Real-time visibility plays a vital role in supply chain management, but surprisingly, not all businesses have adopted this technology. Real-time visibility monitors goods as they pass through the supply chain, giving businesses the chance to respond to disruptions quickly and minimize the potential for damage.
At minimum, all it takes is equipping your vehicles with a GPS system that connects to software you control in your office. However, it’s better to use a professional solution because you’ll get far more than just a GPS location. Some solutions come with additional sensors that monitor things like fuel usage, mileage, tire pressure, and even braking patterns.
If you have yet to get on board, here are some of the benefits you’ll get when you incorporate real-time visibility into your supply chain.
1. Time to minimize damage
When a shipment doesn’t make it to its destination on time, you won’t know until it’s too late – unless you implement real-time tracking. When timely deliveries matter, real-time visibility can save you from negative consequences and give you time to respond to delays.
For instance, when a company transports bulk materials for a big construction project and the shipment is delayed, they can notify the destination right away and a new plan can be drafted. Delays won’t necessarily be free from consequence, but having a heads up can make a big difference in your ability to address issues before they impact customers or clients.
2. Streamlined processes and operational efficiency
Real-time monitoring brings bottlenecks to your awareness and allows you to address inefficiencies quickly. It’s a proactive approach that leads to smoother workflows and reduces the impact of delays.
Operational efficiency also increases with real-time visibility without putting a burden on truck drivers. Relying on a driver to report every delay is not only labor-intensive, but takes their focus away from driving. Plus, they’re not likely to report a problem unless it’s serious, which undermines your ability to act fast.
For instance, when a driver gets stuck in a snowstorm, they’ll probably tell you right away, but a driver who is only 30 minutes behind schedule isn’t likely to notify you of the delay unless doing so is part of your company’s policy. When your real-time tracking alerts you to a 30-minute delay, you can check traffic and weather conditions to predict whether or not it will turn into a longer delay.
3. Delivery transparency for customers
Whether your drivers are delivering individual packages to customers or you’re delivering items to a warehouse or production facility, transparency creates a better customer experience. This is why some parcel delivery services use real-time tracking. When customers know their package is out for delivery, they can look on a map to see exactly where the delivery truck is at the moment. It’s easier to estimate when the package might arrive, which improves customer satisfaction. It also builds confidence in the company’s ability to deliver on time.
When your deliveries are heading to a larger facility, it helps the recipient plan for the arrival. Estimated delivery times are almost never accurate, which usually means everyone will be called off a different project to unload when the delivery arrives. With real-time visibility, teams can start getting ready when the truck is a mile away.
4. Route optimization
With the right logistics software, real-time visibility provides valuable data that can be used for reducing or eliminating idle time and optimizing routes. As you monitor routes in real-time, you’ll get updates on traffic and weather conditions, which makes it possible to adjust routes on the fly to help drivers avoid delays. This alone can create massive savings by avoiding traffic jams that will just waste fuel.
5. A competitive advantage
There’s a good chance other companies in your industry are already using real-time visibility, making it a critical component for your business. If you don’t implement this technology, you’ll struggle to maintain a competitive edge in your market. If your company is already doing well, adding real-time visibility to your tech toolbox will make a profound difference on every level.
Real-time visibility is essential
Incorporating real-time visibility into supply chain operations has evolved from convenience to necessity. This technology not only streamlines operational efficiency, but also increases customer satisfaction by minimizing the impact of disruptions. It enables businesses to deliver consistent value, create trust, and meet demanding customer expectations with ease.
Real-time visibility is no longer just an option; it’s the foundation of a customer-centric supply chain.
