As 2023 draws to a close, I’ve reflected on the multitude of content pieces and industry insights created by our team of experts here at Clarkston. Below, I’ve compiled a collection of the top supply chain pieces for 2023. From supply chain commercialization to ethical sourcing, our supply chain experts shared their key insights and perspectives on supply chain processes and updates for this year and beyond. For all our 2023 supply chain insights, you can learn more here.

Top 8 Supply Chain Insights from 2023

1. What is the Best Organizational Design for Demand Planning? 

All companies seeking to stay in touch with their consumer base engage in demand planning, which predicts future marketing demand for specific products. Companies should consider if their structure will benefit most from aligning demand planning with either their commercialization or supply chain departments. In this piece, Ashlie Graham outlines the pros and cons of demand planning in both departments and advocates for the importance of cross-functional communication between both groups no matter the decision. 

Learn about demand planning organizational design >

2. Supply Chain Commercialization Roadmap 

To support a global commercialization goal, companies must have developed their supply chain capabilities to withstand global needs and create an efficient commercial operation. In this case study, Seraj Benkhayal, Stacey Erickson, and Bob Lamont walk us through Clarkston’s role in developing a global supply chain commercialization roadmap for a leading biopharmaceutical company. 

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3. Mitigating Supply Chain Disruptions in Pharmaceuticals 

In the aftermath of the pandemic, many biopharmaceutical companies are looking to optimize weak points in their supply chain that may disrupt production efficiency and impede future progress. The detailed drug approval process – as well as the consistent need for product globalization – demands an efficient supply chain that can keep up with patient needs. In this piece, Elizabeth McGuire outlines Clarkston’s recommendations for how to avoid supply chain challenges in the future, such as relying more on domestic production and eliminating too-high profit margins. 

Learn about minimizing supply chain issues >

4. A Roadmap to Transitioning to Insourcing Clinical Supply Chain Operations 

In an increasingly competitive business landscape, many companies, including biopharmaceutical companies, are looking to optimize their supply chain operations for more efficient processes and cost-minimization. In this case study, Seraj Benkhayal, Stacey Erickson, and Sebastian Valencia take us through Clarkston’s role in assessing current and future operations of a leading clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company who was looking to commercialize their products. 

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5. Benefits of Supply Chain as a Service in Retail 

Efficient retail supply chain management is an essential part of any sustainable retail business, and companies are beginning to outsource their supply chain more than in years past. Outsourcing services such as warehouse and inventory management can open the door for new sources of revenue, as well as ensure that supply chain operations are a main priority. In this piece, Robin Dolan and Tigist Abebe detail the benefits of supply chain as a service through traditional outsourcing and how to evaluate how it might play a role in your own retail business. 

Read about supply chain as a service >

6. The Importance of Ethical Sourcing in Supply Chain Management 

As consumer expectations increasingly shift toward demands for greater sustainability, companies must prioritize responsible supply chain sourcing to a much greater extent. Sustainably sourcing products can help satisfy corporate responsibility and meet consumer product expectations for ethical operations. In this piece, Elizabeth McGuire and Linda Plumley explain how ethical sourcing works holistically within a company and how companies can overcome potential challenges that might arise when adjusting their supply chain in this manner. 

Learn about ethical sourcing >

7. Commercial Supply Chain Readiness for Biopharma Organizations 

Biopharmaceutical companies in the clinical stages need to ensure that their supply chain operations are strong and efficient before moving toward commercialization. Building a commercialization roadmap can help to guarantee that you have the ability to support a short-term, and eventually long-term, operation. In this piece, Stacey Erickson highlights the necessary supply chain capabilities a biopharmaceutical company needs to have in order to ensure a sustainable, commercial operation, especially in an increasingly virtual business landscape. 

Read about supply chain readiness >

8. Leveraging ERP Solutions to Improve Supply Chain Sustainability 

As consumers demand sustainable business practices at a growing rate, many companies are evaluating their supply chain processes and whether they work with or against the goals of sustainability. Businesses can set and manage environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) goals using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to keep track of company sustainability. In this piece, Scott Shaw explains how a variety of different ERP solutions can support increasing the sustainability of your supply chain, such as SAP, Logility, and o9 solutions, to ensure you stay on track with your goals. 

Read about ERP solutions >

Learn More About Our Supply Chain Consulting Services. 

Contributions from Sam Weitzel