SCRS Conference Day 1 Session #16
Closing Remarks: Forging Resilient Paths with NextGen Strategies for Supply Chain Resilience and Brand Protection
By Mr. Matt Lee, Vice Chairman, TAPA APAC and Director of Corporate Security, Dell Technologies
As the first day of the Supply Chain Resilience and Sustainability (SCRS) Conference 2024 ends, Mr. Matt Lee, Vice Chairman of Transported Asset Protection Association Asia Pacific (TAPA APAC) and Director of Corporate Security from Dell Technologies, acknowledged the invaluable insights shared by all the earlier presenters and emphasized the critical need to embrace modernization and hyper-automation opportunities to ensure operational continuity and mitigate risks.
SCRS Conference is the annual hallmark event owned and hosted by TAPA APAC across the Asia Pacific region to highlight and advance best practices in supply chain risk management each year in addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities in supply chain security.
Matt reflected on the three core themes raised across the topics throughout the day: People, Process, and Technology. These elements are pivotal in navigating the complexities of modern supply chain management and seizing the opportunities presented by modernization and hyper-automation.
1. People: Strengthening Internal Frameworks for Operational Continuity & Risk Mitigation
Matt began by emphasizing the importance of focusing on the people element within an organization. They are the cornerstone where “honest” risk assessments are done by qualified personnel towards a robust internal framework. The fact remains that there is no way to eliminate risk entirely unless we stop doing business altogether. This stark reality underscores the need for proactive risk management strategies. He highlighted that whether referred to as business continuity planning, enterprise risk management, crisis management, or disaster recovery, the essence remains the same: Developing and implementing comprehensive plans to address specific risks present in your organization.
He stressed the need for well-crafted risk management plans, which might be termed differently across organizations, such as business continuity plans or crisis management strategies. The key is to ensure these plans are regularly reviewed and updated to remain relevant amid organizational changes and evolving threats. Integrating risk management practices across the entire organization can be challenging, particularly when balancing risk with profitability concerns. However, demonstrating how effective risk management can enhance profitability is presented as a strategic approach to gaining internal buy-in.
2. Process: Extending Security & Collaboration Across the Supply Chain
Moving beyond internal operations, Matt discussed the importance of extending risk management processes to encompass the entire supply chain. He emphasized, “Supply chain security is not just about securing the cargos but doing in an ethical and sustainable way.” This perspective involves recognizing the challenges faced by suppliers and customers and actively working to support them. The focus here is on building a secure and resilient supply chain by ensuring that every link in the chain is fortified against potential risks.
Matt highlighted the value of regular communication and collaboration with partners. Using standardized protocols, such as those provided by TAPA Standards, ensures consistency and transparency across the supply chain. TAPA Standards are internationally recognized and facilitate a uniform approach to audits and security measures. This consistency helps build trust among stakeholders, improves consistency and simplifies the entire audit process.
Matt also points out that consistent feedback based on international standards such as TAPA TSR and FSR allows suppliers and/or service providers to leverage on their customer requirements to “fight” for resources and funding necessary for their program, thereby enhancing their overall supply chain security program. This approach underscores the importance of effective communication building on a mutually beneficial partnership within the supply chain ecosystem.
3. Technology: Leveraging AI and Automation
The final focus area is technology, particularly on the rise of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) and automation in enhancing supply chain security. Matt highlighted the significance of leveraging technologies such as AI enabled solutions for big data collection/cleansing used in risk analysis and resource utilization. He emphasized the need to, “pursue automation to achieve production effectiveness, reduce costs, and lessen reliance on manpower.” AI’s capabilities in predictive analytics, real-time monitoring, and automation are highlighted as transformative tools for improving operational efficiency and security.
Matt continued with an example from Dell Technologies, where fully automated production lines are used to optimize efficiency and reduce human errors, reflecting a commitment to leveraging technology for predictable and efficient outcomes.
Strategic Recommendations for Moving Forward
Matt offered three key actionable recommendations for organizations to enhance operational resilience:
- Invest in Predictive Analytics and Real-Time Monitoring: Organizations should leverage advanced tools to proactively monitor and analyze data, helping to anticipate and address potential risks before they escalate.
- Strengthen Partnerships and Enabling Human Chains: Building and maintaining strong partnerships with suppliers, customers, and service providers is crucial. Regular engagement and dialogues often resolve matters before they escalate into bigger issues.
- Develop a Comprehensive Brand Protection Strategy: With brand protection being a critical topic, organizations should ensure they have robust strategies in place to safeguard their brand’s reputation whether you call it business continuity, crisis management or disaster recovery. An effective and well communicated strategy will protect the business in times of unpredictable events.
“The strength of TAPA Standards lies in their international recognition and applicability, unbound by geography,” Matt emphasized.
TAPA’s global standards ensure consistency and reliability across all regions, providing a robust framework for organizations to follow. He highlighted the positive trajectory of Dell’s achievements over the past two years, highlighting the significant increase in TAPA-certified auditors within the organization. By equipping internal auditors with TAPA’s best practices and stringent protocols, this ensures that companies can remain compliant and ensure their security levels are maintained each year. It is more crucial than ever for businesses to commit to high levels of resilience and standardization within their supply chain for enhanced security and operational continuity in this disruptive landscape. Matt’s keynote serves as both a reflection on the day’s discussions and a forward-looking statement on the path ahead, blending insights from people, process, and technology to drive future advancements in supply chain security.
To learn more about TAPA Standards or TAPA APAC, please visit www.tapa-apac.org or email us at info@tapa-apac.org
About the Speaker
Mr. Matt Lee
Vice Chairman, TAPA APAC
Director of Corporate Security, Dell Technologies
Sitting on the Board of TAPA APAC as Vice-Chairman, Matt is also the Director of Corporate Security at Dell Technologies, an experienced Safety and Security Leader with a demonstrated history of working in the semiconductor, energy, and technology industry. He is professionally skilled in Crisis & Risk Management, Close Protection, and Regional Security Operations. In his previous roles with MNCs, Matt was notably responsible for managing corporate operational security, security technology, risk management and cyber security. With many years of diverse experience across buyer-firms, he brings fresh perspectives and advice to the board.
Email: matt.lee@tapa-apac.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-lee-csmp%C2%AE-71a4ab29/