Warc, 22 July 2014
PARIS: The importance of digital strategy for the FMCG
industry has been highlighted in a new global study, which found over half
(54%) of C-suite and senior executives see digital as their top priority over
the next 12 months.
According to the second annual Global Top of Mind survey
from the Consumer Goods Forum and consultancy KPMG International, the focus of
executive attention has shifted from economic uncertainty to data, technology
and the supply chain.
Based on responses from 469 C-suite and senior executives
from FMCG brands and retailers in 32 countries, the report also found 56%
thought data analytics to be important, making it the highest-ranked strategic
area in the survey.
Nearly half (47%) said they saw data security as being very
or critically important to their business while 29% said it will be one of
their biggest challenges over the year.
While digital strategy and data analytics clearly emerged as
the top issues for senior executives, around a third (32%) felt their
capabilities in these areas were inadequate, and KPMG also criticised companies
for not doing enough about data security.
Willy Kruh, global chair, consumer markets at KPMG
International, said: "While data analytics may be at the top of the
corporate agenda, the challenge that should really be keeping companies awake
at night is data security.
"Although 47% of the respondents cited data security as
being very or critically important, this is not enouggh. Companies are still a
long way from where they need to be in terms of protecting their client and
proprietary information from security breaches.”
Supply chain management also emerged as an important concern
after 38% of respondents referenced it as their main challenge over the coming
year while 42% said it would be the main area for increased investment.
Other areas identified for increased investment included
international expansion (32%), data analytics (28%) and digital strategy (28%).
Separately, 45% said speed and agility is their top priority for improving the
supply chain.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR), transparency and
environmental sustainability were also highlighted as important issues for the
next 12 months.
A full 56% said health and wellness as well as CSR and
sustainability are very important to their business while 44% cited
traceability and transparency in the end-to-end value chain as a top goal,
ahead of reducing waste (42%) and sustainable sourcing (41%).
Data sourced from KPMG International, Consumer Goods Forum;
additional content by Warc
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