Annual Awards For Excellence

Supply Chain Innovation

Sponsored by Norbert Dentressangle

For outstanding achievement in managing supply chains from procurement through manufacturing to final delivery to the consumer, including reverse logistics.

This could include integration of the total supply chain covering either one or several organisations.

And the winner is:

• Alliance Boots

Winner - Alliance Boots
The use of innovative material handling techniques and a ‘yes we can' culture has enabled Boots to significantly transform efficiency within its supply chain and improve operations both at Distribution Centre and store level.  The transfer of many "in store" stock activities back to the DC released significant additional hours for customer facing activities which provide Boots with a key competitive advantage.  The impact of so many changes did not impact service levels significantly and should be a beacon for others to follow. In fact the project was completed on time and on budget, and benefit delivery has exceeded all expectation.Finalists:

• Damco
  The panel thought this was a very innovative approach from a 3PL to develop and invest in a complex stock modelling optimisation tool to assist customers during a period of recession.  The commitment to invest where the tangible gains are likely to be significant to the customer but have an initial minimal effect on Damco's bottom line shows excellent foresight and a dedication to collaboration which is often spoken of but seldom achieved.  The chosen case study produced significant savings to their customer and will no doubt bring the two parties much closer together in terms of trust and collaboration.
  
• Shepherd Neame
  The challenge of dealing with very different types of customer in the traditional pub trade and supermarkets with very diverse needs and fluctuating demand patterns was proving to be a strong test of the supply chain operation.  There was a need to move from push to a demand driven supply chain and many established processes became redundant and staff needed to be on board with the changes.  This was a true supply chain review with clear focus on business benefits embracing all aspects, from production through to sales, to deliver customer service improvements.  It was well executed and has already produced significant improvements.

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