Mobile based solutions provide added value to supply chain management operations by improving efficiency, speed and accuracy.
The benefit of technology will continue to be a topic of discussion in the supply chain and logistics industry. In recent months, Morai Logistics has discussed the positive impact machine learning, Artificial Intelligence and predictive analytics will have on real-time efficiencies. The mobile supply chain has also gained considerable attention as companies and third party logistics providers seek ways to improve the end-to-end experience.
There is an overall added value of transparency and efficiency that comes from an increase in connectivity. Therefore, the integration of mobile-based solutions has been implemented by many industries including transportation supply chain management.
According to Business Wire, the North American Supply Chain Analytics Market is expected to grow by 15.5% CAGR between 2017 and 2023. The data acquired from emerging technology such as mobile-based solutions, is a response to the following challenges:
- Poor supply chain visibility
- Inefficient supplier networks
- Warehousing cost
- Incorrect forecasts
This article defines mobile supply chains and dentifies current mobile based applications gaining considerable attention.
Mobile Supply Chains
Supply chain technology provider, Datex defines mobile computers as “automated data collection (ADC) devices”. The company further describes their design as being:
…compact, lightweight and with durable construction or use in extreme temperatures and environments encountered frequently both in and out of the warehouse.
From a user perspective, these applications provide real-time processing and also more data accuracy in comparison to manual entry. Their implementation is a movement from traditional forms of paper trail to efficient methods that provide a variety of benefits. Logistics Viewpoints outlines the following top reasons to implement mobile based solutions into supply chains:
A. Improved Processes
From shippers to third party logistics providers, the implementation of mobile applications helps improve the entire shipment lifecycle. Last week, Morai Logistics discussed how consolidation tools improve cold chains. The use of tablets or RFID handhelds, offer multiple users across the same organization, accessibility to a platform that contains all important information. This helps supply chains run smoothly and creates efficient communication verticals.
B. Enhanced Delivery
Research states that ‘a mobility solution allows you to manage all of the on-road processes for a successful delivery and pick up of all freight’. In addition, it provides a platform for drivers to locate details about delivery specifications and in helps facilitate ‘driver-specific actions’.
C. Customer Satisfaction
As ecommerce platforms and mobile technology make allow customers to make immediate buying decisions, their expectations and demands also increase. Ultimately, efficient and faster supply chains improve the customer experience, which is another benefit provided by mobile applications. They help to remove the barriers that impact shipment visibility, which is a challenge facing supply chains in changing markets.
Let’s take a look at a mobile based solution making headway today.
Mobile Applications
Oracle Corporation creates and delivers innovative technologies that help businesses around the world advance their processes. In an effort to help improve supply chains, they have created Oracle® Mobile Supply Chain Applications (MSCA).
In relation to the benefits listed above, these applications also help ‘improve visibility, productivity and accuracy’. They integrate into a variety of devices and software systems, offers personalization and provides real-time insight and data processing. This program has been designed to help optimize supply chains that don’t require an ‘extensive warehouse management system’.
As the demand for efficiency, speed and immediacy continues to increase, supply chains will continue to rely on advanced technology. The emergence of mobile based solutions is not a recent industry trend, however, it is still gaining considerable attention. The added value applications such as MSCA provide companies looking to improve the end-to-end experience is significant.
