Let’s face it. Logistics and supply chain management is complex. Getting things from A to Z is fast-paced with a lot of zipping, zapping and zooming within the warehouse and transportation sectors. The thought of analyzing can feel agonizing when we fall into the day-to-day activities of operating within this energizing industry. PAUSE. DEEP BREATH. SIGH.

Manufacturing Business Intelligence vs. Business Knowledge

Here's a riddle: I grow, but I do not move. I drink but not from a glass. What am I?

When you become so focused on putting out fires and keeping the ins & outs smooth and efficient, you lose track of the big picture. Which is ironic, right? Supply Chain Management understands the specifics through all respective divisions of a business and the relationship between each.

What is the key to seeing the big picture? Being inquisitive.

How do you cut through the daily minutia? Perceptiveness.

What is the value-adding agent? Business Intelligence.

Business Intelligence in its’ purest, provides insight into what’s happening around you. It slows down the fast-paced, rapidly changing and evolving environment. Utilizing this quality allows for creativity, flexibility, and most importantly, adaptability, which is the key to slashing expenses, maximizing resources and improving profitability.

So, what is good supply chain and logistics management? 

The manufacturing industry needs Business Intelligence to respond to changing pressures within the supply chain, allowing for greater flexibility to meet demand changes. As a result, you gain a competitive advantage over others in your market. An optimal supply chain and logistics infrastructure provides great transparency of data, allowing decision makers to quickly anticipate, identify and resolve problems. Over time, supply chain and logistics managers can push this data down the line, creating optimal communication and preventing any red-faced, fist-slamming, papers a-flying meetings.

RBW Logistics believes in the S.M.A.R.T metrics philosophy when it comes to Business Intelligence.

A SMART Metrics is:

Simple

A really good metric does not have to be elaborate or complex. Simplicity is key. What purpose does the metric serve?

Measurable

It must be measurable to track progress

Actionable

The metric must be actionable. Don't be a victim of “paralysis by analysis”. There is a difference between being knowledgeable and intelligent. Being knowledgeable means, you’ve obtained a lot of data or information. Intelligence applies and takes action on it.

Results-driven

Good Business Intelligence is results driven.

Timely

The analysis must be timely. If someone is basing decisions on outdated data, the metrics are useless.

Riddle Answer:

I am a tree. You have to look beyond the tree to see the forest. Likewise, you have to look beyond the day-to-day measures of performance to see trends that can impact revenue.

We see the simplicity in the complexity. This allows us to solve our clients' problems before they recognize one.

Think Beyond Normalcy. Excellence IS in the Details.

- The RBW Team