Have we Forgotten Strategy?

We regularly come across companies with some very tactical looking Supply Chain strategies.

Does it matter?  Well, yes it does.  If all you have is tactics and no strategy then you are directionless.  You wouldn’t know if your actions were excellent or leading you down the proverbial.

A famous quote from Sun Tzu goes something like this; “Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory.  Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.”

How do you tell if your supply chain strategy will pass muster?  For one, examine your strategy document and remove any physical or IT projects that start within three years.  What you have left is probably your underlying strategy.

If there is a strategy gap between business goals and supply chain tactics, it is time for a review.