Why Supply Chain Digitization is No Longer Optional for Manufacturers

Introduction

Navigating the challenges of today’s supply chains requires an unprecedented level of agility. It calls for supply chain tools that deliver network-wide trading partner connectivity to enable real-time visibility, demand and supply planning, and production scheduling insights. Fortunately, modern tools deployed in an organization’s technology stack can digitally transform the supply chain, revealing new opportunities for innovation across the entire network.

Modern supply chain challenges

Because of the pandemic and uncertain global conditions, many supply chains are currently in flux. To combat these challenges, supply chains are undergoing a digital transformation into more data-driven, cloud-based processes. Yet, many familiar obstacles remain: improving visibility across siloed systems and partners with a digital network, leveraging better fulfillment and delivery processes for meeting evolving customer demands, and creating a more sustainable supply chain—from reducing waste or using materials better, to ethically sourcing goods and services. Combating these supply chain challenges begins with having the proper visibility and partner connectivity to digitize your network, integrate your systems, and break down silos.

The network value for digitization

Modern enterprises run on data, and yet much of the data they need is stored outside their four walls: “Up to 80% of a large enterprise’s supply chain data is likely in the hands of other companies,” reports Ernst & Young. And, the volume of data is growing exponentially. This can be overwhelming to even the most successful operations.

When large volumes of data are left unmanaged, locked up in silos, or spread across disparate systems and partners, data and data insights can become incredibly complex to manage, even more so when data quality is lacking or impossible to decipher. For a digital transformation of the supply chain to succeed, organizations require data strategies that will unify these complex data sets under one integrated system with the proper visibility for relevant stakeholders so the data can be properly stored, organized, analyzed, and made actionable.

If you struggle with data transparency, you’re not alone. Many organizations report that a lack of proper visibility prevents them from tackling the challenges that stand in the way of digital transformation. Working with a skilled ERP expert can offer you the solutions you need to manage your systems with ease. With 25 years of experience in all of the major manufacturing ERP platforms, Datix has the expertise to help you manage your data with ease. 

Understanding the need for end-to-end visibility

Today, a digital network of real-time information must be available in order to see, control, and pro-actively manage inventory and shipments from the production source to their final destination. But a lot can happen in between, especially when so much of an organization’s supply chain data resides with other companies and partners. Improving transparency, collaboration, and visibility between stakeholders means accessing real-time information about all of the processes that occur before and during transit—from planning, sourcing, production, handling, transport, and last-mile delivery.

Advanced, cloud-based, digitally transformed networks are connecting supply chain partners, events, and devices, so stakeholders can respond quickly and decisively to disruptions, seize opportunities, and orchestrate and fulfill demand from anywhere along the supply chain. But getting to this point is a challenge. Organizations have long struggled with complex supply chain orchestration because they rely on disparate or legacy systems and disconnected, manual processes. Instead of giving up, look to an ERP expert like Datix. Our team will work with you closely to understand exactly how your software is letting you down so we can find the best possible solution for your business.

Wrap Up

In a modern supply chain, outdated ways of working will slow down the speed of communication, creating silos and bottlenecks, and straining supplier and trading partner relationships. If you want to strengthen your supply chain, connect with Datix to take your business to the next level.

Read our 10 Tips for Implementing a New ERP

About Datix

With 25 years of experience, Datix is the partner of choice for ERP solutions. Datix will work with you closely to understand your precise warehouse needs so receive the best ERP solution possible. We analyze your strengths and challenges to find the right methodology for your needs and offer our support throughout every step of the implementation process.

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Please note: This blog post was based on the White Paper “Why supply chain digitization is no longer optional” from Infor and updated by Datix to reflect 2023 market conditions