PwC and APICS Study Uncovers Keys to Improve Supply Chain Sustainability

NEW YORK, May 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- PwC US and the APICS Foundation today released, "Sustainable Supply Chains: Making Value the Priority," a survey of global operations executives on supply chain sustainability.  According to PwC and APICS, when companies broaden their perspectives on sustainability and adopt clear strategies to tap ethical, economic, social— and environmental—levers across their extended supply chains, new sources of value can emerge.  Companies are realizing the significance of sustainable supply chain initiatives; however, multiple challenges continue to impede widespread adoption of sustainability across environmental, social, economic, and ethical dimensions.

The survey found the biggest barrier to the success of a company's sustainable supply chain practices was a lack of leadership support. Approximately 30 percent of operations executives surveyed said their company has a documented supply chain sustainability strategy, but only 17 percent of managers and below agreed. As a result, mid-level management is not able to take the steps needed to drive meaningful change in the supply chain. 

"It is widely accepted that supply chain sustainability is a priority for many CEOs, but this is a complex business issue that brings with it multifaceted challenges at the management level," said Sharon Rice, Executive Director, APICS Foundation. "This study identifies patterns in the challenges that arise, helps us understand why these barriers remain, and underscores how supply chain sustainability translates into measurable business value."

While disconnects about sustainable supply chain strategy may occur between the C-suite and mid-level management, 76 percent of operations professionals said their companies' focus on creating a more sustainable supply chain will increase over the next three years.  Already, 43 percent of operations professionals attributed cost reduction to supply chain sustainability initiatives, while 35 percent reported improvements in their company's environmental impact.  And a quarter of all respondents reported improved customer satisfaction as a result of programs tied to improving supply chain sustainability.

"There is a clear correlation – and in some instances causality – between sustainability and supply chain performance for companies who believe they can do well by doing good," said Nic Delaye, a director in PwC's Sustainable Business Solutions practice.  "Companies should aim to better understand the major dynamics of supply chain sustainability and how to overcome the obstacles that traditionally arise, in order to both improve their impact on society and create tangible business value in new ways."

The major barrier cited in the survey was that leadership does not supply the mandate, incentives, and resources to turn sustainability strategies into action.  Additional barriers reported by supply chain professionals included inadequate sustainability education and training, significant confusion about the scope and company goals on supply chain sustainability, and the perception that the impact on shareholder value for such practices is difficult to measure.

More than a third of professionals (38 percent) said that barriers to success included the ability to measure and monitor to targets and goals. Another 40 percent believe employee performance measurement and incentives are not aligned to supply chain sustainability results.

To learn more about the PwC-APICS study on sustainable supply chains, register for the APICS Webinar: Sustainable Supply Chains: Making Value the Priority on Wednesday, May 14 at 1:00 p.m. CT at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/630043302.

About the study
PwC surveyed members of APICS in June 2013.  The survey was conducted online, on a confidential basis.  For more information or to download the full study, click here or visit: www.pwc.com/us/operations or apics.org.

About APICS and APICS Foundation
APICS is the leading professional association for supply chain and operations management and the premier provider of research, education and certification programs that elevate end-to-end supply chain excellence, innovation and resilience. APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) designations set the industry standard. With over 37,000 members and more than 250 international partners, APICS is transforming the way people do business, drive growth and reach global customers.

APICS Foundation, the research arm of APICS, advances supply chain and operations management and innovation through research, educational programs and workforce development. Business leaders, academia and global enterprises gain valuable insights, information and actionable data through the foundation's unrivaled supply chain network and resources.

For more information, visit apics.org, join the APICS LinkedIn group at apics.org/linkedin, and follow APICS on Twitter at twitter.com/APICS.

About PwC US
PwC US helps organizations and individuals create the value they're looking for. We're a member of the PwC network of firms in 157 countries with more than 184,000 people. We're committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax and advisory services. Tell us what matters to you and find out more by visiting us at www.pwc.com/US. Gain customized access to our insights by downloading our thought leadership app: PwC's 365™ Advancing business thinking every day.

Learn more about PwC by following us online: @PwC_LLP, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Google +.

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SOURCE PwC US