LogiPharma USA 2024: A Synopsis of the “Conveying Key Goals and Strategies Across the Value Chain” Panel

At this year’s LogiPharma USA conference in Boston, a panel titled “Conveying Key Goals and Strategies Across the Value Chain,” discussed how collaborating with distributors and other logistical partners takes consistent and clear communication across the vast systems and networks that the pharmaceutical industry operates in. In an interview with Pharma Commerce, Lucy Alexander, capabilities lead, global supply chain and strategy, AstraZeneca, and a participant of the panel, offered a synopsis of the panel and spoke of challenges in communication across the value chain.

PC: You were a part of the “Conveying Key Goals and Strategies Across the Value Chain” panel. Can you provide a brief synopsis of what it entailed?

Alexander: I think it's a core subject, particularly in this form and this environment where we have people from a lot of different companies, vendors, etc. We’re really talking about the whole sort of network and ecosystem of supply and having aligned goals, objectives, and strategies across that ecosystem. If you don’t have those things, then you’ll quickly find that people are shooting off in different directions. People think they're executing, and then when you get into it, you realize that they didn't really understand the context and the why of what you are asking them to do. It goes all the way from corporate strategy to cascading all the way through into individual goals and objectives for people in the organization, so that they really understand what it is we're all trying to achieve and how we're trying to achieve it.

Full Interview Summary: The panel on conveying key goals and strategies across the supply chain emphasized the importance of alignment throughout the supply ecosystem. Misaligned goals can lead to confusion, with teams misunderstanding both the "what" and the "why" of tasks. Ensuring clear communication from corporate strategy down to individual objectives is essential for successful execution, not only within the organization but also across partnerships. Effective collaboration with partners is crucial, particularly in aligning priorities and understanding the drivers behind strategic decisions. Regular and transparent communication helps partners proactively adjust when business dynamics change.

In addressing supply chain conflicts, the panel noted the frequent occurrence of conflicting priorities. Organizations may have diverse focuses, such as cost reduction or digital transformation, which can create tension when balancing these against other objectives. The key to resolving these conflicts is transparency, ongoing communication, and a mutual understanding of each other's goals. In some cases, compromises can be made, or creative solutions may emerge to meet a majority of the objectives.

The speaker also shared an example of effective communication in supply chain management, where understanding operational constraints led to more collaborative problem-solving. This approach underscored the speaker’s belief in the role of supply chain management as a mediator between different organizational needs.

As the supply chain landscape evolves, skills like storytelling, negotiation, and trust-building will become increasingly important. Simplifying complex situations through storytelling can help align stakeholders, while negotiation ensures win-win solutions. Finally, building trust, especially in an increasingly digital world, remains a critical component of successful partnerships.