Inside the Minds of Supply Chain Innovators: Insights from My Career at HAVI/McDonald’s, Roche, Moen, Fortune Brands & Sherwin-Williams
Transforming a supply chain isn’t just about implementing new technologies—it’s about vision, strategy, and execution. In this interview, SCT’S Scott Saunders shares his experience working with supply chain innovators HAVI / McDonald’s, Roche Pharmaceuticals, Moen, Fortune Brands and Sherwin-Williams to shed light on the key factors behind supply chain success.
McDonald’s: Driving Efficiency with Data
McDonald’s operates one of the largest and most complex supply chains in the world. How do they maintain efficiency and consistency across so many locations?
Scott:
Success starts with real-time data. Using advanced analytics to track inventory levels, forecast demand, and manage supplier performance. For example, McDonald’s can predict sales spikes for certain menu items during events or holidays and adjust their supply chain accordingly. The key is visibility—they know what’s happening at every point in their network, from the farm to the restaurant.
What advice would you give to companies starting their supply chain transformation?
Scott:
Start by investing in the right data tools. But more importantly, build a culture where data is trusted and used to make decisions at all levels of the organization.
Roche Pharmaceuticals: Innovating for Patient Needs
Roche serves a critical role in healthcare. How do they balance efficiency with the need for precision in the supply chain?
Scott:
Roche was an early adopter of the integrated supply chain concept which has evolved today into a supply chain driven by the principle of ‘right product, right time, right place.’ To achieve this, Roche leverages AI and predictive analytics to forecast demand and ensure compliance with stringent regulatory standards.
How do you ensure your supply chain remains resilient during disruptions?
Scott:
Scenario planning is critical. Modeling potential risks—such as geopolitical events or raw material shortages—and having contingency plans ready is key. Collaboration with suppliers also plays a huge role in maintaining continuity.
Moen: Innovating Through Supplier Partnerships
Moen is known for innovation in plumbing. How does their supply chain support product innovation?
Scott:
Partnerships with suppliers are the backbone of the supply chain. At Moen, suppliers are never treated as vendors; suppliers are collaborators. By sharing data and aligning goals, Moen ensures that suppliers can meet quality and design standards for products like touchless faucets. It’s this level of collaboration that allows Moen to bring innovative products to market quickly.
What role does technology play in Moen’s supply chain?
Scott:
Technology enables visibility. By implementing platforms where suppliers can access forecasts, production schedules, and quality requirements in real time, partners operate more efficiently.
Fortune Brands: Building Resilience in a Volatile Market
How has Fortune Brands managed to stay resilient in today’s volatile market?
Scott:
Resilience starts with diversification. Working to diversify the supplier base, manufacturing strategy and logistics networks, so you are not overly reliant on any one region. Important also is using scenario planning tools to anticipate disruptions, whether it’s a geopolitical event or a natural disaster. For instance, during a period of material shortages, Fortune Brands quickly shifted sourcing to alternative suppliers, ensuring minimal impact on operations.
What advice would you give to companies struggling with supply chain disruptions?
Scott:
Invest in flexibility. That could mean building relationships with multiple suppliers or integrating technologies that allow you to pivot quickly when the unexpected happens.
Sherwin-Williams: Embedding Sustainability into Supply Chain Practices
By investing in visibility over twenty years ago, the Sherwin-Williams supply chain has continued to evolve. Can you build on this?
Scott: Sherwin-Williams invested in data management systems and visibility over twenty years ago and continued to develop an integrated supply chain even with many acquisitions and business growth. They always focus on getting the right information into the hands of their decision makers.
Sherwin-Williams has a solid focus on sustainability. Since you left, how have they have integrated sustainability into their supply chain?
Scott:
They do a good job of focusing on sustainability across the entire supply chain—from sourcing raw materials to product packaging. And they work closely with suppliers to ensure ingredients meet environmental standards and are careful to invest in processes that reduce waste during production.
Build a Future-Ready Supply Chain with SCT
Throughout his career, Scott has led supply chain transformations for McDonald’s, Roche, Moen, Fortune Brands and Sherwin-Williams. Across industries, common themes have emerged: leveraging data, fostering collaboration, embracing technology, building resilience, and prioritizing sustainability. These principles are key to developing efficient, future-ready supply chains. Scott and SCT is here to support your journey now. Let’s talk!