Supply chain, or a supply chain network is a network of companies and individuals that are involved in the production and distribution of a good, product or service. This usually consists of producers, warehouses, transportation, distribution centers, retailers, and vendors. In short, a supply chain network is a logistics system that consists of facilities working to take raw materials and convert them into finished goods which end up in the hands of consumers or end customers.
The Five Crucial Stages of Amazon Supply Chain Management
There are 5 main stages of a supply chain, including the Amazon supply chain process. They are as follows:
Stage 1: Planning Your Supply Chain Strategy
The plan phases consists of a businesses operational strategy including do they manufacture a product or component, OR buy it from a supplier. This is a major decision that companies must weight the perks and downfalls of. It is imperative that companies decide and recognize they need a supply chain management strategy that aligns with their core central business strategy. Following this, communication of the plans of the full supply chain strategy need to be succinct amongst the entire organization before carrying out any activity.
Stage 2: Sourcing for Your Amazon Supply Chain
Sourcing your raw materials and components is a major factor when it comes to supply chain management and Amazon supply chain. It is important you have located a vendor that can produce the materials you need for your product, or that you can produce those raw materials yourself. Additionally, if you are contracting another business for these components or raw materials, negotiating contracts and delivery schedules with the selected vendors will help your supply chain process run efficiently and cost effectively.
Stage 3: Manufacturing in the Supply Chain
After you have sourced all of your raw materials, you must make the product or service you will be providing to the end consumer or customer. This step is geared towards the scheduling of production activities, testing of products, packing and release. The individual company is also responsible for the data and analytics behind all manufacturing.
Stage 4: Delivering Products in Amazon’s Supply Chain
Delivery stage can include a trial or warranty stage of shipping and production. Consumers and customers must be invoiced or billed, in exchange for the goods being delivered timely and successfully. Companies are also responsible for managing imports and exports for the finished product. A business must be mindful of the warehouse fees and storage spacing needed to house the finished product after completing stage 3.
Stage 5: Managing Returns in the Supply Chain
Return is associated with handling all returns of defective or unsatisfactory products, identifying the product condition, authorizing returns, scheduling product shipments, replacing defective products and providing refunds. Companies must establish rules for the following:
- Product Returns
- Monitoring performance and costs
- Managing inventory of returned product
Importance of an Efficient Amazon Supply Chain
Enhancing Customer Service Rating
- Customers always expect to receive their products on time, and in good condition.
- Customers are particular about being able to receive their products at the right location/store and will have negative connotations if they cannot find a product at a certain one.
- Customers do not want to wait weeks or months for their product. A business has to ensure that they can deliver the ordered good in a timely manner so as to not upset the customer, preventing repeat purchases.
- Customer Support is needed timely and effectively if the customer has any questions about their product.
Cost Efficiency: How A Supply Chain Lowers Operating Costs
- Reduces the costs for consumers. If a business has an effective management plan, they can charge less than a business with the same product that might not be effectively implementing supply chain management because it would cost them more money.
- Decreases Production Costs. A lower level supply chain management process means you will end up spending more time and effort and money on supply chain compared to vice versa. This will lead to increased revenue if you are able to keep production costs low with an effective supply chain.
Financial Gains Enabled by Amazon’s Supply Chain
- Decreases Fixed Assets. You will not need to spend for unnecessary factories, warehouses, shipments etc if you are using your supply chain efficiently. If supply chain experts can redesign a network to properly serve customers from six warehouses rather than 10, the firm will avoid building costs for four additional buildings as well as any employees needed to manage and run them.
- Increased Cash Flow. If a firm can make and deliver a product to a customer in 10 days versus 70, it can invoice the customer 60 days sooner which means more money, in your hands, quicker and better turnaround.
Amazon’s Supply Chain Strategies in Action
Amazon has been known to reduce delivery times and even offer same-day delivery. This is because it recognized the need for super-fast delivery among customers. This is because of their fulfilment centres and delivery fleet.
Amazon uses delivery fleets incredibly successfully via truck and airplanes. The company uses vans, trucks, bikes and even robots to deliver products timely to customers.
When you order a product on Amazon, there are a few steps that kick off from the Amazon side. First, Amazon receives notice that you purchased the product from their website. These products are stored on pallets in warehouses or handled by machines at Amazon centers. The majority of the products housed here come from independent sellers and small businesses.
The Role of Technology: Robots and Humans in Amazon’s Supply Chain
Once the customer buys a product, a robot brings pods of items to Amazon associates at the pick stations. The pickers read the screen, retrieve the product and place the product in a tote box.
In order to ensure quality, humans and robots work hand-in-hand. An item’s physical appearance should match the computer entry so the robot can properly function and review the quality of the product.
Lastly, products are organized, packed in the necessary box and shipped to the customer.
Mastering Amazon’s Supply Chain for E-commerce Success
Hopefully this gives you a better idea and understanding into the process of supply chain management and Amazon supply chain. In order to succeed on Amazon, you must fully understand how the Amazon supply chain process works.
In today’s fiercely competitive e-commerce landscape, the importance of a well-managed supply chain cannot be overstated. It’s the lifeline of your business, and navigating it efficiently can mean the difference between success and struggle.
That’s why we strongly encourage you to consider enlisting the expertise of Online Sales Advisors for your supply chain needs. Our professionals have their fingers on the pulse of the ever-evolving e-commerce world, and they can provide you with invaluable insights and strategies that can transform your supply chain into a lean, mean, profit-generating machine.
By partnering with Online Sales Advisors, you’re not just getting advice; you’re gaining a competitive edge. Our experts can help you harness the power of technologies like AI and automation, optimize your sourcing strategies, and fine-tune your logistics operations. We will work hand-in-hand with you to align your supply chain with your overarching business goals, ultimately boosting your bottom line.
So, if you’re looking to thrive in the dynamic world of e-commerce and maximize your profitability, take that decisive step today and choose Online Sales Advisors to revolutionize your supply chain management. Your business’s future success could very well depend on it.