Microsoft Power Platform replacing Excel and Automating Supply Chain Processes

March 20, 2023

The rise of digital transformation has led to an increased demand for automation and efficiency in business processes.

Microsoft Power Platform, a low-code development environment, has emerged as a popular tool for businesses to build custom applications and automate workflows. In this article, we will explore how the suite of Power Platform applications are replacing Excel and automating supply chain processes in a cost-effective way.

Excel has been a trusted tool for businesses to manage data and perform calculations for decades. However, as businesses have grown in complexity, Excel has started to show its limitations. Excel requires manual data entry, and as the volume of data grows, it becomes more challenging to manage and process the data accurately. Additionally, Excel lacks the ability to automate workflows and integrate with other systems, leading to inefficiencies and errors.

The Microsoft Power Platform suite of applications, including Power Apps and Power Automate, provide a solution to these limitations by allowing businesses to build custom applications that can automate workflows, integrate with other systems, and manage data effectively. With Power Apps, businesses can create customised forms, dashboards, and reports that can be accessed by users across the organisation. Power Apps enable businesses to digitise manual processes and improve visibility into their operations, leading to better decision-making and increased efficiency.

Supply chain processes are an area where Microsoft Power Apps can provide significant benefits.

Supply chain management involves the coordination of activities from procurement to delivery, and often involves multiple parties, such as suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. These processes are often complex, and require accurate and timely data to ensure the efficient movement of goods.

Power Platform can help automate and streamline supply chain processes by digitising manual processes and integrating with other systems. For example, businesses can use Power Pages to create custom forms for suppliers to submit purchase orders, which can then be automatically routed to the appropriate departments for approval. Power Apps can also integrate with other systems, such as inventory management and transportation management systems, to provide real-time data and visibility into the supply chain.

Power Platform and supply chain analytics.

Power BI can be used to create custom dashboards and reports that provide insights into key performance indicators (KPIs) such as inventory levels, lead times, and on-time delivery rates. These KPIs can be used to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to optimise supply chain processes.

Power Automate and Dataverse are replacing Excel as a tool for managing data and automating workflows. Together with Power BI, they provide businesses with the ability to digitise manual processes, integrate with other systems, and provide real-time data and visibility into their operations. In the context of supply chain management, Power Applications can provide significant benefits by automating and streamlining processes, providing analytics and insights, and improving decision-making.

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Power Automate and Demand Planning & Replenishment

Microsoft Power Automate is a powerful tool that enables businesses to automate repetitive tasks and processes. In the context of demand planning and replenishment, Power Automate can be used to replace Excel and provide more efficient and accurate processes. Let's explore how Power Automate can be used in demand planning and replenishment.

Demand planning is the process of forecasting customer demand for a product or service. The objective of demand planning is to ensure that the business has the right amount of inventory to meet customer demand without overstocking. In many organisations, demand planning is still performed using Excel, copying and pasting data from multiple systems. However, as the volume of data has grown, the limitations of Excel have become more apparent. Excel requires manual data entry and is prone to errors, leading to inaccurate forecasts.

Power Automate can automate the demand planning process by integrating with other systems and automating data entry. For example, Power Automate can be used to automatically import sales data from a point-of-sale system, eliminating the need for manual data entry. Power Automate can also be used to automate the process of updating forecasts, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring that the business has accurate forecasts. From a replenishment perspective, Power Automate can be used to automatically generate purchase orders based on a set of pre-defined business rules, improving the efficiency of the process and allowing planning team members to concentrate efforts on more important products.

Power Pages ability to capture and automate external data capture and reporting

Another component of Power Platform is Power Pages, which allows users to create customised, low-code websites that can capture data from external stakeholders, such as suppliers and customers, and generate automated communications and reporting. For example, a custom Power Page can be created to capture data from suppliers regarding purchase orders, delivery dates, and inventory levels. The data can be automatically integrated with other internal systems, such as inventory management or transportation management systems, to provide real-time data and visibility into the supply chain.

