The supply chain is a complex network of products, materials and interconnected activities that span multiple organizations, systems and geographies. There is a massive amount of information that needs to be disseminated to get the supply chain to operate efficiently.
The cost of supply chain problems is often underestimated or ignored, and cross functional costs are not totaled. Added to that, root causes of supply chain problems are not always easy to see.
Some would say there are two supply chains; the physical (products) and the digital (data and information). The two need to be synchronized at all times for a supply chain to be effective. Data visibility is a critical aspect of supply chain planning that allows organizations to understand and optimize their supply chain operations. With data visibility, organizations can gain a clear understanding of the entire supply chain, which is essential for effective planning and decision-making.
In this blog, we will discuss why data visibility is so important in supply chain planning and how it can help organizations become adaptive enterprises.
Improved Forecast Accuracy and Visibility
The better the data, the better the output. Forecasting can create a domino effect throughout the organization and supply chain. The better your data visibility is, the more accurate your forecast will be, thus the more accurate your production plans will be as well. With visibility into the entire supply chain, organizations can identify potential bottlenecks or delays that may impact production plans and schedules, and adjust their plans accordingly. This will also create better plans that can be relied on by your suppliers to ensure the right materials are in the right place. This helps to ensure that the right products are available at the right time, which is critical for customer satisfaction.
Real-time Tracking
Real-time tracking of shipments and inventory levels is essential for effective supply chain planning. Data visibility enables organizations to track shipments and inventory levels in real-time, which helps to optimize the flow of goods through the supply chain. This ensures that inventory is available when and where it is needed, which helps to minimize stockouts and reduce the need for safety stock. Real-time information helps minimize excess inventory which is a profit margin killer.
Improved Collaboration
Data visibility improves collaboration between organizations in the supply chain. With access to real-time data, organizations can work together to identify potential issues and develop solutions before they become major problems. This helps to improve communication and collaboration, which is critical for effective supply chain planning.
Reduced Operational and Supply Chain Costs
Data visibility can help organizations reduce costs by identifying inefficiencies in the supply chain. By analyzing data, organizations can identify areas where they can reduce costs, such as optimizing transportation routes, reducing lead times, or consolidating shipments. This can help organizations reduce their overall supply chain costs, which can lead to improved profitability.
Improved Customer Service
The right product to the right place at the right time. That is the goal. Improved data visibility is essential for providing excellent customer service. With access to real-time data, organizations can quickly identify and resolve issues, such as shipping delays or stockouts. This helps to ensure that customers receive their products on time and that their needs are met, which is critical for customer satisfaction.
In conclusion, data visibility is essential for effective supply chain planning. It enables organizations to accurately forecast demand, track shipments and inventory levels in real-time, improve collaboration, reduce costs and improve customer service. Organizations that invest in data visibility will have a significant competitive advantage in today’s fast-paced business environment and adaptive supply chain. Better data means better information flowing throughout the collaborative supply chain. It enables organizations to keep the digital and physical supply chains connected and operating uninterrupted. Data visibility gives you the understanding and power to create an agile environment within your solution and everyone knows – knowledge is power.
