Numerous companies are focusing on cooperation. This is the finding of the 17th Hermes Barometer. The current edition of the study series is entitled “Collaboration in the supply chain”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this regard, Hermes Germany writes that cooperative collaboration and data exchange within the supply chain are a decisive factor in increasing the efficiency of procurement processes. This opinion is shared by two-thirds of the 150 logistics and supply chain management executives surveyed. The survey was conducted in November 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The factors that promise a better overview within the supply chain, a higher degree of efficiency and more precise coordination of processes are seen as particularly critical to success. However, there are still technological and personnel barriers that limit companies in their implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most of the participants in the study are now aware of the high potential of cross-company collaboration and operational networking within the supply chain, as can be seen from the Hermes press release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More than half of those responsible are convinced that efficiency improvements in the supply chain will only be possible in the future through cooperation and data exchange with customers and suppliers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cooperation with business customers and suppliers is already a priority for 68 percent of companies. However, 55 percent of companies admit that the potential of collaborative processes is not yet fully exploited, even though it is known.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The time and cost involved in implementing necessary technologies is seen as an obstacle by 57 percent of respondents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Technological challenges are also counted among the obstacles to implementation. These are cited by around 83 percent. Incompatible IT systems and data formats are often mentioned in this context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A lack of resources for intensive cooperation with partners is judged to be the greatest obstacle to the realization of successful collaboration. Sixty-five percent of the managers surveyed expressed this view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Commenting on the results of the study, Moritz Gborglah, Division Manager International Freight at Hermes Germany GmbH, says: “SMEs in particular often lack the internal expertise and sufficient staff capacity to cope with the diverse requirements of collaborative networking. External support can help here to enable or accelerate implementation.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n