The ability to connect your supply chain from the warehouse, across seas, air, and roads, to your customers, has improved the supply chain tremendously. Mobility has enabled shippers to drive profitability and improve their reputation among their customers. This has become a new standard for successful supply chain management, as more operators are empowering their workforce and enhancing their processes with mobility. What are the benefits of a mobility supply chain? Here are some ways manufacturing productivity is boosted because of mobility.
Cellular Technology for Real-Time Visibility
Cellular technology is one of the most quickly advancing forms of technology today. It is helping businesses achieve real-time visibility in a mobile supply chain thanks to mobile devices and software that are integrated into the supply chain. Since cellular technology includes features like GPS functionality, text messaging, and application functionality, the capabilities of using such technology in the workplace has progressed significantly over the years. These devices provide users with information capture and retrieval, dispatching, driver and progress tracking, as well as location and event reporting. As this technology begins to replace older methods, warehouse and distribution centers are able to operate more efficiently.
Better Communication for Drivers
There was a time when the only way a driver could communicate with the warehouse was after an action took place such as a load drop off, or if there was a problem. Thanks to mobile technology, shippers can now communicate with their drivers in real-time, while also keeping an eye on vehicle operations, routing and scheduling, and other key performance indicators (KPIs). Mobility is important for these advancements, as it works to provide visibility to the customer about where their order is along the delivery route, and GPS communication can also help drivers find faster routes to get from point A to point B.
Consumer Leads the Mobile Charge
Nowadays the average consumer has much more of an influence over the decisions of a business. If a business wants to keep up with growing and changing customer demands, they need to be sure that they have the technology to handle these changes. Since more is expected from companies, mobility is a step in the right direction to keep decision-makers informed. For example, if a customer is waiting for a product order to arrive, the supplier should be able to track the package on its journey. The customer has real time updates on where it is and when they should expect it. This will go far for you in terms of your customer reputation.
Customers Want More Data
Especially with e-commerce, customers have higher expectations for the kind of service that they receive when they order a product online. The expectation is now that shippers should be able to provide real-time data at their fingertips, without the customer needing to make a call or e-mail the company. Customers want to be able to see where their items are quickly, and this requires a level of mobile technology.
Mobile Trucking & Freight App
Mobile apps are now being launched to target the truck and freight sector, and this is an area that businesses should consider if they want to improve transportation and mobility. Mobile-based freight mobility is expected to be the biggest innovation transforming the transportation industry. It will bring in high asset utilization among smaller fleets, reduce logistics costs for shippers thanks to lower brokerage fees, put an ease on the capacity crunch, reduce empty return miles, and reduce emissions.
Reduction in Device Costs
One of the reasons why some businesses hold back on adapting to new technology trends is the fear that these devices will be expensive. Perhaps a decade ago it would have been cost-prohibitive for the average shipper to supply its employees with handheld mobile devices, but nowadays the proposition is much more affordable. The costs of these devices have reduced across the board and have allowed supply chain mobility to be something more shippers can benefit from. Bluetooth technology and text messaging are just two features of handheld devices that allow all parties within the supply chain to know where items are going and coming from at all times.
Speed-Up Time-to-Decision Process
Managers and executives frequently need to travel because of the nature of their job functions. These decision-makers must still be able to access decision support systems regardless of their location. Thanks to modern business analytics applications and software, key managers, decision-makers, customers, and suppliers can all observe business performance, gather data for analysis, and access dashboards to understand and respond to changing demands. Field workers can also monitor assets to prevent incidents, malfunctions, and equipment failure. Visibility across the entire supply chain reduces the time it takes to make the right decision.
Outsource Your Operations to an Innovative Fulfillment Team
Adapting to the need of new logistics technology can be challenging, especially if you have done things a certain way for many years. But instead of missing out on this opportunity to grow your business, consider outsourcing your operations to a fulfillment team that is knowledgeable about mobility. If you’re looking for the right company to partner with that meets your needs as a business, Lean Supply Solutions is the answer. We rise to the challenge of meeting our clients’ needs through our services which include product fulfillment, warehousing and distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, warehouse pick-and-pack, order fulfillment, and more. We can offer you consistent, accurate, and quality results, and we are experts with the latest tools and technology. To learn more about outsourcing to our 3PL distribution team, or to ask any questions, contact us at 905-482-2590.