Once the data has been captured, Power Pages can generate automated communications, such as purchase order confirmations, shipping notifications, and invoices. These communications can be customised to meet the specific needs of the business and can be sent automatically to the appropriate teams, reducing the need for manual data entry and communication.

Low-code applications to improve supply chain processes will continue to grow

With current high levels of inflation and uncertainty, businesses have become more cautious with investments, including large, expensive IT upgrades. However, staying stagnant creates its own risks, including becoming unproductive and falling behind the competition. In this environment, low-code environments such as Microsoft Power Platform provide an opportunity for businesses to keep improving their supply chain processes without significant investment in time and effort to implement proprietary software or upgrade ERP systems.

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Related Insights

Technology

July 22, 2024

Leveraging Low-Code Platforms to Transform Supply Chain Management

Explore the benefits of low-code platforms in supply chain management, including rapid application development, enhanced agility, and cost efficiency. Discover real-world applications and best practices for implementation to stay competitive in 2024.

Leveraging Low-Code Platforms to Transform Supply Chain Management

In the ever-evolving landscape of supply chain management, the integration of low-code platforms has emerged as a game-changer. These platforms, characterised by their ability to enable rapid application development with minimal hand-coding, are revolutionising how businesses manage their supply chains. This article delves into the significance of low-code platforms in supply chain management, explores their benefits, and offers insights into how organisations can effectively implement these platforms to enhance their operations.

Understanding Low-Code Platforms

Low-code platforms provide a visual approach to application development. They use drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-built templates, and easy-to-configure modules, enabling users to create applications with minimal coding expertise. These platforms bridge the gap between IT and business users, empowering non-technical stakeholders to contribute to the development and optimisation of supply chain processes.

The Importance of Low-Code Platforms in Supply Chain Management

Supply chains are complex networks involving multiple processes, systems, and stakeholders. Traditional software development methods often struggle to keep pace with the dynamic nature of supply chains, leading to inefficiencies and delays. Low-code platforms address these challenges by offering a flexible and agile approach to application development.

Key Benefits of Low-Code Platforms in Supply Chain

‍Rapid Application Development

Low-code platforms significantly reduce the time required to develop and deploy applications. This rapid development capability is crucial in supply chain management, where timely responses to market changes and disruptions are essential. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies leveraged low-code platforms to quickly create applications for managing supply chain disruptions and ensuring continuity.

Enhanced Agility and Flexibility

The flexibility of low-code platforms allows organisations to quickly adapt to changing business requirements. Supply chain managers can modify and update applications in real-time, ensuring that the systems remain aligned with evolving operational needs. This agility is particularly beneficial in scenarios where supply chains need to pivot rapidly in response to external factors such as geopolitical changes or shifts in consumer demand.

Cost Efficiency

Traditional software development can be resource-intensive, requiring significant investment in development, testing, and deployment. Low-code platforms reduce these costs by streamlining the development process and minimising the need for extensive coding and testing. This cost efficiency enables organisations to allocate resources more effectively and focus on other critical areas of supply chain management.

Improved Collaboration

Low-code platforms foster collaboration between IT and business teams. By providing a user-friendly interface, these platforms enable business users to actively participate in the development process, ensuring that the applications meet their specific needs. This collaborative approach enhances communication, reduces misunderstandings, and leads to the creation of more effective supply chain solutions.

Scalability and Integration

Modern supply chains require systems that can scale with business growth and integrate seamlessly with existing technologies. Low-code platforms are designed to support scalability and integration, allowing organisations to expand their operations without overhauling their entire IT infrastructure. These platforms can easily connect with other enterprise systems, such as ERP and CRM, providing a holistic view of the supply chain.

Real-World Applications of Low-Code Platforms in Supply Chain Management

Several leading organisations have successfully implemented low-code platforms to transform their supply chain operations. Here are a few notable examples:

Coca-Cola's Supply Chain Optimisation

Coca-Cola implemented a low-code platform to streamline its supply chain processes and enhance operational efficiency. The platform enabled the company to develop custom applications for inventory management, order processing, and logistics tracking. As a result, Coca-Cola improved its supply chain visibility, reduced operational costs, and enhanced its ability to respond to market demands.

