Individual Project

Individual Project

Abstract
The paper explains the problems that are associated with global supply chains.
Additionally, it explains the best strategies that can be used to curb the problems to achieve
better performance of the supply chains. Also, the paper talks about how the problems facing
partners in a global supply chain can be resolved, and the main resolution discussed in the paper
is the automation of all the processes of the supply chain. Notably, the paper explains how
automation can be implemented in Slam company to help resolve the issues facing the partners.
Introduction
Complex supply chains face numerous problems, and many factors cause the problems. It
is vital to acknowledge that escalating customer expectations for quicker lead times and
diversified products and services are one of the factors that make supply chains complex.
Notably, rising customer expectations often force brand owners to support more exclusive orders
from customers across the supply chain, which requires better cooperation with partners, and
enhanced inventory management with suppliers. It is worth noting that complex supply chains
are associated with numerous problems. One of the problems is trading partner relationships,
especially when the distance is long. Some of the issues associated with trading partner
relationships include logistical communication barriers and incompatible technology (Data
Interchange, 2021). The other problem associated with a complex supply chain is limited supply
chain visibility, which often results in a lack of accuracy and difficult supplier relationships.
Remarkably, numerous strategies can be used to reassess strategies, which ensure that the supply
chain performs effectively. One of the strategies is continuous monitoring of the supply chain
operations, which helps in identifying problems before they can cause serious issues.

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Additionally, improving visibility through the use of blockchain and IoT technologies. This
paper discusses complex supply chains, their associated problems, and problems partners face in
the supply chain operations, and their solutions.
Flow chart

Manufacturer

Distributor

RetailerLogistics

Supplier

Customer

Analysis of the strategies resolving the supply chain problem
Slam company can use different strategies to solve complex supply chain problems. One
of the strategies they can use is continuous monitoring of supply chain operations by automating
most of the processes. It is vital to acknowledge that automation helps in improving the ability to
oversee all the operations, especially with the use of data analytics tools. One of the benefits
associated with automation is streamlining of the supply chain processes, which significantly
improves supply chain performance. Additionally, improvement of the supply chain’s visibility
would help in solving the problems associated with the supply chain operations. It is vital to
acknowledge that the visibility of the supply chain can be improved by giving suppliers the

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ability to check inventory in real-time to help them understand the current situation and plan
ahead to meet future demand (Ivanov, 2021).
Also, improved visibility would help Slam company to enable key members of the team
to have access to the counts that may help them strategize autonomously. It is vital to
acknowledge that there are numerous processes that can help in increasing the visibility of Slam
company. One of the processes is to select a platform for connectivity, which guarantees the
effective connection of players of all the players involved in the supply chain operations (Ivanov,
2021). Additionally, focusing on real-time transparency would increase the visibility of the
supply chain because it is easy to leverage data in real-time to the key enablers who need to
understand the data and solve problems in the supply chain.
Analysis of a strategy to resolve a partner’s problem
A critical examination of the supply chain of Slam company indicates that it experiences
problems with partners. The best strategy to resolve the operational performance problem facing
partners in a global supply chain is the automation of all the operations. One of the benefits of
automation of supply chain operations is that it makes purchasing products easier. The partners
in the global supply chain make purchases of the products needed by the customers easily
(Blossey et al., 2019). Additionally, the partners can easily manage their inventory levels without
any difficulties. Also, automation of all the operations of the supply chain of the company helps
in increasing transparency. It is vital to acknowledge that increased transparency improves trust
between partners as they can obtain real-time data about inventory and other financial statements
that provide proof of transactions.
Additionally, automation has made it easy for partners to communicate through video
conferencing and other effective means of communication, which makes it easy for

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collaboration. With increased collaboration between partners in the global supply chain,
efficiency is achieved. Also, automation of the supply chain operations helps in process
standardization, which is key to improved performance of the supply chain. It is worth noting
that partners will find it easy to increase the efficiency of the supply chain with reduced costs.
Slam company can use automation to help partners of the supply chain to gain data insight,
which is crucial in the decision-making process (Blossey et al., 2019). Notably, partners need
real-time data to help them identify areas for improvement in the supply chain. Remarkably, the
availability of data pertaining to the supply chain operations increases trust among the partners
and hence improves coordination.
Implementation of the strategy
An assessment of automation in supply chain operations indicates that it can be
implemented in numerous ways. One of the ways is using data analytics tools, which provide
real-time data about inventory and predict future consumer demand. Additionally, automation
can be achieved in supply chain operations through the installation of Enterprise Resource
Planning (ERP) software, which helps in automating purchases and standardizing processes in
the supply chain, among other things. Also, automation can be achieved by the installation of an
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), which makes it possible to share information between
partners (Bsat & Beckers, 2006). It is vital to acknowledge that EDI helps increase the supply
chain’s visibility by facilitating communication between partners.
The mechanism of the strategy in resolving the problem
Automation is crucial in supply chain management because it helps in improving
performance. First, through the use of ERP software, partners can achieve automatic purchasing,
enabling automatic placement of orders with vendors, especially when the inventory levels drop

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below the expected levels. One of the issues that partners often face in the global supply chain is
maintaining inventory levels. With automatic purchasing, partners do not have to worry about
not meeting the needs of their customers because they can place orders with vendors
automatically, which saves on time and resources.
Additionally, automation helps improve the supply chain’s performance because it makes
it easy to monitor all the operations of the supply chain. One of the reasons why partners often
disagree is mistrust regarding financial issues. It is vital to acknowledge that automation makes it
easy for partners to have access to all the data pertaining to inventory and financial transactions
(Blossey et al., 2019). Notably, with such information available to partners, their level of trust
augments, and this makes them concentrate on making the supply chain better. Remarkably, the
partners may opt to invest more in the Internet of Things with the aim of meeting the needs of
their customers promptly.
Also, automation of the supply chain operations helps in improving partner relationships.
With EDI, partners can communicate effectively about the operations of the supply chain.
Notably, effective communication is essential in developing better relationships between partners
(Bsat & Beckers, 2006). It is worth noting that partners who communicate effectively are more
likely to work in teams, which allows for sharing of brilliant business ideas that can help in the
improvement of the operations of the supply chain. Additionally, EDI helps in improving budget
management, which is crucial for the smooth running of the supply chain. The EDI makes it
possible to share financial documents, which can be used during budgeting.
Conclusion
Supply chain management is a difficult process because it is associated with numerous
problems, especially because the needs of customers vary regularly, and partners may also have

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different opinions about the management of the operations. It is vital to acknowledge that
companies such as Slam have a responsibility to employ the necessary steps to curb the problems
facing the supply chain. One of the strategies that have proven to work over the years is the
automation of supply chain operations. Notably, automation involves the use of numerous tools
and software, ERP, which allows for automatic purchasing, among other activities. Companies
and their partners should adopt automation to help improve customer satisfaction and improve
supply chain performance.

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References

Blossey, G., Eisenhardt, J., & Hahn, G. (2019). Blockchain technology in supply chain
management: An application perspective.
Bsat, M. Z., & Beckers, A. M. (2006). The Role of Electronic Data Interchange In Supply Chain
Management. Research Yearbook.
Ivanov, D. (2021). Digital supply chain management and technology to enhance resilience by
building and using end-to-end visibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. IEEE
Transactions on Engineering Management.
Data Interchange (2021). Complex supply chain problems