Better managing logistics operations during times of crisis

[Petra_Diessner]

The last months have been tough, probably for everyone. Covid-19 stretched our imagination as to how impactful such small organisms can get. While luckily not being personally affected, and also from the rather comfortable position of working at a global IT company, it was tough to see that essentially every company we are in touch with faced massive challenges, and partially still does. During the initial lockdowns, manufacturers with global supply chains along with their complete ecosystem had been struck hard. We saw excessive variability in demand for goods and services, and uncertain supply of critical materials.

In the meantime, companies have adjusted, including remote work strategies wherever possible. However, as logistics obviously involves physical goods movements and thus can’t be managed remotely, two capabilities have moved on top of minds of supply chain executives, as these have proven specifically beneficial in this new reality:

• Efficient collaboration with logistics service providers for securing reliable transportation capacity to deliver goods to customers on time, in full and at the right price.


• Real-time insights into (multi-modal) shipment execution to get alerted early in case of deviations from the plan that might endanger the “perfect delivery” to the customer

Therefore, I wanted to take the opportunity to once more highlight some of the recent extensions of SAP Logistics Business Network, as a guidance to better navigate these challenging times:

1. Besides many functional enhancements for dock appointment scheduling and multi-modal freight visibility, we have launched a “back to best” recovery package, the SAP Transportation Management and Freight Collaboration Jump Start. This offers advanced Transportation Management capabilities and network-based collaboration in concert with a targeted implementation scope delivered by SAP or also our knowledgeable consulting partners. With the focused scope of over-the-road outbound transportation, it shall give you as a shipper who hasn’t yet invested in an advanced Transportation Management Solution the tools needed at hand to adapt to dynamic market conditions and manage freight better. Find more details here. This jump start offering can be easily upgraded with more advanced capabilities over time, including real-time shipment insights
   – which leads me to the second topic of


2. Propelling Global Supply Chains into the Future with Open Networks
   In a recent fireside chat with Freightwaves, project44 Founder and CEO, Jett McCandless, sat down with SAP’s SVP and Head of Digital Supply Chain Business Networks, Paige Cox, to discuss why open networks are essential for an end-to-end solution that powers the supply chains of tomorrow.
   Supply chain priorities have shifted over the last year to focus on agility. Companies are accelerating initiatives to gain access to in-depth and real-time data across their ecosystems, and using that data to drive better business decisions. At the core of data and business intelligence is the supply chain’s transportation network. project44 and SAP share a similar network-based philosophy, which is the basis of a partnership that began in 2019 to enable seamless B2B connectivity. Recent enhancements to the native integration include the addition of global ocean visibility and expansion of B2B connectivity for truckload and less-than-truckload (LTL) freight contracting.
   Watch the recording here, and refresh your knowledge of how the latest SAP Logistics Business Network release further supports the drive toward logistics visibility, collaboration, and reach.
   As an open network, additional vendors are successively onboarded to the SAP Logistics Business Network, allowing you to instantly benefit from their specific regional and functional strengths. Please find a comprehensive representation of the latest newcomers on the SAP app center: ClearMetal and Shippeo.

Stay safe, and be prepared for further news on SAP’s business network offerings!

Lastly, don’t forget to visit SAP.COM to learn more about the SAP Logistics Business Network capabilities, and check out the different purchase options on the SAP Store.