Free eBook

The Multi-Enterprise Supply Chain Business Network Guidebook

How a multi-enterprise supply chain business network (MESCBN) can deliver measurable operational improvements, what stands in the way, and a three-step approach to getting started.

Format: PDF eBook

Covers: 2 Barriers, 3 Steps

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Download the guidebook and plan your multi-enterprise approach.

What's Inside

Coordinating work that crosses company lines

Supply chain executives face a familiar dilemma: improve customer service levels while outsourcing more of their packaging and manufacturing. Gartner defines Multi-Enterprise Supply Chain Business Networks (MESCBNs) as "cohesive technology platforms that support a community of trading partners that need to coordinate and execute on business processes that extend across multiple enterprises." These networks move a brand from an inward, enterprise-centric view to an outside-in approach to working with partners.

This guidebook explains what MESCBN platforms do and why they matter today, names the two barriers that most often hold organizations back (difficulty connecting to supply partners and inadequate collaboration technology), and lays out a three-step approach to a successful initiative. Download the guide, then see how Nulogy Supplier Collaboration connects a brand's planning system to real-time data from its co-packers and contract manufacturers.

The case for multi-enterprise networks

Additional revenue from investments in supply chain visibility, according to PwC research

Lower costs from investments in supply chain visibility, according to PwC research

40%

Faster commercialization for externally sourced innovations than home-grown ideas, according to McKinsey

60%

Of outsourced manufacturing volume onboarded within 3 months at the CPG brand in the guidebook's success story

Inside the Guide

Inside the guidebook

In the guidebook's order: what an MESCBN is, why it matters, the two barriers, the three steps, and the value at the end.

What an MESCBN Is

Gartner's definition, and how these platforms, run by third-party software vendors, give brands and their partners shared capabilities like near real-time data visibility, easy partner onboarding, in-app collaboration and analytics.

Why MESCBNs Matter Today

Most activity data sits outside the enterprise, applications aren't connected, and engaging every partner takes time. Enterprise-centric processes lead to delayed partner updates, firefighting and manual decisions.

Barrier 1: Difficulty Connecting to Supply Partners

Some partners still run their shop floors on pen and paper or disconnected systems, while others use a mix of solutions with inconsistent process and data standards.

Barrier 2: Inadequate Collaboration Technology

Limited tools, such as modules built into or bolted onto an ERP, and error-prone spreadsheets can't support real-time visibility or process collaboration across companies.

Step 1: Assess Your Partners

Assess each partner's capabilities and their technology and organizational readiness, then use the results to build a collaboration vision and a work plan.

Step 2: Implement and Connect Your First Partners

Put an MESCBN platform in place with a first set of partners to develop the data standards, processes, skills and metrics you'll use as the rest of the network joins.

Step 3: Keep Driving Partnering and Process Change

Continue strategic partnering and multi-enterprise process changes that build resilience and agility, and set up a cycle of continuous improvement.

The Value of MESCBNs

The gains that come once the end-to-end supply chain is visible, including inventory reductions, better forecast accuracy, higher perfect order rates, and faster response to disruptions and new product introductions.

Common Questions

MESCBN Guidebook FAQ

1What does the guide cover?

What MESCBNs are and why they are important today, two common barriers to multi-enterprise operations (difficulty connecting to supply partners and inadequate collaboration technology), and a three-step approach: assess your partners, implement a platform with a first set of partners, and keep driving partnering and process change. The guidebook also covers platform capabilities, a CPG success story and the value MESCBNs deliver.

2Who is this guide for?

Supply chain executives at FMCG brands who are outsourcing more packaging and manufacturing and need better ways to coordinate with co-packers, contract manufacturers and other trading partners.

3What is a Multi-Enterprise Supply Chain Business Network?

Gartner defines MESCBNs as "cohesive technology platforms that support a community of trading partners that need to coordinate and execute on business processes that extend across multiple enterprises."

4What does an outside-in approach to collaboration mean?

Traditional supply chains run enterprise-centric processes on mostly internal data, which leads to delayed partner updates and firefighting. An outside-in approach brings partner data and processes into daily planning and execution, so decisions reflect what is happening across the whole network.

5What results does the guidebook's success story show?

A multi-billion-dollar household and personal care brand onboarded suppliers representing 60% of its outsourced manufacturing volume within 3 months, and more than 100 manufacturing partners within a year. The brand also reported higher OTIF performance and a lighter workload for its partner management team.

6How does Nulogy Supplier Collaboration support a multi-enterprise approach?

Nulogy Supplier Collaboration connects a brand's planning system to real-time capacity, inventory and production status across every co-packer and contract manufacturer, with order and forecast collaboration and shared item and BOM data. Suppliers don't need to buy new software, and supplier commitments flow into planning platforms like Kinaxis Maestro.