If you are looking for a way to put your business in a position to be successful, you understand just how important it is to have a reliable supply chain. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, a lot of companies have had their supply chain operations disrupted significantly. As a result, the companies that are going to survive in the current environment are those that find a way to navigate the challenges created by the pandemic. That is exactly where supply chain planning comes into play. What are some of the most important tips you need to follow if you want to create a resilient supply chain in the current environment? Take a look at some of the top tips and tools for supply chain planning today.
1. Invest in Real-Time Monitoring
If you want to build a strong supply chain, the first thing you need to keep in mind is that you have to invest in real-time monitoring. One of the biggest reasons why companies are having issues with their supply chain is that something happens with the supply chain and trickles downstream before they even realize that a problem has developed. If you have a tool that provides you with real-time monitoring, you will know when someone falls behind. You will also know if your order is being delayed. That way, you can automatically notify the other people involved, and you can start to troubleshoot the issue before it permeates through other areas of your company.
2. Work With Multiple Suppliers
Next, you also need to make sure that you work with multiple suppliers. In the past, it was very comfortable for companies to work with one supplier with whom they had a strong relationship. They would try to rely on that supplier for everything in order to streamline their operations. Now, it is simply too risky. You never know when that supplier is going to have to shut down because of changing government regulations. If your only supplier shuts down, your business will grind to a halt. That is why it is important to have multiple suppliers who can pick up the slack if something happens.
3. Use Secure Communications
Without a doubt, you need to invest in secure communications. If you want to keep up with everything that is going on in their supply chain, you need to talk to one another. Therefore, you need to know that your confidential information is not going to be stolen by someone else. There are plenty of advanced technological tools that make it easier for you to sign all your communications and keep track of what is being discussed. You may want to set up different channels for different areas of your company to talk to one another about supply issues.
4. Invest in a Comprehensive Dashboard for Easier File Sharing
You may also want to employ a technological tool that gives you access to a dashboard that displays all of the information in front of you. With all of the information on one screen, you will know exactly what is going on, and you can react more quickly. You also need to find a dashboard that makes it easier for you to share your files with your partner. Today, there are a lot of people who work remotely, and you need to make sure that they are in the loop. That way, if you need help with something, they are already up to speed on what is going on.
5. Automate Where You Can
Finally, you need to use tools that allow you to automate when you can. Time is your most valuable resource, and you need to make sure that you use it wisely. There are plenty of technological tools that will automatically update your customers about information related to the order. You might also want to use a tool that will automatically notify your partners if someone has a question or concern about something related to a portion of your supply chain. If you take advantage of automation, you can stay one step ahead of your competitors.
Build a Strong Supply Chain
In the end, these are just a few of the most important tips that you need to keep in mind if you are looking for a way to create a supply chain that can withstand the lumps and bumps created by the pandemic. Even though there are still a lot of obstacles that you need to overcome if you want to build a successful company, you may want to implement a few advanced tools that can make it easier for you to keep an eye on everything going on with your supply chain. Do not hesitate to reach out to an expert who can help you put your supply chain in a position to be successful.