Digitizing supply chains may appear complex, expensive and time-consuming, yet best practices demonstrate that mapping supply chains to increase visibility is an achievable task if companies take an incremental approach and focus on their most essential goals. Visibility is crucial to businesses that utilize supplier networks. By having end-to-end visibility through a control tower, companies can:
Real-Time Information
Imagine sports games without instant replay – play would quickly bog down as officials struggle to make accurate calls. Similarly, real-time information non-availability can serve as a significant roadblock when meeting supply chain goals and objectives.
The pre-digital linear flow of goods relied upon each step in its linear path performing as expected, so disruption by one subassembly provider or trucking company might go undetected until nearing shipment cycle completion. Now consumers expect brands to respond within hours & minutes rather than weeks & days. Such responsiveness required real-time data collection and analysis.
Digital inventory also facilitates improved overall planning capabilities by producing more precise demand forecasts. Real-time information allows OEMs to track global component parts demand changes in real-time and act swiftly if they detect a downward trend that can negatively impact productivity by altering production programs or facility allocations before productivity suffers as a result of these shifts.
Insightful Decisions
Visibility in supply chains enables companies to optimize logistics planning, warehouse automation and other supply chain systems to optimize workflow and enhance the customer experience. This is especially critical as customers demand faster turnaround times. Visibility in your supply chain ensures any potential failure in orders processing and shipping is quickly spotted and actioned while keeping customers updated about where their product stands along its journey.
Visibility can also assist businesses in managing risk. By quickly responding to disruptions that arise and making smarter decisions on supplier diversity, quality control, operational readiness and operational readiness – ultimately saving a great deal of money in the long run. Visibility solutions also offer considerable cost-cutting potential. Those who integrate seamlessly with partner-network systems are particularly advantageous.
An effective ‘visibility’ plan begins with a thorough assessment of current needs, risks and complications in order to identify any early warning signals and put in place data capturing & analyzing strategies to minimize harm to their supply chains.
Increased Efficiency
Supply chains have seen tremendous changes over time, and customer demands are higher than ever, including increased service expectations as well as more precise order levels. As soon as raw materials or components arrive at their manufacturing plant, companies want to be able to trace where they go in production processes as well as document their impact. Furthermore, accurate delivery estimates must also be given.
Supply chain visibility offers insights where data can be shared quickly and efficiently, enabling companies to respond more rapidly and efficiently when encountering disruptions, increasing perfect order rates by 20%-40% while improving inventory turns considerably and thus lowering operational costs while simultaneously increasing customer satisfaction levels.
Increased Customer Satisfaction
Former HP CEO Carly Fiorina often states: “Data must be transformed into information, which must then lead to insights. Visibility is key in optimizing supply chains; without it, businesses may pay dearly in terms of missed deliveries, increased freight spend, poor customer service delivery or lost inventory.
“Customers expect more transparency in how products are distributed to them, particularly in an Omni channel world where customers can easily track the status of their orders through company websites. Customers want to be informed as soon as a shipment has left and be able to redirect it if needed
Visibility can be increased by forming a partnership with a logistics provider who provides real-time shipping updates directly to your customers, keeping them informed at all times and creating greater customer satisfaction, trust and relationships – ultimately leading to more revenue for your business!
Omni-Commerce is a potent eWMS connected to Ecommerce marketplaces, Delivery partners and ERPs to help companies and brands to create such visibility.
Omni-Stock is at the forefront to address inventory silos through Technology!
FAQs
Visibility allows businesses to monitor their supply chain in real-time, enabling them to detect disruptions early, optimize operations, and enhance decision-making. This ensures smoother workflows, better inventory management, and improved customer satisfaction.
Real-time data enables businesses to respond swiftly to market changes, prevent delays, and enhance production and distribution processes. It ensures timely decision-making and helps track order progress efficiently, reducing risks and operational costs.
Visibility ensures customers are informed about the status of their orders, including delivery updates and potential delays. This transparency builds trust, enhances the customer experience, and fosters long-term relationships with customers.
Yes, visibility helps identify inefficiencies, streamline processes, and minimize risks. By integrating with partner systems and leveraging data insights, businesses can reduce freight costs, avoid delays, and lower operational expenses.
Companies can adopt digital solutions like control towers, real-time tracking systems, and Omni-Commerce eWMS. Partnering with logistics providers who offer advanced tracking technologies also boosts visibility and ensures seamless data sharing across the supply chain.