Wholesale distribution trends: More competition, supply chain disruption
After a tumultuous couple years, what trends can wholesale distributors expect now? Watch for continued supply chain disruption, increased competition, and a talent shortage.
SAPPHIRE NOW wowed the world with their virtual kick off. Featuring Christian Klein, Julia White, Paige Wei-Cox, and Hasso Plattner during an insightful, action-packed keynote, SAP proved once again why it’s a powerhouse among tech giants – the keynote wasn’t just a vision for SAP; it’s a roadmap for the future of business.
Following the keynote, several thought leaders in our After Party series that spans the timeline of SAPPHIRE NOW, June 2-10 delivered their thoughts. (You can watch the replay of the session HERE.)
So, what are the favorite takeaways and thoughts on technology making our world run better? We’ve got the answers.
“A network of networks is the future and this is happening now.” – Marcell Vollmer
“The next level step is to have data for not only your own enterprise and but also others.” – Ronald Van Loon
“We should not carry forward the business processes we created 5, 10, 20 years ago…” – Hasso Plattner
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The pandemic highlighted just how connected organizations are and how vital it is to have an adaptable supply chain. Robust business networks helped the most successful organizations cope with volatile supply and demand. The best run companies collaborated at scale across networks that transcended industry and functional domains.
“What we’ve learned is that customer experience truly is supply chain dependent.” – Denise Lee Yohn
“The supply chain begins at the end – with the customer.” – Rachael White
After a tumultuous couple years, what trends can wholesale distributors expect now? Watch for continued supply chain disruption, increased competition, and a talent shortage.
The desire to reduce waste across supply chains and enter a circular economy is now driving organizations to embed sustainability into their mainstream business.
Leading businesses are going beyond merely seeking new efficiencies and fulfilling compliance requirements: they’re creating new business models for long-term growth.
“Businesses who put profit before purpose generally don’t make as much money. But if you lead with purpose and that’s your focus you naturally become more profitable.” – Martin Newman
“It’s time to build sustainability into the fabric of how we do business. Sustainability is not just a hashtag.” – Christian Klein
Sustainability in business is critical for brand survival as consumers want brands who share their values. For small and midsize businesses - which have no margin for error - it’s especially critical.
While applying each of the lessons above, the organizations who fared best remembered their heart, focusing on their people and how to support them. The value of the employee experience took center stage as companies empowered workforces by enriching their employee network – wherever it is – in new ways.
“Creating an experience at work that’s authentic to the employee so that they not only see themselves at work, but see themselves in their workplace is essential.” – Joey Price
“Implementing the human experience in technology solutions is a big part of successful digital transformation.” – M. Nadia Vincent
“No business does business alone.” – Christian Klein
Tune in to the SAPPHIRE NOW global keynote to hear how SAP solutions can help you:
During the keynote address, our CEO and member of the executive board, Christian Klein, was joined by fellow board members Julia White, our chief marketing and solutions officer, Paige Wei-Cox, SVP/Global Head, SAP Business Network, and Professor Hasso Plattner, chairman of our supervisory board, as well as thought leaders from diverse industries.
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They talked about SAP’s vision and strategy, some exciting company announcements, and customer and partner success stories.
And learn how AmerisourceBergen Corporation is harnessing the power of the intelligent enterprise, how F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. is embracing business networks for success, and how Allbirds Inc. is putting sustainability first.