As the supply chain management landscape continues to shift, the importance of a strategic, resilient supply chain is clear. In the Center for Global Business’ Global Impact Speaker Series, Maayan Kaplan, founder of Stratexo, shared insights into the transformation of supply chain priorities—from lean and cost-effective models to agile, resilient, and strategically driven networks. At Stratexo, we are dedicated to helping clients adapt and excel in this new era, and this five-part series outlines how we can support your business through each stage of this journey.

Part 1: Evolving from Lean Efficiency to Strategic Resilience

Supply chains were once designed to prioritize lean efficiency. Companies focused on minimizing waste, optimizing logistics, and reducing costs. While this approach was highly effective in stable environments, the pandemic revealed its limitations. Companies that had long relied on just-in-time inventory, for example, found themselves vulnerable when disruptions struck. Stratexo’s expertise lies in guiding clients from these traditional models toward more robust, adaptable approaches.

Pre-Pandemic: Streamlined but Vulnerable

In a stable pre-pandemic era, supply chains prioritized efficiency through lean practices. Many companies were focused on cost reduction, using strategies like just-in-time inventory and optimized logistics. While these approaches worked well under predictable conditions, they also exposed companies to risks when faced with sudden changes. Often, holding costs went unaddressed, and supply chain operations remained in the background of corporate priorities.

Pandemic Challenges: Lessons in Agility and Visibility

The pandemic laid bare the limitations of lean-only systems as companies faced factory closures, shipping delays, and demand volatility. Stratexo guided clients through key adaptations to weather these challenges, such as:

• Supplier Diversification: Reducing dependency on single sources by creating flexible supplier networks with built-in contingencies.

• Inventory Buffers: Moving from minimal stock levels to critical inventory buffers to prevent operational standstills.

• Visibility and Collaboration: Deploying real-time inventory management and logistics solutions that enhance visibility and enable rapid, cross-partner communication.

• Scenario Planning and Flexibility: Implementing agile scenario planning to prepare for future disruptions, allowing swift adjustments to sourcing and production plans.

Post-Pandemic: Supply Chain as a Strategic Priority

Today, businesses are investing in supply chains that can withstand disruption and offer competitive advantages. Stratexo's approach focuses on several pillars to support clients as they build future-ready supply chains:

• Resilience and Flexibility: We help clients build resilient supply chains through supplier diversification and flexible logistics models, ensuring operations can pivot quickly when necessary.

• Excess Reduction and Demand Balance: Leveraging real-time data and demand forecasting, Stratexo enables clients to streamline excess inventory, maintain ideal stock levels, and minimize costs.

• Digital Transformation: Embracing advanced analytics, AI, and IoT, Stratexo’s digital solutions boost predictability and responsiveness, ensuring that clients can adapt to changing conditions seamlessly.

• Sustainability: From carbon footprint reduction to ethical sourcing, Stratexo assists clients in meeting modern sustainability standards while optimizing resource use.

• Strategic Alignment: We bring supply chain management to the boardroom, establishing it as a core pillar of our clients’ business strategies, reinforcing its role in long-term growth and stability.

Building Tomorrow’s Supply Chain Today

The shifts in supply chain management call for an expert, proactive approach. Stratexo specializes in transforming supply chains from operational necessities to engines of growth and resilience. Let our team provide the expertise and innovative solutions needed to keep your business on the cutting edge of supply chain management.

In this series, we’ll explore each phase of supply chain evolution and how Stratexo equips clients with the expertise to move forward confidently. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we delve into what supply chain professionals do and how those responsibilities evolved during this time.

Reach out to Stratexo to build a supply chain that’s ready for whatever comes next.

Ready to transform your supply chain? Contact us today to learn how Stratexo can drive your business forward.