For years, software as a service, or “SaaS” technology, has been transforming the supply chain management ecosystem.
Flexible, cloud-based software allows for a more aligned, convenient and scalable view into supply chain operations.
Not only can business leaders keep a closer eye on crucial logistics, but with cloud technology, organizations can also create the transparent supply chain experience today’s investors and companies are looking for.
Since the pandemic, demand for cloud-central SaaS solutions has increased even more.
The confusion and panic of 2020 pushed many companies to turn to the cloud in search of a more predictable, efficient and cost-effective way to manage supply chains while ensuring flexible business continuity.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why 87% of supply and logistics firms are using cloud-based solutions to innovate today.
1. SaaS improves business continuity
One of the biggest benefits of accessing supply chain information in the cloud is it’s easier to manage a range of your logistics requirements in one combined place.
Cloud technology can integrate a range of disparate systems to ensure you can see all of your supply chain journey, from freight forwarding requests to shipping timelines.
A cloud environment with a flexible, open architecture will allow business leaders to tie together every aspect of the supply chain to track the efficiency of their operations.
Perhaps most importantly, the information collected through every stage of that cloud journey will always be in sync and up to date, regardless of where a user accesses it, thanks to real-time information sharing.
What’s more, since the SaaS environment can collect and process information effectively in real-time, it can also improve business continuity by allowing teams to access software from any cloud-connected device.
2. Significant cost reductions
One of the biggest challenges in the post-pandemic world is improving supply chain management while keeping costs low.
Companies need to ensure their logistics strategies are moving smoothly, but also have a limited budget to work with within a complicated economy.
Fortunately, cloud-based logistics systems can make supply chain management a lot more affordable.
Many of the top companies in the SaaS marketplace are leveraging unique pricing models to make life easier for customers. For instance, usage-based pricing will allow supply chain professionals to pay for only the software features they use.
There are also pricing structures, which adjust the costs of software based on how many people are using it at any given time.
A SaaS solution with a transparent pricing structure makes it easier for companies to budget accordingly for their SaaS technology as they continue to look for affordable ways to digitally transform the logistics landscape.
You may even find cost savings that help keep the lights on during difficult times in your company’s recovery from the pandemic.
3. Constant opportunities for improvement
A cloud-based solution that offers full visibility of the entire supply chain can offer a host of benefits. The better your visibility, the easier it is to pinpoint issues that could be holding a team back or leading to problems in your organization.
Good visibility also highlights areas where you can improve your logistics and supply chain strategy for better short-term and long-term outcomes.
With SaaS technology, you’ll be able to evaluate the areas in your current supply chain which could be leading to missed opportunities or issues with your brand reputation.
This means you’ll have instant information on where you should be spending more money on the development of your business practices. When the time comes to present business transformation ideas to shareholders, you can even share reports from your SaaS software.
Over time, cloud-based supply chain solutions will gradually help you to find new, cheaper and more effective ways of keeping your business running at its best.
All the while, you’ll also ensure your team leaders are the first to know when something goes wrong with your operations.
4. Deliver better customer experiences
Ultimately, excellent supply chain management software is crucial in improving how companies manage their ever-more-complicated logistics roadmap.
Aside from being a valuable tool to help companies optimize their operations and processes, SaaS can also improve customer relationships and profitability.
For instance, when you can carefully assess every part of the supply chain and make changes quickly to suit your customers, you can improve your reputation with end-users and clients, paving the way for more valuable long-lasting relationships.
Whether it’s keeping customers up to date on certain issues with the supply chain so they can prepare for late deliveries, or tracking order progress on behalf of customers, there are various ways to boost the customer experience with supply chain SaaS.
SaaS supply chain solutions can also help prove to customers that suppliers genuinely have the benefits they claim to provide.
For instance, if end-users are passionate about working exclusively with green suppliers, comprehensive tracking can show which companies are genuinely investing in eco-friendly practices.
Taking advantage of SaaS solutions
In the new digital age, cloud-based SaaS technology offers a flexible way to enhance business operations, improve customer experience and make better decisions.
In the supply chain management arena, SaaS technology can cut costs for today’s businesses while ensuring they still have the visibility they need to generate positive results for their brand.
