What is SAP Supply Chain Management (SCM)?

SAP Supply Chain Management (SCM) is a software solution that aims to optimize supply chain operations across various industries. Companies are rapidly searching for solutions that allow for better resource efficiency, demand planning, inventory management, and more.  

SAP SCM increases the capabilities and performance of supply chains with its pivotal features, driving excellence for organizations and helping them to develop and keep that competitive edge. In this piece, we explore the key features of SAP SCM and how it can help consumer products companies improve and enhance their supply chains. 

SUPPLY CHAIN CHALLENGES 

Challenges in the supply chain have been no stranger to businesses in the last few years, specifically following COVID-19. There are several threats facing supply chain reliability, impacting its performance and efficiency. Some include demand volatility, evolving technology, sustainability concerns, and cybersecurity risks.  

With new challenges arising daily, organizations are looking for solutions. SAP SCM and its key features can help solve these obstacles. Without software and processes to mitigate supply chain risks, businesses deal with late deliveries, revenue loss, increased costs, and, potentially, an unhappy consumer base. Investing in SAP SCM as a solution for your consumer products organization can help to establish your reputation as a trusted and reputable source of goods while also avoiding potential supply chain disasters. 

WHAT IS SAP SCM? 

Supply chain management includes processes of full cycle supply chain logistics, starting from raw goods and finishing in the hands of consumers. Managing the supply chain takes many forms, including warehousing, distributing, sourcing materials, and many more. SAP SCM aims to improve efficiency, performance, and cost-effectiveness across every aspect of the supply chain, improving operational activity and overall consumer satisfaction.  

SAP SCM has many unique features that make it stand out as software and help transform businesses' supply chain management. SAP SCM allows for end-to-end visibility over the supply chain, monitoring processes from sourcing raw materials to tracking the movement of goods. It also aids in demand forecasting by using historical data and algorithms to predict future demand for an item. These features reduce stockouts and help companies better manage inventory, as decision-makers have more knowledge and input on how to run the supply chain.  

KEY BENEFITS OF SAP SCM 

Cost and Resource Effectiveness 

With the increasing demand for a more sustainable supply chain, resource effectiveness is incredibly important to consumers, in addition to having a good bottom line for businesses. SAP SCM can be useful in this as it uses predictive analysis to estimate where resources may be wasted. For example, it looks at data such as half-full delivery trucks or long-winded routes that use extra gas and resources to deliver packages. Having access to insightful data allows organizations to allocate resources as effectively as possible, reducing costs, more quickly delivering goods to consumers, and being more conscious of the environment along the way.  

Increased Productivity 

SAP SCM utilizes enterprise asset management systems in its technology which aims to help machines run more smoothly and efficiently. With data analysis and a more automated process, production and distribution systems can speed up productivity for the organization. This technology fixes bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and wasted resources, making for quicker supply chain processes. As we know, quick deliveries make for satisfied and loyal consumers as the products they know and trust are easily accessible.  

Boosted Consumer Satisfaction  

Nothing is worse than a late delivery of an item that you needed by a certain time. Imagine the chaos that comes from a late bridesmaid's dress delivery. As such, making sure consumers are getting their items on time is key to maintaining a solid reputation and consumer base. SAP SCM is designed to be responsive and adaptable to supply chain disruptions from its input of real-time data and insights. Consumer feedback can be hard to quickly respond to; however, this technology makes it more manageable.  

LOOKING AHEAD 

When looking to optimize your supply chain operations, adopting SAP SCM could be the right solution for your organization. SAP SCM can have numerous benefits for your business's supply chain processes. From efficient resource allocation to quicker deliveries, with the impact of predictive analysis and insightful data, all aspects of the supply chain can be improved, making for a smooth delivery from manufacturing to consumer.  

To get started with SAP SCM for your consumer products organization, contact Crescense. 

Contributions from Leah Harding