How to Enhance the Performance
It is possible to note that UPS Logistics and Schneider Logistics focus on the provision of shipping services but they also provide services associated with supply chain management (SCM). The companies’ websites are used as the platform for the SCM solutions including the use of specialised software and some mobile applications. However, the performance of the companies can be enhanced through the integration of various IT capabilities.
One of the companies provides cloud-based software, which is an effective and up-to-date solution. It has been acknowledged that cloud computing significantly enhances the performance of companies in the sphere of the supply chain management (Tiwari and Jain 152). Cloud computing enables companies to manage various processes in different locations without the need to maintain any servers.
The benefits of the cloud-based software solutions are as follows. On demand service enables companies to manages their processes with no human interaction, which results in reduced time and increased efficiency. Resource pooling enables the provider to assign and reassign the necessary resources (Tiwari and Jain 154). Elasticity and scalability refer the provider’s ability to add the necessary resources on demand.
The companies can also provide such services as “collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment (CPFR)” (Poirier, Quinn and Swink 76). These solutions can be enhanced by the use of the radio frequency identification (RFID) software. These tools enable companies to match the demand with their delivery networks effectively. These platforms can significantly improve companies’ performance in such spheres as tracking and product distribution as well as documentation processing (Poirier, Quinn and Swink 80).
BI software can also be used to enhance reporting. The system enables to develop efficient and informative spreadsheets, diagrams and other types of visual presentation of data (Hugos 121). Finally, real-time message alert can significantly help in SCM as various emergencies occur and consumers should be able to respond to them timely (Poirier, Quinn and Swink 203). The use of the tools mentioned above will enable the companies in question to enhance their performance associated with the provision of SCM solutions.
Using the Websites for SCM
The companies in question have certain information on their SCM services. As for Schneider, the company’s website includes some data on particular SCM services. Contact details are provided, and customers can address the company’s professionals on a variety of issues. The company provides consultations that can expand to complete restructuring of the business’ operations associated with SCM. The company can help locating particular suppliers for different businesses.
The website is quite an effective platform for eliciting and sharing information. The customers can track their orders, customise their order tracking and print or view all the related documentation (“Online Tools”). It is clear that the focus is made on shipping.
As far as UPS is concerned, it also provides services associated with improvements of the SCM. At that, the website is the platform for the application of cloud-based software solutions (“Overview of ConnectShip”). Importantly, companies of different sizes can benefit from using the website as employees can elicit and share the relevant information including tracking orders, printing or forming documents, and so on. Importantly, consumers will need minimum investment in their hardware, which is especially relevant for small and middle-size businesses. Companies can purchase customised SCM software as well as support concerning its effective use.
It is also possible to acquire particular shipment services and track each stage of shipping with the use of online and mobile technology tools. Notably, the use of mobile technology ensures timely response to any challenges associated with the process of SCM. Integration of such systems as SAP and Oracle is also provided (“ConnectShip: iShip” 1). The company offers some other software solutions as well.
Comparison
It is necessary to note that Schneider and UPS provide SCM solutions that differ to a considerable extent. Thus, Schneider provides a wide range of consultancy services, and the company’s website is also a platform for the use associated with SCM. However, UPS is more focused on the provision of online SCM services. It is apparent that UPS is a more effective tool as it provides more services, which are crucial for efficient SCM especially when it comes to small or medium-size businesses.
Being an owner of a small or medium-size company, I would address this company as it enables consumers to address SCM-related challenges with quite little investment. Larger companies have more resources, but if they have quite effective (successfully operating) supply chain, they may also use UPS. Only companies that have sufficient resources and issues with their supply chain (usually associated with growth), they can benefit from addressing Schneider.
However, in the vast majority of cases, UPS will be the best choice. The website of the company can be effectively used to manage all the processes involved in the supply chain management. This is mainly done through the integration of the corresponding software. Whereas, Schneider website provides services related to shipment and documentation.
It is noteworthy that UPS provides cloud-based software solutions, but Schneider lacks for that service. At that, cloud-based software is now regarded as one of the most efficient and cost-effective methods to manage processes associated with SCM (Tiwari and Jain 152). Companies do not need to acquire specific hardware for the SCM software, which is important due to the scarcity of resources. Moreover, the consumers can use the solutions in different locations 24/7.
Businesses with multiple offices and subsidiaries will be able to effectively operate their supply chain. This tool is also beneficial as it is a good platform for sharing data (including but not limited to documentation, shipping details, customers’ details, order tracking, as well as news and notifications). Importantly, UPS also provides mobile services that ensure immediate response to any emergencies. This enables consumers to be more flexible and feel secure. Schneider does not offer any mobile SCM solutions.
As for UPS, the company’s website can be used as the platform for major SCM software. Consumers can easily access the necessary services using their login. The consumers can use the necessary software through the website, which is essential. Schneider’s website does not have such attributes. UPS provides consultancy related to the use of the software. It is necessary to add that the software offered is user-friendly and can be used by companies of different sizes.
Businesses may develop efficient SCM strategies without extensive consultations or guiding. Although UPS (unlike Schneider) does not provide services concerning the development of supply chains, it provides easy-to-use tools that can help companies in this endeavour. At that, the company’s performance can still be enhanced through the use of some methods mentioned above.
Works Cited
ConnectShip: iShip. 2015. Web.
Hugos, Michael H. Essentials of Supply Chain Management. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, 2010. Print.
Online Tools. 2015. Web.
Overview of ConnectShip: iShip Solutions. 2015. Web.
Poirier, Charles C., Francis J. Quinn, and Morgan Swink. Diagnosing Greatness: Ten Traits of the Best Supply Chains. Fort Lauderdale: J. Ross Publishing, 2009. Print.
Tiwari, Animesh, and Megha Jain. “Analysis of Supply Chain Management in Cloud Computing.” International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering 3.5 (2013): 152-155. Print.