Tracking Product Distribution: A Critical Component in Any Company's Supply Chain
It allows companies to monitor the progress of their products from the moment of production until they reach the hands of the final customer. In an increasingly competitive and globalized market, effective tracking can be the difference between success and failure.
Below you can learn more about the value, benefits, and tools available in today's market to achieve effective and efficient distribution tracking.
The value of effectively tracking product distribution is immense. It provides a clear view of the efficiency of the supply chain, helps identify bottlenecks, and allows for data-driven decision-making.
Additionally, tracking provides peace of mind to both the company and its customers, as both can be assured that the products will reach their destination in the expected time and manner.
Improved Customer Satisfaction: By providing real-time information about the status of their orders, companies can improve the customer experience and foster loyalty.
Logistics Optimization: Tracking allows companies to identify inefficiencies in their supply chain and make adjustments to improve product delivery.
Cost Reduction: By monitoring the distribution process, companies can detect deviations or problems in time, avoiding additional costs related to delays or losses.
Inventory Management: Tracking helps maintain proper control of inventory levels, avoiding both shortages and excess stock.
The use of technologies like blockchain can add value to the tracking of the distribution process by enhancing the traceability and security of the supply chain.
For example, Walmart has used blockchain to increase the safety of its food supply, allowing the tracking of a product from the store to the farm in a matter of seconds.
This has enabled Walmart to provide detailed information about the origin of potential contamination to FDA investigators in an hour, a significant reduction from the seven days it used to take for this process.
In addition to blockchain technology, the market offers a variety of tools and technologies designed to facilitate the tracking of product distribution. Some of the most commonly used are:
Transportation Management Systems (TMS): These sophisticated platforms are integral to the logistics industry, enabling the planning, execution, and optimization of the movement of goods. They provide end-to-end visibility of the distribution process, allowing companies to monitor the status of shipments in real-time. TMS solutions, like Drivin, can help identify the most efficient routes, select the best carriers, and manage freight costs effectively. They also offer features such as load consolidation, carrier compliance, and performance analytics, which can significantly enhance the efficiency of the distribution process. By integrating with other systems such as Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, a TMS can provide a holistic view of the supply chain, enabling better coordination and decision-making.
Barcodes and RFID: These technologies enable the identification and tracking of individual products and shipments as they move through the supply chain, providing real-time data on their location and status.
GPS and Satellite Tracking Systems: Essential for tracking transport vehicles, these systems offer precise information about the location and movements of trucks, ships, and other carriers, ensuring that goods are on the right path to their destination.
Inventory Management Software: These tools are crucial for monitoring stock levels at various points in the supply chain, from warehouses to retail outlets, helping to prevent overstocking or stockouts and ensuring that products are available when and where they are needed.
If you would like to learn more about how the use of technology and advanced tools can help make your logistics process more efficient, please leave your details in the form below to get in touch.