Over time, your shipping strategy must evolve alongside your company’s goals. For example, in order to expand your business, you might transport items to new locations or via different modes. You might also need insights into your cargo’s temperature or a more advanced security system for high-value goods. Whatever the case, supply chain scalability is key to meeting new objectives.
But what is a scalable supply chain, and why is it so important?
What is a scalable supply chain?
A scalable supply chain is one which can develop and grow to meet new business challenges. It also offers companies the ability to embrace new opportunities and adapt to their customers’ changing and increasing demands.
Scalability requires that businesses employ new technology or partnerships to more quickly and efficiently handle tasks. They will likely also invest in visibility tools to help them identify areas for improvement.
Although the specifics may vary, a scalable supply chain should focus on the following:
Agility and flexibility
The ability to quickly respond to change is a must for supply chains, which often deal in the unexpected. Advanced preparation and planning can go a long way toward increasing supply chain flexibility, and in turn, scalability. For example, by investing in real time visibility tools, you’ll have a good idea of incoming threats. You can then take quick action to avoid these risks rather than scramble for solutions after the fact.
At the same time, an agile supply chain should have the tools it needs to respond during worst case scenarios. No one ever wants their shipment stolen, but should the worst occur, they need to be able to get it back. This is why a scalable supply chain must also prioritize security, from warehouse all the way to destination.
Compliance and risk management
A strong supply chain management system will take safety seriously. If your cargo isn’t protected, you’re already missing a foundational component of effective supply chains. Thus, it’s impossible to achieve anything scalable if you’re already lacking the bare essentials.
For a similar reason, supply chain scalability relies heavily on compliance. All companies should be performing their due diligence and be ready to adapt to new compliance requirements. These regulations will help preserve product integrity, increase on-time deliveries, and overall make it easier for your supply chain to meet KPIs.
The latest technology
Supply chain scalability requires one eye on the present and one eye on the future. It’s not enough to outfit your supply chain with new technology and call it quits. Instead, you must constantly be aware of new threats, as well as new technologies to help you avoid them. Similarly, you should understand industry trends, customer needs, and how to best invest your budget.
A company will likely need to consider its risk appetite or refine its goals in order to properly scale. Often, it will also need to work with a supply chain SaaS company to access the tools and intelligence it needs to stay safe and agile. However, not all SaaS companies are created equal, and it’s important to work with a provider that is ready to scale alongside you.
How Overhaul helps supply chains achieve scalability
At Overhaul, we understand that scalability is the cornerstone for long-term supply chain success. If your supply chain can’t evolve with you, it’s already set up for failure. This is why we invest in the latest technology to ensure we can evolve with your business. Our data can also help you quickly adapt and respond to risk while staying compliant.
Companies that work with Overhaul gain a competitive edge over other industry players. We’re not providing short-term answers, but far-reaching insights and long-lasting solutions. By compiling your historic shipment data, we allow you to analyze your supply chain’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth. We also provide alerts against active risk events so that you’re always aware of your shipment condition.
By utilizing tools like RiskGPT and the Intelligent Door Seal Solution, Overhaul ensures your supply chain has the most advanced solutions to manage risk. And because our Intel team has eyes on new and developing risks around the globe, we offer an unprecedented depth and range of data. Even better, our tiered solutions offer customizable support to fit any budget and risk level.
In short, working with Overhaul means both short term and long term success for your business. We grow and evolve alongside your company to understand and manage its unique risks.
Learn more about Overhaul’s holistic solution and what makes us stand out from the competition.