into supply chains through a robust data architecture. This collaboration aims to leverage generative AI, allowing supply chain leaders to structure data effectively and answer new questions to future-proof their operations, ultimately focusing on delivering value and confidence to clients.

Takeaways

• 📉 Supply chains will not return to 'normal' as we have experienced significant disruptions.
• 🗣️ Supply chain management is now a crucial discussion at the board and CEO levels due to its impact on overall business risk.
• 🔍 Effective supply chain management requires resilience and the ability to adapt to changes, including sourcing from secondary suppliers.
• ⚠️ Failing to meet customer demands can jeopardize a business's survival.
• 📊 Most supply chain challenges stem from data management issues; data is foundational for effective operations.
• 👷 Labor scarcity is a major challenge, with difficulties not only in finding talent but also in retaining and effectively utilizing it.
• 🌍 Scalability is a significant hurdle, as leaders know what to do but struggle to implement changes across different geographies and functions.
• 💡 Partnerships, like the one with E2open, enhance visibility and connectivity across the supply chain, essential for effective management.
• 🧠 Generative AI is viewed positively by supply chain executives, with 81% planning to explore its applications to improve operations.
• ☁️ Embracing a cloud-based technology platform is crucial for structuring data and leveraging AI to future-proof supply chains.

Q & A

What does the speaker believe about the future of supply chains?

The speaker believes that supply chains will never return to normal as they have previously experienced disruptions that are unlikely to be fully resolved.

What are the major challenges in supply chain management according to the speaker?

The major challenges include supply chain data problems, labor scarcity, and scalability issues.

Why is data important in supply chain management?

Data is considered the foundation of any supply chain, and most problems stem from issues related to data.

What is the significance of labor in supply chains?

There is a scarcity of labor, making it difficult not only to find talent but also to retain and manage the workforce that operates supply chains.

What is meant by scalability in supply chains?

Scalability refers to the ability of supply chain leaders to implement good ideas across different geographies and functions within their workforce.

What role does E2open play in supply chain management?

E2open provides visibility into suppliers and their connections, allowing organizations to manage their entire connected supply chain effectively.

How many connected suppliers does E2open have in its system?

E2open has over 400,000 connected suppliers in its system.

What is the potential impact of generative AI on supply chains?

Generative AI can help supply chain executives structure their data on modern cloud-based platforms and answer new questions to future-proof their supply chains.

What percentage of supply chain executives are excited about exploring generative AI technology?

According to Accenture research, 81% of supply chain executives are very excited and planning to explore generative AI technology.

What is the ultimate goal of the partnership between Accenture and E2open?

The partnership aims to manage the necessary changes for organizations to effectively operate complex supply chain systems, ultimately bringing value and confidence to clients.