Can you believe it? The last time we compiled a list of supply chain book recommendations was in 2016 in our blog, 6 Books Every Supply Chain Professional Must Read. Back then, the world of supply chain in a pre-covid world looked quite different. Following the lessons learned from the supply chain disruptions of the pandemic, governments and businesses are discussing supply chains in a whole new light—with a focus on resiliency and sustainability.
That’s why we’ve compiled a new list of six highly recommended supply chain books from our team, to help you navigate supply chain management and resiliency in 2023 and beyond.
#1 Flow: How the Best Supply Chains Thrive (2022)
When supply chains don’t flow—like in 2020 during the pandemic—problems occur, such as shortages, medical emergencies, and economic shutdowns. “Flow: How the Best Supply Chains Thrive” provides a framework for ensuring continuity of supply and explores the future of supply chains in a post-pandemic world. This book is co-authored by Tom Linton, an esteemed Resilinc advisory board member with an extensive international industrial background in procurement and supply chain management, including experience with Flex, LG Electronics, IBM, and Agere Systems that span over three decades.
Here’s what our CEO Bindiya Vakil had to say about “Flow”:
“Our supply chains are failing to keep up with our new world, where decades of established norms are shifting at unprecedented speeds. Tom and Rob have laid out the blueprint for how we can evolve our organizations to harness the unprecedented access to data, technology and innovation we now have. At a time when business leaders are trying to use up valuable cash for just-in-case inventories, they have shown us how SPEED, resulting from deeper visibility and stronger supplier relationships across tiers, can create fast-flowing supply chains that actually free up cash. A must-read for business leaders.“
#2 The New (Ab)Normal: Reshaping Business and Supply Chain Strategy Beyond Covid-19 (2020)
MIT Professor Yossi Sheffi delves into how the pandemic changed supply chains in his book, “The New (Ab)Normal: Reshaping Business and Supply Chain Strategy Beyond Covid-19”. Sheffi’s book offers insights into how companies can adapt to these changes by becoming more resilient and better equipped to handle uncertainty. Sheffi provides solutions for companies to quickly manage disruptions by creating a robust immune system to respond quickly to large-scale disruptions. Overall, Sheffi’s book emphasizes the importance of flexibility and agility in managing the chaos of the pandemic and preparing for the future.
“In the early stages of the pandemic, demand surged, and production halted in many parts of the world. In his fresh and insightful book, Yossi Sheffi examines how supply chains flexed in response to these challenges—and how the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to shape the business landscape into the future. It is a must-read for anyone seeking insights into how to lead during this abnormal time and beyond” — Thomas J. Donohue, CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
#3 Uncertainty Advantage: Leadership Lessons for Turning Risk Outside-In (2017)
How can leaders turn uncertainty into opportunity? In “Uncertainty Advantage: Leadership Lessons for Turning Risk Outside-In” Gary Lynch dives into the details of turning risk into distinct market advantage. Lynch explores compelling decade-long case studies from companies that successfully navigated risks, such as Starbucks, and Intel. Lynch teaches readers how to create new products and revenue streams, improve margins through more efficient allocation of risk investments, and provide distinct market advantage via greater speed to market.
Lynch drives home an important message, “You cannot manage risk, you can only navigate uncertainty.” This message highlights the shift in mindset across supply chain from supply chain risk management (SCRM) to supply chain resilience. What’s the difference between SCRM and supply chain resilience? Learn the difference in our blog: Supply Chain Risk Management & Supply Chain Resilience: Is There a Difference?
#4 Supply Chain Management for Dummies — The Third Edition (2023)
You might be surprised to find “Supply Chain Management for Dummies” in our recommended reading, but we believe that this book is a valuable resource for both beginners and professionals in the field. The newest edition, authored by Supply Chain Management Professor Daniel Stanton, offers insights that reflect the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the supply chain landscape. What we appreciate about this book is its coverage of the most advanced technologies, data-driven optimization techniques, and innovative methods for mitigating risks.
Stanton also provides a detailed discussion of practices that foster diversity and expand resilience when addressing supply chain disruptions. Whether you’re looking for a refresher on fundamental concepts or seeking to stay informed about the latest industry trends, we recommend giving this comprehensive guide a read.
#5 Supply Chain Revolution (2023)
In “The Supply Chain Revolution,” author Suman Sarkar, who holds more than two decades of experience in international consulting and strategic supply chain management, delves into strategies for succeeding in an ever-changing business world. An increasing number of companies fail annually due to old-school approaches to supply chain management. Currently, once-leading companies like Walmart, Pfizer, HP, and The Gap are struggling while other companies succeed. The key factor is the way company leaders perceive their supply chain. While some see it as a means to cut expenses, others consider it a tool to exceed competitors.
Sarkar’s book, published in January of this year, is a valuable guide for those in supply chain leadership positions looking to make more successful alliances and streamline their operational strategy. Through sharing practical solutions and real-life examples, The Supply Chain Revolution delves into the complexities of sourcing and logistics in today’s highly competitive marketplace.
#6 The LIVING Supply Chain: The Evolving Imperative of Operating in Real Time (2017)
Here is another great read co-authored by our advisory board member, Tom Linton. The Living Supply Chain: The Evolving Imperative of Operating in Real Time defines the new age of supply chain as the “LIVING” era: Live, Intelligent, Velocity, Interactive, Networked, and Good. Using this compass for managing supply chain, Tom Linton and Robert B. Handfield explain how velocity and visibility hold the key to taking advantage of the new frontier of digital mobile and cloud-based technologies.
Linton also discusses the importance of becoming more sustainable and adapting to customer needs, using these “new rules of supply chain management.” The authors both look into their years of experience across multiple companies for this fresh take on supply chain that Yossi Sheffi described as “ …a fascinating journey through the future of supply chain management … a must-read for every supply chain professional.”
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After reading these top supply chain book recommendations, you’ll be equipped with the latest supply chain management knowledge and tools. The supply chain is changing, and so should your mindset about risk and resiliency. We hope these books will help you navigate risk and turn it into opportunity within your company.
Craving more up-to-date supply chain content? For your next read, check out Resilinc’s annual report: Turbulence. Inside we cover exclusive EventWatchAI disruption data, analysis of last year’s trending topics, and expert perspective on the state of the supply chain. Download the report here: Turbulence: 2020 Annual Report.
