Building Partnerships Between Supply Chain and IT Teams

This document is a transcript of a discussion featuring René Iriks, the CIO of Synthon, focusing on the collaboration between supply chain operations and IT teams. It outlines the challenges faced by supply chain professionals, particularly the pressure to deliver goods efficiently and the necessity for reliable forecasting. Iriks emphasizes the importance of trust between IT and supply chain teams, noting that effective communication and understanding of each other's roles are crucial for successful collaboration. He discusses the potential pitfalls of 'rogue' solutions that supply chain teams might pursue independently, highlighting the need for governance and a unified approach to technology solutions. The conversation also touches on the limitations of major ERP systems in covering the entire supply chain and the opportunities for software vendors to provide additional value. Overall, the document presents insights into the dynamics of supply chain management and the vital role of IT in supporting operational efficiency.