Optimizing Supply Chain Efficiency with Technology

supply chain

One of the keys to business success is supply chain efficiency. With a smoothly running process, companies can save costs, reduce time, and increase customer satisfaction. However, as the business world both nationally and internationally becomes more complex, managing an efficient supply chain becomes more challenging. Fortunately, technology has provided revolutionary solutions in optimizing supply chains. In this article, we will discuss how technology, such as logistics software and applications, can be used to improve efficiency in the supply chain.

Use of Supply Chain Management Software (SCM Software)

Salah satu cara utama untuk mengoptimalkan rantai pasokan adalah dengan menggunakan perangkat lunak manajemen rantai pasokan (Supply Chain Management – SCM). Perangkat lunak ini dirancang untuk mengintegrasikan semua fungsi dalam rantai pasokan, mulai dari pengadaan bahan baku, pengelolaan inventaris, hingga distribusi barang ke pelanggan.

Contoh Aplikasi SCM:

  • SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP): This application or software allows companies to predict demand, optimize inventory, and better plan production capacity. The way IBP works is by collecting and using existing data and then performing predictive analysis, thus helping in the company’s planning to manage its supply chain.SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP): This application or software allows companies to predict demand, optimize inventory, and better plan production capacity. The way IBP works is by collecting and using existing data and then performing predictive analysis, thus helping in the company’s planning to manage its supply chain.
  • Oracle Supply Chain Management Cloud: Oracle offers a cloud-based platform that enables companies to manage the flow of goods in real-time. With an integrated system in place, companies can monitor shipment status, manage production schedules, and make changes quickly when problems occur in the supply chain.

With this software, companies can have better visibility into all processes in their supply chain, from suppliers to customers. This helps companies to identify and address issues early, such as late deliveries or inventory shortages, which can be costly and decrease the loyalty level of partners or customers.

Lebih lengkap tentang perangkat lunak lainnya, kunjungi artikel berikut!

Big Data and Analytics Technology

Data management is one of the problems in logistics, especially if the data and company scale are large. By using big data, companies can collect, process, and analyze large amounts of data from various sources, such as IoT sensors, sales data, and shipping trip data. Big data allows companies to identify patterns and trends that were previously unseen, can help in strategizing, increasing efficiency, and improving existing weaknesses.

Examples of Big Data Usage in Supply Chain:

  • Demand Prediction: By analyzing historical data, companies can forecast future demand for goods more accurately. For example, a retail company can use big data to predict which products will sell best during the holiday season and adjust its inventory stock to avoid running out of goods.Demand Prediction: By analyzing historical data, companies can forecast future demand for goods more accurately. For example, a retail company can use big data to predict which products will sell best during the holiday season and adjust its inventory stock to avoid running out of goods.
  • Delivery Route Optimization: Big data allows companies to analyze various factors that affect delivery, such as weather, congestion, and road conditions. Based on this data, the system can optimize delivery routes to save transportation time and costs.Delivery Route Optimization: Big data allows companies to analyze various factors that affect delivery, such as weather, congestion, and road conditions. Based on this data, the system can optimize delivery routes to save transportation time and costs.

By using big data, companies can make smarter, data-driven decisions that are more accurate and efficient than relying on intuition or experience alone..

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a technology that allows devices to connect to each other and exchange data through the internet. In the context of the supply chain, IoT allows companies to monitor goods and vehicles in real-time, providing greater visibility into every stage of delivery and distribution.

Examples of IoT Usage in Supply Chain:

  • Goods Delivery Tracking: Using IoT sensors attached to goods or vehicles, companies can monitor the location and condition of goods during shipment. For example, temperature sensors on containers transporting sensitive goods such as food or medicine can inform companies if the temperature exceeds safe limits, allowing them to take immediate action.
  • Automated Inventory Tracking: IoT devices are also used to track inventory in warehouses. With sensors attached to shelves or pallets, companies can automatically monitor inventory levels and update inventory systems in real-time, reducing human error and ensuring that inventory remains sufficient to meet demand.Automated Inventory Tracking: IoT devices are also used to track inventory in warehouses. With sensors attached to shelves or pallets, companies can automatically monitor inventory levels and update inventory systems in real-time, reducing human error and ensuring that inventory remains sufficient to meet demand.

Automation in Warehouse and Shipping

Automatisasi adalah cara lain untuk meningkatkan efisiensi dalam rantai pasokan. Teknologi robotik dan otomatisasi di gudang memungkinkan perusahaan untuk mempercepat proses pemilihan barang, pengepakan, dan pengiriman, mengurangi ketergantungan pada tenaga kerja manusia dan meningkatkan akurasi.

Example of Automation Technology:

  • Warehouse Pickers Robots: the company Amazon uses robots to pick items in the warehouse automatically. These robots are equipped with AI technology that allows them to locate and pick items quickly and efficiently. With robots, productivity is increased and errors are minimized especially when it comes to item processing.
  • Drones for Delivery: Some logistics companies have also started using drones for short-distance delivery of goods. These drones can deliver goods in less time and more efficiently compared to conventional vehicles, especially for hard-to-reach areas. This has been done popularly in China.

Cloud Computing 

Cloud computing allows all data and applications used in the supply chain to be accessed in real-time by various parties in the supply network, such as suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors. By using cloud-based platforms, companies can collaborate better, reduce errors, and increase speed in decision-making.

Cloud Computing Usage Examples:

  • Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment (CPFR): Using the cloud, various parties in the supply chain can work together to plan, forecast, and replenish inventory stocks. For example, manufacturers and distributors can share information related to demand and inventory to ensure goods are always available without overstocking.

Optimizing the supply chain using technology is an important step that can bring companies to a higher level of efficiency. By utilizing supply chain management software, big data, IoT, and automation, companies can improve speed, accuracy, and transparency in their entire logistics process. For Telkom Logistics Engineering graduates, an understanding of the application of these technologies in logistics operations is an advantage in responding to national and international job standards. The S1 Logistics Engineering program provides students with the knowledge and skills to face these challenges and contribute to the national digital transformation.

Tags : Teknik Logistik | S1 Teknik Logistik | S1 Teknik Logistik Telkom University | Telkom University

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