As the Managing Partner at Dr. Partsch & Partner, Dr. Wolfgang M. Partsch stands as a true pioneer in the realm of Supply Chain Management. Internationally recognized as a thought leader in this field, Dr. Partsch has played a pivotal role in the development of numerous innovative Supply Chain concepts. His legacy includes being the Project Manager of the world’s first recorded Supply Chain Management project, marking a historic milestone in the evolution of this crucial business discipline.
Boasting an extensive career, Dr. Partsch brings unparalleled expertise in integrating and coordinating entire Supply Chains on an international scale. With over one hundred major projects spanning approximately 20 countries, his leadership has consistently delivered performance and profit improvements amounting to several billions of Euros.
Dr. Partsch’s commitment to innovation is evident in his pursuit of creating breakthroughs that not only benefit the economy but also contribute to environmental sustainability. He is known for striving beyond incremental improvements, focusing on genuine breakthroughs that redefine the landscape of Supply Chain Management. This dedication to pioneering ideas is well-captured in his latest book, ‘Breakthrough Supply Chains’ (www.breakthroughsupplychains.org), where he shares insights into transformative concepts.
Always at the forefront of developments, Dr. Partsch’s forward-thinking mindset has occasionally placed him ahead of his time, such as in the creation of Supply Chain Management in 1980 and Supply Chain Risk Management in 2000. His passion lies in finding and implementing creative new ideas and business approaches that outperform established processes, rooted in a vast experience with proven fundamentals.
Pioneering Excellence
Established in 1983, Dr. Partsch & Partner (DPP) is a pioneering advisory company focused on Supply Chain Management (SCM). Dr. Partsch and his Partners played a vital role in shaping the SCM movement since its early days in the 1980s. DPP has been instrumental in helping numerous global enterprises enhance their operational performance.
As a pioneer and founder of the SCM movement, Dr. Partsch has introduced many innovations that are now widely implemented across thousands of companies. Recently, Dr. Partsch received two global awards recognizing his significant contributions to the SCM domain: TOP 10 Supply Chain Influencer and TOP 50 Who’s Who of the Industries.
DPP stands out as an extraordinary advisory firm, distinct from traditional consulting companies or software firms. Dr. Partsch’s extensive experience spanning decades in the SCM business ensures that clients receive measurable results and achieve success through the firm’s guidance.
Evolution Over Four Decades
In 1979, Dr. Partsch conceived the initial vision for Supply Chain Management (SCM). Describing this visionary moment, he often says, “I had a dream!” The dream was of products, information, cash, and processes seamlessly flowing without barriers from raw materials at one end to end-consumers at the other end, creating a continuous and unimpeded pipeline.
This vision materialized into the concept of Supply Chain Management, a term coined by Dr. Partsch and his team. In 1980, they initiated the first assignment in Switzerland, successfully implementing the Pan-European Supply Chain Strategy and laying the foundation for this emerging business art.
Dr. Partsch, as the project manager, played a pivotal role in developing the fundamentals of Supply Chain Management, propelling it into a well-established discipline. After years of breakthrough thinking and innovation, Dr. Partsch is now eager to share his wealth of experience with the next generations. He envisions their contribution to the continued growth and development of “his baby,” as Supply Chain Management evolves rapidly in the new era while maintaining its timeless fundamentals for the next hundred years.
Landscape of Achievements
It took approximately 40 years for Dr. Partsch’s visionary concept to transform into a tangible reality. Presently, advancements in information technologies, including Cloud Computing, extensive storage capacities, internet connectivity, and high-speed processing, have made it feasible to achieve comprehensive visibility and control over end-to-end supply chains.
Dr. Partsch reflects on the current state of achievement, observing the motivation within his team to deliver optimal results in their respective roles within the firm and client project teams. Engaging in discussions with partners and clients, they explore breakthroughs in Supply Chain and Operations Strategies, fostering a collaborative approach to drive innovation in the field.
Vision for Leadership in Supply Chain Management
Dr. Partsch emphasizes the continuous pursuit of growth and leadership development in supply chain management through forward-thinking and breakthrough strategies. He stresses the importance of maintaining a holistic view of the company and market dynamics, avoiding getting bogged down by singular operative tasks. Dr. Partsch believes this broad perspective is better suited for functional experts.
Dr. Partsch advocates for the courage to explore unconventional paths and embrace discomfort in order to secure pole positions against competitors. Dr. Partsch discourages relying solely on best practices and imitating leaders, as this may only result in being a follower rather than an industry leader.
In his evaluation of potential leaders, Dr. Partsch identifies two critical characteristics often overlooked: psychological tact for effective people management and the ability to serve as a role model in all aspects of one’s actions. He believes that true leadership is demonstrated through these qualities.
Unlocking Success in ‘Waste-to-Energy’
Dr. Partsch emphasizes the critical role of seamless End-to-End Supply Chain Management solutions in the context of new technologies for alternative energies and environmental protection. He highlights the challenge faced by many startups in the environmental technology sector, where there is often a gap in operational expertise. To succeed, these companies need to ensure that their supply chain functions seamlessly and in real-time. Dr. Partsch points out the potential for significant success in the “Waste-to-Energy” business with the right integrated supply chain, capable of creating a multi-billion-dollar business within a few years. However, he notes that finding the right experts in this field is a rare but crucial factor for success.
Advocates for Team Excellence
Dr. Partsch underscores the importance of cultivating effective teams, emphasizing that well-organized teams with thoughtfully selected members tend to outperform a similar number of individuals. He cautions against relying solely on heroics or individual efforts, noting that individuals driven by egoism can pose a significant risk to the team’s spirit, and in some cases, to an entire division or organization. The emphasis is on fostering a collaborative and cohesive team environment for optimal performance.
Strategic Imperatives for HR Leaders
Dr. Partsch offers valuable advice to individuals stepping into leadership roles for the first time. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative influences, as individuals with a negative mindset tend to focus on problems rather than solutions. Instead, he recommends approaching problems and tasks comprehensively, addressing them from end to end. This strategic approach helps in making informed decisions and contributes to effective leadership.
