Managing supply chain performance using a real-time dashboard

What is it about?

Supply chains are the networks of people, businesses, and activities involved in the production, delivery, and consumption of goods and services. Managing supply chains effectively is essential for businesses to succeed. One way to improve supply chain performance is to use business intelligence (BI) tools. BI tools collect and analyze data from different sources to provide insights into how a business is performing. This information can then be used to make better decisions about supply chain management. One popular BI tool is Microsoft Power BI. Power BI is a relatively affordable and easy-to-use BI tool that is well-suited for small businesses. It offers a variety of features that can be used to manage supply chains, such as real-time dashboards, interactive reports, and predictive analytics. The article discusses a case study of how Ly Foods Ltd., a food processing company in Bangladesh, used a Power BI dashboard to improve their supply chain management. Ly Foods Ltd. was facing a number of challenges, including high inventory costs, long delivery times, and poor customer satisfaction. Ly Foods Ltd. implemented a Power BI dashboard to track key supply chain metrics, such as inventory levels, order fulfillment rates, and customer satisfaction scores. The dashboard also provided insights into the root causes of supply chain problems. By using the Power BI dashboard, Ly Foods Ltd. was able to reduce inventory costs by 15%, reduce delivery times by 20%, and increase customer satisfaction by 10%. The article concludes that BI tools, such as Power BI, can be used to improve supply chain performance in a number of ways. BI tools can help businesses make better decisions, improve efficiency, and increase profitability. If you are interested in learning more about how BI tools can be used to manage supply chains, I recommend reading the full article.

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Photo by Luke Chesser on Unsplash

Photo by Luke Chesser on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Theoretical contribution: This research makes a significant theoretical contribution by showcasing the potential advantages that arise from incorporating innovative technologies into SC practices. The study emphasizes the significance of measuring SC performance and explores a cost-effective and easily accessible solution tailored for small businesses. The development of a real-time dashboard offers a pragmatic approach to measuring SC KPIs, which can prove invaluable to small businesses lacking the means to invest in expensive SCM systems. Practical implications: The practical implications of this research are also noteworthy. This dashboard finds out which KPIs are showing lower performance or are responsible for the overall lower performance of an SC. Applying the ADR method in a similar way as this article applied to the case of Ly Foods, the suppliers can design SC artifacts adopting a new SC-dominant BIE to manage performance. Additionally, there is an opportunity to assess the performance of a BIE at the alpha level before advancing to the beta level. Based on this performance evaluation, individuals can make an informed decision on whether to proceed or not. Finally, by enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions and monitor their SC performance regularly, the dashboard facilitates better SCM practices and enhances overall performance.

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