Rather than focus on a specific solution, it is important first to identify and analyze supply chain problems.
Key Takeaways in This Blog
Earlier this fall, the European Business Review noted, “One of the most critical aspects of business growth is having a well-run supply chain. It is where supply chain consulting firms come in. They play a crucial role in making it possible for businesses to secure growth and rapidly transform their operations.”
As we’ve covered in past blogs on the topic, investing in supply chain consulting and professional services can help supplement your team’s efforts when it comes to a wide range of tasks, from helping you identify inefficiencies to assisting with the implementation side of things. But how do you know whether you can benefit from their expertise?
Unless you have devoted significant time and resources to analyzing your supply chain problems, you can likely benefit from the expertise of a consultant. This is because supply chain problems can be complex and an issue that might seem obvious can often have other problems at its root. Unless these underlying issues are spotted and addressed, improving your organization’s performance can be an uphill battle.
For example, a business might see a route that takes longer than expected to deliver on and think that the problem is that the driver is too slow. However, a deeper look at their transportation operation might demonstrate that while the driver is slower, they are more accurate.
The actual solution to this red flag, or problem, might actually be helping the other drivers enhance their accuracy, resulting in slightly longer delivery times but a much higher accuracy and customer satisfaction rate.
The next phase of a solution might look like implementing technology to enable drivers to optimize routes, adding in efficiency on the road without compromising your service level when on site.
If a team does not have the time to evaluate its pain points in-depth, it can be beneficial to enlist the services of a specialized supply chain consultant.
Once you have evaluated the nature of your supply chain problems, it’s easy to solve them using changes to your processes, technology, or a combination of both.
At Routeique, we started out providing software but quickly began offering high-touch professional services as our clients asked for help. Technology alone doesn’t solve supply chain problems.
It can be easy–and tempting–to think of technology as a magic bullet that, once implemented, will solve everything. For example, in a recent podcast, our guest commented that many people expect AI to be a “magic dust” that, once sprinkled about, solves problems. In reality, this technology must be supported by the right people, processes and procedures.
To give another example, a warehouse implementing scanners might assume that once this technology is in their team’s hands, inventory count will become error-free. However, training, standard operating procedures, selection of the right hardware, warehouse layout, and other factors must all be considered as well.
At Routeique, our priority is to de-risk decision-making and help our clients chart a path forward.
We take an in-depth look at your supply chain problems and help you address them by:
To learn more about our services or about working with our team of supply chain consultants,, contact us through the button above, or browse the remainder of our blogs on the topic!