Are you in the logistics or supply chain business? You must have heard of SCM software! This is a cutting-edge platform that helps streamline various aspects of supply chain operations with the latest technologies and automation-related capabilities. However, there are potential mistakes that you need to watch out for, as they are very common while integrating this platform into your enterprise. Some major ones are listed below.
Learn how to be proactive and avoid all these pitfalls during the implementation phase. Let’s get started.
The biggest problem is that users don’t understand their needs clearly first, and just start implementing the software. This is not how it works. Not having a complete understanding of what you want to achieve out of the system leads to inefficiency, as the platform cannot be leveraged to your advantage.
Before introducing the supply chain management software into the workflow, every interested user or stakeholder must make an effort to know why the software is needed in the first place. This practice makes it easy to measure the progress and signs of improvement, if any, easily at a later point in time.
The involvement of the final users in the software is indispensable. Without it, the full potential of the SCM software can never be utilized to the fullest. People who are concerned with the implementation of this software in an organization often overlook the engagement of managers, procurement employees, logistics teams, and other bottom-level workers in the software use. This top-down strategy might not always ensure the best outcomes.
End-user feedback has its important, and it helps improve various key areas in the workflows. Customization in the execution of work becomes possible, leading to enhanced user experiences. The adaptation also becomes a piece of cake.
When all the stakeholders in the supply chain operations are onboard and well-familiar with the software, there are no learning curves to hamper productivity. Everyone understands what they need to do and how to do it faster and better.
Data quality issues also lead to the inefficient use of the SCM platform as accuracy gets undermined and forecasts shown are misleading, causing financial loss due to a lack of proper decision-making. Such a piece of software only works well to guide you in the best way possible when the data inserted is accurate and updated.
Thus, make sure that the information reported and recorded in the database is up to the mark so that there are no wrong insights to potentially cause negative consequences. Poor data instances include the wrong count of inventory, recording the wrong value of the original estimate, forgetting to document price fluctuations, etc. Data quality can also be compromised during migration.
When you migrate your existing data from one platform to another, make sure that you don’t miss anything in the precious tool, so that it gets erased once you leave the previous platform.
Be careful, as erased data can never be retrieved after a certain threshold of time, which varies from software to software. Second, don’t switch between SCM options too often. Before choosing one, research well, and once implemented, don’t quit it unless a seriously hampering problem surfaces.
Another problematic area is integration. When you introduce SCM software into the workflow, you also have to be careful about the integration-related requirements with respect to the smooth functioning of the software platforms that are already being used, such as ERP, CRM, Accounting Tools, etc.
If you overlook integration, not only will it cause inconvenience later, but it might also lead to having to switch to another best alternative, as not every type of supply chain management software supports integration.
So as not to have this trouble, don’t forget to check in advance that the SCM software you have chosen supports the integration with the tools already in use. And, before you get the subscription, ask for a free trial so that you can try to test the capabilities.
Finally, there is the problem of not ensuring proper technical training for the staff to be able to understand and adapt to the system as soon as possible without any trouble or steep learning curves.
Without knowing how to use it, the staff isn’t supposed to get the desired results from the SCM system, defeating the purpose of implementation right from the beginning.
Companies must realize that with the integration of new software like SCM, there comes an inevitable need for rigorous training, as it is going to introduce a paradigm shift into the work processes. Thus, ensure comprehensive training sessions, and keep documentation well available for everyone so that they can refer in times of need.
Implementing SCM software is not that difficult. It is easy and doesn’t even take much time. The only difference is that you have to follow the right approach. Don’t just ensure a technical upgrade by incorporating this tool into the workplace, but also provide ample opportunities for the staff to be able to upskill themselves and cope with learning curves effortlessly, if any.
