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Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Tips For Supply Chain Network Optimization

By Angela Hill


A supply chain is a network of the people, information, activities and resources involved in conveying deliverables to customers. It includes activities such as the conversion of raw materials, natural resources and other elements into finished goods. For a business to maximize profitability, supply chain network optimization is very paramount. It is for this reason that firms have made tremendous efforts to automate transactions and capturing data associated with logistics operations and supply chain.

Due to the proliferation of Internet tools, computer networks and technologies, many supply chains have become quite sophisticated. This especially applies to the networks of extended organizations. These innovations created room for more intense cooperation between distributors, suppliers and partners in the enterprise. These networks can be increasingly complex, transparent and competitive in nature. To be optimized, a supply system must remain lean, respond instantaneously to demand fluctuations and manage costs effectively. There are several ways in which a firm can ensure that it optimizes this network.

One of the ways to ensure that your chain network is operating is by considering international opportunities. Allowing your business to have a global perspective will make sure that it achieves quick growth and development. However, do not be in a hurry to start operating on a global scale. This requires so much time and planning to attain. Also, ensure that your operations are environment-friendly and hence reducing the carbon footprint.

During the execution of operations, the company should concentrate on core strengths and all other practices should be outsourced from external agents. Many corporations error by trying to do everything internally, this only increases inefficiency and the costs incurred. One-off projects such as payment, information system improvement, freight bills auditing and ascertaining the ideal level of distribution can be outsourced.

For the supply network to be optimized, it is imperative that collaboration between suppliers and retailers for data oriented forecasting and resource management. Having a highly coordinated system will enhance the satisfaction rates, product availability at outlets and also reduce inventory level. It is also crucial that the network is lean with minimal players.

Very many modern technologies have been invented to help with the running of business operations. These include the mobile based technologies which can be used to improve merchandising, field sales, and marketing and use customized coupons to offer clients direct services. It is crucial that the business provides information such as provenance, item contents, specific information and sustainability.

Your supply system should be responsive in nature. It is crucial that you use Social Media and other sources of data to identify trends and changes in demand early in time. Quick responses to such changes will increase sales and improve the degree of service among other things. Adapting a multi-channel system will transform your network from forecasting to creating responsive networks.

It is also essential that the human resource in this organization has the required skills and capabilities to ensure optimized efficiency. People must have the technology expertise and domain needed to support the data, models and optimization engines. Due to the technical nature of this function, it is only logical that its operators are just as technical.




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