Cloud computing is becoming a real game-changer, providing a route through which supply chain executives can rapidly and efficiently access innovative supply chain solutions—delivered through a SaaS (software as a service) model—and deploy them at scale.
Most supply chain strategies date back to when the business environment was more stable. However, in today’s increasingly complex, global supply chain networks, effective B2B collaboration is essential—and this is where SaaS-based solutions can deliver real benefits because they work best when collaborative processes are involved. For example, the biopharmaceutical giant Pfizer has reengineered its complex supply chain by moving to one common cloud-based platform. This has enabled greater agility and responsiveness to unexpected events, while providing the company and its partners with a “single version of the truth” and dramatically increasing traceability, essential to expanding global markets.
Digital supply networks enabled by the cloud offer 4 core advantages that together can drive unprecedented visibility, insights and flexibility—while operating rapidly and at scale:
1. Connected. Once you have a connected supply chain, you will gain:
- Real-time visibility: supply chains become more dynamic, secure and interactive
- Seamless collaboration: supply chain capabilities are harmonized beyond physical boundaries
- Highly evolved operating models: product/service delivery is exponentially improved to meet customers’ evolving demands.
2. Intelligent. The intelligent supply chain advantage means:
- Actionable insights: innovative data analysis supports advanced decision-making
- Automated execution: seamless human machine interaction increases operational efficiency
- Enhanced, accelerated innovation: digital inspires and supports creative advances in design, personnel, operations and customer relationships.
3. Scalable. The scalable supply chain advantage means:
- Maximum efficiency: integration of people, process and technology
- Organizational flexibility: digital plug-and play enablers provide natural “configure and re-configure” capabilities
- Personalized experiences: channel-centric supply networks help foster individualized products and services.
4. Rapid. The rapid supply chain advantage means:
- Enhanced responsiveness: using better information and sophisticated analytics to interpret and react speedily to disruptions, including demand and supply signals
- Proactive prevention: decision support, driven by predictive analytics, helps to confirm reliability and rapid adaptability
- Last mile postponement: swift repurposing of organizational assets at short notice helps to ensure that supplies always meet changing demands.
For more insights into why and how to move your supply chain into the cloud, download the 12-page report Supply Chain Management in the Cloud
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