The increasing complexity of supply chain management has brought to the forefront the need for technological solutions that support operational visibility and transparency throughout internal processes.

When applied to Supply Chain management, the term Operational Visibility means having access to large amounts of real-time data for monitoring and managing end-to-end performance. Visibility is crucial to understanding, identifying, changing and executing many aspects of a business.

However, identifying when and where changes are needed might not be an easy task. Sometimes, small operational problems that slip through the cracks of every day routine escalate into larger issues. If managers can’t visualise small root issues, they will likely struggle with solving the major problems they caused.

Therefore, it’s vital for managers to regularly review current operational data, report and compare with historical information. As well as becoming more aware of small issues, they might even learn aspects of their operations they were oblivious to! However, if your business’ systems are paper-based system or reliant on basic technology, this activity would be too cumbersome and costly.

Access to information must keep up with the rapid pace that today’s cyber economy drives your business. Moreover, it must be available where and when needed to inform sound decision-making. In order to gain this critical deep insight into your business operations, you need to implement a Supply Chain software that integrates with your current technology and aligns with your processes and procedures.

Making the most of your business’ intelligence

In order to perform a meaningful analysis of your business’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, you must be able to look across all your current systems and processes. Technology such as a Warehouse Management System (WMS) will give you ready access to reports focusing on metrics that drive tangible operational improvements and deliver real-time information to all stakeholders in your business.

A WMS will allow your managers to make more accurate inventory predictions, thus optimizing store replenishment, avoiding over-stock, improving in-stock availability for popular items, forecasting and planning for seasonal periods.

Gaining this insight allows you to act strategically, armed with knowledge that your competitors wish they had about their businesses. It will drive productivity and strip out inefficiencies allowing your business to reach its full potential.

Empower your workforce

Nowadays, workers expect to have immediate access to the information they need. A WMS will deliver up-to-the-minute information to assist their decision-making process whether they’re at the Warehouse floor, sitting at a desktop, on a plane, or walking down the street using their smartphone or tablet.

Encourage customer loyalty

Regardless of the industry your business is in, competition in today’s omnichannel economy is becoming more and more fierce. Customer are decreasingly tolerant to delays and expect prompt responses and helpful solutions to mistakes. Brand loyalty is low, consumers are happy to switch from previously purchased products to brands that promise a better overall shopping experience.

End-to-end real time visibility to your supply chain leads to much higher operational efficiency, inventory accuracy and faster order turnaround, which in turn reflects in better customer service and improved on-time response to unexpected problems. Happy customers will make return purchases and recommend your company to their networks!

Create an information culture

Employees make better decisions when they are informed. A WMS solution gives your team the tools they need to stay informed on the subjects and business segments that you’ve made them accountable for. Collaboration between all users and managers in the supply chain is key. Building an “information culture” ensures that everyone has access to the relevant information to help them make the choices you expect.

Systematic vigilance

Visibility into your entire supply chain assists in identifying gaps and inefficiencies and raise awareness of potential disruptions in advance, thus reducing any negative operational impact. A WMS system will continuously monitor the areas of your business that predict success or failure. Rather than putting the burden on you or your team, it can deliver interactive alerts that proactively inform you when there is information that demands your attention.

HighJump WMS

No matter your business size, having a warehouse management system will benefit you. With the HighJump platform, iWMS Australasia can offer your business a tailored, configurable and scalable solution that will meet your exact business needs today and for years to come.