1. In your opinion, how has the Supply Chain landscape evolved over the years?
Over the last few years, we have seen the volatility of the industry result in a need for technology that enhances efficiency, increases visibility, and reduces human error. At the same time, our customers consistently require customized solutions, which require “human touch” expertise. As much as technology, digitization and data analytics can help plan and forecast, managing a supply chain still requires the expertise of a knowledgeable customer service team to interpret the data and understand the nuances of the business to meet the needs of the customer.
Additionally, we have seen the industry move toward planning efficient, fluid supply chains by looking at the interconnectivity of overland transport, air, and sea networks. Our international customers in particular rely on Dachser’s interlocking process, which leverages our efficient multimodal logistics networks well as our state-of-the-art IT system, to provide a transparent, connected, holistic approach to planning.
Our customers look to our interlocking process to reduce complexity, reduce time, effort, and costs, offer seamless control and risk management as well as provide comprehensive and reliable end-to-end solutions. Our process combines our own IT system with our well-trained, knowledgeable experts.
Customers benefit from synergies in purchasing, contract management, tracking and tracing and data traffic. This optimizes their processes and makes them more efficient. Another significant benefit to our US-based customers is that, through interlocking, they have access to our unmatched European road network, which connects all major markets throughout the continent.
2. What are the some of the advantages of the current technological evolution?
The benefits of the technological evolution tie back to efficiency within the supply chain. Moving cargo smoothly and seamlessly through the supply chain relies on technology and digitization for a variety of reasons, including enhanced transparency and data analytics. Proper forecasting is one of the most important aspects of a fluid supply chain, especially during a volatile marketplace like we are facing today. There are equipment shortages as well as warehouse and air and ocean freight capacity challenges that need to be considered. We rely on technology to help us plan around these challenges.
Additionally, the technology we use to handle the administrative aspect of the business should not be overlooked.