Facilities planning, design and management
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Healthcare operations strategy and analytics
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Supply chain execution systems requirements definition, vendor identification and selection support ■
Market Recommendations As a supply chain leader responsible for strategy considering using a consulting firm or other service provider to help with supply chain strategy, planning or operations, you should: Harmonize processes and then outsource the routine and standardized activities to service providers. When executed correctly, this approach can improve performance and better use your internal talent. For example, supply-chain-managed services (i.e., demand planning or inventory optimization as a service) enable you to implement improved capabilities faster. They also may free up your existing planning staff to focus on high-value activities, such as more robust S&OP governance or supply chain segmentation. ■ Investigate options from service providers and software vendors when selecting a solution to improve your supply chain capabilities. Service providers are pursuing technology innovation and new strategies, thus giving you more options. Supply chain business process as a service (BPaaS) is an example of service providers offering an alternative to traditional packaged software selection and implementation. ■ Determine the business and scope of the project or service and involve stakeholders to document the project objectives and desired outcomes. Use standard down- selection criteria to create a longlist of consultants to include in the RFP process. ■ Weigh the pros and cons of using one type of consulting partner. Sometimes, a global firm with a portfolio of services is the best choice for supply chain strategy and operations projects. At other times, a specialist might be a better option from a speed and cost perspective — especially if you need help with one function in one geography. ■ Ask for sample deliverables in your RFP. You need to know how detailed a supply chain roadmap or business case will be when deciding which service provider’s proposal is right for you. ■
Gartner, Inc. | G00806330
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