Revising the Supply Chain in an Omnichannel Era
Robust supply chain processes and end-to-end visibility in real time are integral to creating and managing the supply chain in an omnichannel era.
The digital world has brought a new realm of competitiveness between retailers, and traditional means of managing the supply chain are unable to keep up with such demand. The only solution lies in revising the supply chain in an omnichannel era to make it more connected, reliable, and visible. Achieving this feat can ensure longevity and boost competitive advantage in profound ways, but supply chain leaders need to know a few things about how to revise it properly, asserts Supply Chain 24/7.
What’s Wrong With the Traditional Processes in the Supply Chain in an Omnichannel Era?
According to Jon Kuerschner of Multichannel Merchant, the major problem with plans to change supply chain processes result from taking the wrong approach to changes, including the following:
- Preparation for innovation is lacking.
- Poor change management leads to confusion and delays.
- Unrealistic expectations contribute to issues.
This dangerous triad forms one inescapable outcome, delays in implementation resulting in poor customer service.
Part of the problem comes from the drive to stay competitive with the e-commerce giants, like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Companies try to offer promotions and products at prices comparable to the giants, but they often fall short, making promises they cannot keep, further diminishing the customer experience.
How Can Companies Revisit Basic Supply Chain Activities for Omnichannel Optimization?
Supply chain design must identify the strategies necessary to leverage existing resources, including e-commerce capabilities, brick-and-mortar stores, distribution centers, and third-parties. A multi-pronged approach to using all resources allows for unmatched scalability, while still keeping operations at the lowest overall cost. A few other ways to revamp supply chain in an omnichannel era include:
- Embrace true omnichannel.
- Build a strategic plan.
- Find the right technology, not just the first-available technology, for your unique needs.
- Hire the right talent.
After Implementation, Successful Omnichannel Supply Chain Practices Look Like…
E-commerce growth continues to break records each year, and the 2017 holiday shopping season was only the most recent of times for sustained growth in retail and omnichannel shopping strategies. Companies that have successfully implemented new systems and technologies should be able to handle sudden, periodic spikes in demand, comparable to the sudden shift up in operations last Christmas.
Executives should have immediate access to real-time information about all operations, and managers should have the ability to use big data to identify strengths and weaknesses in warehouses. Ultimately, successful omnichannel practices are seamless to consumers, promoting continuous growth and refinement of sales at faster speeds and with greater accuracy.
Schedule a time to speak to a Veridian Omnichannel Supply Chain Expert by clicking the button below to learn more about how your organization can get started with systems integration, system test automation, or other needs in meeting the demands of omnichannel sales today.
