Consumer products company

One of our clients, Dan, the COO of a Consumer products company, and his team recognized that their ability to navigate future challenges greatly depends on augmenting conventional technologies with data-driven innovations.

Dan engaged with us to evaluate and rethink their workforce to cost-effectively meet their current and future needs. This company traditionally employed hundreds of people to monitor supply-chain activities to ensure that the right products are delivered to the right places at the right time. Before COVID-19 took hold, we worked with them to employ predictive analytics powered by real-time point-of-sale, manufacturing, and logistics data that changed how work would be done and by whom. However, the pandemic required a massive downsizing to survive. Now, this client must reevaluate the work that needs to be done, the necessary competencies for the job, and the talent they need to attract. Since these are primarily technology-enabled roles, many can work remotely.

Dan started with supply-chain operations to test the impact of big data analytics and digitization on the company's strategy and competitiveness. Like most other companies, they had relied on seasoned Managers to oversee the process. When issues arose, the management developed mitigation plans based on their personal experience and was informed by the data collected from experience. These managers played a business-critical role at this company.

The advent of supply chain optimization, combined with AI, machine learning, and analytics, meant that the company could make better and faster decisions using a broader range of more accessible data sources and data science expertise. Accordingly, Dan and his team began experimenting with advanced analytics and machine learning across the organization, using data analytics tools. The workforce started using AI-enabled tools, incorporating 50-plus years of experience to identify ways of improving productivity.

Integrating technology into day-to-day work meant that this company's definition of critical skills had changed. Data scientists, experienced managers, and employees who can make data-driven decisions have become crucial to the company's success. Starting in 2018, this company established a dedicated group of data analysts. This team is now responsible for spreading data analytics and other digital skills across the organization.

Rethinking business-critical skills contributed to the company's growing perception as an innovator in the consumer product industry. As your company emerges from the pandemic, you should consider the capabilities that will be critical in the future, not only today.