When we talk about digital transformation in manufacturing, we often mean machines, equipment, or planning. But logistics is no less important, as it affects the cost of production, timely shipments, and customer satisfaction.

Logistics automation helps eliminate manual work, avoid unnecessary costs, and achieve real-time process transparency. In this article, we will look at which processes should be digitized first and what exactly the implementation of CONSOLID brings to a manufacturing company.

Why is this important?

Digital logistics in manufacturing is the integration of advanced technologies to create a more efficient, transparent, and data-driven supply chain. This transformation focuses on automating manual processes, improving real-time tracking and transparency, and using data analytics to obtain predictive information, which will ultimately lead to faster, more cost-effective, and more sustainable logistics operations. 

1. Increased efficiency and automation. Replaces manual, error-prone processes with automated workflows, speeding up logistics operations.

2. Improved visibility. Provides real-time tracking and monitoring of shipments and inventory, enabling proactive decision-making and better inventory management. 

3. Improved decision making. Transforms raw data into actionable insights using advanced analytics and artificial intelligence, supporting faster and more accurate strategic planning.

4. Greater resilience. Strengthens supply chain networks by improving information flow, collaboration, and the ability to respond quickly to disruptions. 

5. Optimized costs. Optimizes operations, reduces human error, and identifies areas for cost savings, particularly in transportation and fuel cost management. 

6. Better customer experience. Faster, more reliable, and more transparent logistics services increase customer satisfaction. 

What is a digital supply chain?

A digital supply chain is a system of digital processes, tools, and technologies that optimize supply chain management and operations. It involves the use of advanced technologies and analytics that improve the transparency, efficiency, visibility, flexibility, and productivity of all supply chain operations.

What are the consequences of not having a digital supply chain?

A digital supply chain can help companies adapt to market changes, improve operational efficiency, and deliver a competitive customer experience. Conversely, its absence can undermine all supply chain management and negatively impact other aspects of manufacturing businesses:

1. Limited visibility. Without a digital supply chain, manufacturers may not be able to see key supply chain processes and tasks, such as inventory management or monitoring demand fluctuations.

2. Inefficiency. A non-digital supply chain increases the likelihood of human error, slows down processes, and increases delivery, procurement, logistics, and production lead times.

3. Lack of flexibility. A digital supply chain provides a continuous flow of real-time data on production, inventory management, and other key processes—without this, manufacturers may find it difficult to respond quickly to changing market conditions.

4. Competitive disadvantage. A non-digital supply chain indicates that a company is not taking full advantage of innovative procurement solutions that could provide a competitive advantage; it also undermines broader digital transformation and may hinder the adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and predictive analytics.

5. Environmental impact. Mitigating environmental impact is becoming increasingly important due to both consumer sentiment and regulatory pressure, and digitalization is an important step toward building a sustainable supply chain.

6. Barrier to attracting and retaining customers. Without a digital supply chain, it is more difficult for manufacturers to meet their customers' demands for efficiency, sustainability, and transparency.

Which processes should be automated first?

Transportation request management

Many manufacturers still create requests in Excel or send them to carriers by phone. This takes time, creates confusion, and increases the risk of errors.

In CONSOLID, a request is generated in a few clicks:

• select the loading and unloading points,

• specify the cargo and desired time,

• and the system immediately selects the appropriate carriers.

This allows you to respond quickly to changes and avoid delays in the production cycle.

Electronic document management

Transport documents are a sore point for most companies. Waybills, work completion reports, invoices — all of these are often duplicated, lost, or processed with significant delays.

CONSOLID converts document flow into digital format:

• automatic generation of waybills and applications,

• electronic signatures,

• integration with accounting.

The result is fewer errors, faster settlements with partners, and no “paper chaos.”

Carrier selection and cost control

If you have several carriers, it is difficult to find the best one: different rates, conditions, reliability. As a result, you may overpay or risk delivery disruptions.

CONSOLID helps you:

• transparently compare prices,

• see the history of cooperation with each carrier,

• analyze route costs.

This allows you to control the cost of production and plan your budget more accurately.

Real-time cargo tracking

Once the cargo has left, the manufacturer often does not know where it is. And if there is a failure, you have to spend hours calling carriers.

With CONSOLID, you can see the movement of cargo online:

• real-time GPS tracking,

• notifications of route deviations,

• transparent delivery history for customers.

This not only saves logisticians time, but also increases customer confidence.

Settlements with partners

Financial settlements in manufacturing are often delayed due to a lack of transparent data. The accounting department receives documents late, which slows down the closing of the month.

CONSOLID allows you to:

• automatically generate payment obligations,

• monitor payment status,

• quickly verify data with counterparties.

As a result, the finance department works with up-to-date information, and partners receive their money on time.

Analytics for logistics management

Logistics is not only about transportation, but also about data. If a company does not see the whole picture, it cannot effectively plan expenses and optimize routes.

CONSOLID provides reports on:

• transportation costs for each customer or route,

• average rates and market prices,

• carriers' KPIs and their reliability levels.

This allows you to make strategic decisions based on numbers, not assumptions.

Conclusion

Digital logistics for a manufacturing company is not just a trendy trend. It is a set of specific tools for reducing costs, increasing transparency, and avoiding risks.

Automation should start with basic processes: requests, document flow, carrier selection, cargo tracking, finance, and analytics. And it is CONSOLID that covers all these tasks in a single platform.