Solving Supply Chain Challenges with Setlog

Global supply chains bring daily challenges

Typical challenges faced by companies with global supply chains include a lack of transparency into their value chain, leading to uncertainty and delays in decision-making. Additionally, the reliance on manual communication through email and Excel spreadsheets contributes to an increased workload, potential for errors, and inefficiencies in information exchange. The manual and time-consuming nature of planning and control processes results in financial strain, resource inefficiencies, and reduced overall operational effectiveness. Consistent issues with deliveries arriving late pose further problems, causing disruptions in the material flow, potential stockouts, and dissatisfaction among customers. Furthermore, companies can often only adopt a reactive, event-driven approach to managing operations, resulting in a lack of proactive measures, increasing vulnerability to disruptions, and suboptimal performance.

That is where Setlog comes into play.

Who is Setlog?

Setlog was founded in 2001 with headquarters in Bochum, Germany, and New York City. Over 15,000 global supply chain partners utilize the Setlog platform, which operates in more than 95 countries worldwide.

With over 150 customers and brands, Setlog offers cloud-based supply chain and corporate social responsibility software solutions. These modules enable the planning, control, and optimization of global production, delivery, and logistics chains using early warning systems, management-by-exception, dialogue, analysis, and data management tools. Transparency, seamless data transfer without media breaks, and the automation of manual processes are crucial aspects of supply chain digitization.

By leveraging Setlog’s software, companies can connect on one central platform with their customers, suppliers, factories, and service providers to align their supply chains optimally, accelerate processes, and manage efficiently. ERP, PLM, warehouse management, and other systems are integrated through interfaces and API. Information on purchase orders and shipments, as well as metrics such as on-time-in-full ratios can be broken down to the factory or raw material supplier level, thus enabling scorecarding and vendor ratings.

How do we help our customers address their challenges?

The Setlog platform provides workflows, real-time tracking and visibility for purchase orders, empowering stakeholders to monitor the status at any given time, thereby improving supply chain resilience. Through direct communication within the tool, the system eliminates excessive reliance on emails and Excel, streamlining communication, reducing manual errors, and increasing efficiency in information exchange.

Moreover, Setlog’s solution involves the automation and digitalization of planning and control processes, leading to reduced costs, efficient resource utilization, and improved overall operational effectiveness. Management-by-exception instruments provide early insights into potential delays and facilitate streamlined communication, enabling proactive measures to address issues and ensure on-time deliveries.

The system promotes proactive operations management by offering real-time transparency, early warnings, and data-driven insights. This shift from a reactive to a proactive approach minimizes disruptions, enhances overall performance, and contributes to a more reliable and efficient supply chain – bad news is better than no news. In summary, Setlog’s SCM system fosters improved efficiency, reduced costs, and heightened reliability in supply chain operations through streamlined communication, real-time visibility, and automation.

What’s the scope of the platform?

Setlog’s SCM system focuses on the entire purchase order management process along the inbound or upstream supply chain. The fundamental workflow involves the tracking and confirmation of the purchase order, subsequent coordination and planning of transportation and shipments, and finally the delivery to the warehouse or fulfillment center.

1. Purchase Order Management
   • A purchase order for a product is transferred from the customer’s ERP system to Setlog and presented to the customer’s supplier for confirmation, often weeks or months before the planned transport.
   • The supplier accesses the order and corresponding collateral information and confirms it.
   • If the supplier cannot deliver the order as originally issued (due to production issues, insufficient materials, etc.), the supplier requests a PO change. This may involve changing the delivery date, transportation method, destination, or incoterm.
   • Supplier and customer can communicate directly in the system, eliminating the need for emails.
   • At any given time, the platform provides insights into the impact of delays on the demand side or deadlines at the destination.
2. Transport Planning and Shipment Creation:
   • The supplier prepares the freight booking, directly linking the respective purchase order(s).
   • The booking is then handed over to the freight forwarder or carrier, who processes it either directly in Setlog’s platform or in their own Transportation Management System (TMS).
   • The carrier creates a shipment, which is presented to the supplier, who reviews it, adds data, and uploads relevant documents/attachments.
   • Only then is the shipment considered final, and the customer can review it.
   • All roles involved in the process (customer, supplier, and carrier) have the ability to communicate at any time regarding the shipment and booking.
3. Delivery to the Warehouse:
   • The carrier informs the warehouse personnel of the planned delivery date.
   • The warehouse can suggest alternative dates/times, make changes, or confirm the date.
   • The workflow concludes with the goods receipt.

