Chris Gopal on Breakthrough Supply Chains in complicated times

The CX Iconoclast

In this episode of the CX Iconoclast Podcast, host Richard Owen welcomes guest Chris Gopal, a renowned global supply chain expert. Chris shares his insights on the challenges faced by companies in managing their supply chains and how AI and analytics can enhance predictability and mitigate risk.

Chris Gopal’s extensive experience in supply chain management includes leading the corporate transformation of Dell’s manufacturing logistics in the 1990s and holding key positions at Ernst & Young Consulting, SAIC, Tata, and IBM. He is also the author of the book “Breakthrough Supply Chains” and currently teaches at the University of California, San Diego, and USC.
The discussion delves into the impact of recent global events, such as the pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, on supply chains. Chris highlights the compression of what has historically been a hundred-year cycle into a five-year cycle. He emphasizes the importance of placing the customer at the forefront of supply chain design and execution.
The conversation also explores the increasing significance of direct sales channels, even as customers have become accustomed to buying direct. Chris and Richard agree on how little has changed since the industrial revolution, suggesting that the core principles of supply chain management remain relevant.
Chris further discusses the evolution of supply chains, noting three major inflection points: the financialization of the supply chain, the recognition of the supply chain as a network with the customer as a critical component, and the external factors that significantly impact the supply chain, such as risk and sustainability issues.
The podcast concludes with a discussion on the changing face of manufacturing. Chris argues that manufacturers today sell more than just physical products; they also provide information and services across the customer lifecycle. This shift necessitates a new approach to cost, metrics, and priorities, with a focus on customer retention and segmentation.
All in all, great insights for all companies that manufacture or distribute physical goods.

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