Trium

Background

Our client, a major general merchandiser, had decided to address mounting competition by sourcing more of their products directly from manufacturers. At the same time, leadership had grown concerned about their operation's environmental and social impact around the world, as well about that of their supply chain, especially in the developing countries where many source manufacturers are located. Rather than merely stepping-up factory compliance efforts, our client wanted to revolutionize their fundamental approach. The goal: partner with suppliers equally committed to producing quality products with minimal environmental impact on all fronts: production, packaging, shipping, consumption and waste. The mandate:

• Change thinking, processes and structures
• Equip buyers with effective sourcing protocols
• Enact procedures to qualify suppliers overseas while encouraging socially and environmentally sustainable processes and products.

Trium's Approach

The client first launched this effort in their apparel supply chain, engaging Trium to help develop the vision and operational plan. The initiative would:

• Preclude the use of any incremental resources
• Create a culture in which sustainability was valued
• Mandate cross-team performance
• Break down traditional functional and geographic silos
• Cultivate long-term planning and rapid-execution skills.

Working with a cross-section of apparel organization leaders, NGOs and thought leaders, Trium facilitated vision and strategy development, introduced world-class subject matter expertise on global trade and supply chain trends, and helped establish cross-functional project teams to explore specific strategies, develop plans and identify implementation resources. Apparel leadership met periodically with Trium to reinforce commitment to the vision and brainstorm ways to introduce these changes throughout the rest of the organization.

Client Impact

The client is now clear on the strategies, structures, and capabilities for integrating sustainability principles into their sourcing operations. A new organizational model supports expanding capabilities without a commensurate increase in resources. Through ongoing implementation, the client is evolving from a staid governance model to a more effective and integrated one that values the collective wisdom of the organization.

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