Supply chain
The supply chain is one of the main core aspects of business operations. The report discusses the different digital solutions used to enhance Supply Chain Visibility (SCV). The technologies discussed in this paper include barcodes, the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). The main purpose of these solutions in the supply chain is to facilitate the tracking of merchandise from product development to the end consumers. Global retailers, such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target, have successfully integrated digital technologies to improve SCV.
Every day it becomes more and more evident that the focus on technology in business processes will soon come to the fore, and technology trends will affect many production sectors and improve supply chain management. The work thoroughly explains how technologies have changed large companies’ operations and become an indissociable part of them.
Inventory Management
On the supply chain, the report considers inventory management as a connection between different business processes. Notably, the management of inventory is a dynamic aspect of the supply chain that influences how commodities are stocked and availed to customers. At this juncture, the research paper illustrates the role of automation in inventory management. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), for example, is a system that relies on radio waves to gather data that is stored on tags attached to products. As an advanced technology compared to barcodes, this tool further allows management or stock takers to add information to the tags (Ray, 2018). Supply chain organizations are utilizing RFID to decrease costly losses caused by unnecessary stock expenses and theft.
This process of customizing tag information ensures that there is sufficient information to track the stock throughout the supply chain. There are other inventory management benefits associated with RFID. Companies that rely on this tool are able to maintain precise stock checks, reduce costly losses from overstocking, and, ultimately, enhance supply chain visibility. The paper indicates that Walmart is a prime beneficiary of using RFID since the company has realized a 16% decline in stockouts across all of its stores (Dolgui & Proth, 2012). Therefore, new technologies such as RFID offer a strategy to manage stock and mitigate unnecessary risks as well as costs effectively.
Tactical Domain
To illustrate the tactical domain within inventory management, this work showcases a framework consistent with SCV and overall business strategy. According to this paper, successful multinational companies leverage new technologies to gain visibility in their supply chains. These corporate entities have a complete understanding of their shipments and distributions because the management regards SCV as a critical business priority. In this way, they are able to align the business strategy with the supply chain strategy (Tompkins, 2010)
In the current business environment where customers demand products within short time frames, having inventory at hand provides businesses with a competitive edge in the market. Modern supply chain strategies based on available technologies, such as AI, cloud-based systems, robotics, and IoT, are, therefore, pivotal to attaining this business strategy. All in all, this paper depicts technology as a tactical SCV tool that will support global companies in satisfying immediate customer demands.
Warehousing and Distribution
In the case of chain stores discussed in this report, global supply chain networks are essential to the distribution of a company’s products. Considering the forecasted demands, transportation, and technology, supply chain visibility (SCV) integrates these elements to ensure that the end consumer optimally receives the products of the company. Smart technologies such as RFID keep tabs on the movement of products and raw materials in all directions of the supply, from manufacturing to distribution. Another technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), compliments warehousing and distribution by allowing for easy viewing, access, and tracking of products. Further, managers can share the information with business partners and customers, thereby informing all stakeholders on the status of the products (Sun, 2012). Such procedures reduce customer anxiety and improve the delivery process and customer satisfaction.
Operational Planning
Operational planning is one aspect that indicates the warehousing and distribution approach used by global retailers and which is applicable to other corporate entities. As emphasized in this article, digital solutions like barcodes have streamlined warehousing and distribution. As an operational tool, this tool integrates supply chain management within the overall business strategy, specifically by making supply chain operations simpler and more efficient. Throughout the distribution, barcodes allow companies to track items and reduce errors that might result in losses of merchandise (Trujillo, 2016). Barcodes allow companies to update inventory in real-time with immediate and accurate updates that ensure accurate inventory counts.
References
Dolgui, A., & Proth, J. (2012). Radio frequency identification (RFID) in supply chain: Technology and concern. 14th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing, 45(6), 49-56. Web.
Sun, C. (2012). Application of RFID technology for logistics on Internet of Things. AASRI Procedia, 1, 106-111. Web.
Tompkins, J. (2010). Supply chain’ past, present and future. Web.
Trujillo, P. (2016). 6 industries where barcode scanners have taken over. Web.
Ray, B. (2020). A breakdown of 7 RFID costs, from hardware to implementation. Web.
Appendix A
Use these guidelines if the customer asks for appendices. The first paragraph of the appendix should be flush with the left margin. Additional paragraphs should be indented.
Begin each appendix on a new page with the word “Appendix” at the top center. Use an identifying capital letter (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B, etc.) if you have more than one appendix. If you are referring to more than one appendix in your text, use the plural appendices (APA only).
Label tables and figures in the appendix as you would in the text of your manuscript, using the letter A before the number to clarify that the table or figure belongs to the appendix.
Appendix B
Demographic Information for Cummings et al. (2002)’s Review
If an appendix consists entirely of a table or figure, the title of the table or figure should serve as the title of the appendix.