No-code and low-code solutions used throughout the supply chain empower businesses to integrate data seamlessly, streamline custom workflows, and optimize processes without extensive coding expertise.
Data-driven decision-making, efficiency, and responsiveness are paramount for success in the supply chain. The digital age has ushered in a new era of technology solutions where no-code and low-code-enabled platforms are leading the charge. These innovative tools allow supply chain professionals to leverage data from diverse sources, create custom workflows, and optimize processes, all without the need for high-value resources with extensive coding expertise.
But what truly are the benefits of no-code and low-code for purpose-built, multi-enterprise solutions in the supply chain, and how can companies leverage these platforms to achieve efficiency and agility?
One of the significant challenges faced by supply chain professionals is accessing relevant data scattered across different systems and platforms. Research indicates that approximately 80% of the data needed for informed decision-making does not reside within a company’s own walls. This fragmented data landscape poses obstacles to gaining comprehensive insights and making well-informed choices. Multi-enterprise platforms supported by no-code and low-code capabilities offer a solution to this predicament by facilitating seamless data integration and analysis from multiple sources.
Also, traditionally, creating custom workflows and automating processes requires a team of IT specialists, programmers, and consultants, resulting in time-consuming and costly endeavors. However, with low-code and no-code capabilities, supply chain professionals can design and deploy custom workflows without extensive technical expertise. This enables businesses to respond swiftly to changing conditions and optimize efficiency.
For example, let’s consider a scenario where production completes an order at a manufacturing facility. In the past, it might have taken hours to notify the relevant departments, such as accounting and shipping, to initiate the next steps. However, with the help of configurable workflows offered through no-code and low-code capabilities, notifications can be automatically sent to the appropriate personnel almost instantaneously. As a result, the shipment process commences within minutes, reducing delays and accelerating overall supply chain operations.
Effective supply chain management also relies on seamless integration and standardization of processes. No-code and low-code enabled platforms come equipped with pre-built integrations, allowing easy connection with a variety of systems and tools commonly used in the supply chain. These integrations eliminate data silos, enhance collaboration, and ensure real-time visibility across the entire supply chain network.
See also: Get by With a Little Help from AI: How to Bolster and Accelerate Low-code Innovation
Benefits of using no-code and low-code
There are many other benefits to no-code and low-code capabilities for supply chain management. Here are the top seven to consider.
1) Agility and Responsiveness
The supply chain industry is fast-moving – so adaptability is crucial. No-code and low-code capabilities empower businesses to quickly respond to market fluctuations, changing demands, and unforeseen challenges. Supply chain professionals can rapidly configure and deploy applications to optimize processes, enabling organizations to stay agile and competitive.
2) Enhanced Data-Driven Decision-Making
Access to comprehensive and real-time data is the foundation of informed decision-making. No-code and low-code supported platforms offer data integration capabilities that consolidate information from various sources. This empowers supply chain professionals with valuable insights, enabling them to make strategic decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information.
3) Democratization of Technology Expertise
With no-code and low-code capabilities, technical expertise is no longer limited to IT departments. Business users with domain knowledge can actively participate in application development, fostering collaboration between IT and business teams. This democratization of technology expertise strengthens communication and ensures that solutions align with specific supply chain requirements.
4) Cost and Time Efficiency
The traditional development of customized software often incurs significant costs and lengthy development cycles. No-code and low-code features drastically reduce these expenses by providing easy-to-use drag-and-drop tools and pre-built components. This accelerated development process enables organizations to achieve faster time-to-market for their applications.
5) Inventory Optimization
No-code and low-code powered, multi-enterprise platforms are employed to build inventory management systems that integrate data from multiple sources, including warehouses, suppliers, and point-of-sale systems. This integration provides real-time visibility of inventory levels, ensuring optimized stock levels, reducing stockouts, and minimizing excess inventory.
6) Collaboration
Companies utilize no-code and low-code-enabled multi-enterprise solutions to create real-time insights into extended supply chain activities and processes. This collaborative approach enhances communication and allows stakeholders to more efficiently synchronize and orchestrate their end-to-end supply chain.
No-code and low-code solutions are changing the supply chain landscape by offering many positive benefits. These platforms empower businesses to integrate data seamlessly, streamline custom workflows, and optimize processes without extensive coding expertise. As more companies embrace this transformative technology, the supply chain industry will witness real change.