Unilever's Agile Supply Chain

Unilever leveraged a low-code platform to create a more agile supply chain. The platform facilitated the rapid development of applications for demand forecasting, production planning, and supplier collaboration. This agility allowed Unilever to quickly adapt to changes in consumer behaviour and optimise its supply chain performance.

Schneider Electric's Integrated Supply Chain

Schneider Electric used a low-code platform to integrate its disparate supply chain systems and improve data visibility. The platform enabled the company to develop applications that connected various supply chain functions, such as procurement, manufacturing, and distribution. This integration resulted in better coordination, reduced lead times, and enhanced overall supply chain efficiency.

Best Practices for Implementing Low-Code Platforms in Supply Chains

To maximise the benefits of low-code platforms, organisations should consider the following best practices:

Define Clear Objectives

Before implementing a low-code platform, it is essential to define clear objectives and identify the specific supply chain challenges that the platform will address. This clarity will guide the development process and ensure that the resulting applications align with the organisation's strategic goals.

Engage Stakeholders

Successful implementation of low-code platforms requires the involvement of all relevant stakeholders, including IT, business users, and supply chain managers. Engaging these stakeholders early in the process ensures that their needs and perspectives are considered, leading to the creation of applications that meet their requirements.

Invest in Training

While low-code platforms are designed to be user-friendly, providing training to users is crucial for maximising their potential. Organisations should invest in training programs to familiarise users with the platform's features and capabilities, enabling them to develop and customise applications effectively.

Start Small and Scale Gradually

Implementing low-code platforms in a phased manner allows organisations to test and refine their applications before scaling them across the entire supply chain. Starting with smaller, manageable projects helps build confidence and identify any potential issues early in the process.

Ensure Data Security

As with any technology implementation, data security is paramount. Organisations must implement robust security measures to protect sensitive supply chain data and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. This includes data encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.

Future Trends and Considerations

The adoption of low-code platforms in supply chain management is expected to continue growing, driven by ongoing advancements in technology and the increasing complexity of global supply chains. Here are a few future trends and considerations for organisations:

Integration with Emerging Technologies

Low-code platforms will increasingly integrate with emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and IoT. These integrations will enable more sophisticated applications, such as predictive analytics for demand forecasting and real-time monitoring of supply chain assets.

Focus on Sustainability

As sustainability becomes a key priority for organisations, low-code platforms can play a vital role in supporting sustainable supply chain practices. Applications developed on these platforms can help track and manage sustainability metrics, optimise resource usage, and reduce environmental impact.

Expansion of Citizen Development

The concept of citizen development, where non-technical users create applications, will continue to gain traction. Low-code platforms will empower more business users to develop and customise supply chain applications, fostering innovation and improving responsiveness.

Enhanced Analytics and Insights

The future of low-code platforms will see a greater emphasis on advanced analytics and insights. These platforms will provide more robust data analysis capabilities, enabling organisations to derive actionable insights from their supply chain data and make informed decisions.

Low-code platforms are revolutionising supply chain management by offering a flexible, agile, and cost-effective approach to application development. By leveraging these platforms, organisations can enhance their supply chain operations, improve collaboration, and respond more effectively to market changes and disruptions.

As technology continues to evolve, the adoption of low-code platforms will become increasingly essential for organisations seeking to stay competitive in the dynamic world of supply chain management. Embracing these platforms not only streamlines processes but also empowers organisations to innovate and drive sustainable growth in the digital age.

References

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Technology

October 11, 2024

Enhance Emergency Supply Chain Resilience with Advanced Demand Forecasting

Learn how Advanced Demand Forecasting boosts emergency supply chain resilience in Australia, using predictive analytics for proactive risk reduction, rapid response, and resource optimisation.

