Infor, an enterprise software provider, released the findings of its latest research, which reveal that supply chain professionals are calling upon the UK government to help reduce the industry's carbon footprint. Two thirds (67%) of supply chain professionals surveyed, believe their environmental initiatives should be subsidised by the state.
The research, which polled 100 supply chain professionals within UK companies, highlights that 82% of supply chain professionals are concerned about reducing their carbon footprints. Other major concerns include the need for better supply chain visibility (96%); shrinking margins (90%); introduction of new products (89%); and escalating consumer expectations (89%).
Cost was identified as a barrier to implementing green initiatives by 47%, while 32% claimed the inability to measure results hindered progress.
When asked about the length of supply chains, three quarters of those polled said their supply chain's geographic reach had increased in the last two years. In fact almost half (43%) claim their supply chain now incorporates the UK, Asia-Pacific, the Americas, Eastern Europe and Western Europe.
Sixty seven percent say they are more likely to offshore parts of their supply chain compared with two years ago. While Asia-Pacific would be the offshore hub of choice for 47%, 53% lean towards Eastern Europe as their preferred destination.
"These findings demonstrate the mounting pressures facing supply chain professionals in 2008. As green initiatives continue to be placed at the top of supply chain agendas, they will compete for being prioritised along with traditional business issues such as margin improvement and customer service levels," comments Andrew Kinder, director, industry and product marketing, Supply Chain Management, Infor.
