The 7-C’ s of Logistics are Connect, Create, Customize, Coordinate, Consolidate, Collaborate, and Contribute. These are deemed to provide a dependable framework for delivering effective supply chains. The backbone to these 7Cs is technology. interactions through AI and chat bots. These enhance visibility and go along way in delivering exceptional customer experience. The outcomes are strong bonds with customers and cemented trust.
Supply Chain
Framework For Influencing Reliability And Efficiency
By Michael Nzule
In most management fields, there are generally accepted operating frameworks. These are deemed to work, guide and influences outcomes. In marketing for example, we have the 7Ps. The 7Ps are also known as the " marketing mix”. These are Product, Price, Place, Promotion, People, Process, and Physical evidence. This is a framework used to plan and evaluate marketing strategies for products and services and has been expanded from the original 4Ps( Product, Price, Place, Promotion). This is a more comprehensive approach, especially for service-based businesses.
Turning to logistics industry, demands for reliability, efficiency and sustainability continue to grow and mutate in complexity. Efforts to develop and adopt new frameworks to deliver on continuous improvements cannot be ignored.
It is in this context that the 7Cs of logistics have evolved and continue to be developed. The 7-C’ s of Logistics are Connect, Create, Customize, Coordinate, Consolidate, Collaborate, and Contribute. These are deemed to provide a dependable framework for delivering effective supply chains. The backbone to these 7Cs is technology. Operational demand on effective supply chains is also greatly impacted by the changing global landscape for trade. The framework helps navigate these complexities and to keep pace with global trends. Further, the framework plays a core role in designing and developing strong and flexible supply chains.
We now direct our focus on the components of the 7Cs framework, to explore how each component impacts the delivery of smooth operations and customer experience.
Connect: Delivering great experiences
This C is all about building strong relationships with all stakeholders in the supply chain. These include suppliers, customers, regulatory agencies, business partners and internal stakeholders as well. Supply chains are now connected by technology. Technology simplifies the processes, provides real time information, and enhances collaboration. Effective communication is key for both internal teamwork within organizations and for seamless external interactions.
Connect is all about communication, to keep all stakeholders up to date. This mitigates risks around turnaround times, quality, changes in demand and customer requests, leading to seamless operations devoid of disruptions. Advancements in technology has led to use of real-time shipment tracking and enhanced customer
The 7-C’ s of Logistics are Connect, Create, Customize, Coordinate, Consolidate, Collaborate, and Contribute. These are deemed to provide a dependable framework for delivering effective supply chains. The backbone to these 7Cs is technology. interactions through AI and chat bots. These enhance visibility and go along way in delivering exceptional customer experience. The outcomes are strong bonds with customers and cemented trust.
Create: |
Continuous |
process |
improvement |
|
|
Customer needs are forever changing and challenging supply chain management every day. To remain relevant, innovation is the only way out. Customer demands shift, regulatory landscapes are unpredictable, and nature may as well change abruptly and in ways that were not anticipated. In the world of uncertainty and volatility, use of modern tools and technology guides continuous improvement. In the changing world of supply chain management, encouraging innovation is crucial. Artificial intelligence and data analytics are now being deployed to forecast market trends, streamline logistics processes, and automate decision-making to drive competitiveness.
The key pain points that require continuous innovation include asset capacity utilisation( e. g. trucks and warehouse throughputs), cost optimisation, profitability and margin protection, route planning, track and tracing, safety, cargo consolidation opportunities, and overall returns on investments and channel management. Innovation is mostly achieved through deployment of technology for example GPS for route optimisation to drive efficiencies and ultimately deliver cost savings. Technology can also lead to reduced safety claims, optimisation of carrier contracts leading to higher customer retention and attraction rates.
Customise: Targeted customer solutions
Each customer has unique requirements and desire specific experience. This
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