A clunky supply chain can choke your business—I’ve seen it happen. With over 20+ years in finance and consulting, from cutting $55M in costs at Kemper to boosting profitability by 30% at AIG, I’ve learned that supply chain optimization is a powerhouse for cost efficiency and speed. At Consultgenix, we’ve helped clients hit 12% efficiency gains by tightening this lifeline. Let’s dive into how you can streamline yours—because in today’s race, a lean supply chain isn’t optional; it’s essential.
Why Your Supply Chain Matters
Your supply chain’s more than logistics—it’s your pulse. I felt that at PepsiCo, where smooth ops kept shelves stocked and customers happy. At AIG, managing $900M in premiums, delays in vendor sync cost us—until we fixed it.
It’s brutal: A Deloitte study says supply chain hiccups can cut profits by 10%. But flip that—streamline it- and you save cash and time. At Kemper, $55M in savings came partly from sharper ops. A tight chain keeps you competitive.
The Cost and Speed Connection
Efficiency drives everything. At AIG, outsourcing to Bogota slashed $4M annually—speeding delivery, cutting overhead. At Consultgenix, 12% efficiency for a healthcare client meant faster supplies, lower costs.
It’s a duo: Slow chains bloat inventories—cash sits idle. Costly chains eat margins—vendors overcharge. Streamline both, and you’re not just saving—you’re accelerating. I’ve seen it lift NPS scores at AIG—clients notice.
A Real-World Win: $55M Savings at Kemper
Let’s rewind to 2022 at Kemper Insurance. I was Director of Business Intelligence, and our supply chain was a mess—vendor delays, excess stock, ops dragging. It was bleeding cash in the Auto and Life divisions.
I took charge. We mapped it with Power BI, spotting bottlenecks- and synced it with Workday Adaptive Planning to cut waste. We renegotiated vendor terms, trimmed lead times, and aligned procurement. The result? $55M in savings in one year—cash flowed, ops sped up. It wasn’t magic—it was method.
Tools to Streamline Your Chain
I’m a tools guy—because they turn chaos into control. At AIG, SAP tracked $900M in flow—$40M debt cut followed. At Consultgenix, Tableau helps clients see supply gaps; 12% efficiency proves it.
Here’s my kit:
- Analytics: Power BI or Looker—I’ve tracked delays with both.
- ERP: SAP or NetSuite—kept Kemper’s $55M win tight.
- Planning: Anaplan or Oracle—Consultgenix clients use these for speed.
Pick what fits—small firms can start lean, but big ones need heft. Tools don’t fix chains—they focus them.
Steps to Optimize Your Supply Chain
Ready to streamline? Here’s my playbook, forged from PwC to now:
- Map the Mess: See every step—I’ve audited this at Aetna for 100% compliance.
- Cut Delays: Slash lead times—$4M at AIG started here.
- Negotiate Smart: Vendor costs—I’ve trimmed them since Lehman.
- Leverage Data: Spot inefficiencies—I’ve used Power BI at Kemper for this.
- Keep It Tight: Regular checks—30+ at AIG stayed sharp this way.
This isn’t theory—it’s what I’ve done. At Consultgenix, we’ve applied this to clients, turning supply snarls into savings.
The Human Side of Supply Chains
Let’s get real: Chains are people, not just pallets. I’ll never forget a Kemper ops lead who said, “Derrek, $55M means we’re not scrambling.” Or an AIG vendor who grinned when Bogota hit—“You made us faster,” he said.
That’s what drives me. I’ve led nine reps to 16% growth, 30+ to a $54M turnaround—every time, a lean chain lifted them. It’s not about logistics—it’s about lives running smoother.
Why This Matters Now
Supply chains are under fire—disruptions spike, costs soar, speed’s king. I’ve navigated recessions at Lehman and booms at AIG. Today, with global snarls and impatient clients, a slow chain sinks you. Streamline it, and you’re not just saving—you’re winning.
Think about your chain. Is it costing you? Could it run faster? That’s where business consulting shines—turning links into leverage.
Let’s Optimize Your Supply Chain
Streamlining your supply chain for cost and speed isn’t a chore—it’s a chance. With decades in business consulting, I’ve helped companies save big and move fast. At Consultgenix, we’re all about chains that deliver—for you and your future.
If you’re ready to cut costs and boost speed with supply chain optimization, I’d love to talk. Reach out to derrek@consultgenix.com to discuss your strategy. Let’s keep your business flowing—together.