MOBILE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT (MSCM)
It is Mobility required most in Supply Chain Management stupid!
Yes, it is a dream for supply chain and logistics people that flow of information and availability of materials and funds could be provided everywhere regardless of time and location. The focus is on increase in efficiency of supply chain and improvement of responsiveness to customers. And the dream is now becoming a reality through mobile communication wireless technology. What it basically offers is accessing and delivering information by Anyone, Anywhere and Anytime. (3 As) . Cellular sets( Mobile phones), Personal Digital Assistants( PDAs), Palmtops and now with the release of the iPad by Apple a hardware revolution with tablet computers has begun and all these gadgets open a new horizon for supply chain management (SCM) systems for businesses providing the ultra portability to all the participants of Supply Chain viz raw material suppliers, manufacturers , distributors , retailers with their manpower and customers widely spread in the factories, stores, warehouses, distribution centers, transportation and marketplace.
So, What is mobile SCM ?
Simply put, mobile supply chain management is to manage the system of suppliers, producers, distributors, retailers and customers where material, financial and information flows connect participants in the direction at anywhere, anytime based on ubiquitous network made possible through wireless mobile communication devices which have been stated above viz cell phones, PDAs, i PADs etc. . Mobile supply chain applications allow users to request information and conduct whatever they want, whenever they want and how they want.
The mobile capabilities of these gadgets provide a convenient, time-saving, and highly accurate means of capturing data on movements of goods and other events. These capabilities simplify checking and monitoring tasks and provide up-to-date information on process status, enabling enterprises to react swiftly to unforeseen events creating a sophisticated adaptive supply network.
Which technologies have made mobile SCM possible
The prominent technologies are wireless communication technologies like WiFi, internet access through mobile like 2G,3G and 4G , wireless LANs, RFID , GPS ( Global positioning system) and mobile gadgets as stated above . Apart from the above it is the cloud computing which has given a ubiquitous access and integration to ERP software, databases and Supply chain software modules like SCM, CRM,WMS, TMS, EDI to name a few.
Applications where Mobile SCM is a boon.
There are numerous applications like vehicle tracking, dispatch, route analysis, warehouse operations, facility management, depot management, routing, scheduling and many other SCM related solutions. The vehicle tracking apps with GPS technology integration allows businesses to track and manage vehicles through their mobile device from anywhere and at any time.
The dispatch, warehouse operations, depot management applications let mobile employees in the manufacturing businesses to get on-demand access to corporate data while on the road through GPS with wireless technology for better and simple management. . Integration with voice recognition enables hands-free processing for higher efficiency of warehouse operations. The mobile capabilities of MSCM enable companies to make more effective use of men, machine , material and money (4Ms) for receiving, storage, and shipping tasks. Accurate, paperless data
entry saves you time and trouble. Real-time inventory control with synchronous online monitoring of all stock movements maximizes transparency while minimizing administration overhead.
Instant availability of information on inventory levels, storage bins, and other resources enables better coordination and reduces flow times. RFID and barcode technologies integrated with MSCM ensure accurate, up to date inventory information by using bar code/ RFID scanning through employee’s handheld mobile gadgets integrated with central information depository for automatic data entry increasing the accuracy in the company’s inventory management system. MSCM for dispatch also communicates instant shipment confirmation information in to the cell phone integrated with EDI ( Electronic Dta Interchange. )
The major applications where Mobile SCM is most effective are as under.
1. MOBILE LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT,
MSCM enables more efficient circulation of the cargos or assets in supply chain. By installing wireless equipments and monitoring microcomputer on transportation vehicles, the enterprises who send the cargos can know the amount of load, capability and location of every vehicle at anytime.
2. MOBILE SUPPLY AND MARKETING MANAGEMENT
MSCM enables mobile order management, real-time tracking procedures of product order, price query, and rverse supply chain management.
Through Mobile Supply and Marketing Management, second tier suppliers and distributors can make real-time information interaction with core enterprises, strengthening the channel and controlling capability of core enterprises.
3. MOBILE MANUFACTURING MANAGEMENT
MSCM realizes the real-time interaction between managers and workers working on the shop floor of the factory improving quality, efficiency and response time to its next internal customers. This is proving to be a big tool in asset management of semi finished and finished goods and provide an electronic approach to conventional KANBAN systems used in factory for visual demand and replenishment for a just in Time (JIT) aand lean management approach. MSCM is also a useful tool in total quality management and six sigma approach which manufacturing organizations are continuously striving for.
4. MOBILE INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
Through Mobile equipments or wireless devices, the inventory and management capability for raw materials of enterprises is greatly increased. In the main management channel, receiving and sending MIS, automatic stocking up management, channel inventory allocation management can be greatly enhanced.
Based on orders, for the inventory of products, sales products, spare parts and recycling wrappages, MSCM helps in productivity-boosting transactions for tasks such as the following:
o Picking and put-away
o Packing, unpacking, and repacking
o Freight loading and unloading checks
o Inventory queries
o Mobile printing
CONCLUSION
Role of IT and telecommunications in Logistics and supply chain industry is ubiquitous and is a cut throat technology to beat the competitors. As businesses strive to be flexible in addressing market needs and aligning their adaptive supply chain accordingly, having the right tools to leverage that flexibility is just as important, if not crucial. The mobile gadgets like tablets, iPAD and PDAs are only enhancing its applications seamlessly throughout the value chain among all its participants be it manufacturers, distributor, vendors, retailers or customers. Multinationals are already utilizing the mobile SCM to sustain their competitive advantages and India can now ill afford to neglect the fruits of MSCM.
In India what is required is a new mind set to embrace IT and telecommunication technology, accept IT based customized solutions to make a beginning and reap the long term but sustainable benefits.
Writer
Prof. Akhil Chandra
Institute of Logistics and Aviation management
Writer can be approached on his E-Mail address akhilchandra06@gmail.com
