Specifically, market volatility (52 percent) and the economic downturn (39 percent) were cited as the biggest business challenges faced by respondents, with just 17 percent optimistic about the outlook for the economy in 2012. However, the survey suggests that companies will be better able to handle this market uncertainty than during the previous economic slowdown of 2008-2009, with 52 percent of respondents indicating they are now better prepared for a more volatile environment.
"Continued market volatility is severely impacting supply chain strategies everywhere, but it would appear that lessons have been learned from previous periods of economic uncertainty as companies are better prepared for the challenges of 2012 and have implemented a number of measures to improve visibility, flexibility and control within their supply chain," said Ramon Veldhuijzen, Global Logistics and Fulfillment Lead, Capgemini Consulting. "However, it is vital that supply chain executives and company management have a shared understanding of the benefits that supply chain projects can bring to the whole organization in order to establish a truly successful supply chain strategy and maintain competitive advantage."
