Supply Chain Management Technology Advancements
With so many companies cutting costs to survive, supply chain professionals must look for economical solutions. This means leaning in to cutting-edge technologies that are revolutionizing supply chain management (SCM). At Experior, we know that embracing SCM innovations is the key to meeting logistic needs of the future. These are some of the top technology solutions that boost efficiency and help improve operations.
Advanced Cross-Dock / Multi-Stop Delivery Solutions
Cross-docking and multi-stop deliveries, logistics techniques that accelerate deliveries and improve supply chain efficiency, are not new concepts in logistics. However, third-party logistics (3PL) providers are now using advanced technology to make these solutions more efficient than ever.
Automated sorting and handling is significantly improving the speed and accuracy of cross-docking operations, which involve transferring goods from one truck to another without direct warehousing. These systems use advanced scanning and sensor tech to ensure items are quickly directed to the right dock or route without error.
Companies are also taking full advantage of real-time tracking and GPS systems to facilitate multi-stop deliveries, a process involving full truckloads making multiple deliveries along a route. With real-time tracking, you get complete visibility into the status and location of every delivery. Modern GPS systems utilize algorithms that factor traffic conditions, road closures and more to find the most efficient routes for multi-stop deliveries.
Fully Integrated Warehouse Management Systems
Warehouse management systems (WMS) – software that helps companies oversee and control warehouse operations – have advanced significantly over the past decade, from cloud-based solutions to full integration with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. In fact, fully integrated WMSs can connect with various systems within the supply chain, including e-commerce platforms, to optimize inventory management, fulfillment, labor management and more.
Experior leverages the capabilities of a fully integrated WMS to synchronize data with an ERP system. This is essential for a modern warehouse to optimize operations and offer clients accurate and scalable solutions. Full integration allows companies to maximize productivity and ultimately achieve lower labor costs.
Predictive Analytics in Planning
Effective supply chain planning is becoming more important with the heightened demand for expansion and resilience. These evolving demands create more nuances and complexities that outdated models struggle to address. As a result, scenario analysis challenges are growing. There are also financial repercussions to consider.
With AI-enabled applications, integrated business planning is more straightforward. Also, both sales and operational planning are easier. Low-touch planning removes large volumes of manual work and produces more qualitative analytics without human assistance. You can find patterns, anomalies and other issues. AI makes it easier to develop quick solutions. If you are looking for value-adding activities, using a low-touch planning approach can help.
AI and machine learning tools can help predict demand, delays and more. With the added elements of machine learning, you benefit from continuous improvement. If you have a proactive approach to addressing disruptions, you can quickly respond to reduce downtime and customer dissatisfaction.
Digitization and Big Data Analytics
Turning physical data into digital formats, known as digitization, allows the use of AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud programs to construct a digital ecosystem. With big data analytics, businesses can find valuable insights into various aspects, including operational efficiency, customer behavior and market trends.. It has become a game changer for many companies, helping them to identify inefficiencies and much more.
Additionally, you can improve and maintain optimal operations and customer service. You can approach digitization holistically or in parts. For example, you may only need digitization to address cognitive fatigue and other challenges. Digitization does not remove the need for humans. However, it creates an opportunity for humans and digital tools to produce innovative outcomes.
Low-Code Platforms
Changing software in supply chain management settings is a time-consuming and risky choice. Low-code platforms, which allow users to create applications without traditional hand-coding, improve efficiency and reduce the risk of lengthy development cycles. These platforms use a range of APIs (application programming interfaces) and integrations to connect various systems.
Even those with limited technical knowledge can use them efficiently and address challenges in planning, lifecycle management, collaboration, and manufacturing. By making operations more adaptable and agile, low-code platforms allow companies to create custom applications that integrate with 3PL services.
Stay on Pace With Logistics Advancements
By embracing these technologies, you can improve your company’s resilience in an ever-changing world. They can help you adapt to various predictable and unpredictable changes in the supply chain. Since they also boost efficiency, they help position you to understand and meet the demands of your market. It is also important to keep up with new changes after implementing technological improvements.
At Experior, we offer a range of services from order fulfillment to warehousing and storage to transportation management, all while seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology. Trust our real-time data and comprehensive reporting to help you scale your business. Contact Experior to learn how we can help with your supply chain management needs.