Warehouse technology in the supply chain management systems

The linkage between communication technology, the supply chain environment and end-consumer needs assists in better communication between all activities across supply chain tiers. Successful supply chain management depends on tight coordination between supply chain partners. The Internet provides the perfect communications channel for the information, decisions, transactions, and processes that form supply chain management. It is a journey of change that is already under way. To keep up with the evolution of supply chain management, and remain competitive in their markets, future supply chain leaders will need to simultaneously exhibit tight coordination in all areas: integration, collaboration, and synchronization with a better understanding of communications systems function. Integration is the coordination of supply chain activities such as purchasing, manufacturing, distribution, spares management needed for maintenance and operational availability of military systems, and customer service within a single enterprise of technological readiness. Many leading companies have made great strides with internal integration of their communication systems. This is just a beginning. The future will see an accelerated development and rollout of these tools and techniques, which soon will become common place in all aspects of managing the supply chain. Supply chain management will continue to have a significant influence on company success and shareholder value. Supply chain disciplines and Internet communication innovations will combine to synchronize all supply chain activities tightly to best satisfy customer needs. Leaders who enhance their supply chain prowess with e-commerce capabilities and bring supply chain skills to bear in the e-economy will be unstoppable. World-class product quality, accurate inventory tracking, lean operations, customer-focused service, and a rationalized supply base will all be expected as the entry price to synchronization. Companies striving- - to master these techniques have looked to supporting changes in technology platforms. Enterprise Resource Planning Communication technology systems and best-of-breed software packages such as warehouse management systems and transportation management systems are helping to define, standardize, and automate operational processes at world-class levels.