Supply Chain Professionals Call for Government to Help Meet Industry's Green Agenda

FARNBOROUGH, England, May 29 /PRNewswire/ --

- Infor Survey Also Reveals Supply Chain Visibility and Shrinking Margins
as Biggest Pressure Points in 2008

Infor today released the findings of its latest research, which reveal
that supply chain professionals are calling upon the UK Government to help
reduce the industry's carbon footprint. Two thirds (67 per cent) of supply
chain professionals surveyed, believe their environmental initiatives should
be subsidised by the state.

The research, which polled 100 supply chain professionals within UK
companies, highlights that 82 per cent of supply chain professionals are
concerned about reducing their carbon footprints. Other major concerns
include the need for better supply chain visibility (96 per cent); shrinking
margins (90 per cent); introduction of new products (89 per cent); and
escalating consumer expectations (89 per cent).

47 per cent stated cost as a barrier to implementing green initiatives,
while 32 per cent claimed the inability to measure results hindered progress.

The research also shows the need to address environmental issues is at an
unprecedented level as supply chains become more global and complex.
Traditionally, companies with global supply chains moved products through low
cost countries to keep labour and shipping costs down. Now, the environmental
cost must be balanced with a focus on decreasing carbon emissions from land,
sea and air transportation, meaning supply chains can no longer be measured
purely on economic costs.

When asked about the length of supply chains, three quarters of those
polled said their supply chain's geographic reach had increased in the last
two years. In fact almost half (43 per cent) claim their supply chain now
incorporates the UK, Asia-Pacific, The Americas, Eastern Europe and Western
Europe.

67 per cent say they are more likely to offshore parts of their supply
chain compared with two years ago. While Asia-Pacific would be the offshore
hub of choice for 47 per cent, 53 per cent lean towards Eastern Europe as
their preferred destination.

"These findings demonstrate the mounting pressures facing supply chain
professionals in 2008. As green initiatives continue to be placed at the top
of supply chain agendas, they will compete for being prioritised along with
traditional business issues such as margin improvement and customer service
levels," comments Andrew Kinder, director, industry and product marketing,
Supply Chain Management, Infor.

"However, legislation and consumer behaviour will drive the need for
supply chain professionals to ensure environmental considerations are a
consistent facet of their strategy. Cost savings and green initiatives are
now so connected that supply chain managers must develop holistic strategies
that identify opportunities to achieve cost savings, meet regulatory
compliance and lower environmental impact."

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