Supply Chain is a challenging, complex and difficult field. Not only that but its success or failure will determine the simultaneously determine the success or failure of any and every organization.
Whether a company is big or small, and whether they are dealing with tactical or strategic issues, the enormous importance of Supply Chain means that companies often need to reach out for external expertise to help them address these challenges.
In that vein, here are our list, and the lists of others, of the top Supply Chain consulting firms in the world to help anyone on their journey.
The firms listed below specialize in analyzing and optimizing supply chain processes, helping businesses achieve operational excellence. In this article we will explore the top 10 supply chain consulting firms in the world. Further we have included a table with the rankings of the top 10 consultants, for comparison, as declared by other organizations.
We should also note that as difficult as Supply Chain currently is, it will only become more complex in the future as companies progress to implementing the Digital Supply Chain of the future, and the myriad of technologies and processes and the intricate integration required to make this future vision a reality.
As we’ve noted previously most companies won’t have the internal and expertise to implement that vision of the future. As such they will have to hire external firms to facilitate the manifestation of that future. This is what we call Supply Chain as a Service, or SCaaS, and is what these (and other) expert firms can offer.
1. McKinsey and Company
McKinsey & Company is a global management consulting firm renowned for its expertise in supply chain management. With a vast network of consultants, McKinsey provides strategic advice on optimizing supply chain operations, inventory management, logistics, and procurement. The firm has helped numerous organizations enhance their efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
2. Bain & Company
Bain & Company is another leading supply chain consulting firm known for its focus on delivering impactful results. With a client-centric approach, Bain assists companies in designing and implementing supply chain strategies that align with their business goals. The firm’s expertise includes supply chain network design, demand forecasting, and end-to-end process optimization.
3.Deloitte
Deloitte is a multinational professional services firm that offers a broad range of consulting services, including supply chain management. Deloitte’s supply chain practice helps companies improve operational performance, enhance collaboration with suppliers and customers, and implement digital solutions for real-time visibility and analytics. Their deep industry knowledge and global presence make them a trusted partner for organizations seeking supply chain transformation.
4. Accenture
Accenture is a global consulting and professional services firm that provides end-to-end supply chain consulting solutions. Accenture’s capabilities span strategic sourcing, demand planning, logistics optimization, and digital supply chain transformation. Leveraging advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain, Accenture assists businesses in building resilient and agile supply chains.
5. Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
BCG is a renowned management consulting firm that offers supply chain expertise to clients worldwide. BCG’s supply chain practice focuses on improving operational efficiency, supply chain strategy, and digitalization. The firm employs advanced analytics and automation to help companies achieve better visibility, reduce costs, and enhance customer experience.
6. KPMG
KPMG is one of the “Big Four” accounting and consulting firms, providing comprehensive supply chain consulting services. KPMG’s offerings include supply chain strategy, inventory optimization, distribution network design, and sustainable supply chain solutions. They assist clients in developing robust supply chain strategies that align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
7. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
PwC is another prominent member of the “Big Four” accounting firms, offering a wide range of supply chain consulting services. PwC’s supply chain practice focuses on helping organizations improve their end-to-end supply chain operations, optimize costs, and implement digital solutions. They specialize in areas such as supply chain risk management, sustainability, and supply chain analytics.
8. A.T. Kearney
A.T. Kearney is a global management consulting firm recognized for its expertise in supply chain management and logistics. A.T. Kearney assists clients in developing supply chain strategies, enhancing supplier relationships, and optimizing distribution networks. The firm’s data-driven approach and innovative solutions have helped numerous organizations achieve competitive advantage in their supply chain operations.
9. Capgemini
Capgemini is a multinational consulting firm known for its supply chain expertise and digital transformation capabilities. Capgemini’s supply chain practice helps clients achieve end-to-end supply chain visibility, implement supply chain planning systems, and leverage emerging technologies. Their focus on data-driven decision-making and process automation enables businesses to streamline their supply chain processes.
10. Oliver Wyman
They support our clients along their end-to-end supply chain, helping them have greater visibility and solve their most critical supply chain issues. From raw material to production, distribution, and services, we partner with businesses across a broad range of industries and geographies to ensure their supply chain produces the best value and allows them to compete in the global marketplace.
Comparative Views
Our list of the top 10 Supply Chain consulting firms is but one view amongst innumerable views. In the interests of providing a wider view of different opinions we have created the following table including the rankings by other organizations for your consideration. Supply Chain Game Changer (SCGC) is the last column.
| Supply Chain Digital | Procurement Tactics | Consultancy.org | SCGC | |
| 1 | Deloitte | Maine Pointe | Maine Pointe | McKinsey |
| 2 | McKinsey | Bain & Co. | Deloitte | Bain & Co. |
| 3 | BCG | BCG | BCG | Deloitte |
| 4 | Accenture | Deloitte | Bain & Co. | Accenture |
| 5 | KPMG | EY | GEP | BCG |
| 6 | PwC | GEP | EV | KPMG |
| 7 | EY | McKinsey | Alvarez&Marsal | PwC |
| 8 | Booz Allen | Nextcontinent | McKinsey | A.T.Kearney |
| 9 | Bain & Co. | Cordence | Nextcontinent | CapGemini |
| 10 | IBM | Avalon | Pollen | Oliver Wyman |
Conclusion
No one can do Supply Chain alone. Not even the biggest and most well funded companies. Everyone needs external help of some kind. In fact the most enlightened leaders understand this and engage outside expertise to help accelerate and advance the cause.
Our lists above obviously represent a characterization of the largest Supply Chain consulting firms. There are innumerable small to mid-sized firms that are just as effective and valuable.
Who have we missed on this list that you would endorse and recommend for others to use?