Any manager working in supply chain management would understand if someone said the industry is quite challenging. Historically, businesses relied on manual processes to manage the supply chain. Over time, business owners realized they didn’t have to do everything alone. To streamline the supply chain, they began taking advantage of mobile technology.
It means utilizing mobile computing solutions to manage logistics, warehouses, and assets. All of these are possible because of technological advancements in barcoding and mobile technology. Warehouse and field workers don’t have to carry scanners anymore. Instead, they can use, for example, a Motorola Moto G 5G-2023 or other higher-spec smartphones to execute specific tasks like data feeding and barcode scanning.
Mobile Technology Makes Information Exchange Easier
Technological advancements have made intra and inter-team communication easier. It means team members can exchange crucial information through messages, recorded videos, and pictures. They can also integrate other technologies like IoT for live asset management and tracking. The data collected using mobile devices will provide insights into various trends, enabling businesses to make more informed decisions.
Supply Chain Management and Mobile Technologies
Mobile technology use is not limited to factories and warehouses. Different teams involved in delivery and logistics now use technology to improve the supply chain. Here are some of its expected benefits:
Improves information flow
Before, supply chain teams relied on manual systems, which were prone to errors, time-consuming, and effort-intensive. If you’re a business still following conventional methods, you’re most likely swamped with paperwork.
You can leverage mobile technology to solve this problem. By integrating scanning and barcode technologies, you can save time and eliminate errors. Additionally, your mobile devices allow you to receive essential data in your warehouse management software. This gives your team more time to perform pressing and critical tasks.
Tracks location
You can also use your mobile device’s GPS to help track the exact location of your shipments. Numerous advanced systems can predict optimal routes utilizing the driver’s location. With this, you can meet your customers’ expectations and avoid delivery delays. Overall, you’re promoting efficiency across departments.
Scales up asset tracking
Real-time accurate asset management is now possible with mobile technology. It used to be a far-fetched idea, but the management team can now seamlessly track every product’s movement within the warehouse. Top management can also use the database-stored information to plan, forecast, maintain, and allocate assets.
Levels up business intelligence
Mobile technology gives you an overview of your supply chain network. You and your team can generate data, statistics, and critical reports to understand various trends better. Users can get updates and notifications on their mobile phones. All of these benefits help them manage their respective tasks more effectively.
Upgrades customer service
Any supply chain manager’s end goal is to improve customer experience. They can do this with mobile devices that track inventories of in-demand items. Managers can ensure they always have something to sell to their customers.
Embrace Mobile Technology as an Indispensable Tool To Improve Your Supply Chain
Mobile technology can streamline your business and supply chain operations. It can improve real-time learning, project possible supply chain disruptions, and facilitate the collaboration of brokers, carriers, and shippers.
Soon, it will even integrate predictive analytics, machine learning, and AI to introduce more breakthroughs in warehouse automation. With all these benefits and opportunities for growth, you have every reason to embrace mobile technology and utilize it to improve your supply chain.