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9 strategies and tactics for Supply Chain

What is Supply Chain strategy?

Every great achievement starts with a well-thought-out plan. It can be the launch of a new product, expanding into new markets, or just trying to increase efficiency. You'll need a delicate combination of strategies and tactics to ensure that the journey is smooth and effective.

Identifying the optimal Supply Chain strategy can be challenging, especially when everyday tasks consume your time. To help you, we've assembled a list of examples to ignite your creativity.

Copy these examples into your preferred app, or you can also use Tability to keep yourself accountable.

How to write your own Supply Chain strategy with AI

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. You can use our free AI generator below or our more complete goal-setting system to generate your own strategies.

Supply Chain strategy examples

You will find in the next section many different Supply Chain tactics. We've included action items in our templates to make it as actionable as possible.

Strategies and tactics for growing sales and profit through strong B2B relationships

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Foster deeper communication with partners

    • Schedule monthly meetings to discuss ongoing strategies and performance
    • Develop a shared communication platform for seamless information exchange
    • Implement a feedback system to address partner concerns promptly
    • Share market research and insights with partners regularly
    • Create a joint problem-solving team to tackle shared challenges
    • Organise workshops to explore and innovate joint business strategies
    • Publish quarterly newsletters on collaboration progress
    • Establish clear communication channels for emergency situations
    • Develop a conflict resolution protocol for smoother operations
    • Encourage cross-functional team interaction for holistic insights

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Align sales and marketing efforts

    • Create a joint sales target based on mutual objectives
    • Develop a calendar for synchronised marketing campaigns
    • Conduct joint webinars to promote co-branded initiatives
    • Create bundled offerings combining products from both businesses
    • Design a joint loyalty programme to strengthen customer engagement
    • Establish shared metrics to evaluate marketing success
    • Organise quarterly reviews of sales strategies together
    • Develop case studies showcasing the benefits of partnership
    • Host joint promotional events to expand reach
    • Formulate a referral system to boost mutual business opportunities

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Optimise supply chain collaboration

    • Integrate supply chain management systems for better transparency
    • Coordinate on inventory management to reduce holding costs
    • Collaborate on forecasting models to improve demand accuracy
    • Share logistics resources to reduce operational costs
    • Identify and mitigate supply chain risks together
    • Set up a shared supplier network to enhance procurement efficiency
    • Establish regular supply chain reviews to ensure effective processes
    • Develop shared sustainability initiatives for the supply chain
    • Create joint training programmes for supply chain staff
    • Utilise technology to improve supply chain tracking and monitoring
b2b-relationshipscollaborationsales-managersupply-chain-coordinatormarketing-teamoperations-team
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Strategies and tactics for reviewing and Preparing A Strategic Plan

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Ensure financial sustainability

    • Conduct a thorough financial audit to understand the current financial position
    • Identify key revenue streams and develop strategies to enhance them
    • Establish an emergency fund to safeguard against unforeseen financial challenges
    • Create a budget that includes a focus on reducing costs in areas with minimal impact on quality
    • Negotiate with suppliers for better pricing on raw materials
    • Explore avenues for expanding market reach both domestically and internationally
    • Invest in training programmes for the sales team to improve sales performance
    • Analyse customer data to better understand preferences and optimize product offerings
    • Monitor financial KPIs regularly to ensure alignment with sustainability goals
    • Seek potential partnerships with complementary brands to enhance revenue

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Leverage technology as an enabler

    • Implement a robust ERP system to streamline supply chain and inventory management
    • Invest in advanced processing machinery to increase production efficiency
    • Utilise data analytics tools for better market and consumer insights
    • Adopt cloud-based solutions for secure and efficient data management
    • Drive e-commerce growth by enhancing the online store interface and user experience
    • Implement a mobile app for easy customer access to product information and orders
    • Automate repetitive tasks to allow employees to focus on high-value activities
    • Stay up-to-date with digital marketing trends to enhance online presence
    • Train staff on new technologies to maximise utilisation and minimise downtime
    • Collaborate with tech partners to identify innovative solutions for product tracking

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Enhance operational efficiency

    • Conduct a comprehensive review of current processes to identify bottlenecks
    • Implement lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and improve efficiency
    • Standardise operating procedures across all departments
    • Invest in employee training programs focusing on operational improvement
    • Regularly review supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery of quality raw materials
    • Establish a cross-functional team to improve communication and streamline operations
    • Implement real-time tracking for inventory and deliveries
    • Create a continuous improvement culture with regular feedback loops
    • Set measurable targets for production efficiency and monitor progress
    • Ensure compliance with all industry regulations to avoid operational disruptions

