To gain a comprehensive understanding of supply chain analytics, this article presents various data analysis examples for supply chain managers to utilize. Now this article is part of a two-part series on supply chain analytics. In the first part of this series, I delve into the different types of data analytics applied in logistics and eCommerce today. Also in this series, I introduce Ralph, a savvy supply chain manager who demonstrates the power of supply chain analytics.
First, some background information. Traditionally, supply chain managers have utilized data and basic math to perform their duties. In recent times, managers have employed programs like Six Sigma to measure and optimize their processes. Today, supply chains and eCommerce operations are inundated with data, compounded by the complexities of cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and multiple logistics systems storing massive amounts of data in individual silos. So supply chain managers have always used data analysis. However, now it is imperative that supply chains use every data analysis tool available to tackle big data and achieve a new level of excellence.
“There were 5 exabytes of information created between the dawn of civilization through 2003, but that much information is now created every two days.”
Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman at Google
- Meet Ralph, The Supply Chain Manager, Who Is Using Data Analytics to Meet His Day-To-Day Challenges.
- Supply Chain Planning – Data Analysis Example.
- Strategic Sourcing – Example Of Data Analysis.
- Warehouse And Inventory Management Data Analysis Example.
- Order Fulfillment And Customer Service – Data Analysis Examples.
- Delivery Data Analysis Examples.
Meet Ralph, The Supply Chain Manager, Who Is Using Data Analytics to Meet His Day-To-Day Challenges.
Ralph, an experienced supply chain manager, found himself facing many challenges in managing his company’s supply chain. Also, his company is an online furniture retailer. So to best address these challenges, he decided to better harness the power of data analytics. Indeed by leveraging data-driven insights, Ralph is able to make more informed decisions and better adapt to the ever-changing environment of supply chains. Specifically, implementing data analytics allowed him to optimize every aspect of the supply chain. Specifically, this includes planning to customer delivery, and ultimately improve his company’s bottom line. To detail, see supply chain analytics examples below.
“Information is the oil of the 21st century, and analytics is the combustion engine.”
Peter Sondergaard, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Research at Gartner, Inc.
Supply Chain Planning – Data Analysis Example.
Here Ralph Devises His Supply Chain Strategies.
To ensure accurate forecasting and efficient resource allocation, Ralph employs predictive data analytics in his supply chain planning process. By examining historical demand data and utilizing predictive analytics tools, he is able to devise effective strategies for optimal inventory levels and warehouse placement. Hence, these data-driven insights helped him avoid stockouts and minimize logistics costs without sacrificing service quality. Positively, predictive data analytics is critical for supply chain planning. Click here for more data analysis examples when it comes to supply chain planning.
Supply Chain Planning: Data Analytics Advice That Will Result In A Better Way. At their core, supply chains are a thrilling dance of ever-changing dynamics, constantly at the mercy of both internal and external events. Indeed, a single disruption can send shockwaves rippling straight to your customers’ doorstep, while also spawning a cascade of unintended effects throughout the supply chain. So that is precisely why supply chain planning is such a crucial game-changer!
This is where the vital role of supply chain planning comes into play. By steering clear of haphazard supply chain operations, planning paves the way for smooth solutions and risk reduction for companies. Click here to dive into the realm of strategic and tactical supply chain planning. Specifically, we will explore planning for demand, supply, production, integrated business planning, risk mitigation, and strategic network design.
“We’re entering a new world in which data may be more important than software.”
Tim O’Reilly, founder, O’Reilly Media.
Strategic Sourcing – Example Of Data Analysis.
Ralph Works With His Suppliers To Improve Service Performance.
Ralph understands that sourcing is a critical component of his supply chain management strategy. To improve service performance from his suppliers, Ralph uses data analysis to identify areas for improvement. For example, by analyzing data on delivery times and order accuracy, Ralph can identify which suppliers are performing well and which ones need improvement. Also, by leveraging data analytics in his sourcing strategy, Ralph is able to build stronger relationships with his suppliers and ensure that they are meeting his needs. Click here for more data analysis examples when it comes to strategic sourcing procurement.
The Strategic Sourcing Process And Data Analysis: The Best Ways To Secure Unsurpassed Supplier Results. For medium and large businesses, strategic sourcing is a crucial process that demands extensive data to select the perfect supplier. In fact, a data-driven approach to your strategic sourcing process is essential for success. Delving deep into data analysis enables you to make well-informed decisions when it comes to choosing and evaluating suppliers. Furthermore, monitoring supplier compliance, performance, quality, and potential supply chain risks can be achieved by continuously analyzing data. Click here to explore the strategic sourcing process and data analysis.
Warehouse And Inventory Management Data Analysis Example.
