A.T.

Kearney is an American global management consulting firm that focuses on

strategic and operational CEO-agenda issues facing businesses, governments and
institutions around the globe. As of December 2016, A.T. Kearney maintains offices
in 40 countries.

The origins of the firm begin with the founding of McKinsey in 1926
in Chicago by James McKinsey under the name James O. McKinsey &
Company.[4] James McKinsey hired Andrew Thomas Kearney in 1929 as the firm's
first partner.[5] When McKinsey died in 1937, Kearney was the managing partner of
the Chicago office. As suggested by the New York-based partners, the Chicago
office split from the rest of company in 1939. In 1947, it was renamed A.T.
Kearney and Company.

Today's market and industry dynamics present extraordinary opportunities for

companies to transform their operations and gain unprecedented competitive
advantage. No one is better positioned than A.T. Kearney to help capture these
opportunities. We've long been known for our expertise in operationsfrom
defining tailored strategies to flawlessly executing them.

Supply Chain Management

Not so long ago the life of a supply chain executive seemed easy: The main
objectives were to be cost effective and provide high-quality service. The tools and
concepts to support these goals were relatively uncomplicatedfrom just-in-time
delivery and vendor-managed inventory, to collaborative planning, forecasting, and
replenishment.
Today, more innovative technologies, new ideas, and processes have been
introduced to help improve performance. Companies centralize their supply chain
organizations, bring in new software, and outsource manufacturing and distribution
to bigger and more capable third parties. Yet despite these and other measures,
supply chain performance is still not all that it could be.
In general, supply chains need to become faster and more transparent. Faster
means not only speeding up throughput times but also employing smart algorithms
to make better informed decisions. Likewise, transparency can have multiple
dimensionsboth allowing more visibility and reaching out to collaborate with other
links in the chain.
Because most chemical companies have a global footprint and compete in global
markets, excellence in supply chain management is a mandate for success.
A.T. Kearney's approach to supply chain management addresses the following
areas:

Supply chain strategy: A sound supply chain strategy is closely linked to the
company's business strategy.
Customer service: Delivering customer value is the guiding principle behind
every successful supply chain, with providing differentiated customer service a
key to growth and profits.
IT enablement: IT investments often focus on "no-touch orders" when better
use of technology will improve efficiency and reduce the potential for errors.
 Lean network design: Because all demand is regional, replenishment
strategies should align to production capabilities and operate with a total-cost
perspective.
Performance management: True diagnostics are prerequisites for
performance management, with data quality a necessary enabler.
Collaboration: Cross-functional collaboration among internal and external
parties, including service providers, ensures a healthy supply chain.

No matter what state your supply chain is in today, not making choices is no longer
an option.The path to leadership is to react more quickly to market shifts and
volatility, balance costs with service levels, and secure premium margins over
competitorsall in an effort to build competitive advantage.