Omnichannel Supply Chain Success is Derived From Visibility

Omnichannel supply chain success hinges on the ability to gain real-time visibility and accuracy into the complete inventory picture from any location and throughout the entire supply chain network. With more stores being used as distribution centers and e-commerce fulfillment locations, failure to connect all systems will naturally contribute to lower visibility. Take a moment to think about omnichannel supply chains. An order may move from the manufacturer to consumer, from a storefront to a consumer, delivered to the customer’s doorstep, or be picked up within a physical store. In some urban locations and other high activity areas, significant players in the omnichannel space (such as Walmart and Amazon) have taken steps to create online order pickup lockers. In order to successfully implement in-store pickup, these locations must have access to order details. It all goes back to data validity, which means that omnichannel supply chain success depends on accurate data. Since data is the natural precursor to the application of analytics, reporting, and automation, data will naturally lead to inventory optimization in all facilities your organization uses. This includes your organization’s warehouses, storefronts, and pick up locations.

How to Leverage Inventory Optimization to Drive Profitability and Efficiency

The Internet is littered with thousands of ways to increase inventory optimization and improve profitability. However, the best list of resources will always focus on one key factor: integration between systems. That is the key to success. Inventory optimization must be continuous, rely on real-time data, leverage analytics to automate the process, and trigger a workflow that allows laborers to improve and continuously meet the demands of omnichannel customers.