Data visibility is becoming vital as supply chains evolve into linked networks, and move from a single enterprise, controlling multiple processes, to multiple enterprises that control a single process, distributed across partners and customers alike. This is to allow for every stage of a product's physical life cycle to be tracked and traced. From raw materials to manufacturer, through distribution to the point of delivery, there will be an electronic record of that product's lifecycle. Yet, the fact remains that more data does not necessarily mean more information and without proper care it may lead to data overload.
Furthermore, the data collected at each stage, is set to become ever more detailed with the advent of RFID tagging. This is one of many examples of a new technology which will be integrated with existing hardware, software and major applications. All of which reside across a variety of networks, with the promise of delivering a complete and accurate picture of a business's assets, no matter where they are in the supply chain.
Systems and processes can be enhanced by internet connectivity making it possible for partners and customers to view relevant data. However, despite the continued investment in systems and technology, a question mark remains over data accuracy and visibility. There is still a major job to be done, since what is the point of providing access to information throughout a supply chain if there is no guarantee of accuracy?
The new supply chain Nirvana?
If you don't know what you've got, how much you've got, where it is, who's handling it, where it's going and even if it's the right product, or for that matter the right quality, all the technology in the world will not support business decisions or the customer, who, ultimately wants to know 'have you got my order?', 'where's my order?, or even 'what's my order?' Therefore, data visibility has become the new Nirvana for the supply chain. And while today many partners and customers have the ability to connect to an organisation's intranet, the truth is, unless you are absolutely positive you have accuracy at every stage of the process, you are adding little value to your customers and partners by providing them access to potentially inaccurate data. Worse still, flawed decision making on the basis of inaccurate data, will degrade what value you've got.
There are several issues here. Data capture and accuracy throughout the supply chain has to be assured, but how will increased data visibility add value and can it be aligned to sales and customer service? There is a need to identify the inevitable gaps that exist between systems and physical processes, so that they can be closed, and lest we forget, the more transparency there is between partners, customers and employees, the more security becomes a critical issue. Up until now the temptation has been to address these issues in isolation. Yet, the real benefit will only come from the integration of all systems, technology, processes and people. This is now achievable, particularly if the need for data visibility and the advantages it brings is a clearly understood critical business driver.
Data capture and accuracy
It is easy to dismiss automated data capture as a no brainer! However, the truth is that at the beginning of the logistics supply chain process, data capture can make or break an operation. After all, if the data being captured is inaccurate, it will impact the entire supply chain. Bad data will compromise an organisation's ability to serve its customers, particularly if those customers are being encouraged to place and track orders online. Therefore, any devices deployed to capture data, have to be proven in their ability to do so -accurately.
Manufacturers, such as Symbol, understand the need for multi mode devices and offer a range of mobile computers designed to assist the decision making process, such as the need to future proof current investments, lower total cost of ownership, improve worker productivity, enhance customer satisfaction and even offer RFID and VoIP support. All of these benefits translate into achieving the most important goal, of course: increasing revenues and profits for the organisation. Whilst accuracy for the supply chain begins with data capture as a physical operation, this is also where a greater level of automation can directly translate into increased productivity.
Data Visibility and untapped resource
It's important to recognise that data is nothing until it is harnessed and put to work as useful information within the enterprise. Today, the power of data throughout the supply chain is generally an untapped resource. However, if tapped into, the data can become information upon which business critical decisions can be made. It can give the wherewithal to meet unscheduled fulfilment demands. It can create sales opportunities by identifying products that have been over produced and it can solve operational problems. Indeed, the warehouse and logistics operation has a tiger by the tail.
Specifically, by offering accurate information beyond its normal confines, to sales and customer service, it is possible to create a valuable selling tool. This goes beyond track and trace, which of course is becoming a critical service which many customers will see as essential. Rather this is about being able to meet customer demands as they arise. Having a 360-degree view of an operation across its multiple locations, coupled with accurate reporting, provides greater organisational agility. This agility will enable better decision-making and as a sales aid, will help to generate increased revenue and customer satisfaction.
To achieve this presents a whole new set of challenges. Not least of which, is the integration of systems throughout an enterprise, from operational data capture and scanning, right through to interoperability issues concerning legacy systems, ERP systems and warehouse management applications. Furthermore, visible data has to be validated before it even enters into a central system. Validation relies upon a set of predefined business rules being followed; it is, after all, not unheard of for the wrong product or pallet to be scanned. This one simple error in an otherwise perfect operation will be the apple that upsets the cart!
Bridging the Gaps
In any supply chain there will be blind spots - areas of the operation which are invisible to the ERP and warehouse management systems. For example, a truck in transit from the manufacturing site (where data is held in one system) to the warehouse, will not necessarily be visible to the system until it arrives. And on arrival at the warehouse, another system kicks in. Thereafter, a different set of validation and data capture is applied, to allow central systems to be reconciled.
There are a number of gaps that naturally occur within a supply chain, until finished goods arrive at the customer site. Even the very latest in track and trace cannot plug these gaps. The only way to ensure complete data transparency is by mapping all of the applications against all of the processes, which by necessity means a degree of integration that goes beyond the normal notion of system interoperability. This is where a specialist integrator, that understands the need for data visibility and has the know how to harness existing infrastructures and open standards will pay dividends.
PEAK Technologies, is one such organisation that has the experience of deploying operational systems that can push the gaps closed by mapping all applications against business processes. Again, this can only be done by recognising that every supply chain is unique in its combination of incumbent systems, databases, people and processes.
Security and integration
To achieve this seamless environment will mean a degree of integration that takes into account the warehouse operation; and all of the hardware and software solutions, the network infrastructure, right through to customer facing services. The most productive warehouse is a wireless one because it provides greater workforce mobility, and in turn increased productivity.
Ensuring that the data being passed through the wireless network is secure is critical, so a layer of security is placed between the wireless data capture function and the core management systems which will rely upon air tight networks. This security layer is also key to performance, since the warehouse and logistics side of an operation requires sub second response - not something an ERP system can provide when dealing with thousands of requests. Therefore, we come back to the fact that integration is key to ensuring data transparency, security and accuracy, within an environment that doesn't grind to a halt during peak times.
Summary
As the pressure mounts on the supply chain to provide greater data visibility to employees, partners and customers, which will in turn create increased revenue and customer satisfaction, it is essential to assess the existing infrastructure and how best to integrate it, whilst guaranteeing data accuracy.
Seamless integration of mobile applications, often to multiple, back end systems, is the key to ensuring that the supply chain optimises the operational efficiency gains that the technology can offer. More than this though, is its ability to offer greater flexibility in meeting customer demands.
A 360-degree view of an entire operation will aid business decisions and leverage sales opportunities that will not be obvious without this level of transparency. Bringing this about will also cater for the need to future proof existing investments in systems and technology, as well as pave the way for new applications and capabilities such as track and trace, voice technology, RFID, or even ground positioning systems, all of which go a long way towards bridging the current gaps that cause blind spots in the supply chain.