  • ⛳️ Strategy 4: Strengthen stakeholder management

    • Map all key stakeholders and develop tailored engagement plans
    • Use regular surveys and feedback mechanisms to gauge stakeholder needs and satisfaction
    • Organise quarterly meetings with key suppliers to maintain strong relationships
    • Develop a corporate social responsibility plan to enhance community engagement
    • Communicate transparently about business changes and developments with stakeholders
    • Build a loyalty program for customers to enhance retention
    • Engage with industry associations for broader influence and insight
    • Regularly update shareholders with performance briefings and future plans
    • Create partnership opportunities with local farms for sustainable raw material supply
    • Establish a stakeholder advisory board to drive engagement and provide strategic input
financial-sustainabilitytechnology-integrationfinancial-analystsupply-chain-managersales-teamit-department
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Strategies and tactics for creating a logistics key performance indicators program

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Identify your goals

    • Conduct a thorough analysis of current logistics operations
    • Engage with key stakeholders to understand their objectives
    • Define specific goals for logistics improvement
    • Ensure goals align with the organisation's broader objectives
    • Prioritise goals based on potential impact and feasibility
    • Establish a baseline for current performance metrics
    • Use SMART criteria to refine each goal
    • Document all identified goals clearly for reference
    • Communicate goals across the logistics team
    • Schedule regular reviews to revisit goals and adjust as needed

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Set achievable targets

    • Conduct a benchmarking exercise against industry standards
    • Analyse historical data to set realistic targets
    • Break larger goals into smaller, measurable targets
    • Ensure targets are time-bound with specific deadlines
    • Use tools and software to track target progress
    • Assign responsibilities for meeting each target
    • Provide necessary resources and support for target achievement
    • Regularly review target progress and make adjustments as needed
    • Incorporate feedback from team members when setting targets
    • Celebrate small wins to build team momentum toward larger targets

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Create a dedicated team

    • Identify key roles needed within the dedicated logistics team
    • Recruit team members with appropriate skills and experience
    • Clearly define roles and responsibilities within the team
    • Develop a training program to upskill team members
    • Establish regular team meetings to ensure alignment
    • Foster a collaborative team culture focused on goal achievement
    • Implement a reward system to recognise team accomplishments
    • Set up communication channels for effective information flow
    • Monitor team performance and address any issues promptly
    • Encourage team innovation by allowing them to propose new ideas
logisticsefficiencyanalystcoordinatorlogistics-teamsupply-chain-improvement-team
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Strategies and tactics for implementing a 5-Year Business Continuity and Crisis Strategy Plan

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Mitigate and prepare for risks

    • Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for all business units
    • Identify critical business functions and implement redundancy measures
    • Develop and regularly update business impact analyses (BIA)
    • Create detailed business continuity and crisis management plans (BCP & CMP)
    • Set up a centralized crisis management platform for streamlined response
    • Initiate tabletop simulation exercises to test preparedness
    • Conduct joint resilience workshops with key suppliers
    • Implement preventive IT solutions to safeguard against cyber threats
    • Practice crisis scenarios to refine response strategies
    • Regularly audit and update risk mitigation measures

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Develop and enhance crisis communication

    • Design a robust communication plan for internal and external stakeholders
    • Establish a crisis communication team with defined roles and responsibilities
    • Develop clear, concise messaging templates for different crisis scenarios
    • Launch a crisis communication portal accessible by stakeholders
    • Train spokespersons for effective media handling during crises
    • Implement monitoring tools for tracking crisis-related information in real-time
    • Regularly update stakeholders through quarterly resilience reports
    • Use feedback tools to capture stakeholder sentiment during and post-crisis
    • Integrate social media platforms for wider message dissemination
    • Conduct regular communication audits to ensure clarity and effectiveness

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Leverage technology for enhanced resilience

    • Deploy redundant IT infrastructure and cloud solutions to ensure data availability
    • Integrate AI tools for improved threat detection and incident response
    • Ensure all platforms are compliant with the latest industry standards
    • Utilize advanced analytics to forecast and simulate potential disruptions
    • Establish regular software updates and patch management protocols
    • Implement AI-driven monitoring systems for real-time threat scanning
    • Define key metrics for disaster recovery performance measurement
    • Track and report on the recovery time objective (RTO) for all critical functions
    • Encourage continuous feedback from IT teams to refine technology strategies
    • Benchmark IT resilience against industry standards to identify improvement areas
resiliencerisk-managementcrisis-managerit-specialistrisk-assessment-teamcrisis-communication-team
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Strategies and tactics for establishing a functional commodity tracking committee

