It is widely considered to be one of the most creative and disruptive technologies in the global supply chain arena over the next several years.
While technologies for real-time supply chain visibility software have been available for some time, the corporate world is now taking notice.
On this page, learn how SAP, Oracle, and other well-known companies in this rapidly developing business use software.
Supply chain visibility software
Simple supply chain visibility displays asset location and status in real time. Logisticians may now more closely monitor their vehicles and other equipment, including trailers, ships, and cargo, than ever before.
Previously impossible tasks, such as the ones listed below, are now feasible:
- Before making any disruption-related decisions, carefully consider your alternatives.
- Keep an eye out for signs that a shipment may be delayed.
- Improve your performance by learning from your errors.
Despite the fact that real-time supply chain visibility software has been available for some years, it has yet to garner universal acceptance.
Why is the SCV solution important?
Enormous developments in global business and supply chain legislation have created significant uncertainty. Many companies believe they are operating in the dark and have little control over the myriad components of their global supply chains that are concealed from their employees and customers.
Client expectations are always shifting, which is a cause of difficulty for many firms. They both want to keep an eye on their merchandise at all times. For some folks, tracking their delivery and knowing when they will arrive is crucial.
Real-time logistics visibility technology is being sought after by supply chain managers to assist them in overcoming these important obstacles. They want visibility technology to track their whole supply chain in real time. If they have access to all relevant information, their operations will be more decisive and effective.
SCV solution terms you need to know
This topic has a plethora of abstract and connected features. When examining how supply chain visibility technology might affect your organization, it’s critical to understand the following terms:
API
The adjective “suitable” is more acceptable in this instance: (API)
APIs are the web’s de facto language. APIs enable apps to communicate and exchange data.
ELD
ELD is the abbreviation of Electro-Logging Devices. GPS-enabled ELDs offer real-time tracking of industrial vehicles and trailers. While the United States made ELDs required in December 2017, the rest of the globe has lagged behind.
RFID
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is used to track radio-frequency equipment. You may share digital information about a product or service with others by using a scannable tag. RFIDs are embedded in a broad variety of devices, including as bar codes, credit cards, and passports.
Telematics
The term “telecommunication” refers to data collected by electronic logging devices, radio frequency identification devices, and other visibility-related equipment.
RSVP
Platforms for real-time visibility Those who work with RTTVPs are responsible for compiling and organizing telematics data from various sources so that it may be used in real time.
Overview of supply chain visibility software
Your main goal should be to improve every part of your supply chain. It may be challenging for a team with considerable knowledge to keep track of everything they have on hand and expect to receive from internal and external sources, including materials, raw materials, and supplies. If you employ a combination of systems and manual procedures, it may be difficult for you as well.
Inventory optimization, forecast accuracy, and competitive advantage are all improved when supply chain visibility software is used.
The supply chain may be followed from point A to point B. This allows the shipper to track their products online and establish their precise position.
Despite the fact that there are various ways to trace your supply chain, many traditional software solutions still require you to perform some tasks manually.
To optimize supply chain operations, effective supply chain visibility software does more than track and trace. Using advanced data analytics and real-time tracking technologies, businesses may expose issues, speed delivery, and save money.
The ELD (electronic logging device), a mobile app, an API, EDI, and other technologies must all be directly connected to the ELD to provide real-time tracking. While machine learning and artificial intelligence can handle the majority of backend monitoring and provide real-time warnings when anything goes wrong, they can’t do it all.
The importance of supply chain visibility software
In today’s society, consumers may purchase anything online and instantly learn the location of their cargo. Every business should be able to do this. Shipping is more challenging than ever before, as most shipments today travel thousands of miles, involve several personnel, and take days to complete.
Maintaining a hidden supply chain will not get you very far if you want to meet your clients’ escalating needs. Over 20% of firms see visibility as their primary supply chain concern, the highest percentage of any issue they face in today’s volatile market. Over 70% of supply chain executives feel their operations improve the customer experience.
Supply chain visibility enables you to keep track of shipments. Apart from human-based logistics tracking, visibility technology must advance. Keeping these factors in mind, you may choose the best supply chain visibility software for your business.
How can I determine the whereabouts of the shipment? While the majority of supply chain visibility software has basic tracking and tracing capabilities, they may be done in a variety of ways and using a range of technologies. The best options available include tracking ELDs, AI assistants, and smartphone applications. ELD tracking is the most effective approach for acquiring real-time visibility data because of its accuracy and automation.
What sort of data is contained in the database? As stated earlier, supply chain visibility software must be able to track the location of a cargo. Additional information is required to optimize the supply chain. Visibility platforms are used to plan ahead. When will the loading docks be vacant, allowing people to plan ahead?
How straightforward is it to discover information? Supply chain managers must guarantee that all IT systems communicate with one another in order to collect the best data possible. A single supply chain management software solution can assist you in automating processes and increasing the efficiency of your workforce. As a result, cloud-based supply chain visibility software is extensively used due to its accessibility from any location and at any time.
It’s past time to get creative with this. Utilize supply chain visibility tools to collect real-time data, monitor performance, get insight into your shipping processes, and enhance relationships with partners and customers. Supply chain visibility technologies have a number of applications, ranging from enhanced carrier selection and cost to increased OTP/OTD and more effective facility management.