CSCMP Taiwan 2008 Recap

CSCMP Taiwan 2008, held on August 14 in Taipei, attracted over 200 supply chain professionals from Asia and other parts of the world. The conference was an immense success, as attendees were able to learn the latest strategic approaches to global supply chain management from speakers representing such global firms as IBM, Procter & Gamble, Eaton Corporation, Hewlett-Packard, and DHL.

Dr. Thomas Speh, a former Chair of the Board of CSCMP, keynoted the conference with a presentation focusing on the major challenges facing supply chain professionals in the coming decade. The audience then learned how IBM created their global integrated enterprise and Mr. Nick LaHowchic, former President and CEO of Limited Logistics Services, explained how companies need to focus on a new business operating model, including the use of 21st century information technology.

Other speakers focused on the effective use of lead logistics providers in crafting efficient supply chains and new approaches for dealing with human resource issues the global supply chain function. The attendees were able to gain first-hand knowledge of how Procter & Gamble was able to build advanced differentiation capability into their supply chain to leverage scale for cost savings and increase market responsiveness. The conference ended with a lively panel discussion that focused on the opportunities that the new global supply chain environment creates for logistics service providers and a discussion of the key challenges facing global supply chain managers.