Global Supplier Collaboration: Are You There Yet?
Realistic and effective Global Supplier Collaboration and CPFR (Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment) between supply chain trading partners has moved closer through the introduction of RAS Technology provided by Fast React Systems.
The 1980s witnessed the development of just-in-time (JIT) as a philosophy to improve operations. Success attributable to JIT is due, in part, to the practice of externally synchronising the appropriate activities of the various trading partners that comprise the supply chain.
Through early communication of retailer requirements and effective production planning through the supply chain, operating schedules, purchase plans, and shipping activities of the trading partners can be synchronised. Synchronisation has resulted in reduced inventories, improved capacity utilisation, higher customer service levels, and a host of additional reported benefits for all participants.
Fast React Systems, through the use of its Production Planning and Sourcing and Critical Path Management Software is at the forefront in connecting and synchronising activities between supply chain trading partners in the Apparel, Footwear and Textile Industry.
Fast React RAS Technology is a solution…
Fast React RAS Technology is a solution that coordinates and allows communication with remote sites via automatically generated secure email packages, in order to provide greater visibility of production plans and demand in the supply chain.
Fast React RAS Technology also provides the capability for remote sites and suppliers to communicate with their customers and to provide updates back to the host system, using the same secure email packages.
Where appropriate, Fast React can provide remote supplier update facilities over the web, but has also recognised that in many remote locations this is simply not practical due to limitations in communication links. Fast React RAS technology has been specifically developed to allow collaboration with remote supplier locations where good Web access is generally either not available or very expensive.
The early exchange of information between trading partners provides for reliable, longer term views of demand in the supply chain. This forward visibility, based upon information sharing, leads to a variety of benefits within supply chain partnerships including:
- Increased sales
- Higher service levels (in-stock levels)
- Faster order response times
- Lower product inventories
- Higer order fill rates
- Lower product inventories
