Supply Chain Automation

Supply Chain Automation with RPA Software Robots to deliver productivity by removing manual work in day to day tasks.

This is not automation for the warehouse, this automation is for the office environment where people are working on computer systems.

Although the supply chain is all about physical movement of goods, all the logistics operations rely upon supporting paperwork. Many of the documents are now held and transmitted as digital files, the data they contain provides the definition and authorisation for each movement.

What can be automated?

Any business process that is performed manually could be automated. The day to day activities that concern:

Quote preparation and sending
Sales orders
Fulfilment assembly orders
Shipping despatches and collections
Invoicing Clients
Proof of Delivery Reconciliation
Returns Reconciliation
Accounts Payable Invoices

The general support business processes could also be considered for automation:

Staff rostering / holiday approvals
Staff qualification and certification checks
Transport / Fork Lift / vehicle checks
New and existing customer checks
Customer credit checking
New and existing supplier checks
Compliance reporting checks

There can many other specific business processes that could be automated. Please contact us to discuss.

Who else is Automating Processes?

Automation is taking places across all sectors in the supply chain including:

Warehousing
Transportation
3PL – Third Party Logistics
4PL – Fourth Party Logistics
5PL – Fifth Party Logistics

Plus associated services such as:

Customs Agents
Freight Forwarders
Ports
Shipping Businesses

Automating the Supply Chain

This is an eBook produced in conjunction with UiPath, on the automation opportunities in the supply chain and logistic providers.

In many supply chain and logistic activities there are regular movements, routine movements, ad-hoc movements and new movements.

The potential for automation is greatest where there are regular and routine movements. The digital paperwork supporting such movements are largely a “Copy & Paste” from pervious movements which is why RPA automation can be so effective.

Reacting to Logistic Changes

The nature of logistics is that issues occur. Whether it is truck breakdowns, port closures, road closures, or something else.

Any logistic issue can create a need to update plans which means making a lot of similar changes to digital paperwork to reflect the amendments. Such changes are often undertaken during time pressured situations.

The work to implement a batch of similar changes is suited to the use of RPA automation. It can get work done so that Supply Chain staff can focus on other aspects of the logistics.