The Gartner Supply Chain Podcast

Demystify Transformations Through Designed Simplicity

Episode Summary

As employees cope with unprecedented amounts of change, the complexity and ambiguity that supply chain transformations introduce threaten to overwhelm them. This episode of the Supply Chain Podcast explores how supply chain leaders can combat this challenge through “designed simplicity.”

Episode Notes

Host Thomas O’Connor and guest Ryan Polk, a Gartner senior research director, explore the concept of demystifying supply chain transformations through “designed simplicity.” They outline the benefits of removing layers of complexity and ambiguity from transformation processes to help staff better cope with today’s unparalleled rate of change, and highlight successful examples from Cargill and Bayer. The pair close the show with actionable recommendations for supply chain leaders who want to implement this approach in their own organizations, and the benefits for doing so.

This episode explores:

• Definitions for “designed simplicity.” (1:08)
• How the increased rate of change pushes organizations toward this approach. (3:36)
• Where to begin implementing designed simplicity. (5:31)
• Tangible, real-world examples from Bayer and Cargill. (9:05)
• Actionable guidance for supply chain leaders pursuing designed simplicity in their own organizations. (14:01)

Host Thomas O’Connor and guest Ryan Polk, a Gartner senior research director, explore the concept of demystifying supply chain transformations through “designed simplicity.” They outline the benefits of removing layers of complexity and ambiguity from transformation processes to help staff better cope with today’s unparalleled rate of change, and highlight successful examples from Cargill and Bayer. The pair close the show with actionable recommendations for supply chain leaders who want to implement this approach in their own organizations, and the benefits for doing so.