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Set up the committee

    • Identify and recruit key stakeholders from relevant departments for the committee
    • Define the roles and responsibilities of each committee member
    • Schedule regular meetings to discuss progress and challenges
    • Establish a communication plan for committee members
    • Develop a terms of reference document for the committee
    • Set up a shared digital workspace for document and information sharing
    • Determine a process for monitoring and evaluating committee's effectiveness
    • Agree on decision-making processes within the committee
    • Identify training needs for committee members
    • Create a calendar of reporting deadlines for the committee

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Enhance commodity tracking processes

    • Conduct an audit of current commodity tracking processes
    • Identify gaps and areas for improvement in existing systems
    • Select and implement a robust commodity tracking software
    • Train committee members on using the software efficiently
    • Establish key performance indicators for tracking commodity status
    • Ensure real-time updating of commodity data to the system
    • Define protocols for data verification and validation
    • Implement a system for regular inventory checks
    • Create an alerts system for low-stock or critical needs
    • Develop a feedback mechanism to identify process improvements

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Develop reporting and intervention procedures

    • Create a standardised reporting format for the committee
    • Set protocols for identifying and prioritising commodity needs
    • Define criteria for RHD intervention necessity
    • Develop a rapid response plan for urgent needs
    • Coordinate with FHS officers to agree on intervention roles
    • Establish timelines for reporting and response actions
    • Ensure all reports are logged and tracked for accountability
    • Organise training for team members on reporting protocols
    • Implement a system for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions
    • Organise post-intervention reviews and apply lessons learned
commodity-trackingintervention-procedurescommittee-memberfhs-officersupply-chain-managementhealthcare-operations
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Strategies and tactics for reaching the small eateries channel in India

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Conduct comprehensive market research

    • Identify key regions with a high density of small eateries
    • Analyze consumer behaviour and preferences in these regions
    • Research competitors already targeting small eateries
    • Identify trends and product demands in small eateries
    • Determine pricing strategies suitable for small eateries
    • Develop a database of potential eatery partners
    • Understand regulatory and compliance needs regionally
    • Collect feedback from small eateries owners on needs
    • Map logistical challenges for product delivery to small eateries
    • Assess potential barriers to entry in targeted markets

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Develop targeted sales and marketing campaigns

    • Design promotional packages tailored for small eateries
    • Create marketing materials highlighting benefits for eateries
    • Leverage local events and festivals to promote products
    • Develop loyalty programmes for eateries encouraging regular orders
    • Utilise social media to connect with eatery owners
    • Collaborate with local influencers to endorse products in eateries
    • Arrange product sampling sessions at popular eateries
    • Implement geo-targeted digital advertising campaigns
    • Offer introductory discounts to eateries signing up early
    • Train sales team to effectively pitch to small eateries

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Establish distribution and supply chain optimisation

    • Partner with local distributors familiar with small eatery networks
    • Set up a streamlined order management system for eateries
    • Ensure consistent inventory levels to meet demand at short notice
    • Utilise technology for efficient route planning and delivery
    • Regularly review and improve supply chain logistics
    • Implement feedback mechanisms for eateries on delivery performance
    • Negotiate favourable terms with logistics partners
    • Maintain flexibility in delivery schedules to accommodate small eateries
    • Invest in training delivery personnel on handling and presentation
    • Develop contingency plans for supply chain disruptions
market-researchsupply-chainmarket-analystlogistics-coordinatorsales-teamdistribution-team
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Strategies and tactics for establishing a fabric recycling company in Tamil Nadu

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Build a comprehensive supply chain

    • Identify and partner with local textile manufacturers for a steady waste supply
    • Collaborate with municipal bodies for waste collection channels
    • Develop contracts with transportation and logistics providers
    • Establish clear collection points in urban areas
    • Create incentive programs for garment donations
    • Implement a robust sorting and segregation process
    • Invest in technology for efficient shredding and processing
    • Regularly audit suppliers for compliance and quality control
    • Negotiate agreements with virgin cotton suppliers for fiber blending
    • Ensure timely deliveries to business customers through a reliable logistics network

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Enhance brand visibility and reach

    • Create a brand identity that emphasizes sustainability
    • Launch a professional website detailing your processes and impact
    • Develop social media campaigns to engage with eco-conscious consumers
    • Attend textile and recycling industry events to network
    • Draft and publish case studies or white papers on sustainability
    • Leverage local print and digital media for launch publicity
    • Initiate partnerships with environmentally focused NGOs
    • Invest in SEO and digital marketing for increased online presence
    • Provide transparency through progress reports on recycling volumes
    • Encourage word-of-mouth by creating ambassador programs

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Optimise operational efficiency

