In the age of the internet, consumers demand immediacy. That means that brands that work in all sectors need to ensure that they prioritise speed.
From invoicing to delivery, businesses of all sizes will have to adjust their processes to match that demand and consumer expectation. Supply chain velocity is more vital than ever. In the manufacturing sector, that means developing clear strategies to boost overall responsiveness. Here are some of the best ways to speed up your supply chain from the initial upstream planning right up to the final mile of delivery and the strategies that will be most beneficial for giving your supply chain velocity the upgrade it needs.
Investing in Transparency and Visibility
Visibility tools are more important than ever, and they can be one of your most important areas to invest in. Supply chain visibility is one of the most effective ways to get real-time information about order status, and that’s good news for both your business and for your customers. By using the right visibility tools, supply chain velocity can be dramatically impacted simply by having immediate access to the information that you need. If you’re aiming for multiple same-day delivery orders, then you need to know where your inventory is, when it can be shipped, and when it will be delivered.
Review Your Suppliers
This can be one of the key changes that can transform your supply chain effectiveness and speed. Look at your historical data and review your suppliers continuously. If you recognise that you have a specific supplier that is inconsistent, often out of stock, or repeatedly slower to deliver than expected, then changes will need to be made. Look at your supplies from the biggest factory machinery to the essential smaller supplies. It’s never been easier to find an industrial fasteners manufacturer that can deliver on time, rather than the supplier you’ve been using that is slowing up your business.
Warehouse Automation
Automation is changing the world, and for those in manufacturing, that means there are a lot of opportunities. Consider how prolific even the most traditional forms of automation are, such as conveyor belts. Warehouse automation is quickly becoming the industry standard, and for manufacturers that are not yet utilising the high-tech automation tools available, delivery and supply chain speed will simply be slowed down. In the industrial workspace, automation avoids the risks of human error, allowing for improved accuracy, velocity, and flexibility. That can only be good news for your supply chain and your customers. With supply chain automation, your business will be more cost-effective, more accurate, and more profitable.
As the development of potential new tools, such as the Internet of Things, continues to promise transformation in the manufacturing sector, it is up to brands to keep up to date with the latest emerging trends and expectations. Fail to adopt changes to your supply chain, and you run the risk of sub-par delivery and a drop in industry standing. When it comes to your supply chain, focus on accuracy and speed, and your company can only grow more profitable.
