Click here to get this post in PDF
Image source: freepik.com
The ability to purchase is stronger than ever before with the ever more connected world of e-commerce. With millions of products sold daily, the demand to deliver amidst the pandemic-induced complexities of modern-day logistics poses an ultimate challenge to every business. The ability to excel financially doesn’t solely depend on the quality of the product. For the most part, it comes down to successfully optimizing the company’s supply chain. But, what would be a good place to start doing that?
Establish good communication
The increasing challenges of global trade consist of data management, sourcing, manufacturing, and fluctuating consumer demand. However, the challenge that prevails by far is operational visibility. Nearly 62% percent of companies have an obscure vision while managing their supply chain, while only 15% have insight into production. Ensuring that all supply chain members have a clear understanding of the messages received can ameliorate this burning issue. Furthermore, since good communication is not a one-way street, it helps to encourage the good practice of forwarding messages and thus relegating duties successfully.
Embrace the use of modern technology
The only sound solution to combating the complexities of modern-day trading in a digital world is to fully embrace the use of technology to optimize supply chain management. This can be done both by introducing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), which can be fully automated and by keeping track of all the data, leaving out the guesswork. Another big problem could be that a business is struggling with the management of trade finance. This calls for a digital trade finance solution that allows for a multilingual cross-border system for managing finances while connecting with suppliers. Such a system ensures that a business has a premium custom-fit trading facility and builds firm partnerships and trust while being extremely flexible with extended repayment terms.
Focus on employee development
While navigating through the toils of manufacturing and logistics in the grand scheme of things, it is easy to overlook the core element of every business, the employees. There is tremendous value in investing in the development of employees. This can be done by including quality assessment, creating training facilities, and prioritizing skills enhancement. In addition, this must be implemented at all levels throughout the company; for instance, top managers can be rotated on their job assignments, and other employees are given a chance for steady succession.
Build firm collaboration with your colleagues
The bond that makes any business successful is creating a truthful relationship rich with clear and direct communication between suppliers and customers. It is frequently the case that suppliers can be threatened to be excluded from a partnership however this engenders a great deal of general mistrust and a bad reputation, definitely ensuring a bad long-term strategy for a business.
Favor quality control
Due to the increased demand and diversion of focus towards planning, companies often forget to pay extra attention to one of the most underlying principles of trust, selling, and maintaining a high-quality product. This is where quality control steps in. Whenever a purchasing agreement is made with a vendor, the crucial step is the inspection of the product, whereby the company can return the product if it doesn’t meet the standards outlined in the agreement. This is a fatal mistake for a business, especially if a big order is at stake. Not only does it create a financial loss, but it also costs delivery time and other supply chain management efforts. A good way to ensure quality is in place is to be more proactive when spotting counterfeit materials. For instance, it is estimated that 15% of all spare and replacement electronic parts purchased by The Pentagon are, in fact, counterfeit. The key to overcoming this major flaw in the trading world is implementing meticulous oversight and control.
Infographic provided by AV Logistics, shipping container tracking
If implemented correctly, efficiency in supply chain management is a gift that keeps on giving. It ensures that good communication is achieved and everyone is on the same page. All of these can be done by successfully integrating technology into business enterprises, allowing for safer, more flexible, and carefree trade finance management. A successful business is truly worth as much as its employees, so developing their skills is crucial for turning them into the company’s strongest links. Keeping strong collaborative ties with the suppliers predicts good long-term success at the basis of which are things like ensuring good quality control.
You may also like: The Effect COVID Has Had on Manufacturing and Supply Chains
