Today the world’s manufacturers face incredible pressure to their supply chain and logistical processes. Logistics simultaneously represents the single biggest cost center for many companies – and, increasingly, the single biggest customer service differentiator. The “Amazon effect” continues to increase customer expectations for fast, low-cost delivery to any address, anywhere in the world, with orders placed through multiple channels. And logistics is the vehicle for making that happen, while still protecting profit margins.
That’s always been a challenging proposition. But now meeting customer needs is even tougher. Inflation is sending fuel costs and other expenses through the roof. Labor shortages mean there aren’t enough drivers and warehouse employees to perform critical tasks. And disruptions continue, in the form of demand shifts, production shutdowns, materials shortages and blocked shipping routes.
How can supply chain managers focus on meeting customer needs at every stage, from the first mile to the last mile? One thing is clear: they can’t achieve this end-to-end customer focus by relying on outdated legacy systems and manual processes. Today’s transformed world demands transformed logistics capabilities – characterized by collaboration and connectivity, and powered by artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), predictive analytics, robotics and other advanced technologies.
Download the eBook to see Blue Yonder ' s solution that delivers on the promise of first to last mile optimization!