In an ideal world, on-time deliveries could be guaranteed. Unfortunately, in the real world consistently delivering on time can be quite a challenge. There are obstacles across the whole supply chain that can delay shipments, be they bottlenecks, damage to cargo, issues at customs or even a global pandemic, unexpected delays never feel far away.

Why it matters

When goods don’t arrive on time, manufacturers and their customers can experience all kinds of negative consequences, depending on their business. For example, if a machine part or spare part fails to arrive at a factory on time, production might have to be stopped - leading to waste product and other losses. Another example could be when medical deliveries such as vaccines don’t arrive on time, and patients’ appointments have to be cancelled or rescheduled, with potentially life-changing consequences.

Late deliveries are not only disappointing to the customer; they also have consequences on your own business. Withheld payments, expensive downtime, wasted manpower, unnecessary add-on orders, and carrying excessive inventory are some of the costs created by unreliable deliveries. Surely there is a way to improve on-time deliveries?

The underlying problem: lack of visibility

Identifying the problem is always the first step to finding a solution. While we may not be able to control unexpected events, what you can control is your response. And this is where the underlying problem lies. A quick and effective response to unexpected events depends on having accurate insights into the situation on the ground.

Tracking assets and increasing visibility

Insight into logistics operations is practically impossible for many companies today since their supply chains lack any form of asset tracking system. This means they have little or no knowledge of their cargo’s location and condition, and they are completely in the dark when delays occur. As a result, they can neither react in time to prevent minor problems becoming full-scale failures, nor can they adjust their operations effectively for the future.

Even companies with tracking technologies in place still struggle with visibility. For those using legacy tracking technologies, such as RFID and barcodes, location and condition data only become available upon arrival. And by then, of course, it could already be too late to activate a contingency plan and ensure a timely delivery. Read more about available tracking technologies and find which one is best for you by reading, “Tracking technologies for supply chain visibility – a guide to help supply chain managers find the perfect fit”.

Tracking shipments in real-time

What you as a manufacturer and your logstics partners need in order to act effectively is real-time data. Being notified of slight disturbances as soon as they occur could mean avoiding a serious bottleneck later. Greater visibility into all facets of your supply chain is the best way to coordinate a robust response to unexpected outside influences.

The Visilion real-time tracking solution from Sony gathers location and condition data across the entire supply chain, regardless of which mode of transport is being used. Knowing exactly where your goods are, at any given moment and what condition they are in is the best way to improve on-time deliveries.

Find out more about real-time tracking with Visilion:

>> sonynetworkcom.com/visilion/real-time-tracking