Overview
- The supply chain is constantly being disrupted, leading to challenging inventory operations and customer need fulfillment.
- Mobile barcoding and automated data technology can help you gain control quickly as situations arise.
- Mobile barcoding technology coupled with a strong supply chain management strategy can help you quickly shift production with minimal downtime.
Manufacturers are facing serious threats in today’s current economic climate. The supply chain, the lifeblood of manufacturing companies, is constantly being disrupted, leading to challenging inventory operations and the fulfillment of clients’ needs.
While mobile barcoding and automated data collection can’t solve all supply chain issues. They can, however, ensure you’re prepared when these types of situations arise and have the ability to gain control quickly when needed. Arming your organization and team with the right tools is necessary to gain the agility to quickly pivot operations at a minimum cost.
Specifically, mobile barcoding capabilities can help across three major issues currently affecting the supply chain.
Labor Shortages
A major issue affecting the supply chain is the challenge of finding and retaining a skilled workforce. In fact, the National Association of Manufacturers is forecasting that 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030.
Utilizing automation technology like mobile barcoding can help manufacturers augment smaller workforces to maximize impact. Modernizing your operation with automation helps to address challenges in a cost-effective sustainable way. In fact, RFgen users typically experience 30% greater efficiency and productivity.
Mobilizing your workforce through barcoding and mobile applications allows you to streamline work thus empowering your organization to execute work more efficiently with fewer employees. This happens by eliminating cumbersome, manual processes with automated data flow.
Take CarlisleIT for example, where all warehouse transactions were manually processed, causing increased delays and inaccuracies. By automating data collection and utilizing mobile barcoding technology, the team saw gains in productivity and accuracy. This led to a reduction in staff costs and the elimination of two temporary positions.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW: How CarlisleIT digitally transformed to solve labor issues »
Inflation
Proper forecasting and planning are foundational elements in effectively alleviating global supply chain disruptions. For inventory optimization, organizations must have a cohesive grip on controlling costs and expenses, which all funnels from having accurate data. Ballooning costs of raw materials and fuel combined with shrinking supplies can lead to a massive demand shortage.
Mobile barcoding software can reduce operating costs by automating the inventory management process. This enables more up-to-date records, streamlined data entry, and end-to-end traceability.
By utilizing technology and embracing agility and resilience, you can set yourself apart in an inflated market by understanding and preserving current and future profitability.
Navigating a Volatile Economy
With supply shortages and rising costs, there is the potential for an economic slowdown. Are manufacturers prepared to remain profitable as demand slows and adds to existing supply chain challenges? Now more than ever is the time to enforce cost-saving measures.
Automated data collection and mobile barcoding can help you do just that. Mobile barcoding and advanced supply chain inventory management allows for up-to-date inventory changes, increasing traceability paths that update your ERP system, rapid ROI and cost-saving benefits for both upstream and downstream. This type of integration can allow you to shift production to accommodate shortages and demands in a timely fashion, all while keeping your records up to date.
Coupled with a sound supply chain strategy, mobile data collection can drive increases in quality, efficiency, and agility. It enables real-time visibility throughout the warehouse and inventory funnels, allowing for a rapid shift or change in production with minimal downtime.
For example, SunOpta, a large manufacturer of sustainable, plant-based foods and ingredients, wanted a barcoding system that could deliver the performance and flexibility to help them achieve their goals. After a thorough search process, SunOpta landed on RFgen, one of the only service providers with extensive multi-ERP implementation experience. Collaboration fueled quick success. The two teams worked closely to develop a top-notch, robust mobile solution that could support SunOpta’s sustainability goals now and for years to come.
When the COVID-19 pandemic spiked demand for food products, SunOpta’s new mobile barcoding solution helped them adapt while continuing to distribute food safely and quickly. Other major benefits that enabled the company to achieve a seamless supply chain ecosystem included: flexibility, reliability, traceability, and speed.
ALSO READ: How to help address uncertainty in the supply chain »
Now is the Time to Embrace Operational Agility
Manufacturing operations will continue to face challenges that impact the way you do business. While you won’t be able to control all factors impacting your manufacturing operation or inventory management needs, you can take proactive steps to regain control.
Mobile barcoding and automated data collection will help you embrace operational agility and pivot when and where needed to address current and upcoming supply chain disruptions.
