eyefortransport’s Global Chief Supply Chain Officer Strategy Report 2011-12found that 89 percent of supply chain executives globally feel that the business value of supply chain has increased since the economic crisis hit. Fifty-six percent of respondents report that either there is a seat on the board for supply chain in their company, or there will be within the next two years. Nearly half of all companies (49 percent overall and 51 percent in Europe) report that they are currently recruiting supply chain staff, up from 35 percent overall and 30 percent in Europe in 2010.

By far the biggest challenges reportedly driving the supply chain agenda are demand variability, cost containment and reduction, and escalating customer expectations

“This year’s survey results take some of last year’s findings even further: we’re hearing more and more about the central role that supply chain management plays in the growth plans of companies in these turbulent economic times,” says eyefortransport’s executive director, Katharine O’Reilly.