Out of all the supply chain processes, the choice and mode of transportation have a great impact on your business. The transportation method would make sure to smoothly deliver goods and products from the production facility to the end consumers. Today, we’ll discuss transport and supply chain management; role, benefits, and challenges.
Supply chain management comprises three main elements; transportation, manufacturing, and purchasing. Your focus should be to make relevant decisions around the three main elements from start to finish.
- Using material for products
- Production amount
- Level of inventory
- Configuration of distribution network
- Transportation for shipping and receiving
What is Transport and Supply Chain Management?
Transport and supply chain management outlines the flow of goods and products from one point to another. It starts from supplying raw materials to the production facility and delivering finished goods to the warehouse, retailer, and at the doorstep of the end consumer.
Due to the significance of transportation, warehousing managers should analyze their transportation channels within their SC network. According to an estimate, approximately 60% of the total operational cost comprises transportation costs, and it is a significant amount of the SC cost of the company.
Role of Transport in SCM
SCM is the method of making sure the smooth flow and movement of goods and products; the goods are different in various industries. The SCM process comprises converting raw supplies into finished goods and then it reaches the doorsteps of end consumers.
The SCM process comprises everything ranging from manufacturing goods and establishing information systems to the tracking of final products. The SC process has got three main components from start to finish, and they’re like procurement, production, and transportation.
Having a clear transportation strategy plays a significant role in the growth of your business. It consists of developing a wide network of distribution and transportation plans and strategies for shipping and receiving goods and products. However, a well-developed shipping system would make your customers become repetitive shoppers, and they don’t like receiving the later delivery of their orders.
Benefits of Transport and SCM
Some of the main benefits of transport and supply chain management are as follows;
Economic Growth
Flexible transportation method and strategy stretching over various borders plays a significant role in healthy global trade. Businesses and companies with the right planning and strategies not only amplify their market reach but also contribute to the country’s economic growth. In short, global trade with the help of various transportation methods has made the world a global village.
Resolving Geographical Limitations
Trucking is the most common and preferred mode of transportation and shipment in various countries across the globe. They have the capability to go beyond railway lines and are applicable on the land. A trucking fleet is the most suitable transportation method for local businesses to manage their operations.
Transportation Modes
There are various modes of transportation, and choosing the right methods that would help you to take your business to the global level. Companies should develop a transportation and shipping system that works everywhere. It means integrating various transportation channels and choosing the fasted methods to deliver your products and goods across the globe.
Employing TMS
TMS (transportation management system) is an application and software that would help you to track your transport efficiently. It helps you to analyze and make informed decisions that are best for your business. However, TMS helps you to perform the following functions;
- Tracking route planning
- Fleet management
- Fuel costing
- Cargo management
- Communicating with customers
- Employing a single platform
Dividing Shipment
Companies should comprehend the various levels of priorities that the shipments would offer. Sometimes, it is significant to deliver a few packages much quicker than all of them at a moderate speed. Therefore, it is necessary to divide your shipment modes based on the suppliers, types of products, and customers.
Better Customer Service
Your business should give top priority to your customers in the SC process. Having strict transportation lines and channels would make sure that the customers receive their shipments on time without losing the quality of the product. It is highly important for large-scale companies and operations.
Low Cost
It is costly and expensive to manage the operations of your business. If you have got the right transportation strategy, then it helps you to save a lot of time and resources with strategic planning. Transportation can be on land, water, or air; its cost depends on the size, weight, and distance.
Challenges to Transport and SCM
Some of the main challenges to transport and SCM are as follows;
Driver Shortage
According to an estimate by American Trucking Association, approximately 100,000 truck drivers have declined in the trucking industry by the end of 2022. The retirement age for truck drivers is approximately 56 years, and it would be difficult to find their replacement after that.
Tech Development
Internet, technology, and automation have brought a lot of new tech features to vehicles. It is significant to beware of them in order to gain a competitive edge. It offers a lot of advantages, but it amplifies the risk of cyberattacks and hacking and breaches in the vehicle security system.
Declining Infrastructure
The condition of America’s roads and transportation infrastructure is declining and deteriorating. They comprise high traffic congestion on the air and rails; crumbling roads and bridges. Resultantly, vehicles consume more fuel and damage to their engine and tires; it amplifies the overall repair and maintenance cost.
Conclusion: Transport and Supply Chain Management
After an in-depth study of transport and supply chain management; we have realized that transportation is the key element of SCM. If you are learning about the role of transport in SCM, then you should keep in mind the abovementioned elements, benefits, and challenges.
Ahsan is an accomplished researcher and has a deep insight in worldly life affairs. He goes Live 3 days a week on various social media platforms. Other than research writing, he’s a very interesting person.
