Supply Chain Consulting: What It Is & Top Firms
Discover the key differences between management consulting and supply chain consulting in this comprehensive side-by-side comparison.
Posted April 3, 2025
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Supply chains keep businesses running. But when problems arise like delays, high logistics costs, or supply chain disruptions, companies need expert help. That’s where supply chain consulting comes in.
Consulting firms help businesses improve efficiency, cut costs, and build stronger supply chains. The right firm can create a competitive advantage by optimizing operations, risk management, and supply chain resilience.
This guide covers what supply chain consulting is, the top firms in 2025, and how to choose the right one for your business.
What Is Supply Chain Consulting?
Supply chain consulting helps businesses improve how they move products, manage inventory, and reduce costs. Consultants analyze operations to find gaps, inefficiencies, and risks, then provide solutions to maximize value and boost performance.
These firms focus on areas like:
- Supply chain strategy – Designing smarter supply chains that meet demand and reduce waste.
- Network optimization – Improving warehouse and distribution networks for better service levels.
- Risk mitigation – Reducing risks from supplier issues, delays, or global disruptions.
- Sustainable supply chains – Helping businesses lower carbon emissions and improve efficiency.
For companies struggling with supply chain resilience, consultants bring a proven approach to solving problems.
Top Supply Chain Consulting Firms (2025)
Here are the best firms helping companies improve their supply chain capabilities and drive operational excellence.
1. McKinsey & Company
- One of the most respected consulting firms in the world.
- Focuses on supply chain strategy, network optimization, and digital transformation.
- Helps businesses gain a competitive advantage through data-driven insights.
McKinsey brings experienced professionals who help companies transform operations by using advanced analytics and AI-driven solutions.
2. Maine Pointe
- Specializes in end-to-end supply chain optimization.
- Known for improving service levels and cutting logistics costs.
- Works with industries like manufacturing, retail, and aerospace.
Maine Pointe focuses on delivering maximum value by improving efficiency, reducing waste, and increasing speed to market.
3. Accenture
- A leader in supply chain digitalization and automation.
- Helps companies improve supply chain resilience and risk management.
- Offers technology-driven solutions for smarter decision-making.
Accenture helps businesses meet demand by integrating AI, cloud-based systems, and automation into supply planning and logistics.
Read: What Is Accenture?
4. GEP
- Focuses on procurement, supply chain strategy, and cost reduction.
- Works with global brands across multiple industries.
- Uses AI-driven platforms to improve efficiency.
GEP is known for helping companies find the right balance between cost savings and supply chain performance.
5. Bain & Company
- Specializes in supply chain transformation and operating models.
- Helps businesses improve decision-making and risk mitigation.
- Works with Fortune 500 companies in multiple industries.
Bain helps companies optimize product flows and streamline supply chain operations for long-term growth.
Read: Why Bain? Understanding What Sets Bain & Company Apart
6. Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
- Offers advanced analytics for supply chain improvements.
- Helps businesses adapt to supply chain disruptions.
- Focuses on agile supply chains for fast-changing markets.
BCG’s data-driven approach helps companies adjust operations to stay ahead of competitors.
Read: How to Get a Job at BCG: Interview and Networking Tips
7. Kearney
- Focuses on logistics cost reduction and procurement efficiency.
- Helps companies achieve operational excellence.
- Works with businesses to build more sustainable supply chains.
Kearney helps businesses balance efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.
8. EY
- Specializes in digital supply chains and automation.
- Helps companies manage supply chain risk and disruptions.
- Focuses on long-term supply chain strategy.
EY helps businesses develop data-driven supply chain solutions for faster, smarter operations.
9. Deloitte
- One of the largest professional services firms in the world.
- Offers solutions in supply chain resilience and digital transformation.
- Helps businesses with risk mitigation and logistics optimization.
Deloitte helps businesses create smarter, more responsive supply chains.
10. Alvarez & Marsal
- Specializes in turnaround strategies for struggling supply chains.
- Helps companies cut costs and improve efficiency.
- Known for quick, high-impact solutions.
Alvarez & Marsal is a go-to firm for businesses facing critical supply chain decisions.
11. Gartner
- A leading firm in supply chain research and advisory services.
- Helps businesses improve supply chain strategy and risk management.
- Provides market insights and technology solutions for decision-making.
Gartner is widely recognized for its data-driven insights, helping companies optimize their supply chain capabilities and strengthen operations.
12. KPMG
- Focuses on supply chain resilience and cost efficiency.
- Helps businesses with network optimization and logistics management.
- Specializes in risk mitigation and sustainability strategies.
KPMG provides professional services to companies looking to improve service levels, enhance efficiency, and ensure operational excellence.
13. PwC
- Helps companies design sustainable supply chains with lower carbon emissions.
- Specializes in supply planning and network optimization.
- Offers AI-driven analytics to improve supply chain efficiency.
PwC helps businesses find the right balance between cost savings, risk management, and sustainability.
14. dss+
- Known for its supply chain risk and safety consulting.
- Helps companies improve decision-making and reduce supply chain failures.
- Focuses on operational excellence and workforce safety.
dss+ is a great choice for businesses looking to strengthen supply chain resilience and improve overall efficiency.
15. Egon Zehnder
- Specializes in leadership advisory and supply chain talent recruitment.
- Helps companies hire experienced professionals for critical supply chain roles.
