Visibility in the Supply Chain

One of the biggest problems in the supply chain is product visibility, whether it be in the warehouse or on the freight truck. Fortunately, visibility is being addressed with the advent of new technology to enable 3PL providers better visibility of warehouse inventory and item location on the road. Visibility is achieved in large part due to a transportation management system (TMS) and warehouse management system (WMS).

Visibility still is not perfect and will continue to improve, making product visibility in the supply chain even clearer. And visibility will continue to be one of the most important factors for clients when deciding to go with one 3PL over another.

Visibility Issues

In a time when real-time data is expected, it is a large problem for the client if a 3PL cannot, to any degree, provide any sort of real-time status of a product’s whereabouts. No client wants to hear “I don’t know” as an answer to any of their questions. As such, equipping yourself with the right tools to meet and exceed customer expectations is a prudent decision.

If you cannot provide visibility to your client, you are no doubt also missing out on the other features a software offers in addition to greater visibility. Many of these software applications have features that automate the repetitive and mundane tasks that take more time than it should. All of these little manual, tedious tasks add up to delay the processing of a client pickup or delivery. You don’t only benefit from enhanced visibility, but in other ways, as well.

Challenges of Inventory visibility solutions

Unfortunately, it isn’t as easy as installing a software to supply your clients with visibility of their products. There are a couple of challenges associated with making this upgrade.

Changing processes

Perhaps the most difficult part of enhancing visibility is the uprooting of previous processes that have been set in place for decades. Adding a TMS and/or WMS will certainly cause many ripples throughout the business, leading to training employees and drafting new processes. If the training is not delivered well or the processes are not comprehensive enough, you will feel these shortcomings in the near future and will be forced to rectify them. It is recommended that you take the time to sit and think about everything possible and not rush such a dramatic change of your business.

Security

Since providing visibility tends to go hand-in-hand with online client portals, you should be concerned with the security of this data. Anything online can be hacked, stealing sensitive information. A client’s information and intellectual property is of the utmost importance and should be treated as such. There must be no compromises made on the security of your client’s information.

If you are a client looking for a 3PL company to manage your freight and warehousing needs, you should be careful in enlisting a company that is trustworthy and has integrity. If not, you may find yourself looking for a new 3PL provider eventually.

As you can see, visibility is an important aspect of provider client’s a valuable and convenient service. It is the client’s right to be able to know where their products are.

Enlist ADLI Logistics to manage your freight shipping, warehousing, and distribution needs. For more information fill out our contact form or call 1-877-363-7281.