Supply chains in the manufacturing industry are the backbone of operations, ensuring that raw materials are sourced, products are created, and deliveries are made on time. Yet, managing supply chains has become increasingly complex. Siloed systems, chunky operations, sustainability pressures, and the need to provide a positive, personalized customer experience have placed new roadblocks in the path of the manufacturing industry. 

Fortunately, Salesforce Data Cloud and Agentforce are transforming how manufacturers handle these challenges. 

The solution is to take the successful parts of your legacy operations and improve them with technology. Eighty-seven percent of surveyed manufacturers have plans to leverage more technology for their companies, mainly automated and AI-supported technologies. 

 

Challenges in Managing Supply Chains

Manufacturers no longer have to accept inconsistent inventory hassles, slow invoicing/billing processes, mysterious buyer journeys, and impersonal customer relationships. By implementing Salesforce Data Cloud, they gain real-time visibility into stock across all locations. 

When companies add Agentforce AI, they can predict future demand based on historical data and external factors, which enables the company to optimize purchasing and production schedules. The result? Reduced waste, lower costs, and improved customer satisfaction.

Let’s sort through the most common roadblocks plaguing manufacturers and discuss how the Simplus Business Transformation Team, armed with Salesforce Data Cloud and Agentforce expertise, can help guide your operations toward a seamless supply chain experience. 

 

Fragmented Data Sources

Recent research estimates that by 2030, the global manufacturing industry will generate 4.4 zettabytes of data. However, experts found that “many enterprises and digitalization providers lack the requisite expertise to fully leverage data for optimizing manufacturing processes, resulting in substantial revenue losses of hundreds of millions of dollars.”

Supply chains rely on multiple systems for procurement, production, logistics, and sales, often leading to silos. Disconnected data makes gaining a comprehensive view of the supply chain difficult.

Solution: Unified Data and Real-Time Visibility with Data Cloud

Salesforce Data Cloud consolidates data from diverse sources, such as ERP systems, IoT sensors, and customer databases, into a unified platform. By breaking down silos, manufacturers gain a real-time, 360-degree view of their supply chain operations. This enables quick, informed decision-making to address bottlenecks and optimize workflows.

 

Complex Demand Forecasting 

Predicting customer demand accurately is a perpetual challenge. “Overstocking and understocking can be a nightmare for your business,” added Salesforce staff. “The last thing you want is to run out of inventory halfway through the day. But equally, you’d rather not have thousands of unsold products costing you a fortune to store in an expensive warehouse.”

Research into machine learning found that accurate forecasting can reduce errors by up to 30 percent, and Salesforce can contribute to these improvements with the predictive power of Agentforce AI. 

Solution: Intelligent Automation and Predictive Insights with Agentforce

Agentforce AI empowers manufacturers with advanced automation and predictive capabilities. It processes large datasets to:

• Predict demand trends and optimize inventory levels.
• Identify potential disruptions in the supply chain before they occur.
• Automate repetitive tasks like order processing and status updates.

 

Operational Inefficiencies

One of the most immediate delays manufacturers experience is in production. But, operational problems also impact quality control, safety, brand reputation, and employee morale. 

Delays in communication between stakeholders, lack of visibility into inventory, and reactive rather than proactive issue management lead to inefficiencies.

Solution: Enhanced Collaboration and Communication

These tools bridge gaps between teams and stakeholders. Suppliers, logistics providers, and internal teams can collaborate seamlessly with centralized data and AI-driven insights, reducing delays and miscommunications.

 

Sustainability Pressures

With increasing regulatory and consumer focus on sustainability, manufacturers must ensure their supply chains are environmentally responsible and transparent.

Solution: Improved Sustainability Tracking

Agentforce can monitor resource utilization, waste generation, and carbon footprints across the supply chain. Combined with Data Cloud’s transparency, this allows manufacturers to meet sustainability goals and compliance requirements more effectively.

 

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While the benefits are significant, implementing Salesforce Data Cloud and Agentforce requires careful planning. The Simplus Business Transformation Services Team can help with: 

• Integration with Existing Systems: We start with a clear roadmap for connecting existing software and databases.
• Employee Training: Our Change Management team can equip your teams with the skills to leverage these tools and job roles effectively.
• Data Quality Assurance: The BTS team ensures clean and accurate data for optimal AI performance.

Managing supply chains in the manufacturing industry is no small feat, but Salesforce Data Cloud and Agentforce AI are helping manufacturers move forward. 

By addressing critical challenges such as fragmented data, demand forecasting, and sustainability, these tools empower manufacturers to build efficient, resilient, and customer-focused supply chains. 

We can help! Together, we can help you embrace these technologies and drive your manufacturing operations toward a more innovative, more connected future.