SUPPLY CHAIN COLLABORATION: THE ENABLERS, IMPEDIMENTS, AND BENEFITS

The paper reports on a new study conducted among industry practitioners that shows that supply chain collaboration can deliver some powerful advantages if the right enablers are in place and the barriers can be overcome. 20 supply chain executives from leading companies across a range of industries were interviewed to determine what is meant with collaboration and what enables it to take place. Also identified were some of the obstacles that need to be overcome. Additionally, benefits such as reduced costs, increased sales and returns, better customer service and an overall competitive edge were examined.