Apple named best supply chain for sixth straight year

May 28 2013

It's no surprise that many of the world's leading organizations are also setting the pace in terms of supply chain management. Retailers like Walmart have raised the bar by establishing themselves as leaders in green supply chain and logistics initiatives. However, when it comes to overall performance, Apple reigns supreme.

The innovative computing-turned-consumer electronics company was recently named the world's best supply chain for the sixth consecutive year. Apple received 75 percent of the highest possible points from its peers, a measure that factored into roughly 20 percent of its overall score. While Apple was named the winner due to its performance on many other metrics, other companies did in fact vote Apple number one, putting it slightly ahead of Amazon. While the e-commerce giant is viewed favorably by its peers, its overall ranking finished third behind McDonalds.

Regardless of the various discrepancies between overall ranking and peer voting, all companies are looking up to Apple. The way the company can meet such a high demand for its mobile devices and computers without suffering significant production setbacks has pushed it ahead of the competition.

Debra Hofman, managing vice president of Garner—the research firm that helped formulate the list—said demand-driven leadership is what fuels many of the world's best supply chains.

"We've been researching and writing about demand-driven practices since 2003, highlighting the journey companies are taking from the old 'push' model of supply chain to one that integrates demand, supply and product into a value network that orchestrates a profitable response to ever-shifting changes in demand," she said.

Here in Ohio, companies looking to improve their own efforts should look no further than the businesses on top of the list, as well as the reasoning behind creating the list, to see exactly what constitutes a successful supply chain. While cracking the top 25 may be a pipe dream for some, it does provide businesses with a goal which can be used to drive performance.

Local organizations can help their own efforts by working with a Cleveland logistics company, which can provide the resources and services needed to reach new heights. By building efficiency into all aspects of the supply chain and improving operations from a logistical perspective, businesses can at least compete on the same stage as some of the national leaders.