In the past, modifying a company’s supply chain management required analyzing trends over an extended period. Even as technology improved, it still took time to determine consumer behavior. As companies have begun utilizing social networks more effectively, however, a new and more immediate way to engage with customers and industry peers emerged. Now the “social supply chain” is a critical way companies can find success in both B2B and B2C development.
For years, businesses seemed to realize that social media would be vital to Working in Supply Chain management, but how to properly incorporate it remained an enigma. After all, the benefits of a social media strategy were obvious from a marketing perspective, but for ERP it was less clear. Part of the problem was in assuming that “social networks” were limited to public platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. While those can all be valuable in supply chain management, there are other, more business-centric tools available. Supply Chain Operating Networks simplify the process of connecting with trading partners and other companies. In addition, they allow for document sharing and discovering new customers.
Benefits of Social Supply Chains
Communication is simplified on every level.
Social media allows for direct, open communication internally, B2B, and B2C. This makes it much easier to share information and develop strategies that can be consistent between every component of a business.
Relationships are built as problems are solved.
In the past, companies had to rely on preexisting relationships that may or may not have been able to resolve specific concerns in the most ideal fashion. Social networks allow you to interact directly with the people who can help you, with minimal effort. This allows companies to find efficient solutions and build new connections simultaneously.
It’s easier to predict and adapt to consumers’ needs.
Listening to customers is vital for any business, and social media attracts quick, candid feedback. This is valuable data that can maximize productivity and inspire clear new directions for a company to take.
Customer interaction is public and dealt with swiftly.
The nature of social media allows companies to interact with customers and industry peers transparently, and this incentivizes faster, more definitive action. It also ensures that the most common concerns are prioritized.
How to Get Started
Even in 2019, some companies remain reluctant to explore anything beyond the basics when it comes to social media. But while it does require some willingness to adapt, taking part in a Supply Chain Operating Network is less intimidating than it may seem. The keys to success involve careful planning to determine which networks will best meet your needs, both on an operational level and in relating with customers. What is your goal? Do you hope to save costs? Improve customer satisfaction? Research and market new products? All these and more can be attained through a successfully implementing the Working in Social Supply Chain.
The experts at Katalyst Technologies are here to help your company achieve those goals. By scheduling a consultation, you can learn all about social media solutions that can drive your business and increase consumer engagement.
