September 10, 2014
The 3 Keys to Supply Chain Success
You may find yourself in the unenviable task of deciding whether or not you want to automate your supply chain. While the decision may seem difficult when all is said and done, there are so many benefits to employing supply chain management software that, once implemented, you will wonder what took you so long. However, none of that matters if you do not incorporate the management software properly, so here are three keys to supply chain success.
Supply chain managers have a tough job, and that job gets tougher by the day as the world continues to grow and evolve. From issues with technology, global unrest, and even natural disasters such as hurricanes, tsunamis, and earthquakes to run-of-the-mill security problems, there are many obstacles in your path, lurking in the dark to disrupt your supply chain mojo - and that doesn't even include the day-to-day challenges you face on the job!
1. Invest in supply chain management software.
This is why it is so important to use supply chain management software. But using the software will not guarantee success in and of itself, so the first key to supply chain success, in my eyes, is to make sure you install the software properly to begin with. Taking the time and investing the right amount of money and manpower when setting up the system is the most important aspect of the process. You may find yourself tempted to cut corners here, but I cannot stress enough how vital it is that you take the initial brunt of the "cost" of deploying this software. If you are not committed to going all in, you may as well not install it, to begin with.
2. Make sure your staff and suppliers are properly trained on processes.
The next key is to make sure you train everyone who will be using the chain supply management software. This includes not just your staff but may include training people outside of your company as well, such as suppliers, who may need to adapt to your new system.
It goes without saying that if all parties involved are not properly trained, your system will quickly break down and it will become more of a hindrance than a help. Remember this: supply chain management software is an investment that will help your company save money and increase its profit margins. Like any investment, you need to nurture it to allow it to grow and prosper!
3. Set metrics for success - and analyze them often.
The third and final key to successful supply chain management is this: set metrics for success and analyze them frequently. It isn't enough to just set up your system and train your employees. Just like the global economy changes, so too will your supply chain system, evolving to handle the needs of an ever-evolving business climate. Creating reports based around these metrics and studying them will help you find weak spots that you can strengthen, and hot spots of success that you can focus on to squeeze the most efficiency out of your system as possible.
The reward for implementing these "keys to success" is a growing, profitable, and efficient business that will help you sustain not only your own financial well-being but your employees as well. So if you have not incorporated supply chain software into your system yet, do yourself (and your business) a favor: get the process started today!