The relentless amount of disruptions in the global supply chain is not just impacting economies and industries; it’s upending the lives of those navigating it – the supply chain professionals. Head of Supply Chain at Kimberly-Clark in Nigeria, Adenike Onasoga, tells SmartProcurement how industry experts stay ahead of trends, plan for the unpredictable, ensure efficient operations, save costs and strive for continuous improvement.
From the congested waterways of the Red Sea to the ripple effects of semiconductor shortages, which according to McKinsey & Company, cost automakers $210 billion in 2021, the pressure is relentless.
Yet, amid the complexities and disruptions, collaboration emerges as a catalyst for change. This is the time for organizations and individuals to ditch the lone-wolf approach and embrace the power of partnerships. Recent alliances like Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, Suzuki and Toyota and the global reach of CMA CGM and Alibaba Group amplify the evolving landscape of supply chain dynamics.
Take the CMA CGM and Alibaba Group partnership, for instance. By leveraging Alibaba’s digital capabilities and CMA CGM’s shipping expertise, they are exploring innovative e-commerce logistics solutions, potentially increasing delivery speed by 20% and reducing costs by 15%, according to industry analysts – World Bank, Global Supply Chain Risk Report. This showcases the global nature of collaborative efforts in building supply chain resilience.
While technology plays a crucial role, recognising the value of “boots on the ground” and harnessing diverse strengths is key to future-proofing and increasing the resilience of various supply chains. The power of collaboration goes beyond what technology alone can achieve. It’s about joining forces, leveraging expertise and navigating disruptions as a collective. The spotlight on Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk further amplifies the growing significance of strategic partnerships. This alliance not only positions Maersk as the largest shipping line globally, but also holds immense potential for transformative change in global logistics.
Of course, some challenges will persist, particularly in regions like Africa, where Hapag-Lloyd faces its own hurdles. This raises crucial questions about the inclusivity and impact of such partnerships on the African continent.
As disruptions continue to unfold, collaborations like Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, along with examples like CMA CGM and Alibaba Group, will undoubtedly shape the future of global shipping. For Africa, the implications of these partnerships are twofold i.e. challenges in seamless integration and potentially ripe opportunities for growth for those who are brave enough to take the risk. While disruption challenges still persist, the evolving narrative of supply chain resilience may pave the way for more inclusive collaborations that benefit regions like Africa.
In an era where disruptions are the norm rather than the exception, collaboration emerges as a catalyst for change, offering a path forward. As we eagerly anticipate the evolution of partnerships, it becomes clear that the future of supply chain management lies not just in technological advancements but in the strategic partnerships and synergies that will define the industry’s trajectory. This guides supply chain professionals toward a resilient, efficient and interconnected future, thus helping them wear their superhero capes a little easier.
