Friday, July 22, 2016

Five Top Tips On Supply Chain Optimization

By Deborah Bell


Optimizing the supply chain demands adoption of responsive and efficient methods that reduce the cost of operation to the lowest possible. This is meant to expand profit margins or tame expenditure. Supply chain optimization revolves around wide ranging changes that should touch on all affiliated departments. In the process, the cost of running some operations might increase. This should be ignored if the general operating budget is reduced.

Top among the best proposals is to think globally yet act locally. This is a strategy to tap into profitable and efficient tactics elsewhere yet retain the advantage of local incentives, materials, infrastructure, etc. This integration allows you to take advantage of both worlds so that goods and services can be accepted locally yet bear the hallmark of international standards. Localized materials, incentives and infrastructure are always cheaper thus advantageous to use.

Maintain your focus on core strengths with the possibility of outsourcing all other functions. Some tasks that are not related to your business only bother and take up your time as well as resources. Some of these functions include freighting, distribution, information technology, etc. While internal resources appear to operate best, outsourcing repetitive tasks allows you to concentrate and thus improve on your signature product.

Players along the supply chain need to collaborate openly to reap maximum benefits. This calls for open communication and flow of data between suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, distributors, etc. This makes it easier to forecast business environment and manage inventory. For manufacturers, it enables them to make the right production decisions. This reduces waste or inability to meet customer demands. It is also easier to project profits.

The use of mobile based technology is having a revolutionary impact on efficiency of supply chains. This technology is especially helpful in marketing, field management and monitoring. It also enables brands to serve customers directly and customize the products on offer. This direct link to customers builds loyalty and sustains the relationship longer than using conventional methods. The manufacturer gets unfiltered information about a product or service directly from a customer.

Opening up your channel and making it more responsive delivers the best results. There are incredible channels to use including social media that facilitate quick communication and feedback gathering. Technology gives you a wide coverage and are cost effective. They have been used before to drive up sales volumes. The fact that you can communicate directly with the client is registered as listening and being attentive to their issues.

It is not always that your strategies will work. The solution is to be innovative and identify new channels that ease production, delivery, contact with customers, etc. The change in strategy should be based on projected long term gains but should not be panic driven. Even working strategies can be improved depending on feedback from the ground.

Supply channels depend on the players involved and the products or services on offer. All strategies developed must take to account the uniqueness of operation environment or market. Utilize all the opportunities available within your operation environment. All efforts should go towards cost reduction and efficiency over the long term.




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