Approximately 79% of companies with high-performing supply chains are seeing better-than-average revenue growth, which means that having an efficient supply chain can drastically boost your business.

But while having great processes matters, there’s another aspect to it to consider—picking the right technology to support those processes.

As you may know, there’s a ton of tech out there claiming to solve your supply chain problems, but finding the one that actually fits your business can be a real challenge, which is why it’s so important to take your time, do your research, and choose wisely.

But, what should you focus on when making your decision?

Prioritize Real-Time Tracking and Analytics

When you’re looking at supply chain tech, one of the most important features you should prioritize is real-time tracking and analytics. When you have up-to-the-minute data, you get to make quick, informed decisions, especially when things are moving fast. If your system doesn’t offer real-time visibility into inventory, shipments, and orders, you’re basically flying blind—and that’s not a good place to be. Real-time tracking means  you get to monitor everything that’s happening across your supply chain as it’s happening, so you can catch potential issues before they become big problems. It helps you stay on top of things like delivery delays, stock shortages, and even customer complaints. Also, real-time analytics give you valuable insights into how well your supply chain is performing, so you can make improvements and optimize processes. 

Prioritize User-Friendliness

You could have the most powerful and advanced supply chain software out there, but if it’s too complicated for your team to use, it’s pretty much useless. When choosing your technology partner, you’ve got to make sure the solution is intuitive and easy for your team to pick up without hours of training. The goal is to simplify your processes, not create more headaches and a user-friendly system means less time spent fumbling around trying to figure out how things work, and more time spent on actually managing and improving your supply chain. And, when your team can use the system without frustration, it boosts adoption and ensures the technology is actually being used to its full potential. 

The Role of Well-Structured RFPs 

When it comes to picking the right tech for your supply chain, one of the best ways to make sure you’re on track is by using a well-structured RFP (Request for Proposal). You might think that sending a quick email or just talking to a vendor will cut it, but to really make sure you’re making the best decision, an RFP is essential, and here’s why: a good RFP helps you ask the right questions, lay out exactly what you need, and compare different solutions in a way that makes sense. When you set clear expectations from the start, you’re making sure vendors know exactly what you’re looking for, so they can give you the most relevant, customized solutions. What is more, experts at RFPhub.com would confirm that an RFP helps you evaluate each potential partner based on factors like cost, functionality, support, and scalability, which can make it way easier to figure out who’s the best fit for your needs. You wouldn’t want to skip over something this useful.

And always remember, don’t rush the process. This isn’t something to just check off your to-do list. Take your time to research, ask the right questions, and choose a partner that aligns with your long-term goals. The right technology ally will help you steward the complexities of the supply chain and give you the tools you need to stay ahead of the competition.