    • Conduct a thorough feasibility study to ensure capital utilisation
    • Implement lean manufacturing principles in the production process
    • Invest in state-of-the-art machinery for efficiency
    • Train employees on best practices for sorting and processing
    • Develop a stringent quality control system
    • Periodically review operational processes for improvements
    • Create KPIs to monitor productivity and growth
    • Negotiate with equipment suppliers for maintenance contracts
    • Utilise data analytics for tracking supply chain efficiency
    • Evaluate and optimise energy consumption for cost savings
sustainabilityrecyclingsupply-chain-managermarketing-specialistoperations-teammarketing-team
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Strategies and tactics for incorporating Seasonality of Demand or Bad Weather

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Analyse historical data

    • Collect sales and demand data for the past 5 years
    • Identify peak and off-peak seasons from the data
    • Analyse the impact of different weather conditions on sales
    • Identify weather patterns that significantly affect demand
    • Create visual representations of data (graphs, charts)
    • Consult with industry experts on trends
    • Correlate the data with revenue trends
    • Determine if there are recurring patterns
    • Identify anomalies and understand their causes
    • Summarise findings and present to stakeholders

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Adjust inventory and staffing levels

    • Forecast demand based on historical data analysis
    • Develop a flexible staffing plan for peak and off-peak seasons
    • Develop an inventory management system adaptable to demand changes
    • Maintain a buffer stock for unexpected weather impacts
    • Negotiate contracts with suppliers for flexible delivery schedules
    • Implement a real-time inventory tracking system
    • Conduct regular training for staff on demand management
    • Schedule periodic meetings to review forecasting accuracy
    • Adjust marketing and promotional offers based on seasonality
    • Evaluate the efficiency of adjustments and optimise as needed

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Diversify product and service offerings

    • Identify products and services that are less affected by seasonality
    • Develop complementary products for off-peak seasons
    • Launch seasonal products or services to capture demand spikes
    • Collaborate with marketing to promote season-specific offerings
    • Evaluate customer feedback to refine product or service mix
    • Experiment with limited-time offers during low seasons
    • Invest in R&D to innovate weather-resilient products
    • Diversify supply chain sources to ensure reliability
    • Offer bundled deals including both peak and off-peak products
    • Monitor the performance of diversified offerings and adjust strategy
seasonalitydemand-managementdata-analystsupply-chain-managerinventory-managementmarketing
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Strategies and tactics for accommodating unpredictable weather in sales forecasting

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Leverage real-time weather data

    • Integrate a reliable weather API into your sales forecasting tools
    • Set up automated alerts for incoming weather changes
    • Develop a dynamic pricing model that adjusts based on weather forecasts
    • Analyse historical sales data against past weather patterns to identify correlations
    • Incorporate weather forecast data into your inventory management system
    • Train staff on interpreting weather impact on sales
    • Create marketing campaigns that leverage upcoming weather conditions
    • Collaborate with meteorological agencies for detailed weather predictions
    • Develop a weather impact scoring system for different product categories
    • Adjust operating hours based on severe weather predictions

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Enhance supply chain flexibility

    • Develop a contingency plan for supply chain disruptions due to weather
    • Establish relationships with multiple suppliers in different geographical locations
    • Increase buffer stock levels for essential products during peak weather seasons
    • Implement a just-in-time inventory system to reduce excess stock risks
    • Use weather forecast data to schedule transportation and deliveries optimally
    • Negotiate flexible contracts with suppliers to adjust orders based on weather conditions
    • Invest in robust warehouse infrastructure to safeguard against weather-induced damage
    • Employ predictive analytics to anticipate demand spikes due to weather changes
    • Conduct regular reviews and updates of supply chain risk management policies
    • Engage with third-party logistics providers that offer weather-responsive solutions

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Adopt innovative marketing strategies

    • Create weather-based promotional campaigns for specific product lines
    • Utilise social media to communicate real-time offers based on current weather conditions
    • Develop a mobile app feature that provides personalised recommendations based on the user's local weather
    • Offer weather insurance for certain high-value purchases
    • Run flash sales whenever extreme weather conditions are forecasted
    • Collaborate with influencers to promote weather-related products during relevant seasons
    • Adjust in-store merchandising to highlight products relevant to the forecasted weather
    • Introduce loyalty programmes that reward customers for purchases made during adverse weather conditions
    • Use email marketing to inform customers about weather-based promotions and tips
    • Analyse customer behaviour during different weather conditions to refine marketing tactics
weather-forecastingsales-strategysupply-chain-managermarketing-strategistsales-teammarketing-team
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How to track your Supply Chain strategies and tactics

Having a plan is one thing, sticking to it is another.

Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to keep your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.

A tool like Tability can also help you by combining AI and goal-setting to keep you on track.

More strategies recently published

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

Planning resources

OKRs are a great way to translate strategies into measurable goals. Here are a list of resources to help you adopt the OKR framework:

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