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Benchmark of Excellence: 30 Years of Expertise in Supply Chain Management
Born out of a desire for industrial collaboration between Renault and Volvo in 1995, the France Supply Chain by ASLOG framework has become the common language of operational excellence in logistics and supply chain management. As we approach the launch of an ambitious 2026 version, Laurent Cirou, project lead and trainer, shares the keys to a tool that transforms mastery of supply chain fundamentals into a competitive advantage.
A history marked by cooperation
The story began 30 years ago. In 1995, Renault’s purchasing director, inspired by a model used by its partner Volvo, wanted to create a tool to help French suppliers improve their capabilities. “It was a tiny booklet with fewer than 100 questions—a first draft designed to help companies develop their logistics expertise,” recalls Laurent Cirou.
Although the process-based framework dates back to 2002, the system has evolved in response to various crises. In 2020, it underwent a major strategic shift: moving from a purely “logistical” assessment to a comprehensive “Supply Chain” vision. Today, it adapts to all sectors: from healthcare to luxury goods, including the chemical and humanitarian sectors.
Applications of the audit framework
The conclusion is clear: challenges are almost always organizational and interpersonal, rather than technical. The audit framework is designed to break down silos. “The strength of a supply chain lies in the connections between people who are highly technical experts in their respective fields. We need to ensure that they communicate and understand one another.” The audit framework is not an inspection; it is a common language that allows the production expert to understand the challenges faced by their colleague in purchasing or transportation.
Laurent Cirou describes the Supply Chain Manager as a “strategist on the battlefield”; after all, by definition, risk is unpredictable. Tomorrow’s manager must assess uncertainty—whether it involves cybersecurity, hacking, or geopolitical tensions—in order to develop contingency plans. “He is the one who spans the entire organization; he is the linchpin of risk management.” The framework gives him the tools to stop reacting and start anticipating.
Looking Ahead to 2026: People and Data at the Heart of the Engine
While the 2024 version has already incorporated broad digitalization (going well beyond AI alone) and sustainable logistics, the 2026 initiative is tackling new fundamental pillars:
- Human Resources: The future framework will focus ononboarding processes, ergonomics, and workplace safety.
- Upskilling: The challenge is to measure and support the growing autonomy of field teams.
- The Power of Benchmarking: The goal is to fully digitize the tool to create a database within France Supply Chain. This will enable companies to compare themselves sector by sector to identify their true sources of value.
A rapidly growing audience
The success of the framework depends on knowledge transfer. With more than 200 “junior” students trained each year at participating schools and an ever-growing number of “senior” cohorts, France Supply Chain is building a true professional community. “We haven’t yet tapped into the full potential of this tool,” concludes Laurent Cirou. Between operational agility and a defensive strategy, the framework remains the best ally for no longer merely enduring the future, but steering it.
Learn about and use the standards of excellence
Even before you begin your training, you can conduct a self-assessment of your supply chain to gauge your understanding of the fundamentals. This self-assessment questionnaire was developed by our members based on the Supply Chain Excellence Framework of the France Supply Chain association. The assessment we offer here is a summary of that framework in 22 questions. The assessment scale was calibrated based on the work of the members of the ETI-SME Lab and validated under real-world conditions.
To help supply chain managers master this strategic tool, we offer a “Senior” training course eligible for CPF funding. This six-day in-person program is designed for managers with at least three years of experience in supply chain or logistics.
Join our next session “Audit Corporate Supply Chain Performance” (Qualiopi-certified title)
- Module 1: September 14–16, 2026
- Module 2: November 4–6, 2026
