Dan Reeve, VP of Sales at Esker, and Morgan Swink from TCU share key findings from the Working Capital Report. They discuss tactics to improve working capital, outcomes after improvement, and macro-level challenges. The hosts also explore the residual effects of COVID-19 on supply chains and highlight the importance of strong supplier relationships.
Improving working capital processes leads to cost efficiency, staff retention, and enhanced customer and supplier experiences.
Companies should adopt automation and technology to reduce errors, improve efficiency, and enhance overall operational performance.
Building strong supplier relationships leads to increased liquidity, reduced risk, and improved negotiation terms.
Deep dives
Benefits of Improving Working Capital Processes
Companies are expecting several benefits from improving their working capital processes. First, they hope to improve cost efficiency by reducing labor and errors, allowing for more accurate and efficient processes. Second, businesses are aiming to enhance staff retention and job satisfaction by upgrading clerical tasks to more analytical and strategic ones. Third, organizations are focused on improving the customer and supplier experience, streamlining interactions and building stronger relationships. Finally, companies that automate their accounts payable and receivable processes have seen an increase in liquidity, providing them with more financial flexibility.
Future Challenges for Businesses
As companies look to the future, some macro-level challenges are causing concerns. One major challenge is the trend towards de-globalization, with companies reshoring or near-shoring their operations due to risks, labor costs, and shifting political climates. This shift requires long-term planning and adaptation. Additionally, the increasing compliance requirements, such as verification of supply chain transparency and data reporting, pose challenges to organizations. These challenges increase complexity and the need for skilled professionals to navigate evolving compliance requirements.
Adopting Automation and Technology
Companies are currently focusing on adopting automation and technology to improve their working capital processes. This includes investing in systems that automate transactional processes, eliminate manual data entry, and improve accuracy. Many organizations are also investing in analytics tools to gain insights, automate data capture and processing, and identify exceptions or anomalies. By eliminating manual tasks and applying technology, companies aim to reduce errors, improve efficiency, and enhance overall operational performance.
Creating Strong Supplier Relationships
Building strong relationships with suppliers is crucial for business success. By treating suppliers better, paying them faster, and improving communication and collaboration, companies can benefit from co-development opportunities, innovation, and better overall supplier performance. Strong supplier relationships can lead to increased liquidity, reduced risk, and improved negotiation terms, benefiting both parties. Additionally, companies that focus on supplier relationships and effective working capital processes are more likely to retain experienced staff and enhance job satisfaction.
Conclusion
Improving working capital processes offers various benefits for organizations, including cost efficiency, staff retention, enhanced customer and supplier experiences, and increased liquidity. Focusing on automation, technology, and strong supplier relationships can drive these improvements. However, future challenges such as de-globalization and compliance requirements require proactive planning and adaptation. Adopting technology and automation can contribute to reducing labor, improving accuracy, and providing valuable insights for better decision-making. Establishing strong supplier relationships is crucial for success, leading to enhanced collaboration, innovation, and overall performance.
Are we getting back to normal? According to the Global Supply Chain Pressure Index, the level of disruptions in supply chains is moderating. While the current trend suggests lowered levels of volatility, most supply chain managers believe that some shortages and serious disruptions will continue throughout 2023. Are you prepared for what’s to come?
Dan Reeve has been Esker’s Vice President of Sales North America for 10 years, maintaining responsibility for recruitment, training, and direct sales, and supporting a team of excellent sales managers. Morgan Swink is the Eunice and James L. West Chaired Professor of Supply Chain Management, and the Executive Director of the Center for Supply Chain Innovation at Texas Christian University. He is the former Co-Editor in Chief for the Journal of Operations Management, and he continues to serve in consulting and associate editor roles for several top journals.
In this livestream-based episode, Dan and Morgan share key findings from Esker and TCU’s Working Capital Report with hosts Scott Luton and Greg White:
• The tactics organizations are currently using or planning to use to improve working capital
• Outcomes that companies are expecting and experiencing after improving their working capital processes
• Macro-level challenges businesses are most concerned about having to overcome in the future
WEBINAR- Unlocking the Power of Diversification in Last Mile Delivery: A Game-Changing Webinar for Logistics Professionals: https://bit.ly/445N2F2
WEBINAR- 3 Proven Strategies to Level-Up Your Business with Walmart: https://bit.ly/3DUpVT5
This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Greg White. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/key-findings-TCU-working-capital-report-1160
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