For the manufacturing industry, the current era presents significant opportunities to develop business alongside a situation of widespread market instability. The rapid changes in consumer habits, the need to cope with high demand for quality services delivered in increasingly shorter times, have decisively driven the digital transformation across all aspects of distribution, procurement, and corporate logistics.
The digital transformation of the supply chain is now a priority for companies aiming to remain competitive and gain an advantage in an increasingly fierce market. A recent study reveals that this strategy can lead to a 5%-10% reduction in production costs. Let's explore what it entails and its key aspects.
Key Aspects of Digital Transformation in the Supply Chain
The goal of the digital transformation of the supply chain is to satisfy the end customer through improved relationships with suppliers and precise issue management, aiming to fulfill orders promptly while maintaining the quality of the end product. Which areas are involved in this process? Let's examine them together:
1.
Process Automation:
Implement automation processes in all areas of goods management and production to enhance production efficiency and reduce processing times.
2.
System Integration:
Ensure full integration of the company's operating systems, ensuring that all platforms and tools are interconnected, able to communicate and exchange data in real-time. This is to guarantee procurement operations align with needs, definite product realization timelines, waste reduction, and a considerable increase in efficiency.
3.
Agility and Scalability:
In an ever-evolving market, having an agile and scalable supply chain is crucial. Companies must be ready to adapt quickly to new market trends without compromising efficiency or quality.
4.
Data Collection and Analysis: To optimize processes toward predictive production, the ability to collect and interpret data is essential. Analyzing and interpreting large volumes of data is crucial to gain valuable insights into consumer behavior, market demand, or the effectiveness of strategies.
Tools to Address the Digital Transformation of the Supply Chain
To optimize the supply chain through digital transformation, it's important to have clear objectives and outline which aspects to prioritize and the desired results. Here are the strategies and tools that can help manage this process:
- Real-Time Response: Rapid response to changes in demand, such as demand spikes or global crises, is vital. Specific tools and software make finite capacity scheduling a less daunting task. Advanced algorithms and graphical interfaces make this process not only efficient but also intuitive, allowing companies to find the best production path with a few clicks.
- Strategic Reorientation: A digitalized supply chain allows companies to shift from a reactive to a proactive approach, anticipating challenges and applying innovative solutions to address them. The Plan Cost Optimizer plays a strategic role in simulating alternative production plans in real-time, reducing costs related to logistics and production.
- Use of ERP Platforms: Enterprise Resource Planning software provides companies with an integrated and 360° view of their operations, ensuring information flows seamlessly along the entire supply chain.
- Automation Tools:Robots in warehouses and automation systems can improve efficiency, reduce goods handling times, and minimize errors.
- Data-Driven Approach: In digital transformation, data drives decisions. Integrated planning modules use market data to develop production and procurement plans with tools like Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, predicting demand and optimizing inventory, reducing waste, and increasing efficiency.
- Internet of Things (IoT): Interconnected devices and machinery can monitor real-time conditions of goods and report any anomalies, ensuring product quality and compliance.
- Collaboration Platforms: Software promoting collaboration among suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors can reduce times and costs while improving service quality. The introduction of a Manufacturing Execution System (MES), for example, provides precise and timely control over production, with real-time monitoring ensuring optimized process efficiency and better product traceability.
- Sustainability: Digital tools capable of monitoring, analyzing, and optimizing energy assets can help companies monitor and reduce the environmental impact of their operations, offering consumers greater transparency on the products they purchase.
The digital transformation of the supply chain is a necessary renewal strategy for manufacturing companies wishing to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging global market. However, it requires technological investments and suitable tools.
Compass10, designed by Plannet, is software tailored for manufacturing companies that have identified digital transformation of the supply chain as the best strategy to address new challenges in the global market. Through advanced and flexible solutions, Compass10 optimizes control and planning, allowing the application of planning and scheduling solutions to the production and procurement process. Integrating with any ERP system, Plannet's Compass10 reduces lead times and warehouse stocks, increases productivity, decreases machine setup times, improves service, and ensures quick and quality customer responses.
➡️ Manage your company's supply chain with Plannet's Compass10