Which benefits does the SCM system bring our customer?

1. Time and resource savings in Purchase Order Management:
   The automation of manual processes reduces the time and personnel involved in Purchase Order Management, leading to more efficient operations.
2. Optimized supplier evaluation for higher performance standards:
   Improved processes for supplier evaluation ensure that suppliers adhere to agreed-upon standards, enhancing the reliability of the supply chain.
3. Automation and digitalization for increased efficiency:
   Automation and digitalization enhance the overall efficiency of the supply chain, facilitating a smooth flow of information and quick decision-making.
4. Elimination of Excel Lists for improved data accuracy:
   The use of digital tools eliminates the error-prone nature of Excel lists, improving data accuracy.
5. Real-time transparency and early warning for proactive action:
   Real-time transparency allows for immediate notifications and warnings, supporting proactive measures and minimizing potential disruptions.
6. Overview of the supplier network for strong relationships:
   The digital overview of the supplier network optimizes supplier relationships and facilitates seamless integration of information.
7. Efficient document management:
   Efficient, centralized document management facilitates easy access to relevant documents and promotes smooth communication.
8. Independence from logistics service providers for greater flexibility:
   The option to integrate various logistics partners creates independence and increases flexibility.
9. More accurate delivery date predictions through data-driven models:
   More accurate delivery date predictions are based on data-driven models and analyses within the digital network.
10. Transparent processes, communication, and data for improved decision-making:
    Complete transparency in processes, communication, and data supports improved decision-making and overall efficiency.
11. Reduction of emails through integrated communication:
    Communication is conducted directly within the platform, leading to more efficient and transparent collaboration and reducing the need for emails.

What our customers say:

Targus

“Working with Setlog has been a game changer for Targus. Their expert team led us through a back-end transformation and consolidated all of our orders across 5 continents in record time.”

Within a few months, Setlog and Targus finalized the blueprint for the new platform and started coding. The project was completed in just 90 days. Setlog provided personal training for all five Targus regions, ensuring everyone was comfortable using the new system. They also implemented a “train the trainer” approach to help keep future Targus employees knowledgeable. Setlog’s experienced 24/7 customer service team continues to provide ongoing support today.

According to Director of Information Technology Prashant Urkudey and ERP Systems Project Manager Venkat Doraiswamy, working with Setlog has been transformative. The entire Targus team is realizing the benefits, including skeptics who marveled at the short implementation time. Both Prashant and Venkat were impressed with Setlog’s technology and emphasized the professionalism, experience, dedication, and positive attitude of Setlog’s team.

Targus highlighted four key benefits to their business:

• Centralized Ordering: Targus can now track 1,500+ products and manage all new orders effectively.
• Global Visibility: 24/7 visibility of all orders across all five regions enables Targus to improve efficiency and proactively address potential problems.
• Enhanced Communication: Improved communication and collaboration with suppliers and partners frees up everyone’s time.
• Customized Technology: Setlog’s OSCA® technology, customized for Targus, works seamlessly with their ERP system and enables them to adjust as the company grows.

“The PO entry/maintenance process is much more productive for us and interfaces seamlessly with our ERP platform. This is great since it allows us additional time to focus on more strategic activities.”

In conclusion, managing global supply chains presents numerous challenges that can hinder operational efficiency and increase costs. Issues such as lack of transparency, reliance on manual communication, and time-consuming planning processes can lead to delays, errors, and financial strain. Setlog offers a comprehensive solution to these challenges with its cloud-based supply chain management system. By providing real-time visibility, automated processes, and seamless communication, Setlog enhances the efficiency, reliability, and overall performance of supply chains. With Setlog, companies can transition from reactive to proactive operations management, ensuring timely deliveries, optimized resource utilization, and greater customer satisfaction. By leveraging these advanced tools, businesses can navigate the complexities of global supply chains more effectively, driving success and resilience in a competitive market.