The SCRM Consortium, in business for 15 years, is working on a 12-month research project for the Department of Defense. This project offers a transformative approach to supply chain transparency by focusing on trust, strategic alignment, and data governance. A Minimum Viable Dataset of supply chain data elements and a Trust Matrix will provide a scalable, adaptable framework that addresses legal, technical, and cultural barriers. By fostering psychological safety and cognitive diversity, the initiative not only will enhance visibility but also strengthen collaboration and resilience across U.S. manufacturing supply chains.

With that said, the SCRM Consortium is convinced that TRUST will be a Critical Success Factor going forward in our present VUCA supply chain world. Stephen Covey has posited that trust is hard, real, and quantifiable, and affects both the speed and cost of a relationship. When trust is present, the cost to manage a relationship decreases while the speed or rate at which things are accomplished accelerates. Covey maintains further that trust is a function of both character and competence; it can be created as well as destroyed; it can be effectively taught and learned; and it can be leveraged to gain strategic advantage. And, when trust is lost, it can be reestablished, albeit at a significant cost.

Our session will touch on these threads.

·         We’ll start with a few definitions of trust.

·         Then present a quick hit profile of the major themes emerging from our 12-month Supply Chain Data Transparency/Trust project.

·         Next, we’ll provide a glimpse into the elements of the Online SC Relationship Trust Matrix, including how to enter the assessment tool.

·         We’ll conclude our discussion with a few helpful hints regarding how to build trust in the supply chain and answer any questions.