Ralph Optimizes Inventory For Out Of Stock Issues.
To address the critical issue of out-of-stock items, Ralph turned to data analytics once again in his warehouse management operations. Certainly, analyzing patterns of demand and identifying potential bottlenecks allowed managers to make more informed decisions about reorder points and safety stock levels. Indeed, Ralph’s proactive approach not only minimized inventory carrying costs but also ensured that products were consistently available for customers when needed. Click here for more data analysis examples when it comes to warehouse and inventory management.
Better Warehouse And Inventory Analysis Is The Way For Unsurpassed Results, Reduced Wastage. To succeed, warehouse and inventory management operations need to have data. Indeed, no supply chain operation can have a competitive advantage unless they are data-driven. This is because accurate, complete, and timely data is critical for both warehouse staff and automation. Without high-quality data, operations cannot do effective inventory analysis. Click here to explore inventory analysis and what is needed to succeed. Specifically, we will review key metrics needed to drive inventory optimization and 6 key areas in regard to inventory analysis.
“If the statistics are boring, then you’ve got the wrong numbers.”
Edward Tufte
Order Fulfillment And Customer Service – Data Analysis Examples.
Ralph Finally Fixes Incorrect Delivery Addresses Provided By Customers.
One recurring challenge that Ralph encountered was customers providing incorrect delivery addresses. In particular, this is a key issue leading to delivery delays and additional costs. To solve this issue, Ralph implemented a data-driven address verification system. As a result, this allowed his order fulfillment team to identify potential errors and confirm addresses with customers before shipping. Indeed, in most cases this process can be integrated right into the web-based shopping cart software. Click here for more data analysis examples when it comes to eCommerce order fulfillment and customer service.
eCommerce Supply Chain Advice For Reduced Click-To-Delivery Time And Costs.
Wow! Imagine this for your eCommerce supply chain operation. You eye last week’s stats on your operations dashboard and see that every delivery was on-time, no stock-outs, and the warehouse picked all orders correctly. On top of this, no customer had to call your contact center asking “Where’s my stuff?”. Want to get an edge? Click here for 5 tips to help you improve your eCommerce supply chain operations and ensure your customers have a great delivery experience.
“In a world of more data, the companies with more data-literate people are the ones that are going to win.”
Miro Kazakoff, senior lecturer, MIT Sloan
Delivery Data Analysis Examples.
Ralph Reduces Delivery Exceptions And Delights His Customers.
In another instance, Ralph aims to reduce delivery exceptions and enhance his customers’ experiences. Of course, he uses data analysis to examine various factors contributing to delivery issues. Specifically, this can include such factors as weather conditions, peak delivery times, and driver performance. As a result of this analysis, Ralph was able to make data-driven decisions to improve on time delivery. In particular, he implemented route optimization software that considered real-time traffic conditions and helped drivers find the most efficient routes. Additionally, he addressed driver performance by offering training and incentives for timely deliveries. As a result, Ralph successfully reduced delivery exceptions and elevated his customers’ satisfaction. Click here for data analysis examples when it comes to customers’ delivery experiences.
Data Analytics You’ll Need For Unsurpassed Carrier’s Delivery Results.
In today’s world, delivering an exceptional customer experience is crucial for shippers, whether it’s for consumers or businesses. To ensure that your transportation carrier meets or surpasses your service performance expectations, data analytics is the key.
Click here to dive into the world of on-time delivery KPIs, shipment optimization, cost reduction strategies, carrier scorecards, and fine-tuning fleet routing. Harnessing the power of data analytics will enable shippers and carriers to provide the ultimate delivery experience for their customers while keeping costs in check.
“He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp posts – for support rather than for illumination.”
Andrew Lang, Scottish Writer
For more references on data analysis and supply chain analytics, see Altexsoft’s Supply Chain Analytics, RiverLogic’s Supply Chain Analytics Examples To Keep You Competitive, AIMMS’s 5 Powerful Prescriptive Analytics Examples In Supply Chain, and my article, A Data Analytics Perspective To Better Empower Supply Chain Managers.
A Data Analytics Perspective To Better Empower Supply Chain Managers.
In the fast-paced world of eCommerce and global supply chains, supply chain managers find themselves swimming in endless data. So the trick is to harness this data effectively and efficiently. Today’s supply chain managers must master data analytics to fine-tune their operations. Click here to explore the core types of data analytics related to logistics and eCommerce.
For more information from Supply Chain Tech Insights, see my articles on Supply Chain, eCommerce, and Data Analytics.
Writer and expert in supply chain technology and operational analytics. Passionate about giving actionable insights on information technology, business, innovation, creativity, and life in general.