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'Supply Chain Has Found Its Place In The Boardrooms Of Companies', Ft. Sunit Mukherji, Shell
Introduction
In today's business landscape, the supply chain has transitioned from a backend function to a centerpiece in driving company growth. Sunit Mukherji, a seasoned professional in supply chain management at Shell, reveals the evolution of supply chain roles and emphasizes its significance in modern organizations.
The Importance of Resilience and Resourcefulness
Sunit outlines the crucial characteristics required to excel in supply chain management: resilience and resourcefulness. He asserts that these traits are fundamental, especially in an environment marked by constant disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical events.
Journey into Engineering
Sunit’s journey began in a small town in Jharkhand, India, where he pursued engineering due to the societal norm of the time. Despite facing challenges—including a mix of fear and societal pressure—he excelled, securing a place at BIT Mesra. After completing his engineering, he followed the common trajectory of pursuing an MBA, drawn by the importance of management in shaping his career.
Career Evolution
With over two decades of experience, Sunit's career path is illustrious. He started with Britannia, then moved to Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and ultimately spent a decade at Mondelez. He attributes much of his career success to the diversity of experiences he gained. At each organization, he engaged with senior management and learned to execute strategies effectively. The transition to Shell was a pivotal move for him, driven by a desire for new challenges and an interest in sustainability initiatives, particularly in reducing net emissions.
The Modern Supply Chain
Sunit contrasts the supply chain dynamics of the past with the current landscape. Historically, supply chain management was concerned mainly with logistics and inventory management. However, recent advancements in technology, such as automation and digitalization, have transformed supply chains into strategic assets that participate in decision-making at the boardroom level. Today, supply chains are integrated into primary sales processes, highlighting their role in shaping business outcomes.
With technological integration, companies can improve efficiency dramatically. Sunit describes how Shell uses innovative solutions, such as drones for stock counting and predictive maintenance facilitated by IoT devices, to enhance operations.
Navigating Challenges
Throughout his career, Sunit embraced new roles, such as moving into factory management after significant time in corporate roles. He believes that the ability to adapt and seek challenges fosters growth. Despite the inevitability of some firefighting in operations, he stresses that effective leadership, clear vision, and proper processes can minimize disruptions.
Future of Supply Chain Management
As disruptions become the norm, Sunit encourages aspiring supply chain professionals to embrace resilience and resourcefulness. He elucidates that this is an opportune time to enter the field, as demand for skilled supply chain leaders continues to grow. With a focus on sustainability and technological advancement, supply chain management is poised to drive innovative solutions and navigate future challenges.
In conclusion, Sunit Mukherji's insights reflect a paradigm shift in supply chain management—from a support function to a strategic driver for business growth—underscoring its vital role in today’s competitive landscape.
Keywords
- Supply Chain
- Resilience
- Resourcefulness
- Engineering
- MBA
- Britannia
- Coca-Cola
- Nestlé
- Mondelez
- Shell
- Digitalization
- Sustainability
- Innovation
FAQ
Q: What are the key characteristics needed for a career in supply chain management?
A: Resilience and resourcefulness are essential traits for success in this field.
Q: How has the role of supply chain changed over the years?
A: The supply chain has evolved from a backend function to a strategic component that participates in boardroom decisions and drives business growth.
Q: What advancements have changed supply chain management today?
A: Technological advancements such as automation, digitalization, and the use of IoT devices have revolutionized supply chain operations and efficiency.
Q: What should aspiring supply chain professionals focus on?
A: They should develop their resilience, resourcefulness, and adaptability to thrive amidst disruptions and embrace the opportunities in supply chain management today.