Page 4 - Logistics News June 2016

research

Navigating smart
- drive tomorrow’s change today

In this, the first part of a three-part serialisation of the supplychainforesight 2016 research,
the results underscore the need for clearly defined future-readiness strategies.

IN ITS 13th annual supplychainforesight in business today,” says Kate Stubbs, head of
programme, Barloworld Logistics Marketing, Barloworld Logistics.
reviewed the journey of change and
adaptation South African businesses Large companies turning over in excess of
have undertaken over the past year. The R1-bn to R5-bn a year made up 48% of the
in-depth study explored how companies sample, with the remaining 52% of the sample
have fared, and analysed key learnings coming from respondents in SMMEs. The slight
garnered along the way. increase in responses from the small to medium
sized organisations aligns with the trend of
“As we move into a period of higher growth in service-oriented companies.
market disruption and greater economic
and political uncertainty in SA, the ability of “It was interesting to note again this year
an organisation to sustain market position some new job titles and descriptions being
through its traditional business model listed in the ‘Other’ category,” adds Stubbs.
and strategy has become increasingly “This is indicative of the changes taking
challenging,” notes Steve Ford, CEO, place in roles, responsibilities and traditional
Barloworld Logistics. “In this latest study, we business structures. It also reflects the rise
explored how South African companies are in responses from small, medium and micro
gearing up for an uncertain future – and also enterprises.”
to pinpoint some clear strategies to prepare
for the coming years.” External factors weighing heavy
Whilst respondents have emerged better
The 13th supplychainforesight equipped from the learnings of their past, they
programme included a web-based survey express deep concern about the current factors
to capture the independent views and that remain outside their influence – such as
opinions of SA business leaders and supply world economics and localised political and
chain professionals. Barloworld Logistics
contracts Frost & Sullivan, an international
growth consultancy company, to conduct this
part of the programme on its behalf.

This highlights the uncertainty pervading

today’s environment – and is not surprising

as we are living in the ‘age of innovation’ and

cannot possibly know what lies ahead

Diverse viewpoints
This year, more than half the respondents hold
senior level executive or managerial positions,
with a slight increase in responses received
from CEOs. There was good representation
from various job functions, providing a more
holistic view of business strategies and supply
chains in SA companies.

“This also indicates the awareness,
relevance and importance of supply chains

2 June 2016 | Logistics News