Enhancing Emergency Supply Chain Resilience through Advanced Demand Forecasting, written by Abby Hodgkiss

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In the past five years, Australia has confronted a series of natural disasters and health crises, from bushfires to droughts, floods, and COVID-19. Effective responses to such emergencies require rapid and strategic actions to safeguard the community and wildlife, protect homes and businesses, and ensure the continuity of essential services like food, water, power, and communication. Achieving this demands a coordinated effort across federal, state, and local governments, in collaboration with private sector stakeholders.

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The National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework, established in 2018, forms the backbone of Australia's strategy to enhance resilience against increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters. Building a resilient response framework is inherently multidisciplinary, necessitating collaboration across logistics, supply chain management, policy, finance, engineering, and more. This article delves into the critical role of forecasting and machine learning in emergency response, emphasising how Advanced Demand Forecasting serves as a foundation for informed decision-making during crises.

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Natural Disasters and Emergencies in Australia

Australia has endured several significant natural disasters in recent years. The 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires scorched over 18 million hectares across multiple states, leading to widespread destruction of homes, wildlife, and agricultural land. Severe flooding in southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales in early 2022 caused extensive infrastructure damage, while the COVID-19 pandemic created nation-wide challenges, notably shortages of critical medical supplies, and disrupted daily life.

These events have underscored the significant need for increasingly resilient emergency supply chains, capable of responding effectively to unpredictable and rapidly changing demand patterns during crises.

What is Advanced Demand Forecasting?

Advanced Demand Forecasting goes beyond copying historical data, but learns from it, by utilising sophisticated models that incorporate real-time and predictive data sources, such as weather forecasts, demographic trends, and even social media activity. These models employ advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms to provide more accurate and timely predictions, enabling organisations to anticipate future demand for critical resources and services more effectively.

For example, integrating live meteorological data into machine learning models allows government agencies to predict the trajectory, intensity, and impact of natural disasters like storms or bushfires. This predictive capability enables the estimation of necessary quantities of emergency supplies, optimal pre-positioning of resources, and precise timing for deployment. In addition to predictive analysis of the immediate threat, overlaying estimates of populations, infrastructure costs and more also enables impact estimates, including human injuries or displacement, or the cost to rebuild damaged infrastructure, which are used for forward planning at a government level, and prioritising resources at the time of a crisis (1).

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Advanced Demand Forecasting and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework aims to shift the focus from reactive disaster response to proactive risk reduction, emphasising a unified national approach involving all sectors of society (2). It outlines four key national risk priorities:

• Understand disaster risk: Ensure that meaningful risk information is freely shared and integrated into planning;

• Accountable decisions: Making decisions across sectors that either reduce or prevent disaster risk;

• Enhanced investment: Invest in risk reduction to limit the future costs of disasters;

• Governance, ownership and responsibility: Establish clear roles across all sectors and communities for reducing disaster risk.

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The importance of this framework is underscored by the significant economic impact of natural disasters, which have cost the Australian economy around $18 billion per year over the past decade, with projections indicating this figure could rise to $39 billion annually by 2050 without effective risk reduction strategies. Advanced Demand Forecasting directly supports these priorities by providing high accuracy data to inform decision-making, budgeting, and resource allocation. By enhancing the understanding of disaster risks through predictive analytics and incorporating impact estimates, organisations can make decisions that prioritise risk reduction and timely recovery.

Practical Implications

Implementing advanced demand forecasting can lead to:

• Improved Responsiveness: Faster identification of emerging needs allows for quicker mobilisation of resources, reducing the time lag between when it is needed, and when it arrives.

• Resource Optimisation: Accurate forecasts help in allocating resources efficiently by optimising stock distribution.

• Enhanced Collaboration: Sharing forecasting data among various stakeholders fosters a unified approach to disaster response, ensuring that efforts are complementary rather than duplicative.

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The trace. Resilience and Emergency Response Framework

As a member of the Federal Government’s Management Advisory Services Panel, trace. is uniquely positioned to apply our expertise in Supply and Demand Management and Advanced Forecasting techniques to support the financial and economic analysis behind critical disaster resilience decisions. Our structured response framework aligns with the ISO 22301:2019 International Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS) standard, ensuring that government agencies can maintain essential services during and after a disaster. The purpose of utilising the BCMS framework is “for organisations to plan, establish, implement, operate, monitor, review, maintain, and continually improve a documented management system to protect against, reduce the likelihood of, and ensure recovery from disruptive incidents (3).”

