Smart supply chain management solution for accelerated speed and efficiency
The biggest challenge of this project is the demand for in-depth industry knowledge.
Background
An effective freight handling and warehouse solution serves as a crucial foundation for a robust and customized supply chain management scheme. These solutions improve logistical efficiency and the reliability of supply chain processes, enabling companies to better meet customer demands, reduce operational costs, and enhance their market adaptability.
Our client, Merit Logistics, is a leading US-based company that delivers innovative supply-chain management solutions to retailers nationwide. The company partnered with GEM to enhance their existing system. This collaboration aimed to provide a more robust and efficient platform, making it more attractive to both current users and prospective clients.
Challenges
The biggest challenge of this project is the demand for in-depth industry knowledge. Given the complex nature of the supply chain with large volumes of data and many stakeholders involved in a multi-phase process, to create a single system that would automate key work processes is not an easy task.
It is also worth mentioning that the client had high expectations for what GEM could deliver in the project. Previously, another IT solution company had failed to deliver a satisfactory solution, and Merit Logistics decided to reach out to GEM, hoping we would be able to realize their visions. Being entrusted with their ambitious project was a great honor but also a daunting challenge.
Besides, since this is an IT outsourcing project, there were difficulties in streamlining communication and aligning progress due to time differences and geographical distance.
Solution
To make sure that the project was on the right track to meet the solution requirements and set milestones, both parties conducted daily meetings to clarify any uncertainties and discuss the next steps.
To solve hiccups in coordination between the client and the project team, we revised our working process and agreed with the client that apart from the regular daily updates, each side would raise any question that appeared. All information was updated on JIRA so that both sides had full access and transparency.
Furthermore, to deliver a fully functional solution with the requested features, our team had to invest time and effort into acquiring knowledge of logistics operations. For each new module or feature of the warehouse management system, we would ask to understand its purpose and the process behind it. Such an approach ensured that we delivered exactly what the client expected.
Output
GEM successfully built a management system with cross-platform availability. It works well as both a web application and a mobile application for Android and iOS operating systems.
It provides the following functionalities:
- Warehouse management that enhances control and administration of the warehouse operations
- Work order management that enables effective tracking and management of all work order information
- Invoice management that automates invoice processing, with increased control
- Timesheet management that helps staff manage scheduling, jobs, and assets
Impacts
The new system has yielded numerous positive impacts on supply chain operations such as:
- Increased operational speed
The system streamlined the processing and management of work orders and invoices to substantially reduce cycle times and enable faster response to customer needs and market demands.
- Enhanced transparency
With real-time tracking and updates on warehouse activities, work orders, and timesheets, the system offers unprecedented visibility into their operations. This transparency helps in identifying bottlenecks and improving decision-making processes.
Closing remarks
After the project, GEM’s team successfully enhanced the existing system and converted it into a state-of-the-art supply chain management platform that both met the high expectations of the client and yielded significant benefits in terms of efficiency, speed, and transparency for its users.
Most importantly, the client’s satisfaction with the solution resulted in them granting GEM a new, bigger project with millions of dollars in value, proving GEM’s strong IT capabilities and reliability for businesses looking to realize their tech ambitions.
