SCM World's Supply Chain Predictions for 2011 report collates the thoughts and insights of more than 400 business leaders across industry verticals, focusing on predictions for the key supply chain challenges that 2011 will present. The key statistics include:

• 62.7 percent of respondents identify demand volatility as their key pressure point in 2011 as the impact of the global recession continues to affect demand patterns

• 38.6 percent of surveyed organizations will be looking to consolidate the supplier base this year, following from 50.6 percent foreseeing challenges with supplier capacity and shortage

• 26 percent of respondents no longer see emerging markets as simply a manufacturing base, recognizing their development into their fastest-growing customer centers

"The results highlight a number of key trends that we can expect to see emerge through 2011, from the adaption of internal and external relationships to face current market trends, to the evolving role of emerging economies, and recognition of how developing markets have matured and developed beyond their traditional low-cost role," said report author Fahim Afghan, vice president of strategy development at SCM World. "What's more, the paper reveals the perceived importance of a cross-functional business culture and considered internal processes as part of workforce and leadership development, and concludes that demand volatility has become the most pressing concern for this coming year, where supply/demand balancing has become even more challenging for businesses today."

The full report is restricted to download by SCM World members only.

Source: SCM World