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Our approach includes:

• Risk Identification: Support the Australian Government to identify all potential disasters, such as floods, bushfires, or droughts.

• Impact Analysis and Prioritisation: Analysing the potential impact of these disasters from multiple perspectives—economic, social, environmental—and prioritising the most significant risks based on data-driven insights.

• Continuity Strategies and Planning: Recommending tailored continuity strategies, risk mitigation activities, and response timeframes to ensure effective disaster recovery.

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How Trace Consultants Can Assist Government Agencies

As part of the Management Advisory Services Panel, trace. can now assist Australian Government Entities with the following services:

• Benchmarking, economic, econometric, mathematical and financial modelling and analysis

• Competition and market analysis

• Economic advice

• Regulatory and policy analysis

• Data analysis

• Business cases and cost benefit analysis

• Supply and demand management and forecasting

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Benefits of Our Approach

By engaging trace. to assist with Supply and Demand Management and Forecasting, government agencies can achieve:

• Improved Responsiveness: Faster identification of emerging needs allows for quicker mobilisation of resources, reducing the time lag between when it is needed, and when it arrives.

• Cost Savings: Efficient resource allocation reduces unnecessary expenditures on surplus supplies and minimises losses due to shortages.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging robust data analytics supports transparent and accountable decisions, aligning with national priorities for disaster risk reduction.

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Next steps

The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters necessitate a proactive and data-driven approach to emergency management. Advanced Demand Forecasting offers a powerful tool for enhancing the resilience of emergency supply chains. This capability is crucial for safeguarding communities, reducing economic losses, and ensuring the continuity of essential services.

At trace., we are committed to helping government agencies adopt advanced Supply and Demand Management and Forecasting capabilities. With the right tools and strategic planning, we can collectively mitigate the economic and societal impact of future disasters.

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If your organisation is seeking to strengthen its preparedness and response capabilities, contact trace. today.

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Abby Hodgkiss

Consultant

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References

1: Merz, B. et al (2020). Impact Forecasting to Support Emergency Management of Natural Hazards. Reviews of Geophysics, 58(4). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020rg000704.

2: Department of Home Affairs (2018). National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework Department of Home Affairs. Available at: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/emergency/files/national-disaster-risk-reduction-framework.pdf.

3: ISO The International Organization of Standardization (2019). ISO 22301:2019 Security and resilience — Business continuity management systems — Requirements. ISO. Available at: https://www.iso.org/standard/75106.html.

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Technology

August 27, 2024

Lights-Out Warehousing: A Fully Autonomous Future

Explore the future of lights-out warehousing with fully autonomous operations. Learn how Trace Consultants can help your organisation design a business case and implement the advanced technologies needed to achieve this vision.

Lights-Out Warehousing: A Fully Autonomous Future

The concept of "lights-out" warehousing represents the future of supply chain operations, where warehouses operate entirely autonomously with minimal human intervention. This vision is rapidly becoming a reality as advancements in technology enable the integration of automated systems that streamline warehousing processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce operational costs. The end-state vision of lights-out warehousing is not just about automation; it’s about creating a seamless, interconnected system that maximises productivity and accuracy across the entire warehousing operation.

This article explores the key enabling technologies that make lights-out warehousing possible and discusses how Trace Consultants can assist organisations in designing and developing business cases to implement these advanced systems. By understanding and leveraging these technologies, companies can position themselves at the forefront of supply chain innovation, achieving significant competitive advantages.

