According to website data We Are Social, 37% of the world's population is an active user of the main social networks. In Brazil, users spend, on average, 3h43 a day online in networks, sharing information, knowledge and interests, among others. That is, generating an immense amount of data (see Figure 1). Some of the main social networks are Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp and Youtube, but collaborative blogs and corporate social networks, for example, are also social networks.
Presented by Coupofy
Figure 1 – Social Media in real time
Source: Coupofy
Companies are also increasingly using social networks, mainly to communicate with customers and as a marketing tool. But what other uses can we give to these valuable tools? like the Supply Chain Management can benefit from social networks?
To begin with, social networks are an excellent means of communication, both inside and outside the company. A message can notify the customer that their order is on its way, avoiding possible mismatches. In addition, we can confirm the success of the operation or report possible problems in real time (eg wrong quantity of a product), saving response time.
Social networks encourage integration and collaboration, both between employees or functional areas and between companies, being a great way to exchange ideas to solve problems or improve processes. In Brazil, for example, there are platforms that connect professionals in the field of transport in order to share information, knowledge and best practices. Other platforms help merchants find previously registered carriers to carry out their deliveries.
Generating knowledge from information coming from social networks can bring important advantages to the Supply Chain Management. A better understanding of customers' needs, desires and consumption trends, based on the constant monitoring of networks, makes it possible to develop better strategies more quickly. Develop new solutions adjusted to growing demands, verify the acceptance of a product before its launch and adjust stock plans according to the feedback of customers are just some of the advantages.
Crossing information from historical sales, surveys, etc. (structured data) with information from social networks (unstructured data), it is possible to carry out predictive analyzes to anticipate, for example, what will be the demand for a certain product or even to know what will be the new market requirements, very valuable information in the constant search for the improvement of operations.
Undoubtedly, the possibilities are vast, and in future posts we will be able to continue developing some of the ideas mentioned or thinking of new alternatives. For now, two questions remain: How is your company using social networks? And your competitors? It may be time to “like” the networks more.
References
<https://wearesocial.com/special-reports/digital-in-2017-global-overview>
<http://www.coupofy.com/social-media-in-realtime/>
O'leary, DE, THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN: SURVEY AND EXTENSIONS. Intel. sys. Access End. Mgmt., 18: 121–144, 2011. doi:10.1002/isaf.327
Social Media for the Supply Chain. Leaders in Supply Chain UK – The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, autumn 2015.https://ciltuk.org.uk/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=sN_RwSsoYhQ=&portalid=0>
<https://blog.jda.com/the-impact-of-social-media-on-the-supply-chain-is-there-one/>
<http://www.elemica.com/general-supply-chain/social-media-for-b2b-collaboration/>
Walter Puppo
Experience in consulting projects, focusing on Logistics and Supply Chain, working in various sectors, mainly in pharmaceutical and food and beverage companies. His history of developed projects involves benchmarking studies (costs and service level), mapping and evaluation of commercial processes and capabilities, mapping and evaluation of supply chain processes and capabilities, development of maturity models, development of panels for comparative benchmarking of performance, operating in Brazil and other Latin American countries. He has previous professional experience, having worked for eight years as a consultant and project manager in the construction industry in Uruguay.
