ISMM promotes‘Customer Perspective in Supply Chain Management’
The Institute of Supply and Materials Management (ISMM) which leads the Supply Chain Professionals in the country organised its fifth evening seminar (CPD/CPE session) for its members and the public on 16 February at the OPA Auditorium.
Guest Speaker Prasanna Perera, Marketing and Management Consultant, Chartered Marketer, CIM UK addressed the Supply Chain Professionals on this occasion.
On the topic of ‘Consumption Cycle’ to Supply Chain Process Cycles, Perera said, “In a typical supply chain process, there are cycles such as procurement, manufacturing, replenishment and customer. In organisations that are truly marketing oriented, a “consumption cycle” is added thereby making the end-consumer’s voice heard. Hence, in modern day management the extreme downstream of a supply chain should be viewed and comprehended.”
He added that in the days before the internet revolution, supply chains of suppliers, manufacturers and retailers were physically separate. However, with the internet, due to seamless integration amongst partners, supply networks have been created. This provides a great opportunity to derive efficiencies for all partners and also to build stronger bonds / relationships.
He said, “Suppliers should not be considered as just “suppliers” who are to be treated like commodities! Partnerships with suppliers are vital for mutual benefit. In fact, treating suppliers like customers will provide long term benefits. Identify and satisfy supplier needs and they are certain to do like wise. Take the example of Japanese corporations that foster great relationships with their suppliers. Examples would be Toyota, Nissan and Honda.”
ISMM President Danesha Perera delivering the welcome address stressed the importance of the subject considering the importance of managing the cost of an organisation to ensure that customer view is what matters for a business model for long term sustainability.
He elaborated the current situation in the country with regard to free floating of the dollar and said those who were proactive for the situation is facing the business without any issue. Further he said that successful business entities were very smart and took right action for forward booking with the large tenders and sales contracts to sustain the bottom line of the business.
Visuddha Piyathilake delivered the vote of thank and appreciated the gesture of Prasanna Perera for accepting ISMM invitation and delivering the lecture to members. He also thanked the Chairman Seminars and Functions Dhananjaya Dharmaratna and the committee for the leadership and support given to organise CPD/CPE session.
