About the Author
Kevin Monk has been the President at GFS Logistics since 2014. He holds an MBA in Business, Marketing, Logistics and Supply Chain Management from UT Dallas. He is a global expert in eCommerce fulfillment, distribution warehousing, kitting solutions and logistics management for large and small business supply chain challenges. He resides locally in Dallas and is an active member in the Dallas Chapter of the SFA Alumni Association.
A well-functioning supply chain is critical to the success of any business that relies on the movement of goods for customers. In order for a supply chain to be effective, each link in the chain must work together efficiently and harmoniously.
Unfortunately, this is often easier said than done. One of the biggest challenges facing supply chains today is a lack of visibility.
Let’s take a closer look at what supply chain visibility is, why it matters and some of the most common reasons it fails in a modern supply chain.
What is Supply Chain Visibility?
Visibility refers to tracking and monitoring each component as it moves along the supply chain. It is a thorough practice that allows businesses to review a supply chain system and identify any potential problems. In other words, visibility is essential for optimization.
Without visibility practices in place, items can become damaged, deadlines can be missed, and your brand’s reputation can greatly suffer.
What Clouds Supply Chain Visibility?
There are many factors that can impact visibility within a supply chain. Let’s take a look at three of the most common areas of concern.
Lack of Data Standardization
In order for businesses to gain visibility into their supply chains, they need access to accurate and up-to-date data.
However, this can be difficult to achieve when different members of the supply chain are using different systems and outdated software platforms. This lack of data standardization makes it difficult (if not impossible) to get a holistic view of what’s happening across the entire system.
One of the best ways to overcome this challenge is to connect with a logistics team that can onboard your entire team into its warehouse management system (WMS). Our up-to-date WMS can connect your entire supply chain to recent, relevant data that keeps everyone on the same page and working in sync.
Long and Complex Supply Chains
Another factor that can impact visibility is the length and complexity of the supply chain itself. The longer and more complicated the supply chain, the greater the risk for errors and delays.
A logistics company like ours can help you streamline multiple steps in the supply chain and make the journey from warehouse to consumer smoother and less prone to mistakes, returns, and a tarnished brand.
Lack of Technology Integration
The final factor we’ll discuss is the lack of technology integration within the supply chain. For businesses to gain visibility, they need to be able to track every individual component as it moves along the chain.
In addition to being a data resource, a reliable WMS can help achieve this process. Tracking individual items along your supply chain requires a high level of coordination and communication between different supply chain members. An excellent WMS is something that can be an integrated technology platform that keeps eyes on every step of the delivery system.
How Can GFS Logistics Help?
A well-functioning supply chain is critical to optimized performance and profitability for any business that relies on supplying goods to a demanding audience. To have an effective relationship with your customers there needs to be clear expectations set by both parties regarding quality standards, delivery deadlines, pricing, and more.
The WMS software that GFS Logistics relies on for our clients provides much-needed support throughout all stages in managing your supply chain by providing real-time insights into your company’s operations.
We help you streamline your process, create total supply chain visibility, and ensure that your brand stays on top of its industry.
Resolve Your Supply Chain Issues With GFS Logistics
At GFS Logistics, we understand the importance of supply chain visibility and work diligently to provide our clients with a streamlined process that meets their specific needs. We are excited to offer our services to you and invite you to contact us to learn more about becoming a member of the GFS family.
