It was a packed day of case studies, stimulating panel discussions and research reports, coupled with plenty of time to swap ideas and experiences over coffee at the Beurs van Berlage.

The conversation about how to look after your suppliers – particularly those smaller players in your supply chain – had really ramped up compared to last year. It was clear that SCF was increasingly becoming a ‘strategic’ tool for companies to look after their supplier network, rather than an exercise in only ramping up DPO ratios.

Concern about the environmental impact of business decisions was also a key topic, with the issue vividly illustrated by the early morning opening presentation from the Dutch astronaut André Kuipers.

His images from space of the stark impact humans have had on the world’s landscapes will not be forgotten quickly.

The day was buzzing with ideas and discussions around technological innovation and how it could be the solution to improving SCF’s ability to operate in a sustainable fashion.

There were panel discussions on the use of AI, fintechs outlining their sustainability plans and workshops offering delegates the chance to find out more about working in a “circular economy” or how sportswear brand Puma had used SCF to encourage sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices among its complex web of suppliers.

The day concluded with the popular and highly anticipated Supply Chain Finance awards, with this year’s entries praised by Michiel Steeman, chair of the Supply Chain Finance Community and chair of the judging panel, for being great examples of “more mature” SCF concepts.

To read all the coverage from the event, follow the links below.

Airbus wins Gold in SCF 2019 awards

Fintechs shift focus to sustainability in supply chains

How AI divides opinion in supply chain finance industry

SCF to play a ‘strategic’ role in uncertain climate

More collaboration between finance & logistics needed: Steeman

Trade wars between US and China unlikely to be resolved quickly

Moody’s raises questions about SCF disclosure

Local presence is key as SCF enters complex countries

Retailers promote use of SCF to help suppliers grow

SCF to play a strategic role in uncertain climate

Trade wars between US and China unlikely to be resolved quickly