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Q&A: Software in Supply Chains
Here is a diagram (sap scm) showing the different software modules used in supply chain management. Based on this, do you think MIS professionals need to understand supply chains? Why or why not?
Based on the diagram, it is extremely important for MIS professionals to understand supply chains. As the diagram shows, each software module helps the effectiveness of the supply chain in the long term. If the software is not connected or parts are missing than the supply chain design will fail.
Every business professional in a decision making position from spanning from Financial Services to Manufacturing needs to have an excellent understanding of supply chain. MIS professionals especially need to understand supply chains due to the past phases of globalization coupled with a desire for quality information and data. MIS professionals will be better able to cut costs, differentiate and gain a competitive advantage for their firm.
The MIS professional is a integral part of the supply chain. The MIS professional is able to better understand and implement these systems than anyone else in the company. This graph shows how many of the processes in the supply chain are assisted by these systems. This shows the importance of the MIS professional in the efficiency of the supply chain.
MIS professionals absolutely need to understand the software components of supply chains as it plays a very integral part in todays modern-technology focused world – in all industries. Supply Chain software needs to be correlated with all other departments and needs to be kept in real time in order for the business to operate both successfully and efficiently.
The diagram displays major parts of the supply chain that relies heavily on software which will make it very important for MIS professional to understand supply chains. In order for MIS professionals to implement new technologies or gather requirements, they must have a basic understanding of how the business functions through its supply chain
MIS professionals definitely need to understand the software components of the supply chain because the increasingly competitive environment forces MIS professionals to find any way to maximize profit. The best example would be cutting costs.
MIS professionals need to have a sound understanding of supply chains. Based on the diagram, supply chain design and strategic network planning affect all stages of a companies operations, from the procurement of materials to the distribution and sales. MIS professionals need to control the software to aggregate the proper data from each step of the supply chain cycles to ensure efficient and cost effective operations. The data extracted can help employees forecast accurately and plan effectively for future periods.
As shown by this diagram, software modules are utilized during all of the processes in the supply chain in the short and long term. It is important that MIS professionals understand supply chains because information technology is playing a huge role in the development and progression of supply chain management. The data being shared by the companies within a supply chain and the software that enables the communication between the varying parties are both crucial elements of the process. For example, when dealing with vendor managed inventory, the computers between the supplier and the distributor/retailer must have software that is properly notifying the companies’ of inventory levels, so that products can be delivered on time.
It is very important for an MIS professional to understand the supply chain management of their company based on the various technologies that are crucial to a supply chain in this diagram. MIS professionals are often responsible for implementing and managing many types of software within the company, and it is important to know where the software is used and how those people will use it to be able to correctly implement and manage it.
The diagram shows that is is important for MIS professionals to understand supply chain since there is software implemented in throughout the entire planning process. MIS professionals need to understand the software used in the supply chain planning process because this software often integrates into other systems in the organization. Therefore, their work can be directly impacted by any technological changes in the supply chain. Once MIS professionals understand how all the systems within their organization integrate, the can look for improvements and cost saving opportunities.
According to the diagram, the supply chain process involves several different processes. These processes should be done in an effective order to maximize efficiency, innovation, and overall supply chain delivery. MIS professionals must understand the supply chain and understand it well in order to create the most efficient processes. This will not only help with supply chain efficiency but also with gaining a competitive advantage over competition companies.
Understanding and managing the different software components of the supply chain is an essential part of the MIS professional’s job. An MIS professional must understand the relationship and significance of each software module in order to effectively manage the supply chain and produce enough value to the business to be competitive and successful.