Hala takes up 21st century supply chain solutions

In a rapidly changing global economy, supply chains are increasingly faced by more complex challenges to deliver higher service levels at lower costs. Consequently more and more companies are realizing the strategic importance of their supply chain being the cornerstone of competitive advantage.

"Those companies that reform their supply chains to deliver high service levels at lower costs will find both their margins and their market shares improving. However, the process of reform while it can be piecemeal, needs to be guided by a sound and holistic strategic plan, otherwise tactical improvements simply will not yield the expected results," said Hala's General Manager Husam Al-Saleh.

While there is a serious and worldwide shortage of high level and strategic supply chain skills, research shows that those companies that have superior supply chain skills perform better on almost every success measure than those that don't. Research also shows these companies are forming strategic relationships with supply chain consulting companies and service providers to augment their own teams.

Such relationships allow clients continuous access to high level skills on a variable cost basis. In developing countries like Saudi Arabia, this strategic supply chain capability needs to be aware of both the local conditions and up to date with global best practice. Hala Consulting believes that a close and continuous relationship with clients is as important as a deep knowledge about the Kingdom's business patterns.

Accordingly, Hala Consulting works by understanding the needs of the client through a comprehensive brief, from which the scope and scale of the project is defined. Plans for increased integration, visibility, flexibility, cost reduction or service enhancement, required outcomes, anticipated timelines and costs are determined. Hala makes a commitment to the client based on these objectives. A project management team is then established, consisting of members of both the Client Company and Hala Consulting, and monthly reports record progress and alterations to the scale/scope of the project.

"Our clients end up with a virtual, but committed team of best of breed supply chain skills who will work to establish a strategic direction for supply chain and logistics reform. Partnering with the business as and when the need arises, the team is in permanent touch with the client," said Al-Saleh.

"We have assembled a team of skilled professionals who are resident in Saudi Arabia. Their experience extends across the retail, food and beverage, textiles and health, and mining industries in Saudi Arabia. The fact that we are often asked to implement our consulting solutions ensures that our advice is driven not only by theory, but also by a realistic assessment of how well it can be implemented," he added.