Optimized storage and delivery processes increase the efficiency along the entire supply chain. Today, the SCM (Supply Chain Management) and optimized planning processes with collaborative business models, are state of the art. The development of communication technology such as the Internet, as well as standardization of technology, allow visibility for diverse partners to their supply chain all over the world. This has led to completely new forms of integrating customer and processes into business on a global scale. Concepts such as VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory) and SMI (Supplier Managed Inventory) are important components within a network of dynamic business relationships which are regulated and optimized in real time. In summary, SCM means a reduction of tied-up financial resources for bulk inventories with efficient "just in time” product deliveries. 

Reducing costs or increasing customer loyalty

The example of VMI clearly shows the win-win situation by its use from the supplier´s point of view:

	Safeguarding the business relationship with improved customer loyalty
	Improved turnover as the exclusive supplier for your customers
	Increased productivity via improved, in-house disposition and production scheduling

Your customers also profit:

	Outsourcing secondary processes improve focus on core processes
	Cost reduction with reduction of the tied-up, available inventories
	Supply bottlenecks are avoided with automated stock control

Who can be trusted to supply your solution?

The market of SCM suppliers ranges from industry-specific, complete suppliers for solutions in logistics to local specialty companies who offer customized IT solutions. Current experiences however, also show deficits. It can be stated as follows: real-time control requires real-time visibility. That means, without key current measured values your SCM capability is diminished.

As the supplier of reliable level and flow measurement technology, backed by a global service network, Endress+Hauser is the competent partner for complete inventory management solutions. For many years now, Endress+Hauser has successfully positioned themselves as a bulk SCM partner with:

	Complete hardware, ranging from measuring technology to telemetry components
	Installation and service around the clock - right around the world
	Hosting of Internet applications and service or data integration in ERP systems such as SAP®
	Business models with little or no capital costs.