The challenges of tailoring a supply chain can be tricky from a problem-solving perspective. But just like the yellow brick road, everything starts somewhere. Below is a list of solutions that can be applied when investigating a company’s logistical flow. The key is to remember that typically the answer to improving a supply chain is usually not of the cookie cutter type. Supply chain managers and consultants must be creative when producing and implementing solutions that are efficient in both short and long term levels. It is also important to incorporate analytics into the process when implementing SCM software, so the needs of every company can be fulfilled on an individual basis.
The process of benchmarking provides the opportunity to design full-service solutions that will improve the overall transportation strategy of client’s product, saving them the valuable resources of time and money. Operations, shipping methods, inbound and outbound logistics, inventory management, and processing systems are assessed. The results revealed from KPI (Key Performance Indicators) research are used to determine which program updates will streamline processes.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
ERP provides transparency by providing every detail of progress a company makes. The software connects each department to form a central system. Data is organized, stored, and available in real-time throughout the organization. Transporting supply chain data is essential to company sectors that depend on receiving the information, including finance, purchasing, and IT departments.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
Installing the right CRM system results in your sales team spending less time managing customer information, and more time on communicating and making sales. Think about what your companies needs are for customer data, before purchasing or having a system built that manages details including contact information, point of sales, and sales cycle. Utilization of the right CRM system leads to an increase of comprehension for your consumer’s needs so that you can serve them better.
TMS (Transportation Management System)
How do you get from point A to B in the fastest and least expensive way? Moving goods from one point to another is a drain on resources, and transportation management is essential to minimizing a business’s expenditures on logistics. TMS software can utilize LBS (Location Based Services) and finance based algorithms to determine which shipping methods and routes are most productive. Potentially turning an expense into a profit center.
WMS (Warehouse Management System)
Managing SKU’s, inventory, procurement, packaging, storage, material support, and labor requires the right system that supports daily operations. Having the correct WMS software means that a business is moving product in and out of the warehouse in the most efficient manner, by properly utilizing resources. Conduct an assessment to find areas of improvement before purchasing your WMS systems. Highlights may include RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), QR (Quick Response) and workflow strategy.
This article was originally published on LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/2kXLlHW
Robert Endo is the founder and Engagement Manager of Intrepid Data.
Intrepid Data is a full-service developer that builds platforms for web-based applications