Achieving supply chain utopia: companies need to prioritise investing in people

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of training staff in supply chain management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a case study of heating and hot water system manufacturer, BDR Thermea. Discusses the success BDR Thermea experienced as a result of a training and education program for its employees on issues surrounding supply chain management.

Findings

Describes how BDR Thermea doubled its goal of saving €12 million through inventory reductions, reaching 27 million, as a result of this training program.

Originality/value

The paper offers insight from an industry expert on how investing in people can help an organization achieve both financial and operational goals.

Citation

Williams, H. (2013), "Achieving supply chain utopia: companies need to prioritise investing in people", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 16-19. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777281311302049