The True Cost of Refusing to Retire Your Old Supply Chain Technology

Outdated supply chain technology prevents companies from keeping up with demand. As extreme weather conditions, supply shortages, and other factors continue to put stress on the supply chain, it’s more important than ever to update your management programs. Problems with old supply chain technology can range from decreased productivity to order fulfillment errors. Let’s look at why updating your system is essential to remaining competitive in today’s marketplace. 

Manual Errors

Old supply chain technology relies on manual processes that are prone to human error. Manual-entry errors are often costly and sometimes have long-lasting consequences, including partnership termination. 

Suppliers using old technology often still rely on multiple software programs to get essential information. This way of operating is time-consuming and clunky. Plus, the amount of data the manager needs to wade through often results in manual errors, including missed orders. Modern integrated 3PL software systems allow all supply chain partners to see accurate, up-to-date information on orders and inventory.

Lack of Access to Analytics Data

Collecting data is essential to improving your business. But how can you collect data effectively when you’re relying on old, disjointed software? If you and your supply chain partners are accessing multiple systems to analyze data, you risk missing essential information or making decisions based on outdated data. 

Your antiquated supply chain technology could prevent you from accessing analytics data, or even cause the opposite problem — some older systems will inundate your team with so much disorganized information that it’s difficult to gain valuable insights into your operations. Without quality data, you can make uninformed decisions and lose important growth opportunities. As customers demand more convenience and better traceability, you risk falling behind in today’s competitive marketplace. 

Poor Inventory Management

Outdated supply chain technology can result in poor inventory management thanks to a lack of transparency. Let’s imagine you don’t have a modern integrated 3PL program — if even one warehouse within your supply chain relies on manual picking processes, you’re likely to experience inaccurate inventory counts and unreliable supply management. 

Poor inventory management can lead to canceled orders, delayed shipments, and warehouse congestion. Without an automated system, you’ll have to rely on manual inventory counting, which means maximum effort, minimum efficiency, and plenty of room for error. 

Poor Order Management

Still struggling with lost or delayed orders? Are your fulfillment centers in the habit of shipping the wrong items to customers? These issues are inevitable when you rely on old supply chain software. 

Without an updated system, managers can’t maintain a bird’s-eye view on new orders or updates on existing order statuses. While updated order management systems automate orders for improved accuracy and provide real-time updates for more efficient picking processes, old technology lacks these timesaving features. 

Retire Old Technology and Invest in Osa

Ready to retire your outdated tech and invest in state-of-the-art supply chain technology? At Osa, we offer a Unified Commerce Platform that will help your business thrive in today’s fast-paced e-commerce marketplace. Our integrated 3PL products allow you to increase your accuracy, productivity, and profitability through fast and precise picking, packing, and shipping. Get in touch with our specialists to discover how our selection of products and services can help your business grow.