- Focuses on strategic decision-making and workforce development.
Egon Zehnder is a unique firm that connects businesses with top supply chain executives to build stronger, more effective leadership teams.
16. Infosys
- A leader in digital supply chain transformation.
- Helps businesses automate supply chain operations and improve speed.
- Specializes in AI-driven supply chain strategy.
Infosys combines technology, automation, and analytics to help businesses meet demand and improve service levels.
17. Oliver Wyman
- Focuses on supply chain risk management and logistics costs.
- Helps businesses create agile, resilient supply chains.
- Provides expertise in product flows and supply chain efficiency.
Oliver Wyman is known for its proven approach to reducing supply chain risks and helping businesses adapt to market changes.
18. Strategy&
- Specializes in supply chain optimization and cost efficiency.
- Helps companies develop long-term supply chain strategies.
- Provides expertise in network optimization and risk mitigation.
Strategy& helps businesses improve their operating models and create supply chains that are both efficient and adaptable.
19. OC&C Strategy Consultants
- Known for strategic supply chain decision-making.
- Helps businesses lower logistics costs while improving service levels.
- Works with global companies to improve supply chain resilience.
OC&C Strategy Consultants focus on finding the right mix of efficiency, cost savings, and risk management.
20. IBM Consulting
- A leader in AI-driven supply chain transformation.
- Helps businesses automate supply chain operations.
- Specializes in predictive analytics for risk management.
IBM Consulting brings cutting-edge technology to supply chain management, helping businesses improve efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.
How to Choose the Right Supply Chain Consulting Firm
Picking the right firm depends on your business goals and supply chain needs. Some firms focus on technology and automation, while others specialize in cost reduction or risk management.
Factors to Consider
- Industry Expertise: Choose a firm that understands your operations and supply chain challenges.
- Technology Capabilities: Some firms focus on AI, automation, and analytics to optimize supply chains.
- Cost vs. Value: Find a consultant that provides the right mix of cost savings and long-term improvements.
- Track Record: Look for a firm with proven success in improving supply chain resilience and efficiency.
- Global Reach: If your supply chain spans multiple countries, choose a firm with a global presence.
- Implementation vs. Strategy: MBB firms focus more on high-level strategy, while Big 4 and boutique firms offer hands-on implementation.
A good consultant will help meet demand, reduce logistics costs, and create a stronger supply chain strategy.
Who Should Hire a Supply Chain Consultant?
Not every business needs a consultant, but if you’re experiencing these challenges, it may be time to get help:
- Rising logistics costs that hurt profitability.
- Supply chain disruptions that delay deliveries.
- Inefficient supply chain operations slowing down growth.
- Lack of visibility into suppliers, shipments, and inventory.
Companies looking for better risk management, improved service levels, and operational excellence will benefit from hiring a top supply chain consulting firm.
Final Thoughts
A strong supply chain strategy can mean the difference between success and failure. Top consulting firms help businesses improve operations, lower costs, and build resilient supply chains.
Whether you're facing supply chain disruptions, high logistics costs, or inefficiencies, the right consultant can provide a proven approach to fixing the problem. By choosing the right firm, businesses can gain a competitive advantage and ensure their supply chain is built for long-term success.
FAQs
What does a supply chain consultant do?
- A supply chain consultant helps businesses improve how they source, produce, and deliver products. They analyze operations, identify inefficiencies, and develop strategies to reduce costs, increase service levels, and improve supply chain resilience. Consultants also help businesses with risk management, logistics optimization, and sustainable supply chains.
How much do supply chain consultants charge?
- The cost of supply chain consulting varies based on the firm, project scope, and industry. Big firms like McKinsey or Bain charge $500-$1,000+ per hour, while mid-sized firms may charge $200-$500 per hour. Smaller firms or independent consultants can range from $100-$300 per hour. Some projects are flat-rate, ranging from $50,000 to $500,000+, depending on complexity.
Is supply chain consulting a good career?
- Yes! Supply chain consulting is a great career for those who enjoy problem-solving, logistics, and business strategy. It offers exposure to different industries, opportunities for global travel, and high earning potential. The demand for supply chain consultants is growing, especially as companies focus on supply chain resilience, automation, and cost reduction.
Are there supply chain consulting firms?
- Yes, many consulting firms specialize in supply chain management. Some of the top supply chain consulting firms include McKinsey, Bain & Company, Accenture, Deloitte, BCG, and KPMG. These firms help businesses improve operations, logistics, risk mitigation, and network optimization.
Who are the Big 4 management consultants?
- The Big 4 consulting firms are Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG. These firms provide professional services, including supply chain consulting, risk management, and operational excellence. They work with businesses worldwide to improve efficiency and maximize value.
Which company is best for supply chain?
- The best supply chain consulting firm depends on the business's needs. McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, and BCG are the most well-known for high-level supply chain strategy. For technology-driven solutions, firms like Accenture, IBM Consulting, and Infosys are top choices. Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG are excellent for risk management, financial advisory, and logistics efficiency.
What is a supply chain management consultant?
- A supply chain management consultant helps companies design, implement, and improve their supply chain operations. They focus on reducing logistics costs, improving service levels, managing risks, and ensuring smooth product flows. They also help businesses meet demand, strengthen supply chain resilience, and adopt sustainable supply chain practices.
