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Create resilient manufacturing supply chain

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Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing helps customers create resilient and sustainable manufacturing supply chain by holistically analyzing your organization’s production and operations data, multi-tier supplier data, and market signals with the advanced analytics and AI capabilities embedded into Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management platform. Manufacturers can gain real-time visibility into the supply chain to better predict and manage potential risks. They can optimize planning processes end-to-end, use data and AI to improve demand forecasting models, and optimize inventory levels. Manufacturers can increase customer service and satisfaction levels with warehouse automation and intelligent fulfillment systems while tracking and reducing the carbon footprint.

Microsoft supports manufacturing customers by focusing on these core scenarios.

Visibility and Risk Management

In today's complex and interconnected global supply chain, the need for end-to-end supply chain visibility and risk management has never been greater. Organizations must be able to quickly predict, identify and mitigate supply chain disruptions, such as natural disasters, geopolitical events, and pandemics, to ensure continuity of operations and maintain customer satisfaction. Supply chain visibility and risk management solutions provide real-time monitoring and analysis of supply chain data, enabling organizations to identify potential risks, generate actionable insights through machine learning and artificial intelligence to manage risks and compliance and take proactive measures to mitigate them. With these solutions, organizations can optimize their supply chain operations, reduce costs, and improve overall business performance.

The top Visibility & Risk Management use cases supported by Microsoft include:

  • Supply Chain Orchestration is the coordination and management of end-to-end processes within a supply chain, aimed at optimizing efficiency, enhancing visibility, and driving better decision-making.
  • Track & Trace supports end-to-end tracking of goods and materials across the supply chain enabling real-time visibility and risk mitigation and an increased speed to market.
  • Risk Management provides a systematic approach to digital supplier performance management enhancing resilience and ensuring business continuity.

The key Microsoft technology that supports Visibility & Risk Management is Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management.

Microsoft AppSource also hosts a rich ecosystem of Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) that specialize in Supply Chain Visibility & Risk Management.

Forecasting and Planning

Without accurate forecasts and effective planning strategies, manufacturers risk overproduction, excess inventory, and costly supply chain disruptions. In today's fast-paced, global business environment, manufacturers need real-time access to data and analytics to make informed decisions and optimize their operations. Manufacturers can use the power of machine learning, predictive analytics, and real-time data, manufacturers can accurately forecast demand, plan production, and optimize their inventory, reducing costs, improving delivery performance, and enhancing customer satisfaction.

With effective forecasting and planning solutions, manufacturers can use their supply chain, customer, and market data to create advanced demand forecasting models and optimize supply chain planning. They can generate optimized plans for demand, supply, procurement, inventory, and production from a consensus demand plan shaped through sales, finance, and product supply teams. Manufacturers can also continuously optimize inventory levels to service customer orders and forecast stock to provide the right inventory at the right place and at the right time.

The top Forecasting & Planning use cases supported by Microsoft include:

  • Demand Planning uses historical data and predictive analytics to estimate demand for a product or service in a future period, enabling manufacturers to optimize inventory levels and reduce lead times.
  • Inventory Optimization uses advanced analytics to analyze historical production data, demand, and supply chain dynamics to optimize production planning, reduce waste and downtime, and increase operational efficiency.
  • Integrated Business Planning aligns supply and demand at both the operational and strategic levels, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, more accurate forecasting, and more optimal inventory levels.

The key Microsoft technology that supports Forecasting & Planning is Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management.

The following partner solutions certified for Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing support the Forecasting & Planning use cases described earlier and are available on Microsoft AppSource:

These solutions are certified with the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program and meet the Microsoft standards of data accessibility specific to the manufacturing industry. To learn more about the Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing certified partner solutions and the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, see Appendix: Certified partner solutions for Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing.

Don't see your solution here? Check out Microsoft AppSource for the full list of ISV solutions.

Warehousing and Fulfillment

As manufacturers face increasing demand for faster delivery times, they need efficient warehousing and fulfillment solutions to keep up with customer expectations. Digital warehousing solutions provide a safe, secure storage environment for raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods, while fulfillment solutions enable efficient and timely delivery of products to customers. To achieve operational excellence, manufacturers need real-time visibility into their inventory levels, order status, and delivery performance, as well as the ability to track and manage their supply chain partners.

The top Warehousing and Fulfillment use cases supported by Microsoft include:

  • Warehousing, Fulfillment and Automation uses automation, robotics and control systems to drive efficiency and accuracy and optimize order fulfillment through smart logistics to manage costs and customer service.
  • Supply Chain Sustainability uses digital twins for sustainability to optimize carbon footprint.

The key Microsoft technology that supports Warehousing and Fulfillment is Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management.

Microsoft AppSource also hosts a rich ecosystem of Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) that specialize in Supply Chain Warehousing and Fulfillment.