Learn how business leaders are focusing on cost efficiency in uncertain times, exploring strategies for reducing costs and investing in the future. Discover the challenges and strategies of pivoting in the supply chain. Explore the role of AI in driving efficiency and cost structure. Understand the gap between consumer sentiment, CEO sentiment, and economic data, and get recommendations for effective cost management.
Companies should take a holistic approach to cost evaluation, considering overhead costs, talent allocation, supply chain optimization, and product design.
To achieve sustainable cost reductions, organizations should focus on understanding the value of internal products and processes, rewiring supply chains, and embracing technology and AI.
Deep dives
Cost efficiency back on the table for CEOs
After years of disruption, CEOs are prioritizing cost efficiency while navigating macroeconomic challenges and sustaining growth. Companies are advised to take a holistic look at their organization, mapping networks and evaluating contracts, pricing, and suppliers to identify inefficiencies. Overhead costs, talent allocation, supply chain optimization, and product design are crucial areas for cost evaluation and investment. Implementing lean practices, such as rewiring supply chains, leveraging technology and AI, and adopting a lean mentality, can lead to sustainable cost reductions and operational improvements.
Navigating uncertainty with lean cost management
The uncertain and rapidly changing business landscape necessitates a focus on lean cost management. Resiliency and adaptability are crucial for businesses to withstand future disruptions. Leaders need to increase the frequency of market sensing, data-driven decision-making, and revisit strategic planning and budgeting processes more frequently. Prioritizing areas of investment, such as critical skills, talent, and digital transformation, while identifying wasteful practices and inefficiencies, can help companies optimize their cost structure and remain competitive.
Building a lean organization for the future
To achieve sustainable cost reductions and efficiencies, companies should prioritize understanding the value of their internal products and processes. This entails assessing the necessity and effectiveness of various reports and management practices. Rewiring supply chains to enhance flexibility and resilience, and closely collaborating with suppliers, is key. Embracing technology and AI can drive efficiency gains and optimize operations, from customer service to R&D. Organizations should also reevaluate their organizational design, including talent deployment and the number of management layers, to facilitate agile decision-making and effective communication.
For many business leaders, cost efficiency took a backseat to the polycrisis caused by the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and employee attrition. But today, earnings pressures and economic uncertainty place cost solidly front and center at most companies. Paul Goydan, global leader of BCG’s Accelerated Cost Advantage program, arms these leaders with insights and approaches, exploring everything from how AI can uncover waste to finding promising places to reinvest the savings.