Supply chain automation has become a hot topic in recent years, as businesses of all sizes seek ways to streamline their operations and gain a competitive edge. From automated warehouses and inventory management systems to predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms. There are countless ways in which technology can improve supply chain efficiency and effectiveness.
One of the key benefits of supply chain automation is the ability to achieve significant cost savings. All while simultaneously improving quality and delivery times. But what exactly are the most valuable benefits of supply chain automation? To answer this question, we recently asked our LinkedIn followers to share what they believe is the most valuable benefit of supply chain automation for their business.
Poll results
In our most recent LinkedIn poll, we asked our social media followers: what supply chain automation benefit is the most valuable to their organisation?
Supply chain automation benefits: what we found
Improved accuracy – 36%
36% of respondents believe that improved accuracy is the most valuable benefit of supply chain automation for their organisation. This is not surprising since accurate data is the foundation of efficient supply chain management. On the other hand, inaccurate data can lead to numerous problems, including lost inventory, delays in deliveries, and incorrect invoicing.
Supply chain automation systems can help minimise these errors by automating data collection and analysis. Automated data collection ensures that data is captured accurately. Meanwhile, automation tools such as barcoding and RFID scanning can further reduce errors in data entry. Automation can also help identify errors more quickly, reducing the time and effort required to correct them.
Increased productivity – 45%
45% of respondents believe that increased productivity is the most valuable benefit of supply chain automation for their organisation. Automation can help organisations streamline their supply chain processes by automating tasks such as order processing, inventory management, and shipment tracking. By automating these tasks, organisations can reduce the time and effort required to complete them, allowing employees to focus on higher-value activities.
In addition to reducing manual tasks, automation can also help organisations optimise their processes by identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Automated data collection and analysis can provide insights into where processes can be streamlined and improved, resulting in faster cycle times and increased throughput.
Time savings – 18%
18% of respondents believe that time savings are the most valuable benefit of supply chain automation for their organisation. Automation can help organisations reduce the time required to complete tasks such as order processing, inventory management, and shipment tracking. By automating these tasks, organisations can eliminate the need for manual data entry, reduce the likelihood of errors, and speed up the overall process. This, in turn, can help organisations respond more quickly to customer demand and reduce the risk of stockouts or delays in deliveries.
In addition to improving customer service, time savings can also help organisations reduce costs and improve operational efficiency. By reducing the time required to complete tasks, organisations can increase throughput and reduce lead times. This, in turn, can help reduce the cost of carrying inventory and improve cash flow.
Other – 0%
0% of respondents selected ‘other’ as the most valuable benefit of supply chain automation for their organisation. This could be due to the other options adequately covering the benefits the respondents were most interested in. Alternatively, respondents may have been unsure what ‘other’ encompasses, so they chose to select one of the other options instead.
In any case, it’s worth noting that supply chain automation can have a wide range of benefits. It’s therefore important for organisations to consider their unique needs and objectives when determining which benefits are most important to them. Some potential examples of ‘other’ benefits might include improved traceability and compliance, enhanced sustainability, or improved supplier relationship management, among others.
More information
B2BE’s experience in the supply chain sector allows our customers to build, expand and adapt successfully, enabling greater effectiveness. To engage with B2BE and offer feedback on what matters most to you and your business, make sure to follow us on LinkedIn and across social media. You can also vote in our latest LinkedIn poll. If you’d like to discuss your supply chain strategy, get in touch with us.