Supply chain visibility: 8 ways it impacts your logistics

In a recent article from Shipwell, we talk about what visibility means in the world of supply chain management. 

For those of us in this industry, visibility is not just a buzzword, but a necessity for logistics management. Today, visibility into shipments are essential - similar to going on a road trip with a GPS. We work with many customers each day and here was where they thought visibility mattered most to them.

1. Critical, time-sensitive shipments

What happens when you need to get a shipment delivered on time with no exceptions?

Visibility allows shippers and 3PLs to gain access to carrier locations in real time to stay up-to-date with shipment progress.

Sometimes drivers have to make multiple pickups to deliver to the end customer. Having visibility on where the driver is between pickups can assist docks to be ready for incoming trucks that have quick turnarounds to their next destination.

2. Fresh and organic produce shipping

We recently wrote an article about the benefits of using a TMS when shipping organic foods and materials.

Because the USDA has such rigorous criteria for organic certification, shippers can leverage the visibility of Shipwell's TMS to maintain certification.

Take the stress out of shipping organic products by making your supply chain visible for even the U.S. Government to appreciate.

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3. Busy docks

If the dock is busy at the distribution center, you need to alert incoming carriers so they can plan accordingly. 

By using Shipwell's tracking knowledge, you can find trucks en route to drop or receive shipments to help alleviate the stress on the dock. 

Plus, when carriers download the Shipwell mobile app, geolocation-based alerts prompt the receiver that the truck is nearing a pickup or delivery location instantly.

Additionally, Shipwell has custom integrations with dock scheduling software so you can automate and streamline your workflow throughout the day.

4. Deciding to award a contract to a carrier

When trying to make the best decisions for your shipping department, one of the critical points is to select carriers who are on-time, fast, and professional.

Shipwell's robust analytics feature allows users to measure carrier performance. In carrier scorecards, shippers and 3PLs can easily understand carrier on-time performance, costs over time, and tracking compliance in just a few charts with analytics in Shipwell.

When the time comes to contract carriers for long-term relationships, shippers and 3PLs have all the data they need to make data-driven decisions.

5. Improving your own internal processes

In that same vein, as shippers understand carrier performance, there are clues that relate to the performance of the dock itself.

If a certain location in your supply chain continuously sees late pickups or deliveries across multiple different carriers, there might be something hindering their ability to stay on time.

When on-time carrier percentages dip, it's a great time to look at the big picture and work with your onsite logistics teams to determine if something needs to change.

6. Managing warehouse inventory

Businesses need to have their inventory properly stocked to make sure the flow of product keeps moving at pace. When companies can't see when incoming materials will be late, production can slow down, and then stocked inventory will deplete.

Keep an eye on incoming and outbound freight so warehouse managers can better manage inventory.

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7. Communicating with carriers

Better communication is almost always the solution to most problems. Maintaining contact with shippers, 3PLs, and carriers is the critical key to having an efficient supply chain.

Shipwell provides in-app messaging so everyone stays in the know about delays, product changes, and more. Best of all, these records are maintained within the platform for optimal organization.

8. When the customer needs more

The customer comes first, and when they depend on your products getting to them on time, you sometimes need to provide more insight for them.

Getting those customers full visibility in real-time shows them that you are a trusted shipper or 3PL and make the shipping process transparent and delightful.

There are plenty more scenarios where visibility can come into play, but regardless, visibility is now essential across the supply chain.

Want to get a competitive advantage over competitors who might be dragging their feet on unlocking the power of visibility? Get in touch with Shipwell today to schedule a demo of the platform.

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