Sustainable Supply Chain Management

June 2012 Integrated Solutions For Retailers

By Dwight D. Hill, strategist, The Retail Advisory LLC

SUPERVALU learns the drive to undertake sustainable supply chain programs can result in significant bottom line effects.

Just how do grocery supply chain executives get started when given the mandate to squeeze out costs and develop a sustainable supply chain? I offer a framework and examples of grocery retailers today that are achieving success — both on the bottom line and in the eyes of their customers.

First — determine the goals of the program and identify areas to target. Identify the primary areas to review and lay out some goals within those areas. Key areas typically reviewed include: transportation and logistics, operations and sourcing, energy, and facilities. The key, however, is to break down each area and identify those that can yield the greatest impact.