In the fast-paced world of supply chain management, optimization can be difficult to achieve. That’s why we asked the experts that follow supply chain management trends — leaders at the Brecham Group, Bricz, enVista and Made4net — to share their top supply chain management strategies for high-volume operations.
Here’s what they had to say:
- Measure what’s important to your operations
- Ensure physical and digital visibility
- Find the right partners
Let’s dive in.
Why are Supply Chain Management Strategies Important?
Supply chain management strategies are crucial because they ensure that products are delivered to customers accurately, efficiently, and on time. Effective strategies help optimize inventory levels, reduce shipping costs, and minimize delays by streamlining warehouse operations and transportation logistics. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also improves a company’s competitiveness and ability to adapt to changing demand. Ultimately, strong supply chain management supports reliability and scalability in the fulfillment and distribution process.
Supply Chain Management Strategy #1: Measure What’s Important to Your Operations
Dan Waters, Vice President Sales at Made4net, emphasized the importance of measurement in managing a supply chain effectively. He advocates for a comparative approach, emphasizing the need to measure performance metrics to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Without accurate measurement, managing supply chain investments becomes a daunting task.
Supply Chain Management Strategy #2: Ensure Physical and Digital Visibility
Amit Kirpalani, Vice President, Supply Chain Solutions at enVista, zeroed in on the critical aspect of visibility within supply chain management. He highlights the detrimental impact of lack of visibility and underscores the role of advanced tools, including next-generation WMS solutions, in enhancing visibility. From inventory management to transit tracking, Amit emphasizes the need for companies to invest in tools and programs that provide real-time visibility, enabling better decision-making and improved customer satisfaction.
Chris Dahm, Director at Brecham Group, echoed Amit’s sentiment on visibility, stating the importance of being present and engaged in the day-to-day operations and supply chain management. He advocates for leaders to step away from their screens and immerse themselves in the physical environment, engaging with employees and vendors to gain firsthand insights. Chris notes that visibility, both in terms of data analytics and physical presence, is crucial for understanding operational challenges and fostering collaboration across the supply chain ecosystem.
We agree that it’s critical to understand how to manage warehouse employees for optimized productivity. With the right employee engagement, warehouse teams can further boost efficiency and optimize their processes.
Supply Chain Management Strategy #3: Find the Right Partners
Tyler Linderman, Vice President, Strategy & Growth at Bricz weighs in on the importance of building strategic partnerships. He suggests that finding a trusted partner or group of partners who understand both the technology and operational processes can be instrumental in driving supply chain management success. These partners can provide valuable insights and guidance, from addressing immediate needs to strategizing long-term solutions, ultimately setting companies up for success for the long haul.
In synthesizing these insights, it becomes evident that while there may not be a singular magic bullet for supply chain management success, certain foundational principles consistently emerge. Measurement, visibility, and strategic partnerships are all critical elements that companies can prioritize to drive meaningful improvements in their supply chain operations. You can access the full panel discussion recorded live at MODEX 2024, here.
