Supply chains have become more complex, and recent global events have exposed their frailties. These issues have driven many businesses to examine the resilience and transparency of their supply chains.
However, from developing risk contingency strategies to optimising inventory and implementing seamless logistics, the proper guidance can transform your organisation.
Supply chain consultants use their expertise to identify and minimise risk while maximising up stream supply chain operations reliability, efficiency, and waste / cost reduction. Where risks cannot be removed, contingency and mitigation strategies are developed and introduced giving real time alerts for out-of-control situations using cutting-edge technologies and other bespoke processes and services to ensure objectives are met.
Working with a supply chain consultancy like Jigsaw Business Group will help keep you ahead of your competitors, maintain high levels of customer satisfaction, and more.
Follow our 5-step guide to ensure you make an informed choice.
Defining your pain points (near misses and failures) is essential when choosing a supply chain consultant. Understanding what you want to achieve will help you determine the best fit.
Are you struggling with delivery delays or is your total cost of delivery too high? Do you have issues with scalability or sustainability?
Answering these questions will help you identify a supply chain consultant with relevant sector experience.
For example, when Alstom Trains (formerly Bombardier Transportation) needed to verify the capability, capacity, and readiness of the Aventura platform supply chains capability to supply products at significantly increased volumes, they hired Jigsaw Business Group due to their industry knowledge and expertise.
An effective, reputable supply chain consultant combines formal qualifications with proven experience in your sector.
Formal Purchasing, Quality and Sector Specific qualifications such as CIPS, UKAS and RISQS certifications demonstrate a supply chain consultant’s professional standards.
Meanwhile, proven case studies, references and / or testimonies showing sector experience gives you peace of mind that the consultant can meet your goals.
You should also consider hiring a consultant who offers a strategic focus in line with your long-term business strategy.
However, soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and transparency are equally important factors when deciding on the right supply chain consultant.
Asking the following questions as part of your hiring process will help you make an informed decision.
Carrying out a detailed background check is crucial when hiring a supply chain consultant.
You should:
It’s also important to check if your potential supply chain consultancy shares your values and prioritises good working relationships.
Beware of one-size-fits-all solutions when considering tender proposals. Choose a supply chain consultant like Jigsaw Business Group, who prepares detailed, bespoke strategies to suit your unique needs.
A key consideration when reviewing proposals is Cost vs Value. Opting for the cheapest tender can compromise quality. Instead, think about their value, and balance short-term affordability with long-term return on investment.
You should also pay attention to the clarity of proposed timelines and deliverables. The more transparent a consultant is at this stage, the more reliable they’re likely to be.
Once you’ve chosen your supply chain consultant, the next step is the consultation process.
At this stage, your consultant will create and implement strategies to address your needs. A typical consultation process includes:
The Initial Assessment – Your consultant will analyse current processes, reviewing schedule management, systems capability, process, workflows, logistic operations, and warehouse / inventory management. They’ll also identify bottlenecks and work with your team to get insight into your operations.
Solution Design – Based on their findings, your consultant will develop bespoke tailored strategies, including a customised plan, technology integration, and compliance checks to deliver a clear, actionable roadmap for improvement.
Implementation Support – Your consultant will help you implement their recommendations and strategies to ensure a smooth transition. You can expect a proactive consultant to:
Post-Project Support Finally, your supply chain consultant will offer ongoing support, including:
Remember, always confirm a consultant’s methodology and commitment to support for the best results.
Avoid these pitfalls when hiring a supply chain consultant.
Rushing the Selection Process: Thorough vetting and due diligence will help you make the right appointment.
Ignoring Warning Signs: Does the potential consultant overpromise outcomes or make vague promises about deliverables? Watch out for these red flags.
Overlooking Adaptability: Ensure the consultant can adapt to global supply chain shifts.
Not Involving Internal Teams: Team buy-in is essential for successful collaboration. Involving the relevant internal terms before hiring will ensure a smooth process.
Choosing a skilled consultant can streamline your operations and prepare your business for sustainable growth. However, the key to success is hiring a partner who aligns with your goals, understands your needs, and is committed to delivering a genuine return on investment.
As supply chains become increasingly complex, the importance of expert guidance has never been more stark. From reducing costs to implementing advanced technology, the ideal consultant will help your business transform challenges into opportunities.
Before hiring, take the time to define your goals, research potential candidates, and ask the right questions to ensure you’re investing in a partnership that delivers results.
