Resilience has emerged as a critical competitive advantage for modern retail. In an environment where disruptions are no longer transient phenomena but a structural feature of the market, strategic supply chain management determines operational success and sustainable growth.
In the context of the 19th Supply Chain & Logistics EXPO, Panagiotis Karampetsos, Regional Supply Chain Manager of FOURLIS Group, analysed how digital logistics and proactive planning are transforming from an operational necessity into a strategic advantage, especially in multinational networks with different geographical and purchasing specificities.
Resilience as a strategic capability
As he emphasised, supply chain volatility is no longer the exception but the rule. Pressures on retail margins do not allow for the absorption of uncertainty, making resilience a strategic capability rather than a cost. In this context, the ability to adapt quickly becomes more valuable than simple speed of execution.
The role of visibility in the supply chain
The central point of the presentation was the concept of visibility. As Karampetsos underlined, visibility concerns the real-time understanding of flows, constraints and risks, allowing for early warning instead of delayed reaction. “You cannot manage a risk that you cannot see,” he noted.
Presenting the example of Intersport, he highlighted how enhancing visibility into incoming flows - with multiple countries of origin and strong seasonality - led to a transition from reactive execution to proactive planning and better decisions in both planning and implementation.
From data to predictive planning
However, data without planning is of no value. Moving to dynamic, scenario-based planning allows for the correct placement of inventory closer to demand and the creation of reserves “where they are really needed.”
Collaborative design and resilience at scale
Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of collaboration between retailers, suppliers and 3PL providers. Joint planning, shared forecasts and transparency in constraints replace the logic of penalties and silos, enabling faster and more effective decisions under pressure.
In summary, Karampetsos highlighted four constants: visibility before optimization, planning before execution, collaboration instead of isolated silos, and local flexibility within regional governance.
As he concluded, "the most resilient supply chains don't just react to disruptions, they adapt faster than they evolve."
(Source: InBusinessNews)
