Breaking Barriers in Supply Chain Optimization

One of the biggest challenges for supply chain leaders remains, “How does the food retail industry enhance operational efficiencies?”

By: Daniel Triot, Senior Director, FMI-GMA Trading Partner Alliance <img src="http://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/photos-for-staff-use/produce/fmi-12092014_117_e_web.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="FMI-12092014_117_e_WEB" title="FMI-12092014_117_e_WEB" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;" />One of the biggest challenges for supply chain leaders remains, “How does the food retail industry enhance operational efficiencies?” To meet consumers and expanding businesses’ needs, retailers can identify gaps in On-Shelf Availability (OSA), improve the business planning with trading partners as well as visibility in the supply chain. On-Shelf Availability Despite the industry’s best efforts, the average out-of-stock rate often exceeds <a href="http://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2016/05/10/does-on-shelf-availability-matter-for-bottom-line-results">10 percent</a> for promoted items, which greatly affects grocery revenue and shopper satisfaction. Last year, the Trading Partner Alliance (TPA) developed a white paper analyzing four key gaps that must be overcome to reach a 98% OSA.  At the <a href="http://www.gmaonline.org/forms/meeting/Microsite/SupplyChain17,2">2017 Supply Chain Conference</a>, the TPA On-Shelf Availability Steering Team will share retailer and manufacturer case studies, as well as, best practices during <a href="http://www.gmaonline.org/forms/meeting/Microsite/SupplyChain17,2">On Shelf Availability – From Insights to Action</a>. Joint Business Planning The retail landscape is changing faster than ever before and supply chain teams need to get a seat at the Joint Business Planning (JBP) table in their respective organizations. Aligning on joint objectives, resources and goals, measuring performance and having an annual plan with value creating initiatives are a must to drive business growth throughout the supply chain. Retailers and manufacturers will discuss how to improve value by getting trade partners to the same table and talking. The interactive session <a href="http://www.gmaonline.org/forms/meeting/Microsite/SupplyChain17,2">Getting the Most Out Of Joint Business Planning (JBP)- How Supply Chain Teams Can Get a Seat at the Table and Drive Exceptional Value</a> will provide an excellent understanding of the JBP process and powerful ideas to implement in your next planning cycle. Improve Visibility Emerging technologies and innovations are inextricably linked with customer satisfaction and supply chain operational efficiencies. Through collaboration and more visibility across the supply chain, retailers and supply chain partners will break down problematic and costly inefficiencies. Learn more in the <a href="http://www.gmaonline.org/forms/meeting/Microsite/SupplyChain17,2">Modernizing the Supply Chain Through Enhanced Visibility and Operational Efficiency.</a> Learn more on data quality programs, on-shelf availability, and supply chain visibility by <a href="http://www.gmaonline.org/forms/meeting/Microsite/SupplyChain17,2">registering</a> for the 2017 Supply Chain Conference in San Diego, California on April 30 – May 2, 2017.

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