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Quick Summary
The supply chain contains many intricate and complex processes happening at the
same time across the globe. Overseeing all of this can become more and more
difficult, particularly when unexpected events like a pandemic or geopolitical
issues arise and wreak havoc on operations companies have already established.
As a result, businesses are adopting various logistics software solutions to help
address the challenges of managing the intricate supply chain. However, with so
many IT options available, figuring out which ones your company truly requires can
be challenging. Therefore, we have decided to create a summary of the main kinds
of supply chain software development for business leaders to think about.
Continue reading to find out what they are.
3. 10 Crucial SCM Software Types
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Order Processing: This particular form of
supply chain management system is
designed to assist with the handling of
order processing tasks, as the name
implies. Since the promptness with which
new requests are processed has a direct
impact on customer satisfaction and,
ultimately, the company’s revenue, this
aspect of the business must operate at a
high level of efficiency.
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Consequently, businesses often introduce these types of tools to streamline
and expedite a substantial portion of their day-to-day operations.
Truck Dispatching: Logistics companies can benefit from truck dispatch
software by streamlining operations like vehicle routing, delivery tracking, and
scheduling. This type of software is ideal for businesses that spend a lot of time
communicating with stakeholders, struggle with routing logistics, or have high
rates of empty miles traveled. The automation and optimization provided by
truck dispatch systems can simplify supply chain management and
transportation workflows. The software assists with essential tasks like
determining the best routes, monitoring vehicle locations and conditions, and
efficiently coordinating schedules. In summary, trucking dispatch software can
optimize key processes for firms involved in haulage, leading to time and cost
savings.
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Scheduling: An automated solution for employee scheduling is ordinarily
hosted in the cloud and helps streamline the process of scheduling, monitoring
work hours, facilitating communication, and other related tasks. The use of
such a system helps avoid problems related to paying employees incorrectly,
boosts employee morale, and reduces conflicts in the scheduling process.
Inventory Management: Inventory optimization applications help supply chain
businesses maximize storage facility capacity, refine manufacturing schedules,
and even predict consumer demand to circumvent product shortages.
In addition, storage facility control solutions enhanced with artificial
intelligence can effortlessly assemble particular goods in the inventory to
simplify logistical tasks. For example, by combining deliveries that may need to
leave around the same time together for simpler access.
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Shipment Monitoring: Supply chain
managers often have immense amounts
of goods being shipped to clients across
the globe every day. Understandably,
they need to know the whereabouts of
each shipment not just to update the
sender and receiver, but also to address
any possible issues promptly.
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Therefore, supply chain software development company depend on cargo
tracking solutions that offer notifications, reports, and GPS coordinates at
each point of the delivery procedure. As one might expect, these solutions
permit full transparency of the whole distribution system and enable
seamless management of activities. The high volume of cargo being
transported to customers worldwide every single day means that supply
chain operators naturally need to be aware of where each shipment is
located. This is crucial not only to keep the recipient and sender informed,
but also to be able to swiftly handle any potential problem.
Hence, shipment tracking tools that provide alerts, updates, and GPS location
at every step of the delivery process allow supply chain management
companies to have full visibility of the entire distribution network and
facilitate smooth control of operations.
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Demand Forecasting: Demand forecasting applications are available either as
components of broader supply chain management platforms or as independent
solutions that can be integrated with other supply chain software. The purpose
of these applications is to predict future demand to improve inventory control,
workforce planning, etc.
The most advanced versions of this software now include machine learning
algorithms that make forecasts based not just on historical data but also on
current market conditions. Because ML-powered tools can rapidly analyze vast
amounts of data, these forecasts tend to be highly precise.
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Business Intelligence: Performing comprehensive data analysis is vital for any
business that aims to progress, expand, and generate more income, regardless
of the industry. As such, organizations frequently put in place data analysis
solutions that empower them to evaluate overall performance, determine the
triumph of sales and marketing efforts, pinpoint the origins of holdups or
mistakes, and so on. Likewise, carrying out in-depth and timely business
intelligence is a pivotal type of supply chain management software. It enables
companies to run the necessary data analytics across their supply chain, just as
they do for other aspects of their operations.
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Customer and Supplier Management:
Supply chain managers need to ensure
the needs of their clients and vendors
are met. These stakeholders are the
foundation of the business, so
maintaining good relationships with
them is critical to success. Technology
solutions like customer relationship
management systems help organize all
data about customers and suppliers in
one place. By centralizing this
information, supply chain operators can
better serve these groups and foster
lasting partnerships.
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Client Support: It is essential for businesses that promise product delivery to
establish accessible communication channels for their customers. Customers
expect the ability to connect with the company in the event of a problem. As
such, implementing live chat options on the company website and mobile
application or operating a dedicated call center where staff can address
incoming questions are prudent steps.
Furthermore, some companies choose to equip their call centers with artificial
intelligence tools to gain benefits like automatic call recording, instant data
insights, and prompts for agents during calls. Doing so helps guarantee that any
problems are fixed quickly while minimizing negative impacts on the customer
experience. In short, when customers rely on a company to fulfill orders, the
company must provide the means for customers to get in touch if needed. AI-
powered call centers and online/in-app chat functions are two ways to enable
efficient communication and issue resolution.
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Collaboration: Finally, your supply chain company will struggle to work
efficiently without tools that enable cooperation. Since there are many
interested parties across the whole value network, it’s crucial to have
frameworks in place that assist everyone in communicating. If you need to talk
about order problems, blockages, new agreements, or work on specific jobs,
you can utilize project administration solutions and chat programs to guarantee
everything is accomplished.
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Conclusion
As we have covered today, there are many supply chain management solutions
that your company could potentially put into place. However, figuring out the
ideal system or combination of systems for your unique needs can be
challenging. This is where we can provide assistance. With years of experience
successfully building and deploying logistics software, Brain Inventory is well-
equipped to help you determine which tools are the best fit for your
organization. We can then help you implement those tools smoothly and
effectively. So regardless of where you currently stand in terms of supply chain
technology, please complete the form below. Our knowledgeable experts will
follow up soon to offer guidance backed by real-world experience.