Enabling Technologies for Lights-Out Warehousing

The journey towards a fully autonomous warehouse involves the integration of various advanced technologies, each playing a crucial role in ensuring the seamless operation of the entire system. Below, we outline the core technologies that enable lights-out warehousing, as depicted in the accompanying visual:

Integrative WMS and Warehouse-Control System (A):The foundation of any autonomous warehouse is a robust Warehouse Management System (WMS) and warehouse-control system. These systems are responsible for instructing and coordinating the various automated technologies within the warehouse, ensuring that all processes are synchronised and optimised for efficiency.
Automatic Unloaders (B):Automatic unloaders remove cases and pallets from inbound trucks, initiating the automation process right from the moment goods enter the warehouse. This technology eliminates the need for manual unloading, reducing the risk of injury and speeding up the receiving process.
Product-Identification Scanners (C):These scanners document inbound receipt and determine the appropriate storage bin for each item. By accurately identifying and categorising products as they arrive, these scanners ensure that items are stored in the optimal location, facilitating faster retrieval and reducing errors.
Palletisers and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) (D):Palletisers and AGVs work together to facilitate the put-away process, moving products from the dock to the appropriate storage bin. This automation reduces the time and labour required to organise and store incoming goods, enhancing overall warehouse efficiency.
Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) (E):The ASRS system is a key component of lights-out warehousing, providing automated case storage and full pallet slots for bulk storage. This system enables high-density storage and quick retrieval of products, significantly reducing the space required for storage and improving order fulfilment times.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for Inventory Cycle Counting (F):UAVs, or drones, are used for inventory cycle counting, providing an accurate and efficient method for tracking inventory levels. These drones can navigate through the warehouse autonomously, scanning inventory and updating the WMS in real-time, ensuring that stock levels are always accurate.
Item-Picking Robots (G):Item-picking robots are designed to handle both full-case picks and loose-unit picks from storage shelves. These robots enhance picking accuracy and speed, reducing the reliance on manual labour and minimising the risk of picking errors.
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) for Picking and Replenishment (H):AGVs also play a role in transporting loose unit shelves for picking and replenishment, ensuring that items are always available for order fulfilment. These vehicles operate autonomously, navigating the warehouse floor and coordinating with other automated systems to maintain efficient operations.
Sortation Scanner (I):The sortation scanner determines the loading-dock destination for each product, ensuring that items are sorted correctly for outbound delivery. This technology is essential for streamlining the sorting process, reducing the time it takes to prepare shipments, and minimising errors.
Scanners and Loading Robots for Outbound Delivery (J):Finally, scanners and loading robots confirm outbound delivery by scanning products as they are loaded onto trucks. This final step in the automation process ensures that the right products are shipped to the right destinations, enhancing accuracy and customer satisfaction.

How Trace Consultants Can Help

While the vision of lights-out warehousing is compelling, its implementation requires careful planning, significant investment, and a solid business case. This is where Trace Consultants plays a pivotal role.

Trace Consultants can support organisations in designing and developing comprehensive business cases for lights-out warehousing. This involves a thorough analysis of current warehouse operations, identification of areas where automation can deliver the most value, and a detailed cost-benefit analysis to justify the investment. By aligning the proposed automation strategies with the organisation’s overall business objectives, Trace Consultants ensures that the transition to a lights-out warehouse is both feasible and strategically sound.

Additionally, Trace Consultants provides guidance on the selection and integration of the enabling technologies mentioned above. With expertise in advanced warehousing systems, Trace Consultants helps businesses navigate the complexities of implementing these technologies, ensuring a smooth transition to fully autonomous operations.

Embracing the Future of Warehousing with Trace Consultants

The shift towards lights-out warehousing represents a significant evolution in supply chain management, offering substantial benefits in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings. By adopting the enabling technologies outlined in this article, companies can transform their warehousing operations, achieving a level of automation that was once considered unattainable.

However, realising this vision requires more than just technology; it requires a strategic approach and a strong business case to guide the investment and implementation process. Trace Consultants is uniquely positioned to support organisations in this journey, providing the expertise and insights needed to make lights-out warehousing a reality.

For more information on how Trace Consultants can assist your organisation in transitioning to lights-out warehousing, reach out to their team of experts today.

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‍Contact us today, trace. your supply chain and procurement consulting partner.

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