For years, visibility within one’s supply chain was elusive
for many companies. However, as supply chains become more complex reaching remote
areas of the world, expansion of suppliers and changes in
regulations and trade requirements, the need for not only visibility, but
real-time visibility is becoming a requirement. For example, in a recent blog
post, “Pharmaceutical Supply Chains Move Towards Cloud Computing” the
pharmaceutical supply chain has become very complicated as it expands into new
geographies, encompasses additional suppliers and the need to monitor, manage
and respond quickly is necessary. As such, many pharmaceutical manufacturers
are adopting cloud-based IT systems to monitor all aspects of their supply
chain.
Recent announcements in the logistics industry suggest this
trend is on the increase. UPS’ announcement of its Supplier Management
product, Order Watch, is built on cloud-based technology. According to the
company it is intended to enable customers to better collaborate with
international suppliers and manage inbound supply chains.
Many transportation management systems (TMS) are also providing
cloud-based alternatives. C.H. Robinson’s Navisphere is such a service. It can
serve as a TMS or alongside one and is an online service that allows for end to
end visibility to shipments on a single global platform, across all services,
in every region where customers do business. It also provides other services
such as:
·
Enter and track shipments
·
View and print documents
·
Request quotes
·
Generate custom reports
·
Manage accounts payable
Finally, in November, Elemica, a provider of supply chain
integration and optimization solutions, announced a new CEO, John Blyzinskyj.
According to the company’s press release, Mr. Blyzinskyj is a “leading global
software and enterprise solutions executive” and that the company would focus
on cloud-based solutions such as its QuickLink network and SmartLink
application which together integrate and automates business processes across
the entire supply chain.
Cloud-based services will be a positive move for customers
of such logistics services as mentioned. These services tend to be lower in
cost, quicker to implement and the ability to access 24/7. As such, as mobile
devices such as tablets and smartphones become more common for business use,
demand for cloud-based services will likely continue to increase.
