Supply chain optimization is the best and more impactful way any company can improve its profit margin. There are a lot of inefficiencies that can occur in the supply chain. From your work being subcontracted to factories that don’t pass your qualifications for health and safety, to needing to take smaller batches in order to cover costs, there are a lot of ways that your business could be losing money and even quality.
Efficient supply chains should be your goal, whether you want to support the global agenda for equality and the environment or simply want to choose the best manufacturer for the best price. From start to finish, your supply chain should be tight, and this can be accomplished if you follow these four steps:
1. Do More with Your Data
If you don’t think there is a lot of value in your data, think again. Just consider for one moment how catastrophic it would be if, say, a hacker was to hold all of your data hostage. Some companies have gone completely out of business after such an event.
That does not mean you should rush to go analog. On the contrary, your data and even big data can be used to better your business through sophisticated report building. In other words, AI can be used to extract data from what is available and build up meaningful patterns that can help your business make cost-effective changes. Take previous sales years. By comparing how well you performed and are performing you can easily extrapolate sales volumes. Buy that number in bulk, and you won’t likely run out or have a lot of unsold product on your hands after the year is over with.
2. Make Use of Bulk Purchases
Buying in bulk will help you save money through several different methods. It will help you save money on cost per unit and of course in shipping costs. This applies to both office supplies and in your supply chain.
In your supply chain, however, you will likely need the help of a company like Trade Finance Global. Trade finance allows a company to finance their trades to grow. You don’t need to wait for orders to come in, and can even put in larger orders to benefit from discounts.
3. Find Eco-Friendly and Long Lasting Alternatives
The best way to reduce costs without any change to your business at all is to instead choose items that are either very long lasting or are more energy efficient. This is how businesses can reduce cost on an everyday level, and even help them reduce their carbon footprint.
4. Re-Evaluate Your Supply Chain Regularly
Finally, go through these steps regularly. Use your data to analyze both sales projections and performance alike. Use it to analyze your supply chain, suppliers, and even material cost. By constantly finding new and better ways to reduce cost and processing times in your supply chain you can make your company more efficient and cost-effective.
By following this guide, you can put your data and your finances to work to save money on discounts and through improved efficiency.
