One thing that the COVID-19 pandemic drove home is that effective, efficient inter-party communication is one of the most important elements of running a successful supply chain. Being out-of-stock is a costly situation that poses a danger to customer pleasure and profitability if warehouses and retailers do not have effective communication routes.
Effective communication enables businesses to react rapidly to every disturbance while foreseeing upcoming difficulties. Utilizing various forms of modern technology is among the most effective ways to accomplish this goal.
Benefits of Efficient Retailer-Supplier Communication
It is impossible to overstate the importance of having efficient communication with your suppliers. Effective communication can provide you with a significant advantage, just as powerfully as ineffective communication can hurt your organization. By fostering trust, enhancing risk management, and supporting long-term objectives, integrating effective communication tactics will aid in the development of successful supplier relationships. The benefits of good retailer-supplier communication are listed below:
Quick Delivery of Materials of the Highest Quality
You must acquire the materials you require on time in order to adhere to your quote and offer customers exceptional service. The benefit of having a solid relationship with your supplier is that they will give you top priority.
Additionally, they'll make sure you receive the best products. The advantages, however, go well beyond the production phase. You manufacture goods swiftly, eliminate returns, and create high-quality goods that your clients will like.
Effortless Manufacturing
Starting the production phase is simple when you have everything you require. Furthermore, the likelihood that you will have to halt production or reject finished goods, both of which result in lost revenue, is much reduced because you can be certain that the raw materials are of a high caliber. You won't have any trouble reaching your goal and restarting after an office move or other significant adjustments to your business will be simpler.
Customer Contentment
Customer satisfaction is another significant outcome. Customers will love doing business with you if you can deliver goods and services on time and without errors. They'll believe they got good value for their money.
Stronger Branding Results from Satisfied Customers
Customers will realize that you are a name they can trust if you make a good first impression on them. Consequently, they will not need to conduct business elsewhere. They'll stay around for more because they're pleased with your service. They might even attract new clients for you.
Excellent Assistance
You may occasionally receive defective goods or receive shipments that are delayed. These won't make your job any simpler, but if you get along well with your suppliers, you can simply fix these problems. Unlikely though it may seem, they'll likely go above and beyond to solve your issue and make up for your inconvenience.
How Can Technology Improve Communication Between Suppliers and Retailers?
Businesses that actively integrate trustworthy lines of communication between the storefront and suppliers have experienced efficiency gains of up to 25% because delays and inaccuracies are reduced before they move through the supply chain. Retailers and distributors are increasingly turning to the following methods to remove barriers to communication:
Wireless Transmission
Wall-to-wall connectivity allows warehouse staff to update stock counts from anywhere, but connectivity throughout the supply chain enables all teams to update and notify one another of stock shortages, production setbacks, and delivery dates before unforeseen events harm customer loyalty. Push-to-talk software, such as Zebra's Workforce Connect, connect drivers and warehouse managers and provide real-time routing, voice-based texting, and job modifications all without the usage of a separate device. By doing so, operation costs are reduced while ensuring that transportation crews always have access to the most recent information.
Effective Mobile Computing
Stock-keeping using manual data processing and legacy-based systems makes it difficult to keep track of unit quantities. Next-generation mobile computers are now outfitted with clever scanning engines to communicate barcode data directly to the Warehouse Management System, skipping paper tracking, to minimize error-prone repetitive chores like inventory logging and cycle counting. Rugged mobile devices can be used outside of the warehouse as well, guaranteeing a consistent, dependable, and easy-to-use digital experience for the warehouse, deliveries, and retailers.
Fleet Management
For real-time information on the precise position of vehicles, fleet management technology makes use of GPS, cameras, and other sensors. This enables drivers to be informed of any traffic delays or other situations and allows warehouses to convey changes in demand. Additionally, this technology can communicate back to businesses, warning management if staff members engage in risky driving habits or rewarding them if they exhibit particularly high levels of diligence and productivity.
The Use of Voice Technologies
Real-time, hands-free communication is made possible by voice-based technology. Using hands-free headsets, warehouse managers may communicate instructions to warehouse pickers directly. For seasonal or temporary workers, this enables them to work more rapidly and shortens their learning curve.
Data on Supply and Demand
Supplies and other important actors can make sure there is an adequate inventory on hand to fulfill customer demand by using technology to track inventory and demand, such as estimating how many units of a certain item will sell the next time. These major actors can see patterns and trends in future demand, which will help them communicate more effectively and make decisions regarding production capacity and pricing.
RFID Confirmation
Last but not least, with shipping turnaround times getting down to just a few days, quick and precise order verification is crucial to stop mistakes from leaving the warehouse. Therefore, when orders go down the supply chain, RFID tracking and traceability have proven useful in promptly validating orders. During peak hours, real-time “locating systems” within the shop also help busy personnel track popular items and provide quick customer assistance.
Conclusion
While the aforementioned solutions offer a good place to start when improving supply chain communication, certain applications could need a more specialized solution to fit the capacity and demand of your workflow.
However, the essay emphasizes the advantages of excellent communication between retailers and suppliers as well as the function of technology in bridging any potential communication gaps between these parties. Click here to learn more on how to leverage tech in retail-supply communication.
