With higher expectations and more pressures put on supply chains year in, year out, quicker more efficient processes are continually being developed. Transportation visibility offers multiple benefits to supply chains. Benefits that result in reduced times, reduced costs and reduced emissions, all whilst giving rise to an improved customer experience.
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How is This Achieved?
One way supply chains are achieving these results is through Real Time Transportation Visibility Platforms (RTTVP), which have now become an essential element of supply chains. With 70% of customers expecting real-time insights for their shipments, it is estimated that 50% of all leading global enterprises will have invested in RTTVPs by 2023.
Using live tracking of shipments, vehicles, weather and traffic means logistics firms can plan ahead. Re-routing shipments to avoid congestion and bad weather can save valuable time as well as fuel costs. Knowing where a parcel and its ETA, based on weather and traffic, accounts for smoother transactions, a better customer experience and a more environmentally friendly approach.
Capitalising on Data
Digital supply chain networks give unprecedented access to data about shipments across supply chains. As well as receiving information on tracking, location and ETA, manufacturers can also receive data on conditions and quality of goods using IoT (Internet of Things).
In the pharmaceutical and food industries, for example, the quality of goods may rely on temperature control. These can all be tracked through sensors which log information throughout the journey. Saving time offering more accurate and automated results gives higher levels of customer satisfaction, performance, less downtime and less waste.
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Business Intelligence
Using data and analytics to their advantage, supply chains can become much more efficient. Predicting stock levels based on customer behaviour means the many facets of the supply chain can assess, control and better manage landed costs.
Automation and AI have already provided many advantages to the warehouse and manufacturing industries. As technology continues to advance, supply chains are finding more and more ways to utilise automation with low-code automation allowing platforms to be built around businesses.
Environmentally Friendly
With data transferring through digitally, paperwork is becoming a thing of the past. Even with something as simple as an Electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD), the saving on discarded paper can have immense impacts on the environment. Additionally, the seamless nature of transferable data allows for a speed and responsiveness throughout the supply chain, previously unattainable.
For OCS, embracing technology for our warehouses, vehicles, workers and customers helps us stay out ahead of the pack as we head towards a greener, automated future.
To read more on what supply chains are doing for the environment, you can check our blog by clicking here.