"If a 1971 VW Beetle were upgraded at the same speed as a computer chip from the same year, today it would have a maximum speed of 300,000 mph and a cost of 4 cents."  

From the Internet of Things (IoT) efficiencies to cobots, manufacturing is poised for a technological Renaissance that is driving Supply Chain velocity. Never has Manufacturing, Logistics, and Distribution Supplier readiness been such a hot topic. It should also be noted that Manufacturing is just the "MAKE” process in the end-to-end Supply Chain. The alignment of supplier performance in the Supply Chain will require management of the other Supply Chain Processes of “PLAN,” “SOURCE,” “DELIVERY,” “RETURN” and “ENABLE.” Thus, "It’s not manufacturing, it’s Supply Chain."

Speeding up the supply chain is at the root of everything that is good: improved revenue, reduced working capital, higher profitability, and less obsolete inventory. Conversely, slowing down the supply chain is at the root cause of everything that is bad: working capital write-offs, reduced profitability, and slowing revenue. To successfully compete in digitized Supply Chains and capture new business opportunities, suppliers will have to shift their operations into a higher gear with a focus on demonstrable Supply Chain performance risk mitigation, and continuous improvement. 

New market opportunities for suppliers hinge on their understanding of and adapting to their customers' focus on mitigating the risk of Supply Chain disruption while simultaneously increasing product velocities. In no uncertain terms, this will require that Supply Chains are agile and nimble enough to thrive in today's global marketplace with the supplier and customer focus on:

• Knowledge of Customer Demand
• Increased Flexibility
• Technology Enablement

At DMSCA2018, you will find environs conducive to fostering lively interactive and high value-added exchange and content, as well as business development discussions, and much more.

LEARN: Learn more about the four digital trends that will affect manufacturing in 2018 and how they will impact supplier identification, performance alignment, value, trust, and selection

GAIN: Gain insights into why Development, Digitization, and Innovation are the key enablers for supplier readiness and engagement

HEAR: Hear from DMSCA’s Strategic Sourcing Leadership Committee participants, other leading Corporate Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs), Supply Chain Management Executives, and subject matter experts on supplier challenges and opportunities.

PARTICIPATE: Participate in high value General Sessions and/or Pre-Scheduled B2B Sourcing Sessions between qualified suppliers and large corporations' Sourcing and Buying Organization (SBO) on specific short- and long-term procurement opportunities.  

No other event in the country brings together the mix of Supply Chain trading partners and decision makers with a common focus on value, innovation, and the fostering of trust.

[1] Tom Linton, Chief Supply Chain Officer, FLEX