Supply chain issues over the past year have highlighted where some of the most serious vulnerabilities lie. Despite the challenges that many businesses have faced, especially in the electronics sector, customer expectations still remain high. In fact, even in B2B interactions today customers have come to expect the same level of service and speed as in business to consumer interactions. Improving supply chain resilience to ensure expectations can be met in the future is going to take a shift in perspective and infrastructure – and connected tracking could have a big part to play in that.
Connectivity and supply chain resilience
Changes in the way that the supply chain operates can be made in many ways but one of the most effective is switching to a model where connectivity of information is prioritised. This enables information to be shared more quickly between parties, meaning that decision making can be quicker and more efficient. This open, generous flow of information can also be vital in highlighting where the biggest vulnerabilities in the supply chain actually are.
The impact of the pandemic
This kind of massive global event can have a seismic impact on established supply chain patterns and structures. Spikes in demand, shrunken resources and unpredictable disruption mean that logistics networks have to be reconfigured at speed. For those looking to shift towards more connected tracking and information to solve the issues that have arisen in recent months there are two key components: a conduit for the transmission of real time information and the creation of an ecosystem that allows for scenario planning and decision support tools.
One key step towards connected tracking: smart labels as tools
The use of smart labels effectively removes the need for barcodes and RFID within the supply chain. Smart labels are easy to use, disposable, lightweight and cost effective and achieve the kind of optimum supply chain transparency that can be a big factor in creating resilience. Integrating smart labels is simple and they can be used to track both historic and real-time data to get a clear picture of current materials or stock. The biggest difference with smart labels is the power source needed to keep integrated sensors operating within smart labels, which is a different type of battery and one that is more environmentally friendly than those used for RFID etc.
Transparency is the key to resilience
Increased supply chain transparency is something that consumers now expect from the brands that they choose to work with. Many people are now much more aware of how products are made, transported and stored. Regulation and legislation have also shone a light on the need for greater transparency. The major advantage that a more transparent approach offers to businesses is the opportunity for clear and swift analysis of disruption and challenges and live tracking of products so that an accurate perspective is available at all times.
Connected tracking is a vital component in being able to build more resilient supply chains where decision making is well informed and overall perspective is built on real time data.
