Report Reveals Top Retail Supply Chain Concerns For 2012

In the latest report published by eyefortransport, findings reveal that 44% of retail supply chain executives do not expect industry growth in 2012.

Dusseldorf, Germany (PRWEB) - The report has been compiled from a survey conducted this January, in which eyefortransport aimed to identify the key concerns of retail supply chain professionals for the coming year. Retail & FMCG supply chain executives, and key solution providers to the industry participated in the survey, whose findings demonstrate that new strategies are key for the coming year.

The report focusses on the expected performance of the Retail and FMCG sectors over the next twelve months and the ways in which supply chain executives are planning their strategies. Giving an insight into how the retail and consumer goods markets are changing, and what supply chain executives need to do to differentiate their products, this report is a key industry document. Key Findings Include:

• The 9 biggest supply chain concerns for the future
• The perceived benefits to retailer-FMCG collaboration
• Plans for expansion of multichannel capabilities
• The top 7 difficulties for retailers and manufacturers when seeking 3PL partners
• The key features that solution providers need to invest in to provide value to retail and FMCG supply chain partners

The report reflects concerns over the expected performance of the retail industry as a whole, as 44% of retail supply chain executives expect no growth in the sector over the next twelve months. Principal concerns are reflected in key statistics such as; 65% citing a general weakening of demand as their key supply chain concern for 2012; 76% of industry executives expect slow growth for the consumer goods sector; and 58% of consumer goods supply chain executives are concerned about lowering overall costs. These issues put significant pressure on supply chain executives to strip costs and become more efficient.

The positive effect of this is that we are entering an era of increased innovation and new opportunities for differentiation. The increasing popularity of horizontal collaboration (most executives seem to be at least considering the initiative) and the shift of thinking towards an integrated multi-channel supply chain, give executives the opportunity to stand out in what might otherwise seem a fairly stagnant European selling market.

The weakening of customer demand will mean that retail supply chain executives need to be more efficient than ever. In the current environment, supply chains must constantly adapt to meet new requirements and business demands. Retail and FMCG supply chain executives need to ensure seamless supply chain processes, better visibility and increased collaboration with partners to make their mark on the retail market of the future.

These issues and more will be discussed at the Retail & FMCG Supply Chain Summit, taking place on 12-13th April, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dusseldorf.

Senior supply chain executives from a leading retailer or manufacturer can apply for a complimentary pass to the summit (including one night's hotel accommodation). Please contact Sarah Reynolds (sreynolds(at)eft(dot)com/ +44 (0)207 375 7243) or head to the event website to register: http://bit.ly/lrqga5.

For information on how you can get involved as a sponsor at the event, head to the event website here:http://events.eyefortransport.com/retail/sponsor.shtml or contact Sarah Reynolds (sreynolds(at)eft(dot)com / +44 (0)207 375 7243).

You can download a complimentary copy of the report here:http://bit.ly/yDUNXo.

SOURCE: PRWeb

View original release here: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/2/prweb9214576.htm