Transforming supply chains: How custom mobile apps drive efficiency and visibility 

Transforming supply chains: How custom mobile apps drive efficiency and visibility 
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The Grand Bazaar (Istanbul, Turkey), Silk Market (Xi’an, China), Chandni Chowk (Delhi, India), and the La Boqueria (Barcelona, Spain). These are not merely tourist attractions showcasing a glimpse of our history, but they used to be centers of crucial economic activity during their respective time-periods.

While consumers today can procure the most basic of products right from the comfort of home, people used to travel to these markets covering hundreds if not thousands of miles at times to acquire even the most essential provisions. It took an efficient, integrated, and comprehensive sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution network, the present day supply chain, to make it possible. 
  
Data and information flow are the backbone of supply chain processes. While custom mobile apps act as the nervous system that help address as well as alleviate critical bottlenecks to the flow of information within the system. 

Embracing digital transformation within the supply chain can result in a 10% to 15% reduction in inventory carrying costs, a 5% to 10% reduction in manufacturing costs and a 6% to 10% reduction in warehouse and distribution center operating costs. – EY 

Let’s identify the most common pain points businesses see disrupting their supply chain, and how professional mobile app development services have helped in these areas. 
 

Enhancing supply chain transparency with real-time tracking supported by custom app development

Trust in business is like the foundation of a house; a single crack can compromise the entire structure. A single error in the nuanced exchange of information between clients and vendors can result in setbacks that take years to rectify. Transparency is paramount to foster this trust.

Mobile app development for logistics plays a crucial role, with real-time tracking emerging as a critical component for ensuring clarity within the supply chain. Customers—whether fulfilling holiday shopping, sending gifts, or making spontaneous purchases—are consistently eager to track their orders. Mobile applications empower these customers by providing timely SMS notifications and displaying the precise transit status of their shipments. 

How DHL utilizes real-time tracking for enhanced customer trust:

To significantly enhance customer experience, DHL developed the MyDHL+ app. This innovative tool allows users to access estimated delivery times simply by entering a tracking number.

Customers receive immediate alerts in case of potential delays. This helps them to stay updated on the current status and revised delivery timelines. By leveraging the benefits of logistics mobile apps alongside proactive communication strategies, DHL has proven itself as a leader in customer service excellence, setting industry standards for transparency and reliability. 

Suggested: Explore how custom mobile apps streamline fleet management with real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and route optimization for supply chain efficiency.

Efficiency in data collection powered by advanced features of logistics mobile apps

The cornerstone activity of any efficient supply chain operation is accurate data collection. Correct data enables informed decision making, enhances operational efficiency, and drives improvement across the entire network to align with your core strategy.

Data collection processes can be easily streamlined with the help of mobile apps for logistics. These specialized apps can rapidly gather and simultaneously analyze essential information to facilitate better decision making and improved productivity. 
 

Walmart’s RFID technology: A game changer for inventory management

Closely following the trends in logistics mobile app development, Walmart employed its RAPID RFID Mobile app to read and verify RFID tags in inventory operations. This technology simplifies inventory management by enabling staff to capture and export tag reads seamlessly. Walmart enhanced its inventory management capabilities by extensively working on improving its data accuracy and efficiency. This allowed inventory managers to make swift yet informed decisions.

AI in mobile app development

Explore 4 key use cases of artificial intelligence in mobile app development

  • Enhance user experience with personalized recommendations
  • Fighting financial crime with machine learning
  • Computer vision for image and video recognition
  • Forecasting by artificial intelligence

 

Streamlined processes: Optimizing operations for greater efficiency

Supply chain is a continuous process in improving efficiency through consistently streamlining your operations. The nuanced features of logistics mobile apps can help simplify complex workflows that enable better coordination among teams and facilitate faster response times across various functions within the supply chain. 

Maersk’s integrated logistics system: Simplifying container shipping

As a trusted global leader in container logistics, Maersk stands out as a reliable partner, seamlessly integrating a robust digital logistics system into their operations. This approach ensures smoother processes and real-time data visibility, enhancing their efficiency across the board.

Logistics coordinators and warehouse managers within the system have benefitted largely because of this digital solution, especially in terms of tracking shipments and optimizing delivery routes. By leveraging advanced solutions through supply chain app development, Maersk enjoys enhanced overall efficiency across its diverse functions. 

Increased visibility: Enhancing customer experience

There are many stakeholders involved in day-to-day supply chain operations who like to remain on top of the movement of their goods. Visibility becomes crucial here in delivering exceptional experiences to the clients. The modern-day mobile apps for logistics can help all parties involved by relaying shipment statuses and alerting them about potential issues.
 

AbbVie’s commitment to visibility through mobile technology

Logistics coordinators at AbbVie, a global pharmaceutical company, are equipped with mobile apps to gain real-time insights into transportation updates and leverage the information to respond to consumer inquiries faster. The benefits of logistics mobile apps have helped AbbVie improve customer satisfaction by providing their customer service teams with seamless access to accurate shipment data, further demonstrating their commitment to delivering reliable services. 

Suggested: Revolutionizing mobile experiences: The role of AI in app development 

Efficient resource management: Optimizing supply chain processes

Resource management is the most critical aspect in supply chain functions. Better resource allocation can help businesses to optimize their process and minimize inefficiencies. Custom supply chain app development focuses on this aspect and delivers apt solutions to specifically address this concern. 

Unilever’s digital ordering platform: Streamlining the supply chain

Streamlining the Supply Chain Unilever has developed a digital platform that allows Kirana store owners to place orders directly with HUL sellers at their convenience. With key features of logistics mobile apps, this system streamlines the ordering process and improves stock management. This demonstrates how technology can optimize supply chain processes and enhance service delivery in the consumer goods sector. 

Custom Mobile Apps: Key to future supply chain success

The role of custom mobile apps in enhancing supply chain performance does not merit an oversight, especially in a business world with unrelenting competition. By addressing critical pain points such as real-time tracking, efficient data collection, streamlined processes, increased visibility, and resource management, these applications reflect the trends in logistics mobile app development and have become essential tools for businesses aiming to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Several industry leaders showcase how leveraging mobile technology can significantly elevate customer experiences and operational efficiencies. As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of supply chains, partnering with a reputable mobile app development company will be vital for crafting tailored solutions that not only meet immediate needs but also position them for future success.

Softweb Solutions specializes in developing custom mobile applications that streamline supply chain processes and enhance operational performance. With our expertise and innovative approach, we empower businesses to harness the full potential of mobile technology, ensuring they stay ahead in a competitive landscape.

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