Rethinking Supply Chain

"Bram DeSmet has done it again! In Rethinking Supply Chain, he creates highly needed clarity by unravelling relevant phenomena at play in the supply chain field. DeSmet builds on the strong foundations of his earlier concepts like the Supply Chain Triangle, adding the urgent topics of resilience and sustainability to the supply chain equation. There is plenty of food for thought here for business leaders and for the wider supply chain community. Highly recommended reading." * Ed Weenk, Senior Associate Professor, EADA Business School Barcelona *
"A captivating exploration of the dynamic world of supply chain management that we need in today's environment. Drawing from his extensive experience and unwavering commitment to the field, Bram DeSmet offers invaluable insights into building a strategy-driven, sustainable and resilient supply chain. From the strategic trade-offs between service, cost and cash to the incorporation of sustainability and resilience, this book provides a comprehensive framework for navigating the complexities of modern supply chains." * Eric Wilson, Director of Thought Leadership, Institute of Business Forecasting and Planning *
"By fundamentally reconsidering the well-entrenched foundations of our approach to supply chain management and adapting them to the realities of a world that needs to more seriously consider the social and environmental impacts of our businesses, Bram DeSmet provides us with a playbook for success in the 21st century." * Jonathon P Karelse, CEO, Northfind Management and author, Histories of the Future *
"Sustainability has been part of the strategy agenda for quite some time, but managers struggle to link their sustainability initiatives to the strategic plans of their company. Rethinking Supply Chain shows that sustainability can and should be added and integrated into your strategy and supply chain management. Bram DeSmet has succeeded in translating this complex topic into clear, easy-to-understand models that are insightful and practically relevant for every strategy and supply chain manager." * Kurt Verweire, Professor of Management Practice in Strategy, Vlerick Business School *
"While the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need for robust supply chains to navigate disruptions in the market, few people pointed out the close connection between improved supply chain planning and a company's health. Bram DeSmet's latest work illustrates that supply chains are most effective if they are purpose-driven. Indeed, supply chains should never be designed and operated without company strategy in mind. Another invaluable addition to the literature." * Dr Harpal Singh, CEO, Arkieva *
"Another great contribution by Bram DeSmet on supply chain strategy. In an era where businesses increasingly see that their success is based on their supply chain capabilities, there is a high need to think strategically about matching demand and supply. In his new book, Bram DeSmet does an excellent job in integrating two contemporary trends to his earlier frameworks: resilience and sustainability. Nothing less than required reading for all supply chain professionals and all board members who are looking for a strategic perspective on their organization." * Jack van der Veen, Professor of Supply Chain Management, Nyenrode Business University *
"By reading this book, you will understand how strategy driven and sustainable supply chains can create sustainable stakeholder value in times of high volatility and business disruptions. Bram DeSmet explains the different value choices of companies leading to different value propositions and trade-off decisions. The new integrated value planning and execution model is groundbreaking for any effective business and supply chain management of the future." * Frank Vorrath, Vice President, Supply Chain Services, Danfoss Climate Solutions *
"As we enter the age of uncertainty, it is vital that all organizations step back and rethink their supply chain strategy. The ideas explored in this book will provide practical support for managers and others who seek to ensure that their supply chains will be fit for purpose in the years ahead." * Martin Christopher, Emeritus Professor of Marketing and Logistics, Cranfield University *
"As someone who has been in the industry for years, I can confidently say that Rethinking Supply Chain is not just an educational tool but a compelling call to action. It urges managers and leaders at every level to rethink, reinvent and revolutionize supply chain strategies for a more efficient, sustainable and globally competitive future. Whether you're a seasoned supply chain veteran looking to update your knowledge or a novice in the industry, this book holds valuable insights and practical advice that will undoubtedly guide your strategic and operational decisions." * Mourad Tamoud, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Schneider Electric *
"How should companies align their business strategy with their supply chains in today's turbulent world with geopolitical tensions and ongoing disruptions? And how should decision-makers make the right trade-offs between cost, service, cash and sustainability? Bram Desmet is on a journey to find practical answers to these strategic questions. In Rethinking Supply Chain, he provides readers with actionable tools and exercises to face the future with more resilience and sustainability." * Martijn Lofvers, CEO & Chief Trendwatcher, Supply Chain Media *
"In his new book, Bram DeSmet has significantly expanded the scope of supply chain design and operations by including sustainability and resilience as part of the central core. He also takes traditional S&OP thinking to a new elevated level by introducing the concept of Integrated Value Planning and associated metrics. These additions to the theory and practice of supply chain management will surely lead to a material improvement in decision-making at the operational level." * John Gattorna, Global Supply Chain Thought Leader and Author *
"Taking integrated business planning to the next level requires more than functional knowledge, senior management communication skills and entrepreneurial thinking. In his new book Bram DeSmet shows both a framework and practical examples to make the right decisions in today's business reality with growing complexity, increasing volatility and the need for rethinking supply chain strategies for more resilient, social and sustainable solutions." * Ruediger Fuchs, Supply Chain Director, PPF Group *
"The Covid-19 pandemic made supply chains a mainstream topic. Since then the discipline has attracted not only significant additional interest, but also resources from multiple areas. In this book, Bram DeSmet shows how to evolve a supply chain into a multi-dimensional model, providing a consistent and clear value-adding framework as basis for decision-making in a increasingly disrupted world." * Dirk Holbach, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Henkel Consumer Brands *