Beating the Competition: Proactivity in Constrained Markets

Modern data management techniques in supply chain and logistics, such as smart data fabrics and AI and machine learning, are granting some organizations competitive advantages and leaving others behind. These developments help businesses model demand, automate predictable and repeatable situations, and even provide prescriptive analytics to inform how to solve problems in real-time—unburdening the user and improving competitive advantages.

To be ahead of the curve , supply chain leaders need to identify data metrics  and challenges in order to focus on the end goal: streamlining and simplifying existing data to create better outcomes. By gaining a holistic and comprehensive view of the past, present, and future, chief supply chain officers (CSCO) and their organizations need to be more proactive rather than reactive to potential obstacles, saving time and money while improving customer trust.

Consumers Face Higher Prices as Shortages Impact the Supply Chain

Supply chain disruptions cause chaos for businesses and drive up prices for consumers. In turn, shortages of raw materials and freight are squeezing supply chain leaders, who are struggling to manage increasing costs while maintaining continuity of supply. 

The result is a surge of 9.1% over the past year in the price of goods. With supply constraints now semipermanent and widespread, CSCOs must adopt a new playbook to address these problems and should implement tactics to mitigate the immediate impact of supply constraints, optimize their supply chains in the mid-term, and implement new initiatives to shield against future anticipated constraints. 

Data First Approach 

The most direct opportunity for chief supply chain officers to address these on-going challenges is to harness data for lasting results from the first mile through the last mile.

Taking a data-first approach helps to  prioritize data collection, analysis, and use of data in supply chain operations and decision-making processes.

In practical terms, this could mean that CSCOs would invest in building or acquiring data management and analysis tools, as well as hiring data scientists and analysts to leverage the insights derived from the data. By doing so, they could gain a better understanding of the supply chain performance and identify opportunities to optimize it.

For instance, CSCOs can use data to track inventory levels, lead times, and production rates to improve their capacity planning and ensure timely delivery of goods. They can also use data to monitor supplier performance, identify potential bottlenecks, and optimize their sourcing strategy. Additionally, data can track and analyze transportation and logistics data to optimize routes, reduce costs, and improve delivery times.

By leveraging data, CSCOs could gain real-time supply chain visibility into inventory levels at each stage, from raw materials to finished goods. They could use this data to optimize inventory levels, minimize stockouts, and ensure that the right products are available at the right time.

Data could also be used to identify bottlenecks in the inventory management process. For example, CSCOs could analyze data to understand which products are taking longer to move through the supply chain and why. This could be due to delays in production, transportation issues, or other factors. Once the bottleneck is identified, CSCOs can take corrective actions to resolve the issue and improve the efficiency of the supply chain.

Furthermore, leveraging data can help CSCOs identify patterns and trends in inventory data. For instance, they could identify which products are selling the most and the least, and use this information to adjust production and inventory levels accordingly. They could also use data to track inventory shrinkage or loss, identify root causes, and take corrective actions to reduce it.

Overall, a data-first approach to inventory tracking and visibility could help CSCOs improve inventory management, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction by ensuring that the right products are available at the right time.

Understanding where to begin is the first step to alleviate supply chain constraint challenges.  Initial actionable items CSCOs should identify include:

• Identify and qualify alternate suppliers
• Diversify sourcing
• Increase inventory of critical items
• Optimize freight routes and transportation modes
• Leverage advanced analytics and real-time data
• Explore the use of automation and robotics
• Invest in new technologies such as blockchain and AI
• Establish strategic partnerships and collaborations with other logistics professionals 

By taking these steps, CSCOs can navigate current and future supply constraints and position their organizations for success in the short, medium, and long terms. 

Chief Supply Chain Officer Action Plan

Next, organizations should follow through with a complete analysis to strengthen their competitive advantage. CSCOs should consider the following measures when looking to shield themselves against future constraints.

1. Conduct a comprehensive review of their  supply chain to identify potential vulnerabilities and develop contingency plans for possible disruptions.
2. Enhance  cybersecurity measures to safeguard against potential cyber threats that could compromise its systems and data.
3. Invest in advanced analytics and data management capabilities to gain better insights into customer preferences, market trends, and operational efficiencies.
4. Strengthen partnerships with key customers and suppliers to build stronger relationships and foster greater collaboration.
5. Develop new products and services that address emerging customer needs and trends in the industry.
6. Expand global presence through strategic acquisitions and partnerships in key markets.
7. Focus on employee development and training programs to cultivate talent and foster innovation.
8. Improve environmental and sustainability practices to meet changing regulatory requirements and customer expectations.
9. Leverage emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to drive operational efficiencies and enhance customer experiences.
10. Continuously monitor and adjust business strategies to adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs. 

CSCOs are facing multiple challenges. We’re happy to share how Osa can support you with the right prioritized steps so you and your business are one step ahead. Contact us to learn more.