The need to transparently track individual components for industries that deal with physical products has increased since the pandemic. With exposed flaws in international supply, several supply chain management technologies have entered the market. And are providing real-time logistics data for sub-assemblies, final products and raw materials as they move from primary production stages to consumer. However, some industries still find it difficult to maneuver around inventory and this is a major problem to their supply. This is because tracking stages depend solely on the type of product.
As we begin the first quarter of the year, managing supply chains are more data driven now more than ever. Proper management will need to be on daily basis and this is inherently possible. There is always not enough data and hence, a lot of disruption. The accumulation of these disruptions makes planning and supply chain less efficient.
This is why businesses need to focus on end-to-end supply chain visibility. E2E supply chain visibility gives a better overview of product movements from start to end. It also allows businesses to track, monitor, and report real-time in-between movements.
Research shows that only 10% of businesses dealing with logistics have fully moved to end-to-end supply chain visibility. So here are a few things to do to move away from the rest 90% of businesses who have not.
Why is End to End Supply Chain Visibility crucial for every business?
Transparency has always been and will continue to be the key to logistics-based businesses and also their success. Endpoint customers after investing in products need to know the location, condition of their goods. If anything, proper tracking with an ETA for arrival builds trust for customers to purchase products again. Overall, it improves the business brand and image.
E2E supply visibility chain provides data and serves the best interest of every party involved. Availability of data fosters relationship between all parties since there will be clearer accountable communication between all.
Here are actionable steps you can take to improve end to end visibility of your supply chain this 2022.
Identify supply chain operations specific to your industry
All industries work differently. It will pay off to work out your entire process. Do not fret if yours seems unconventional because all companies have different goals and points of establishment on the supply chain network. Once done, you can channel your focus on solidifying and optimizing the whole process as you will learn here. MastinandCain lifts this burden off you, we find out what works best for you if you have not figured it out yet. Or we can work with your plan if you are an established business.
Work on the communication tools
You first want to figure out the best way to communicate across all channels. There are several tools out there that allows producer, vendor, logistics and consumer communication. Cloud-based TMS systems prove to be one of the best options out there. They can be accessed by all parties from anywhere as long as there is internet connection.
A plus would be to set up quick notifications, alerts, and speed of updates. This will eliminate the disruption discussed earlier which will help you with better planning. Set this up, for you, and or your team members. MastinandCain makes sure that communication channels are open and efficient for accountability and brand trust.
Employ accurate tracking tools
Real-time traceability is the goal for employing tracking tools. Logistic businesses who need a enhance an end-to-end supply chain network only need to stay updated on the latest tech. There are a lot of them including GPS. But make sure you do good research or consult with us to understand better.
Optimize management of human capital
The problem of labor shortage and irregularities in customer demand can cause a drop in your supply chain visibility. It is one thing to have a clear plan of management and another to run short of the human capacity to implement it. This can greatly affect your reliability with customers, and customer experience. One of the best ways to overcome this is by including human capital management into your strategy.
We as a distribution company can help you get past the many questions involved in;
- Sourcing for a good talent, attracting and keeping them not to mention preventing high turnover.
- Developing the human capital of your supply chain and streamline them into working perfectly with your business strategies.
- The irregularities involved in keeping and managing them in a long term.
These are the problems in human capital encountered with the logistics aspects of a brand. If dealing with those might be too much in maintaining supply chain visibility, then you need an establishment such as ours. Or you can also find technologies that focus on human capital systems. You can then automate the process of hiring and interpreting data related to hiring.
Measure results and further optimize
Of course, you cannot improve anything if you are oblivious of its former state. Determine which key performance indicators that work for your logistics needs. Then make sure that your system is up to the task. Maintain lines of communication and collaborate with new partners that can improve specific aspects.
You need to keep your brand in a cycle of continuous growth. Plan, do, check, act, don’t get complacent on information that will affect the quality of your logistics.
Final note
Supply chain visibility is not just about logistics. It’s about getting returning customers. It’s about post-marketing. It’s about trust. It’s about reducing costs by continuous optimization. It is about partnerships that absolve you of nitty business problems. So you can focus on keeping the cycle running. Need assistance? Contact us at Mastin and Cain and let’s get to work.
