Have you ever ordered something online and kept track of its delivery status? From “processed” and “shipped” to “on the way”? Well, what you do is a small example of supply chain visibility. But, for companies, supply chain visibility is much more complex and crucial than just tracking your packages. It is the ability to see in real-time or near real-time the location, status, and movement of all goods in the supply chain, from raw materials to the finished product that reaches the consumer.
Imagine your supply chain as a long and winding river. Without supply chain visibility, you can only see the surface at certain points. But, with supply chain visibility, you can see what’s below the surface, where the currents are flowing, and where there are potential blockages or boulders. It’s like having a “spy” at every point of the supply chain that keeps you informed.
Mengapa Supply Chain Visibility Penting Banget?
In this era of uncertainty, supply chain visibility is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Here’s why:
- Detect Problems Early: If there is a disruption in the supply chain (e.g., a delay in raw material delivery or a production issue at a supplier), supply chain visibility allows companies to know about it early on. That way, they can immediately find alternative solutions and minimize the negative impact. This is the key to reducing the risk of disruption.
- Improving Operational Efficiency: By knowing the accurate position of goods, companies can better plan production and delivery schedules. This reduces lead times, optimizes transportation routes, and minimizes unnecessary storage costs. Supply chain visibility makes operations leaner.
- Improving Customer Service: Imagine being able to tell customers exactly when their items will arrive or inform them immediately if there is a delay. This builds trust and increases customer satisfaction. Supply chain visibility is an important tool for customer satisfaction.
- Better Decision Making: With real-time data from the entire supply chain, management can make smarter and faster decisions, whether it’s about production adjustments, capacity additions, or sourcing strategies. Data from supply chain visibility is power.
- Compliance and Safety: For certain industries (e.g., food or pharmaceutical), tracking the origin and condition of goods is critical for regulatory compliance and ensuring product safety. Supply chain visibility supports audit and traceability.
- Reduce Unexpected Costs: Delays and unexpected issues can incur extra costs (fines, express delivery, etc.). With supply chain visibility, companies can reduce these costly “surprises.”
Bagaimana Supply Chain Visibility Dicapai?
Supply chain visibility is usually achieved by integrating various technologies and systems:
- Tracking System: The use of GPS, RFID (radio-frequency identification), and IoT (Internet of Things) sensors on containers, pallets, or even individual products. This enables real-time physical tracking of goods.
- Integrated Information System: Connects ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), WMS (Warehouse Management System), and TMS (Transportation Management System) systems between partners in the supply chain. This enables seamless data exchange.
- Collaboration Platform: Encourage all parties in the supply chain (suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and third-party logistics) to share information through a common platform.
- Data Analytics: Using big data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze incoming data and provide predictive insights, such as potential delays or spikes in demand.
- Blockchain (Potential): Although still new, blockchain technology has the potential to offer unprecedented transparency and data security in supply chain visibility.
Building comprehensive supply chain visibility is a significant investment, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. It requires expertise in technology, supply chain management, and the ability to collaborate. For those of you who are interested in being part of the future of logistics, understanding and mastering the concept of supply chain visibility is invaluable.
Telkom University, as one of the leading educational institutions in Indonesia, plays an important role in producing graduates who are ready to face this challenge. With a focus on technology and information systems, undergraduate logistics engineering students are equipped with in-depth knowledge and skills on how to implement and utilize supply chain visibility to create smarter, more efficient, and more resilient supply chains in the real world. In short, having supply chain visibility is like having a flashlight in a dark alley. Not only does it help you see what’s ahead, but it also helps you avoid obstacles and find the best path to ensure all goods reach their destination safely and on time.
Tags: Teknik Logistik | S1 Teknik Logistik | S1 Teknik Logistik Telkom University | Telkom University