Integration of collaborative partners
Given the current state of the world economy, companies operating on an international stage would do well to consider optimizing their increasingly complex global supply chains.
(Business + Logistic 04.2009) In times such as these, process optimization, increased efficiency and reduced costs can better equip operators to meet the greater demands that will be made on them over the course of the next few years. This is where the automation of Supply Chain Execution offers huge potential for savings. It is precisely in such crisis-ridden times as these that a policy of investing for the future in process optimization (for example, in the area of transport) will pay dividends. The exact planning, control and implementation of global transportation in Supply Chain Execution thus becomes a key issue to be addressed by senior management.
Transport management determines quality of SCE
Web-based integration platforms such as logistics-server® provide all supply chain partners with the functions and information they need for the specific roles they have to play. logistics-server® offers a basis for smooth interaction between all the systems that are involved in transport processes. Starting with transport and freight cost management, this also extends to order management and container administration, and ultimately to the integration of effective customs management. Central to the way it operates is the synchronization of information and material flows. This is the essential prerequisite for creating the transparent structures that will lead to enhanced effectiveness in the supply chain and the overall optimization of logistics processes. And all of this has as its objective the long-term reduction of freight costs.
SCE as SaaS soon pays for itself
logistics-server® is a Supply Chain Execution solution that is available as a so-called ‘SaaS’ (Software as a Service) package which can be used flexibly to suit the individual requirements of the customer who in turn pays only for services that are actually used. This enables the customer to structure costs in such a way as to keep pace with business development.
Central maintenance
This hosted solution offers users an additional advantage in that it is centrally customized and maintained by inet-logistics, which means that all the supply chain partners are able to access any data and functions they require for their routine operations directly from their own applications environment or via a web browser. Customers do not have to install any hardware or software on their own premises. Initial set-up costs are consequently reduced, but in addition, the right level of performance is achieved and the customer retains a maximum degree of independence and flexibility. Our experience has shown that this solution pays for itself within the first six months of operation.
And in the broader picture, by transferring Supply Chain Execution to a uniform integration platform, the consignor is able to reduce costs significantly. Our experience has shown that up to 20 percent of transport costs can be saved in this way. Furthermore, by automating the planning, optimization, quality checks and booking of transportation, the associated process costs can also be drastically lowered. Companies using the solution have already succeeded in reducing process costs by up to 30 percent.
