Supply Chain weekly wrap-up: 3/22 – 3/28

H&M sets the trend in supply chain management

Transparency is this season’s hottest topic with many businesses including both GlaxoSmithKline and Tesco, taking steps towards improving visibility. However, it seems fashion retailer H&M is setting the trend with the introduction of several bold enterprise-wide initiatives.

In an industry first, the fashion retailer has made details of every factory in its supply chain available to the public. Given that the retail chain is already the top user of organic cotton, it seems H&M is stitching together supply chain transparency with ethical sourcing to create a whole new style of supply chain management. If this fashion takes off, we could soon see other retaiers following suit.

For the full story, click here.

Maintaining a buoyant supply chain

Devastating natural disasters such as hurricane Sandy and the tsunami in Japan sadly make headline news far too often. However, according to an article featured in the Guardian, creating an innovative social enterprise approach could help mitigate the longer term impacts of events such as flooding.

According to the article, wide scale flooding often completely wipes out supply chains in the affected areas, consequently delaying recovery. While in some regions, flooding is an unavoidable reality, this article highlights how social enterprising could collaborate with governments to create emergency pop-up supply chains. Such an infrastructure would enable local businesses to continue operations despite disruptions, protecting the local economy and ensuring continuity for communities that would otherwise drown.

For the full story, click here.

Nissan fuels growth in UK production 

The last few years have been an uphill struggle for automotive manufactures after the industry stalled following a slump in demand back in 2008.  However, while in the rest of Europe bad weather and poor economic conditions continue put a freeze on new car sales, one automotive manufacturer in the UK is firing on all cylinders. This week Nissan announced plans to produce their new 100% electric car in Sunderland, creating over 2000 new jobs. Experts have however warned that in order to maintain long term competitiveness and export growth, the UK must develop stronger supply chains.

Full the full story, click here.

Have a great weekend!