Firms are being urged to integrate product and process optimisation programmes with their supply chains to boost efficiency.
Kevin O'Marah, group vice president at AMR Research, said the move would help businesses to deliver improved services to clients and consumers.
He said by "consciously managing and shaping demand from a customer" firms could fine tune their supply chains, which has now "grown up".
"New data shows that supply chain reports to manufacturing in only six per cent of companies surveyed, while 61 per cent have the head of supply chain reporting directly the chief executive officer, general manager or president... it seems clear that supply chain has grown up and the business has taken notice," Mr O'Marah revealed.
The comments come in the wake of AMR's publication of the Supply Chain Top 25, which saw Apple claim top spot for the third year in a row.
It was a good year for IT companies in general, with a further six featuring in the list.
If you are interested in learning more about supply chain, visit our Service pages.
