The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on supply chains around the globe. No-code could be the answer to these challenges—here’s how.
Have you noticed that you’ve been waiting a while for your packages to be delivered? You’re not alone! The global supply chain is in a state of flux, and there have been extensive shipping delays across all industries. Understandably, supply chain managers are feeling the pressure—but is there anything to be done?
No-code could be the key to optimizing the supply chain and helping supply chain managers navigate this period of disruption. Let’s explore the recent supply chain issues, and highlight some ways an enterprise-grade no-code application can help.
The current state of the global supply chain
Even under the best of circumstances, the supply chain is very complex. Between negotiating multiple suppliers, provisioning supplies, maintaining a consistent flow of information, and tracking all kinds of packages, there’s a lot going on. Unfortunately, supply chain logistics is often at the mercy of national and global events—and many disasters coalesced in 2020 to make for an extra challenging year.
The coronavirus pandemic hit soon after trade tensions between the United States and China came to a boil, and the demand for goods plummeted during the first half of 2020 as global economies went into lockdown. By the summer of that year, imports to the U.S. surged as manufacturing restarted, international trade resumed, and consumers started spending more and more online. Unfortunately, the supply chain is too large and too complex to simply snap back to how it was before the shutdowns.
The sudden and drastic changes caused by COVID-19 have led to increased container prices, shipping charges, and ocean and air freight costs. Two years ago, it cost less than $2,000 to transport a 40-foot container of goods from Asia to the United States. In 2021, that same service will set you back as much as $25,000 if you’re paying for on-time delivery. Every industry is suffering from box and crew shortages, including a truck driver shortage, and all these issues are causing warehouses to reach capacity at alarming rates.
Ongoing pandemic-related delays, closures, and complications pile up on top of these existing problems. Plus, travel restrictions and quarantine requirements have resulted in canceled shipping journeys that leave planes and boats half-loaded or totally empty. With all these obstacles, International Air Transport Association (IATA) figures anticipate that lower-hold cargo capacity won’t return to 2019 levels until late 2023 or early 2024.
Supply chain managers can’t control politics or fluctuating customer demand, but they can control the tools they use to help them stay afloat and stay agile during trying times. No-code could be the answer!
Leaders in the supply chain and logistics industry are already braced for another surge in demand during the holiday season, which will surely be taxing on the already fragile supply chain. Supply chain managers can’t control politics or fluctuating customer demand, but they can control the tools they use to help them stay afloat and stay agile during trying times. No-code could be the answer!
How no-code can help
With a no-code development platform, anyone of any experience level can create web applications after a short training period. Visual interfaces, templated workflows, and drag-and-drop components make application development fast and easy. No-code applications can help optimize supply chain management by:
Digitizing files and eliminating paper-based forms
Many contracts, forms, and shipping manifests must change hands within the global supply chain, and it’s easy for something to slip between the cracks. With a no-code platform, you can easily create self-service hubs and web-based applications that house your digital files. All relevant parties will have easy access, which boosts transparency and helps eliminate bottlenecks. Unqork’s integrations with DocuSign and AdobeSign also make it easy to share digital forms, get them signed, and get things moving.
Reducing data entry errors
Did you know that the average person will make 10 mistakes per 100 steps in a manual process, even if it’s something they’ve done multiple times before? Manual, paper-based processes are notoriously error-prone, and one mistake in the global chain can critically slow down operations. Since Unqork’s platform uses easy-to-apply business logic, it’s simple and straightforward to automate repetitive supply chain tasks that would otherwise require a manual process via customizable workflows. This feature expedites operations, reduces opportunities for human error, and even reduces costs!
Have a few minutes? See for yourself how easy it is to manipulate data and introduce complex computations into your applications.
Creating custom solutions for the supply chain
Each “link” within the supply chain has a different set of needs, from finance to inventory to purchasing. Supply chain managers can become citizen developers with the help of no-code, meaning the people who are well-acquainted with the need are those creating applications to solve it. Also, no-code platforms are designed to help you make fast changes and adapt quickly. In the supply chain industry, an industry that’s constantly in flux, this feature is invaluable.
As the state of the global supply chain continues to shift, you’ll need no-code tools to adapt. However, not just any no-code tool will do—you need one that can stand up to the needs of your enterprise. That’s where Unqork comes in!
Unqork helps you deliver
Unqork is the first no-code platform specifically designed for the enterprise. Our cloud-native architecture makes it easy to deploy flexible applications that can scale up or down with ease. As you migrate to the cloud, our single-tenant and cloud-agnostic structure means there’s no “co-mingling” on the cloud with other team members. This promotes safety, consistency, and reliability throughout your enterprise applications. Our modern architecture can even be horizontally scaled—whatever works best for your enterprise.
With these features (and more!) you’ll be ready to adapt to any changes the supply chain throws at you, your managers, and the global economy.
Request a personalized demonstration of the Unqork platform today! For more updates in the world of no-code, sign up for the Unqork newsletter.
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