Supply chain management is one of the key elements which influence the fate of the organization. The areas where companies are required to concentrate are supply chain visibility (both downstream and upstream) and flexibility to align dynamic business and global scenarios.
In any decision making process, the probability of taking correct decision is directly proportional to the amount of related information available, from past, and information on activities which may happen in future. The same rule applies in business where the clear visibility of the upstream and downstream processes helps to take decisions which are right and improve their supply chain operations.
Just to mention few of the areas where organizations should strive to improve visibility, through working collaboratively with suppliers and customers , are advanced shipping notification (ASN) from supplier and providing similar information to customers , demand forecast sharing from customer , point of sales and inventory information from customer , supplier production plan and inventory levels etc.
As the supply chain visibility information provides the right data points and indicators to take appropriate decision, to implement the decision it is equally important for the organization to be/remain flexible. All the information and right decisions will not convert to competitive advantage unless decisions taken are not implemented as per plan.
It is pertinent for organizations to be flexible to change and slim business processes.Visibility and flexibility in tandem delivers the growth organizations require to stay ahead in competition.
