Strengthening supply chain discipline in family-managed businesses

At the 2026 edition of Samagam, participants from the Post Graduate Programme Family Managed Business (PGPFMB) 40 attended an interactive session with Raghav Ralhan, Customer Account Manager, Product Cost Engineering, Tata Electronics. The session focused on strengthening supply chain discipline in family-managed businesses.

Samagam is a curated platform that connects PGPFMB participants with industry leaders and experienced professionals. Through direct conversations with practitioners navigating real-world business challenges, the initiative helps participants connect classroom learning with the complexities of managing and growing family businesses.

Alongside Ralhan, SPJIMR PGDM Class of 2023 alumnus, PGPFMB participants examined a common challenge: while many family businesses rely on strong relationships and entrepreneurial intuition to manage their supply chains, sustainable growth requires greater structure, data discipline and clear ownership. Ralhan discussed common gaps and failure points across family-managed business supply chains and highlighted how well-intentioned practices can fall short without defined processes and accountability.

The discussion then turned to participants’ own businesses, encouraging them to examine their existing supply chain practices and identify opportunities to build greater resilience and efficiency.

Key themes included building stronger supplier relationships while ensuring suppliers and other supply chain partners can scale alongside the business; maintaining backup options to manage disruptions; applying demand planning beyond B2C businesses, with marketing teams engaging customers to understand future requirements and capacity; and viewing supply chain and logistics as potential contributors to profitability rather than only as cost centres.