Top 10 Supply Chain Posts of 2017
As 2017 comes to a close, all of us look back on the year that was in reflection. Today we kick off what will be an annual year-end series highlighting the top blog posts in each of our 4 main categories: Supply Chain, Warehouse Management, Omnichannel, and Inventory Management.
We will feature over the next 4 business days each category’s top 5 most viewed posts over the course of 2017. These will only contain posts written in 2017. There were approximately 100 blog posts in 2017, and over 30,000 page views on those posts alone. We added nearly 1,000 subscribers to the blog and featured several guest bloggers.
Top 10 Supply Chain Posts of 2017
This year, most were interested in metrics and KPIs, optimization of data, emerging technologies that help streamline supply chains, and how to bring their customers to the focus. Now without further ado, I give you the top 10 supply chain blog posts of the year by page view:
The Top Supply Chain KPIs to Know
In the omni-channel supply chain, where order accuracy and on-time delivery are paramount, the difference between getting the right product to consumers at the right time and getting a similar product to consumers at the right time could be disastrous. This difference can have catastrophic consequences for the success of your business, including lost revenue for returning the product, processing the return, shipping out the correct product, and time spent in addressing the issue at your customer service center. This scenario exhibits why tracking the right supply chain key performance indicators (KPIs) enables continuous improvement.
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3 Core Metrics & 10 Soft Metrics for Measuring Supply Chain Performance
The average Supply Chain management professional measures their Supply Chain by reviewing cost reduction. Is cost reduction all that there is in measuring Supply Chain performance? Sure, supply chain cost reduction is important in reducing the cost of goods sold (COGS) and increasing profit, but there are other measurements which should not be forgotten.
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5 Key Supply Chain Technologies Needed to Go Omnichannel
More companies are actively engaging with consumers in search of the ultimate omnichannel sales experience as the strength of online sales increase, reports Supply Chain Quarterly. Unlike traditional supply chains, omnichannel supply chains rely on the successful integration and application of data, process standardization and high-tech tools to ensure a seamless flow of information and products. As a result, companies that want to go omnichannel need to begin working to deploy these standards and supply chain technologies.
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The Internet of Things in Supply Chain: What is the Impact of the IoT on Supply Chain Management?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is among the greatest innovations to ever occur in modernity. At its fundamental level, the IoT exists as computer systems share information between one another through the internet. Meanwhile, the power of the IoT has grown increasingly complex as everyday households are using products, like smart appliances and energy systems, much like the Nest thermostats, to improve efficiency and productivity. In manufacturing and trade, the IoT has the potential to change much more than just operating costs, explains Kathleen McMaster of GlobalTrade magazine, and you need to understand its three, primary impacts on the internet of things in supply chain management.
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The Customer-Focused Supply Chain: Why an Omni-Channel Supply Chain Approach Keeps the Customer Happy
The role of the customer experience in growing your business cannot be overstated. Amazon and other retail giants have managed to create unique, customer-focused supply chains, ensuring customers have real-time status updates and options in case of returns. Meanwhile, managing customer-focused supply chains can be complicated, eroding profit margins. However, an omni-channel supply chain approach can help your business create a customer-focused supply chain.
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What is Yard Management & a Yard Management System?
Have you ever heard of a yard management system? If not, chances are good that you have heard of yard management. No, this is not inventory management of large items, like tractors or farm equipment. But, it is no less important than the effective management of a warehouse, distribution center or brick-and-mortar store.
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Supply Chain Big Data: How Can Supply Chain Leaders Use Big Data as a Tool to Continuously Improve?
Supply chain leaders have come to look upon supply chain Big Data as a state-of-the-art tool for improving processes. But, supply chains using Big Data are not limited to today’s processing capacity. As explained by John Richardson of Inbound Logistics, the use of Big Data and analytics could increasing operating margins by more than 60 percent, and the ways in which Big Data could be used in the future are expanding. Consider these top ways it could be used to continuously improve operations as the technology evolves.
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Supply Chain Disruption: How Stronger Collaboration Will Have a Big Impact on the Future of Warehouse Management
From Walmart to Amazon, the positive role of collaboration in warehouse management is undisputed, and collaboration is on track to revolutionize tomorrow’s warehouse management standards. In fact, both Amazon and Walmart leveraged warehouse management and supply chain management strategies to grow two of the world’s largest retailers. Meanwhile, the demand for more products, more space and faster delivery windows has refocused the role of warehouse management in successful business, and you need to understand how supply chain disruption will shape its future.
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Top 4 Reasons Effectively Implemented Supply Chain Technology Creates a Competitive Advantage
Increasing the technologies deployed in your supply chain might be a goal for your organization. Meanwhile, executives that have spent time in the industry can be fearful of how upgrading systems can impact investment strategy and other business goals. However, supply chain technology is continuing to evolve, and it can key to creating competitive advantage, especially for small to medium-sized businesses, asserts Josh Nelson of Supply & Demand Chain Executive. Consider how these technologies can lead to a stronger competitive advantage.
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Supply Chain Customer Experience: Why Customer Experience Is the Supply Chain Buzzword for 2017 & Beyond
Customer needs and expectations rule all businesses. In the modern age, businesses have been forced to become practically clairvoyant in their ability to meet customer expectations. Meanwhile, Amazon, Walmart and other online retail giants threaten to undermine the success and profitability of small to medium-sized businesses. However, being smaller does not necessarily mean a business is doomed fail. Instead, business owners and companies who understand why supply chain customer experience is the buzzword for 2017 and beyond can position themselves to stay competitive. First, these entities need to know why the focus has shifted toward customer experiences, not just profitability.
