The challenge of running supply chains for small and medium businesses is frequently a result
of the "valley phenomenon.” This occurs when small businesses are in the middle of complex
networks including very large suppliers and very large customers; they have little or no leverage
and must meet rigid high expectations on both ends.

This is the valley, and when combined with an immature supply chain strategy, it can compel
small businesses to spend all their time fighting day-to-day supply chain fires.
At issue is how such companies can stop dealing with crises for long enough to invest in
getting better. Put another way: How can a small business develop an effective strategy at the
same time it is delivering on its commitments?

The Diverse Manufacturing Supply Chain Alliance (DMSCA) developed the Corporate
Mentoring Program (CMP) as an integrated, performance-driven supplier development and
supply chain readiness system. It prepares diverse suppliers for sustained supply engagement.
This process is undertaken with the supportive guidance of a corporate sponsor.
There are five phases to the CMP.

1. CMP 1.0-­‐CMP System Overview
2. CMP 2.0-­‐Performance Benchmark Readiness
   
3. CMP 3.0-­‐Performance Benchmarking/Supply Chain Strategy
4. 4CMP 4.0-­‐Analysis and Deployment
5. CMP 5.0-­‐Development, Expansion, and Continuous Improvement

Supply Chain Excellence 3rd Edition provides a strategic roadmap to help medium and small
businesses achieve CMP 5.0 certification. The roadmap details five phases:

1. Build Organizational Support
2. Define Project or Initiative
3. Analyze Performance
4. Develop Project Portfolio
5. Implement Projects

Supply Chain Excellence deliverables also qualify toward CMP certification. These include:

1. Project Charter
2. Supply Chain Definition Matrix
3. Competitive Requirements
4. Benchmark Comparisons
5. Scorecard
6. Metric and Defect Analysis
7. Prioritized Project Portfolio
8. Supply Chain Strategy Maturity Assessment
9. Continuous Improvement Plan
10. Project Implementation Plan

It is our hope and belief that through CMP, combined with the proven methodology of Supply
Chain Excellence, DMSCA member companies will successfully climb out of the valley to
achieve new levels of success in serving their large customers.

Follow Peter Bolstorff's blog on the SCE Limited website.