Technological advancements and current supply chain implementations are consistently surpassing historical improvements. The rate at which digital integrations are being adopted is quickly transforming the procedural adaptation of supply chains across the globe.
The continuing evolution of these logistics solutions are enabling businesses to fully optimize their supply chain, end-to-end, both monetarily and procedurally. How can you implement these strategies to improve your business’s supply chain?
Autonomy, AI, robotics, blockchain, etc., developed to increase the speed and visibility of managing all aspects of a consistently growing supply chain. The primary objection in conversations involving fully automated supply chains is the human aspect of thought and comparative analysis.
Where Are We Beginning to See Digital Adoption?
One Network Enterprises have recently implemented newly developed software and technology in hopes to cover all bases in reference to human intelligence. In an article conducted by Supply Chain Brain, Greg Brady, CEO divulged information alluding to a “single version” platform capable of real-time metrics. The article goes on to state, “the release includes enhancements to NEO, One Network’s proprietary machine learning and intelligent agent technology that makes and executes decisions, enabling autonomous supply chain management. This technology increases resilience to demand fluctuations, supply partner issues, and internal and external supply chain disruptions.” [Supply Chain Dive, September 10, 2019]
Other companies are following suit. Since the inherent demand for scalability, increased speed, and effortless onboarding are all primary prerequisites in the logistics industry today, we can conclude the quick expansion and implementation of various supply chain optimization tools and software programs.
Common supply chain metrics in need for comprehensive optimization include:
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Forecasting
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Warehouse optimization
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Inventory optimization
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Various service metrics
Companies like Ware2Go are attempting to streamline the process of optimizing fulfillment, warehousing, and distribution all in one. “We are leveling the playing field by providing businesses of all sizes visibility and operational insights to guide decisions and optimize their supply chains. By putting our customers in control of their fulfillment processes, we’re helping them improve their distribution networks, compete at scale and grow their businesses.” [Patrick Cadic, VP of Sales and Marketing for Ware2Go in an interview with Supply Chain Brain on September 9, 2019]
Should Supply Chain Optimization Include a Continuity Plan?
By understanding the mitigating factors contingent upon potential threats, you will have the visible advantage to not only maintain production in the event of a crisis, but to excel and progress as you normally would have. Knowing your supplier production, anticipating cost fluctuations, having access to temporary distribution centers, while also maintaining communication and on-going visibility will help your company navigate and weather the complexities in times of uncertainty.
Developing a comprehensive continuity plan is vital to the ongoing operational capacity of your company and essential to keeping your doors open for business. Continuity plans bridge the disrupted gap between possible threat and continued functionality of your operations team.
We dove into this deeper in another blog post linked here. Click here for more detailed information regarding our thoughts on the importance of having a continuity plan amidst inevitable disruption.
How do you adjust for:
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Customer Closings
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Customer Re-Openings
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Facility Remediation
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Pop-Up Distribution Centers
While there are plenty of other factors at play when optimizing your supply chain, a solid continuity plan will add a layer of mitigation to the implementations throughout the year, saving your intended returns. Having the foresight and confidence in your companies scalability and predictive successes fall heavily on supply chain operations and your ability to continue conducting business with minimal disruption no matter what the circumstances.
Never has this been more prevalent than 2020 during the COVID pandemic. Has your supply chain suffered?
Conclusion
It is no secret that the continued success and future growth of a business lies within the level of optimization they are willing to invest in. We want to know your thoughts on this. What optimization tools are you using to help streamline processes? What specific metrics are you analyzing and how often are you measuring them?
If you have an interest in learning more about how your business can run more efficiently, or questions concerning your supply chain in general, feel free to reach out to us for a thorough consultation.
Most companies transporting internationally face reoccurring logistics problems. At CLN Worldwide, our management service coordinates the entire supply chain and solves transportation and regulatory challenges. We allow you to focus on your business.
We are a passionate group of professionals with expertise in areas ranging from transportation, Customs, compliance, to distribution, legal, and finance. Logistics can be a labyrinth. One question leads to three others. Our team will help you through the maze.
As a cross-functional team of logistics experts, we help clients navigate areas of transportation. Our focus is not on an individual product group or service offering but rather a comprehensive approach to effectively managing and optimizing the supply chain.
However, CLN offers a complete range of end-to-end logistics services. Our services are customized and tailored to meet the specific requirements of our clients.
Our Single Source Global Management System provides the structure and support to drive industry leading performance and results from each of our service areas.
Contact us today and begin optimizing your supply chain and scaling your business.
CLN Worldwide
www.clnusa.com
customerservice@clnusa.com
704.756.6425
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