Global trade requires global communication and automation. In today's complex supply chains, it is important for manufacturers, vendors and everyone in between to be able to communicate quickly and effectively. This is difficult when companies are based in many different countries and time zones. New strides in software-as-a-service platforms and supply chain management services are breaking down the communication barriers by delivering automated software. As a result, the world of global trade just got a little more user-friendly.
Automation
Much of the process can now be automated. Use of paper invoices eats up valuable time and resources, for both the buyer and supplier. Manually keying in data, shuffling papers to sort out amendments, and manually matching purchase orders to invoices are inefficient and they lead to errors. Paper in the supply chain creates visibility gaps at every steps of the process, all the way down to the creation of shipping labels at the factory floor. Errors or miscommunication can delay a shipment to a retail store so long that the customer faces stock outs and empty shelves.
Online Platforms
Today, online supply chain platforms are available to enable electronic documents and correspondence to be sent to different parties involved quickly and efficiently. This saves time and, of course, money.
For example, a supplier manufacturing widgets in China can find out important contract and shipping information by simply clicking on to the platform where key data is stored. Software-as-a-service solutions eliminate technology barriers that once hindered small overseas factories. Today, just a web-browser is needed to access purchase orders, amendments. invoices, payments, and even trade financing.
When documents and workflows are automated on a single platform, buyer, seller and factory are all linked, breaking down barriers that previously prolonged the transaction. Picture accounts payable automation (AP automation) extended all the way down to the factory floor. An automation purchase order serves as the catalyst for visibility and communication as the product moves through its lifecycle.
Communication
Location and time zone differences were formerly an issue in supply chain management. With software-as-a-service platforms, this is no longer an issue. Some supply chain management companies offer support teams in other countries that eliminate the need to add staff and resources overseas. These local services ensure suppliers and factories are up and running on the system.Shifting market conditions and consumer buying patterns make it more difficult than ever to align supply and demand. Consumers are picky and they know what they want, when they want it.
Supply chain automation is vital to the success of merchandising and retail, as businesses strive to meet consumer demand. When processes and documents are automated, retailers have agility to react quickly and easily.
Automation
Much of the process can now be automated. Use of paper invoices eats up valuable time and resources, for both the buyer and supplier. Manually keying in data, shuffling papers to sort out amendments, and manually matching purchase orders to invoices are inefficient and they lead to errors. Paper in the supply chain creates visibility gaps at every steps of the process, all the way down to the creation of shipping labels at the factory floor. Errors or miscommunication can delay a shipment to a retail store so long that the customer faces stock outs and empty shelves.
Online Platforms
Today, online supply chain platforms are available to enable electronic documents and correspondence to be sent to different parties involved quickly and efficiently. This saves time and, of course, money.
For example, a supplier manufacturing widgets in China can find out important contract and shipping information by simply clicking on to the platform where key data is stored. Software-as-a-service solutions eliminate technology barriers that once hindered small overseas factories. Today, just a web-browser is needed to access purchase orders, amendments. invoices, payments, and even trade financing.
When documents and workflows are automated on a single platform, buyer, seller and factory are all linked, breaking down barriers that previously prolonged the transaction. Picture accounts payable automation (AP automation) extended all the way down to the factory floor. An automation purchase order serves as the catalyst for visibility and communication as the product moves through its lifecycle.
Communication
Location and time zone differences were formerly an issue in supply chain management. With software-as-a-service platforms, this is no longer an issue. Some supply chain management companies offer support teams in other countries that eliminate the need to add staff and resources overseas. These local services ensure suppliers and factories are up and running on the system.Shifting market conditions and consumer buying patterns make it more difficult than ever to align supply and demand. Consumers are picky and they know what they want, when they want it.
Supply chain automation is vital to the success of merchandising and retail, as businesses strive to meet consumer demand. When processes and documents are automated, retailers have agility to react quickly and easily.
SOURCE:http://supply-chain-management.bestmanagementarticles.com/a-36867-automation-strengthens-supply-chain-industry.aspx
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