How can cloud-based systems optimize supply chain visibility?

If you are involved in import/export operations, you know how important it is to have a clear and accurate view of your supply chain. Supply chain visibility (SCV) is the ability to track the status, location, and condition of your products, materials, and orders throughout the entire process, from sourcing to delivery. SCV can help you improve efficiency, reduce costs, enhance customer satisfaction, and mitigate risks. However, achieving SCV can be challenging, especially if you rely on outdated or fragmented systems that cannot communicate or integrate with each other. That's where cloud-based systems can make a difference.

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1 What are cloud-based systems?

Cloud-based systems are software applications that run on the internet, rather than on your own servers or devices. They allow you to access, store, and share data and information from anywhere, anytime, and on any device, as long as you have an internet connection. Cloud-based systems can also offer more scalability, security, and flexibility than traditional systems, as they can adapt to changing needs and demands, protect your data from unauthorized access or loss, and enable you to customize and update your features and functions.

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Okafor Francis

Result-Oriented Logistics and Supply Chain Manager with expertise in Oil and Gas shipping, FMCG, Currency Tech, Industrial Equipment procurement management, and import/export.
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Cloud-based systems enhance supply chain visibility by providing real-time data access, facilitating collaboration, and enabling analytics. They streamline information flow, improving decision-making and responsiveness throughout the supply chain. By leveraging these features, organizations can significantly enhance supply chain visibility, leading to better decision-making, improved collaboration, and overall operational efficiency.

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2 How can cloud-based systems optimize SCV?

Cloud-based systems can optimize SCV in several ways. First, they can provide real-time data and insights on your supply chain performance, such as inventory levels, order status, shipment tracking, quality control, and compliance. This can help you monitor and manage your operations more effectively, identify and resolve issues faster, and make informed decisions based on accurate and timely information. Second, they can facilitate collaboration and communication among your supply chain partners, such as suppliers, carriers, distributors, and customers. This can help you coordinate and synchronize your activities, share and exchange data and documents, and improve your relationships and trust. Third, they can integrate and automate your processes and workflows, such as order management, inventory management, logistics management, and invoicing. This can help you streamline and simplify your tasks, reduce errors and delays, and increase your productivity and profitability.

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3 What are the benefits of cloud-based systems for SCV?

Cloud-based systems can offer many advantages for SCV, such as cost savings, flexibility, security, and innovation. You can save on the expenses of installing, maintaining, and upgrading your own systems, as well as on the costs of storage, bandwidth, and energy. Moreover, you can scale up or down your resources and capabilities according to your business needs without compromising performance or quality. Additionally, you can protect your data and information from unauthorized access with the advanced encryption, backup, recovery, and firewall services offered by your cloud provider. You can also leverage the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and internet of things. Finally, you can customize and update your systems according to your preferences and requirements without disrupting operations or users.

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Eli Cohen

Operations Manager
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Cloud-based ERP systems if utilized properly can cut Clerical costs for the importers exporters You can have your vendors and suppliers log into your system and access the orders and update the status of the inbound, inbound and outbound shipments This can all be set up using your ERP cloud-base system as well as inter communications and instructions

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4 What are the challenges of cloud-based systems for SCV?

Cloud-based systems can also pose some challenges for SCV, such as integration difficulties, reliability issues, and lack of control. Integrating cloud-based systems with existing systems or those of your supply chain partners may be difficult due to different platforms, formats, or standards, which can affect data quality, consistency, and compatibility. Additionally, there is a risk of downtime, disruptions, or performance issues if the internet connection is unstable, slow, or unavailable. This can affect data access, availability, and usability. Finally, entrusting a cloud provider with the storage, processing, and security of your data can lead to a loss of control over your data ownership, sovereignty, and governance. All of these factors can affect risk management and compliance.

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5 How can you overcome the challenges of cloud-based systems for SCV?

To overcome the challenges of cloud-based systems for SCV, you can take some steps such as choosing a reliable cloud provider and establishing clear communication and collaboration with your cloud provider and supply chain partners. Additionally, you should implement best practices and policies for data management and security, including ensuring your data is accurate, complete, and updated, as well as protecting it from unauthorized access. Moreover, you should comply with the relevant regulations and standards for data protection and privacy, as well as the contractual terms and conditions you have with your cloud provider and supply chain partners. Regularly monitoring and evaluating your cloud-based systems can also provide valuable feedback and suggestions for improvement.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can cloud-based systems optimize supply chain visibility?

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1 What are cloud-based systems?

2 How can cloud-based systems optimize SCV?

3 What are the benefits of cloud-based systems for SCV?

4 What are the challenges of cloud-based systems for SCV?

5 How can you overcome the challenges of cloud-based systems for SCV?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Import/Export Operations

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How can cloud-based systems optimize supply chain visibility?

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3

4

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1 What are cloud-based systems?

2 How can cloud-based systems optimize SCV?

3 What are the benefits of cloud-based systems for SCV?

4 What are the challenges of cloud-based systems for SCV?

5 How can you overcome the challenges of cloud-based systems for SCV?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Import/Export Operations

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