Visibility in Supply Chain

In supply Chain “Visibility” means to have knowledge of where is your inventory or assets (Fleet) at any given time.

Providing end-end visibility or real time information to all the stakeholder is one of the most important metric or Key Performance Indicator (KPI) in defining the service level of a logistics provider.

But most of the logistics and SCM player concentrate on capitalizing more on their core competencies of managing end to end to supply chain activities and ignore information flow across the value chain.

The only way to drive better visibility is to invest in technology infrastructure. Logistics and SCM players thus, need to tie up with technology partners who can help them to store, manage, communicate and analyze necessary information.

These technology partners can thus provide 24/7/365 days real time information to all stake holders. Some of the best tools of managing information flow are as follows:

• Online portals to track consignments: This provides  partners to be aware about the status of their shipment and plan their further actions in a better way.
• Auto emails and SMS: Alerts are sent via emails and SMS to inform interested partners about various events .
• Two way SMS: User can send consignment note number and SMS comes with consignment status, it shows GPS location on Google Maps if the vehicle is GPS enabled.
• Send and receive PODs (Proof of Delivery): Sending and receiving PODs is just a matter of second and thus the entire billing process can be carried out in much lesser time as compared to physical transfer of POD.
• GPS Systems: GPS devices help to track current location of the consignment and also predicts its dynamic ETA (Expected Time of Arrival) which again helps stakeholders in better planning
• Android Devices: Android applications to track status of consignments and check location of vehicles on maps will now become the most used tool  to provide supply chain visibility as android devices have now become a part and parcel of almost every individuals life
• CRM Tool: To enhance customer relationship in the best possible way

It’s the era of real-time and accurate information that drives the logistics organizations and is thus a challenge for all stakeholders to exploit the benefit of the information provided by technology partners and augment their bottom lines. Technology partners like WebXpress will thus, make your journey easy.

Visibility in logistics will see more involvement of IT in coming years; no customer wants its consignment to be out of sight at any point of time.