Times of growth and expansion of a business are times that require a lot of decision making. The choices that are made prior to a business actually operating or when upgrading a facility and changing a supply chain can be more than a bit challenging for any business.
One option is to use a process known as advanced planning. This can be done a variety of ways, but by far the most accurate and the easiest to work with is through the use of supply chain software. With the software in place, it is possible to consider a range of different scenarios and options that will allow for the most informed decision-making processes.
National and International Supply Chain Considerations
While it may have been uncommon for small to mid-sized companies to have bought or sold directly to international companies in the past, it is now commonplace and part of many supply chains.
Finding the best international supplier, distributor or retailer can be made easier with software that can handle advanced planning scenarios. This will not only assist in finding the lowest cost in raw materials and freight, but it can also provide the best options for shipping finished goods and products on both a national and international scale.
This end-to-end or raw material source to end consumer is just one aspect of advanced planning through supply chain software. Keep in mind, for most products this is no longer a single, solid link chain, but rather more of a network of how materials move through the various inbound and outbound channels.
Look for New Options
Another advantage of advanced supply chain planning is the potential to create flexibility and options in the system that will allow for the possibility of growth. Particularly in times of rapid industry change and market growth, quick movement into a market by a smaller company can be just the advantage they have been looking for to move up in production.
