Although supply chain delivery can be a complex paradigm, managing in-house efficiency gives businesses a competitive advantage. For this to be achieved, in-house efficiency is paramount as it sets the pace for all other business operations. Effective supply chain management offers an array of benefits that can make your business stand out and also remain competitive. But, how can you optimize supply chain delivery through in-house efficiency?
Here is what you can do to optimized supply chain delivery:
Implementing QR Codes
There exists a myriad of ways through which businesses can optimize supply chain delivery including the use of QR codes. As businesses strive to simplify their operations, new inventions are being made and implemented. Among the many ways that have gained traction in the business world is the use of QR codes. The invention not only makes businesses more efficient but also improves transparency. The whole process of procuring and managing business supplies is also simplified through automation of the procurement process.
Why Implementing QR Codes Enhances Sustainability Practices
Through the invention of the QR codes, businesses can now capture an array of information about different products. The QR code technology can capture details such as the product name and serial number. Suppliers may also include more information about their business processes, so you get to know who you are dealing with.
Businesses can also have a record of the scanner used including the IP address. It thus becomes easier for businesses to follow the history of transactions involving the supply chain process.
In addition to reducing time wastage, the use of QR codes is also cost effective. Businesses can also save time and manpower for other equally important business operations. Employing the use of QR codes will make it easy to trace various products and know when business needs restocking.
These benefits can be summarized as follows:
- Flexible applications
- QR codes improve Cost-effectiveness
- Product tracking is simplified
- Improved efficiency and transparency
Security Challenges of Using QR Codes
Although using QR codes has its merits, it also has its own share of challenges. The use of this technique calls for the application of mobile devices including laptops and smartphones which are susceptible to malware attacks. When using these mobile devices, security becomes a major concern.
Security may be more compromised if these devices are connected to the internet where cyber security is a major threat. Similarly, connecting different devices in an IT network increases chances of malware and cyber hacking. This can lead to data loss when files are corrupted.
To avoid data loss, security considerations should be made prior to introducing QR codes in any business. Hence, it is important to involve security experts when setting up security measures across the supply chain. More emphasis needs to be put when setting up QR codes to prevent data leakage.
How QR Codes simplify tracking across the Supply Chain
By incorporating QR codes, you can manage your inventory and track all supply chain processes in a single platform. Accounting for the supply chain process is simplified, so you don’t have to rely on manual entries when tracking your business inventory.
Here are some of the benefits of using QR coded for your supply chain management:
Improved Efficiency
In addition to improving inventory tracking speed, QR codes also make the supply chain management more accurate. Human errors are eliminated as the process is more electronic than manual. Using a smartphone, employees can capture more than just the name of the product by scanning the code. It is also possible to capture partly damaged codes making the inventory process more accurate by including every item. The technique can also fix miscounts and exclude double entries in the inventory.
Easy to Implement
Incorporating QR codes doesn’t have to be costly. Most businesses have smartphones and other equipment needed for the process to be initiated in the business. You only need to add a few items and the recommended software to facilitate the process and begin almost immediately.
As a supplier, you can customize your QR code to suit a specific purpose and represent your brand. When scanned, this code will redirect business owners and other stakeholders to your profile. Here, they get more information about your organization and on particular products they intend to purchase.
Improved transparency
Incorporating QR codes makes the entire process visible from end to end. This reduces the need for human interaction that can interfere with the inventory. With this technique, most businesses also share a lot of information with their clients. You get to know more about suppliers who engage in fair trade and can thus make informed decisions.
Ideally, most businesses will share more information about themselves through label holders and placards. Hence, you get to know more about manufacturers and suppliers. This avoids unscrupulous business practices that would negatively affect the supply chain
Conclusion
While QR codes may be a major target for hackers, they are indeed a perfect way of optimizing in-house efficiency for supply chain management. Besides being flexible, they are a cost effective way of managing your inventory and tracking various supply chain processes.
To improve efficiency and transparency in your supply chain management, companies like Flexcon can help. They have QR placards that can help you keep track of your supply chain processes to effectively manage your inventory.
