21st century supply chains (SC21) > Relationships

How companies communicate and interact in supply chains is a key factor in influencing industry's ability to compete and increase its share of world markets. Whenever organisations interact there is risk; no single company can act independently of its customers or suppliers.

The Supply Chain Relationships code of practice code of practice and supporting processes, bring customers and suppliers together to improve business performance and minimise risk.

Implementation of a robust relationship management process enables the following benefits to accrue:

• improved time to contract
• reduced lead-time as a result of improved planning and concurrent activities
• improved customer satisfaction
• reduced risk as a result of joint problem solving
• reduced product/service and support costs by eliminating waste in business processes
• differentiation of your organisation, helping you to win and retain business

The Supply Chain Relationships code of practice establishes a set of guiding principles that promote the highest standard of supply chain relationships throughout the extended enterprise. It promotes the creation of an environment in which teams understand and work towards their shared objectives whilst still meeting their individual targets.

SC21 Relationships Code of Practice (62.2 KB)

As part of a structured relationship management review process the relationship measurement matrix (RMM) allows teams to assess their relationship against the CoP and to define and characterise their desired relationship.

The highest standard of relationship management will be achieved through a structured engagement process involving all relevant functions with regular reviews at operational and strategic levels.

RMM Deployment SC21 format (3.7 MB)