ibt-header

Published July 18, 2014

According to today’s Wall Street Journal, Amazon is thinking of offering an unlimited reading service – a game changer! Amazon certainly epitomizes innovation as they continue to make waves with Sunday deliveries, the possibility of drones, and now unlimited reading services. According to my new research study which measures the impact Amazon has on service standards and how manufacturers and distributors should prioritize offerings, 67% have gaps. I find that at least 80% of my clients experience these challenges on a daily basis as customers demand quicker deliveries and elevated service levels.

Those who want to thrive will focus immediate attention on understanding what your customers need and how to set your supply chain and its people, processes and systems up for success.

One tip to implement this week: Pick up the phone and call a key customer, supply chain partner or someone with intimate knowledge of what your customers desire (such as your Customer Service Representative or Logistics Manager) and find out more about what would add value for your customers. I find that no matter how much I think I understand, I learn something new or am reminded of a value-add which could be immediately implemented to elevate performance.