Business success, customer focus and innovation are inextricably linked in a strong supply chain strategy. The most successful companies are those that constantly evaluate their processes and continue to innovate to improve the customer experience. This is according to recent research by Adelante SCM, commissioned by BluJay Solutions.
But how can companies best shape their supply chain strategy? This week, during trade fair ICT & Logistiek, BluJay will take a closer look at this topic. For now, here are four tips from BluJay, supplier of supply chain software.
Experiment with new technology (AI and machine learning) 2.
Disruptive technology does not become mainstream within organisations overnight. Often the new technology is announced well before it is actually implemented. Don't be shy about experimenting with and testing these emerging technologies and business models. Avoid being left behind while competitors do start achieving success with new applications, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, self-driving trucks and robots.
2. Focus on customer experience
Providing a good customer experience is essential in winning the competitive battle. When making strategic choices, it is therefore necessary to look concretely at how it contributes to the customer experience and focus less on cost savings. Demanding customers, for instance, expect increasingly faster and cheaper delivery of products. Companies that are able to offer this, for example by opting for a mobile solution that provides insight into the supply chain process, operate more successfully.
3. Bring systems and processes closer together
Working in silos within organisations is still a major barrier to innovation. At the same time, it hinders companies in improving customer experience. By working with one integrated solution, you gain better insight into all processes, which also makes it clear sooner where improvements are needed. However, breaking through silos is not easy. Departments in other locations often work with different applications. To change this, it is best to start at the locations where there is still little transparency. These are the first business processes that need to be examined and addressed.
4. Modernise IT systems
Many laggards still rely on Excel spreadsheets to manage their supply chain. However, working with dated IT systems makes companies inflexible. Companies become dependent on these systems, or customised solutions, which makes it costly to move away from them. It is therefore important not to look for a programme with similar functionality, but to choose a solution that can help the business move to the next level. Work with applications that are scalable and future-proof so that the organisation can grow with customers and the market. For example, consider deploying a cloud solution.
"Organisations are in danger of being satisfied with where they are currently, or the way they currently operate," says Chris Winstanley, Director, Solution Consulting at BluJay Solutions. "This while innovation is always nod necessary. Companies need to keep moving to stay relevant in the future. The above four pieces of advice will help them do just that."
BluJay Solutions will be present during ICT & Logistiek on 7 and 8 November next at stand 01.B042. BluJay will host two speaking sessions (on both days from 11.45 - 12.15) in Theatre 1 (Transport & Distribution) on customer experience as a driver of supply chain innovation. You can register for these sessions here.
