Can you map your supply chain?
We've created a simple exercise to help you to map out your supply chain.
It can sometimes be difficult to raise your head from the day-to-day running of your business to look at the bigger picture. Often it's easier to look at other people's businesses instead.
So, we've created a fictional company which has real supply chain problems - 'Bessie Broon' and her 'Wonderful Steak Pies'.
Bessie's pies began life in her mother's kitchen but are now produced in specialist premises. Bessie runs the business on her own but with ‘help' from her son and daughter.
To start with, download Bessie's story:
Download a PDF of Bessie Broons Supply Chain (2.32MB)
Try to establish the supply chain for Bessie Broon pies and consider how she could improve her supply chain - she has the potential of a bigger order from Charlie the Pieman and from the supermarket chain ASCO, as well as the potential to break into the individual pie market. But she'll need to be clear about who is in her supply chain and where the weak points are to take advantage of these opportunities.
Think about...
In the story, Bessie and her colleagues have some problems to solve - some of them are internal management problems but most of them are supply chain issues. Try working out what her supply chain problems are and some possible solutions.
- Who are the suppliers involved in Bessie's supply chain?
- What challenges does Bessie face with her suppliers?
- How can Bessie improve the quality and consistency from her suppliers?
Once you've done this, why not try to apply the same thinking to your own supply chain.
