2007 Global Survey Identifies Characteristics of Supply Cha...( 'Collaboration...)

'Collaboration' Key to Success

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Companies identified as supply chain "leaders" have specific characteristics that position them for competitive advantage, according to the fifth annual Global Survey of Supply Chain Progress from Computer Sciences Corporation (NYSE: CSC), Supply Chain Management Review and Michigan State University (MSU). The survey, completed by supply chain professionals in 21 industries, identifies collaboration as a major differentiator between leaders and those identified as "followers" and "laggards."

Other leader traits include the designation of a chief supply chain officer, a strong connection between supply chain and information technology (IT) organizations, the strategic use of technology, and the incorporation of supply chain planning and strategy into the business plan.

In previous years, the survey emphasized progress along the five levels of CSC's Supply Chain Maturity Model, which ranks companies on a continuum of improvement -- from level I (enterprise integration) to level V (full network connectivity). This year, the survey focused on what type of progress was being made and why some firms are lagging -- particularly those actively engaged in supply chain improvement for several years. The goal was to determine how far each firm had progressed as their supply chain effort matured.

The data revealed several patterns that explain the differences and what leads to greater overall success. "These patterns indicate future efforts will be favorably enhanced if those in the follower and laggard categories focus more attention on the lessons learned by the leaders -- especially in terms of increased collabo
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