INTRODUCTION
Supply chain automation means a systematic organization of its operation for improving the internal process. It is done by effectively utilizing the technology to manage the complex parts of the processes. It helps the businesses in reducing the manual effort of its employees and increase the efficiency of the human resource and helps in the reduction of costly errors of the organization. Investment in the appropriate tools and software helps businesses in cutting down the operating expenses by a huge margin.
Automation is used for:
- Generation of accurate invoices for payment support.
2. Critical update about its inventory.
3. Updates about the differential pricing across different channels.
4. Proper Client management.
5. Human resource management for meeting the desired goal.
6. Tracking revenues.
7. Analytics about the client’s purchase decision.
8. Inventory Management.
FRICTION POINTS FOR BUSINESSES DEALING IN SUPPLY CHAIN
• Management of delivery channels:
As the businesses are growing and the world is progressing towards providing multiple opportunities to the businessman, it is evident that the business needs to set differential prices for a different client purchasing through different channels for the same product. Automation in the supply chain acts as a boon for the business owner as they can manage this task seamlessly.
- The Sky-high expectation of the customer:
The customer wants a product at a minimum value possible and at the same time wants a premium quality of the product or the services. It becomes the necessity for businesses to cut down their internal costs to keep the pricing of its product competitive. It can only and only be done by streamlining the internal process and cutting down the cost.
- Improved Customer Experience:
Reducing the time between placing the order online and fulfillment of the order helps in providing better customer experience. Businesses focus on providing enhanced customer experience by faster and accurate fulfillment of the client’s request. Improved Customer experience helps in retaining customers and spreading the word of mouth that helps the business generate greater revenue.
- Increased Transparency in the entire process:
Clients nowadays are very keen to know about their order status, whether it’s been approved. The dynamics of the industry has changed drastically, it’s more than just the online invoice that’s generated once the order is placed. The customer wants to know where their product has reached and how much more time would it take to reach its destination. Automation in the supply chain helps in the step by step notification of the order status to its clients.
CONCLUSION
Automating the supply chain is the need of the hour for the businesses dealing in last-mile operation and supply chain businesses to have a competitive edge over its competitors and create a blue ocean strategy.
