Intelligent order: Getting goods into the customer’s hands

In the context of supply chain optimization, intelligent order refers to the use of advanced algorithms and techniques to determine the optimal order quantity, timing and placement for each product within the supply chain network. This involves analyzing various factors—such as demand patterns, lead times, production and transportation costs, inventory levels and customer service levels—to make data-driven decisions that maximize efficiency and profitability.

Overall, intelligent order management is an essential component of supply chain optimization, as it enables businesses to better manage their inventory and respond to changing market conditions in a timely and efficient manner.

Intelligent order management systems can help businesses reduce excess inventory, avoid stockouts, improve delivery times and enhance overall supply chain performance. By leveraging real-time data and predictive analytics, these systems can automatically adjust inventory levels and reorder points, allocate inventory across multiple locations and optimize transportation routes to minimize costs and reduce delivery times.

One particular aspect of intelligent order that we are focused on in this article is using inventory management systems and machine learning (ML)/artificial intelligence (AI) to provide effective last mile delivery.

Last mile delivery, also known as last mile logistics, refers to the final leg of the delivery process, where goods are transported from a local hub or distribution center to the customer's doorstep or preferred delivery location. It is the most crucial and expensive part of the delivery process, as it typically involves the use of smaller vehicles to navigate through crowded urban areas and deliver goods to individual customers.

Last mile delivery is often considered a primary bottleneck of the supply chain, as it involves complex logistical challenges such as traffic congestion, unpredictable delivery locations, and varying customer demands (e.g., installation of large or bulky items). Yet, it remains a critical area of focus for businesses seeking to optimize their supply chain operations and meet the evolving demands of today's consumers, especially in light of the increase in deliveries direct to consumers. It can be a tricky balancing act between meeting consumer and business expectations and optimizing for low delivery costs.

Solution overview

The diagram below provides a high-level overview of the intelligent order solution including the core application systems, the foundational infrastructure built on Red Hat OpenShift, and the inventory optimization platform.

An important point to recognize with intelligent order is that, as with a variety of other supply chain optimization techniques, benefits accrue to both the business and the consumer from having data-driven inventory management. When all goes as planned, the company gets lower costs and a more resilient system, and the customer gets a more predictable and better delivery experience. It’s a win for both parties.

Architecture

The following diagram shows the workflow of an intelligent order use case.

The steps in that workflow are as follows.

It begins with a customer placing or otherwise interacting with an order through the omni-channel. Omni-channel refers to the integration of all channels and touchpoints that a retailer uses to interact with its customers, whether it is in-store, online, through mobile devices, social media or any other means. 

After the order is placed, inventory fulfillment and delivery tracking information is delivered from the supply assurance platform; the backend systems are accessed via API Management and Integration Services. The Inventory Management System checks with the Store Operations System to see if the inventory is available in the store. If the store cannot fulfill order, the system then checks with the Warehouse Management System to see where inventory is available.

Once the ordered items are found, the Transport/Logistics System is updated to schedule delivery, then the Fulfillment System is cross-checked to schedule and track the order. Real-time tracking of the order is maintained throughout the process and proof-of-delivery (electronic or paper) is provided upon delivery.

Action Guide

From a high-level perspective, there are several main steps your organization can take to drive innovation and move toward a digital supply chain. For specific steps on this approach, see The Action Guide details in Own your transformation survey of 1500 CSCOs across 24 industries. It covers actionable steps in several areas of automation, sustainability, as well as the modernization to hybrid cloud platforms.

Summary

Intelligent order refers to the use of advanced algorithms and techniques to determine the optimal order quantity, timing and placement for each product within the supply chain network. In this article, we’ve specifically discussed using intelligent order approaches to drive improved customer satisfaction with respect to last mile delivery.

If you are interested in more solutions built with these and other products in Red Hat's portfolio visit the Portfolio Architecture website and the Intelligent Order Portfolio Architecture, in particular.

Supply Chain blog series

This blog is part of a Supply Chain blog series:

• Supply chain optimization imperative – Read the blog
• Supply chain optimization – See the blog and associated Portfolio Architecture
• Demand risk – See the blog and associated Portfolio Architecture
• Loss and waste management – See the blog and associated Portfolio Architecture
• Product timeliness  – See the blog and associated Portfolio Architecture
• Perfect order  – See the blog and associated Portfolio Architecture
• Intelligent order  – this blog and associated Portfolio Architecture
• Sustainable supply (coming soon)