Supply chain skills key to small business survival

“Small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) have a crucial role to play in the national economy as employers that can fight the country’s dire unemployment rate and drivers of inclusive economic growth,” says SAPICS president MJ Schoemaker.

She adds that a major factor in the growth and development of SMMEs is an understanding of operations and supply chain management best practices… but they are falling short, and this is where big business needs to step up.

“Small businesses have so many responsibilities and so many things to consider, that the essential supply chain function is often overlooked. But this is increasingly important in today’s complex and volatile business environment – it can make or break the business,” Schoemaker emphasises.

She says that there is a solution, in the form of the SAPICS training and support programme for SMMEs. A vital lifeline for small businesses that must navigate the turbulent supply chain landscape, the SAPICS Small Business Hub is also a valuable conduit for corporate businesses to support SMMEs and participate in the development of their suppliers.

With this in mind, SAPICS is urging corporates to sponsor Small Business Hub membership for their suppliers. “Businesses can earn Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) points, while empowering and uplifting SMMEs and upskilling their own supplier base,” Schoemaker expands.

“Usually, the training for SMMEs focuses on aspects such as marketing and finance, leaving operational skills undeveloped. To survive and thrive, SMMEs need to address the knowledge gaps that exist, including in supply chain management,” she continues.

For an annual membership fee, SMMEs can join the SAPICS Small Business Hub and reap the benefits of skills development and knowledge sharing activities like workshops and webinars. They can expand their professional network and have regular face-to-face and online interaction with the SAPICS supply chain community across Africa. They can also enjoy discounted registration fees for industry events, including the annual SAPICS Conference – the leading event in Africa for the supply chain profession.

The topics covered in SAPICS’s skills development events specifically for SMMEs include introductions to supply chain management, demand planning, and sales and operations planning. Case studies and success stories are covered and SMMEs receive advice from industry leaders. Accredited education programmes are also offered and can be sponsored by corporates to grow and develop their suppliers. These programmes focus on specific aspects of supply chain management – such as warehouse control, inventory replenishment principles, operational planning and scheduling, lean manufacturing principles, and supply chain and materials management – as well as general entrepreneurial topics like business management and basic finance.

Additionally, a SAPICS SMME Support Line enables small business owners to get advice and assistance.

“When it comes to reaping the benefits of supply chain optimisation – including efficiency enhancements and cost savings – SMMEs are being left behind. We can change this, though, and corporates have a role to play,” Schoemakerconcludes.

For more information on the SAPICS Small Business Hub, visit: https://www.sapics.org/sapics-small-business-hub-members