Effective supply chain management key for growth: Lusiyano

BINDURA Nickel Corporation managing director Thomas Lusiyano says effective supply chain management is key for growth in companies.

Speaking at the Institute of Supply Chain Management Zimbabwe’s 2024 Supply Chain Excellence Awards held last Friday in Harare, Lusiyano said globalisation complicated international networks and required effective risk management to mitigate disruptions and uncertainty.

“Effective supply chain management yields significant benefits, including cost reduction, increased customer satisfaction, competitive advantage and improved quality. By streamlining processes, organisations reduce costs and enhance efficiency. Delivering products on time boosts customer satisfaction, while differentiating through [supply chain management] provides a competitive edge,” Lusiyano said.

He said measuring supply chain performance involved tracking key metrics, such as lead time, inventory turns, fill rate and supply chain visibility.

“Lead time measures delivery speed, inventory turns track inventory efficiency and fill rate measures order fulfillment. Supply chain visibility monitors real-time performance,” Lusiyano said.

The executive said supply chain management faces numerous challenges, including globalisation, risk management, sustainability and technology integration. Globalisation complicates international networks, requiring effective risk management to mitigate disruptions and uncertainty.

“Sustainability demands reduced environmental impact, while technology integration leverages digital solutions,” Lusiyano said.

His remarks come as the supply chain landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by emerging trends like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, internet of things (IoT) and robotics process automation (RPA).

Lusiyano said AI enhanced predictive analytics, blockchain ensured transparency, IoT improved real-time monitoring, and RPA streamlined tasks.

“The supply chain industry plays a vital role in connecting businesses, communities and nations. Your work ensures that goods and services reach customers efficiently, sustainably, and reliably,” he said.

“As we navigate the complexities of global trade, technology advancements and environmental considerations, your expertise and leadership are crucial.”

Lusiyano was the guest of honour during the presentation of the awards that honoured leaders within organisations who led the procurement departments exceptionally throughout the year.

Some of the winners included Kuvimba Mining House group procurement executive Ali Nyirenda who won the platinum Procurement Executive of the year Award.

Freda Rebecca Gold Mine senior procurement officer Thembani Mhlanga won platinum for the Senior Procurement Officer of The Year Award.

The platinum Procurement Leaders of the Year Award went to Geo Pomona head of procurement, Sailus Sunguro, while Strauss Logistics fleet manager Tsungai Mubatsa won the platinum Transport and Logistics Professional of the Year Award.

The platinum Outstanding Women in Supply Chain Award went to Econet Wireless Chief Supply Chain officer Sharon Marufu.

“The Supply Chain Excellence Awards proudly recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements in supply chain management, honouring organisations and individuals that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and operational excellence,” the adjudication report for the awards read.

“The awards were launched in 2020 by the Institute of Supply Chain Management Zimbabwe to address the growing importance of supply chain management in driving business success.”-ebsinessweekl