Corvita Group - Blog #E-commerceCorvita Group - Blog #E-commercehttps://www.corvitagroup.com/blogs/tag/e-commerceWed, 22 Apr 2026 20:23:10 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Determining if a New Technology is Aligned with Your Business Strategy]]>https://www.corvitagroup.com/blogs/post/Determining-if-a-New-Technology-is-Aligned-with-Your-Business-StrategyQuite often the day-to-day challenges that face end users are lost, or not considered when evaluating (and implementing) new technology. Businesses should consult their front-line users and middle managers while discussing any new strategic technology initiative.]]>

Technology and Business Strategy Alignment

When evaluating new technology for your business, it is critical to have a firm grasp on your company’s current state and a vision for the future. This level of awareness, coupled with a strategic plan, will play a key role in developing the requirements for any technology considerations.  For example, a low to mid-market shipper is looking to purchase a Transportation Management System (TMS). This shipper has heard a lot about the value of implementing a TMS and how it can help them grow in the space, but there are many software options available. How will they know which TMS to choose? Because a technology implementation can be a large expense, the ideal solution will be the TMS that aligns with their business strategy and can also adapt to meet their business requirements as they grow. To determine this, the shipper will need to identify their current functionality needs.

 

When identifying functional requirements, considerations should extend from the executive business strategy to the end user who is responsible for execution. Quite often the day-to-day challenges that face end users are lost, or not considered when evaluating (and implementing) new technology.  Businesses should consult their front-line users and middle managers while discussing any new strategic technology initiative.  This ensures that the top-level vision aligns with solution capabilities for the end user to execute effectively.  Many people refer to this as a “bottom up” approach.

 

When reviewing day-to-day operational needs, the minutiae can derail an entire strategy. Take for an example, a multi-provider Supply Chain Execution (SCE) solution being implemented across TMS, OMS and WMS. The OMS receives the orders and sends them to the TMS to be optimized for parcel, LTL and TL shipments and routing, which is then sent to the WMS to be picked and packed. However, due to the way the warehouse is setup for pick and pack, their workflow and integration dataflows have to be matched to the existing infrastructure. If not, there will be an immense level of location level change in infrastructure and workflow changes that is unnecessary. Capturing this level of requirement in the evaluation and planning phase is critical to confirm solution capabilities and the proper data flows. Without a substantial understanding of this flow from front-line users, the project can easily be derailed. 

 

Once the current functionality requirements from the executive level to the end-user are met, businesses should then compare the technology’s offerings to their projected future state.  If a shipper currently only requires LTL functionality, but plans to incorporate TL in the future, does it make sense to invest in a technology that can only support LTL?  We will discuss this in further detail, as we continue our deep dive into topics of consideration when making a business software selection.

]]>Wed, 16 Jun 2021 11:52:21 -0400<![CDATA[What New Challenges Will Supply Chains Face This Holiday Season?]]>https://www.corvitagroup.com/blogs/post/What-New-Challenges-Will-Supply-Chains-Face-This-Holiday-SeasonUnder the best of circumstances, customer behavior can be difficult to predict.  A global pandemic, and the economic consequences it brings, can ]]>

Under the best of circumstances, customer behavior can be difficult to predict.  A global pandemic, and the economic consequences it brings, can cause extreme volatility in consumer demand trends.  The ability of the supply chain to adapt to these sudden market changes will be critical to a business looking to take advantage of sales opportunities, while minimizing its risk. 

  

There is no doubt that Covid-19 has changed the way consumers have decided to purchase and receive products.  According to recent data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, e-commerce was responsible for 16% of all consumer purchases in the 2nd quarter.  This is up from 11%, where the trend started near the start of the 1st quarter.  If this trend continues into the holiday season, we could see a strain on supply chains unlike anything we have experienced to date. 

  

Some challenges that supply chains may face this holiday season include:

  

Inventory Supply


Before the pandemic, most manufacturers were already running at maximum capacity. Now, with many manufacturers either having to reduce staff or shut down completely, we are already seeing a slowdown in the production of everyday goods.

  

Warehouses and Fulfillment Centers


Much like manufacturers, warehouses and fulfillment centers are having to adapt to staffing issues and procedural changes due to Covid-19.  This means that even if a product is in stock, it could still see delays during the fulfillment process.

  

Customer Experience


With businesses struggling to just get their products to their destinations, it is easy to overlook the customer experience.  There may be product shortages and delays that cannot be helped this holiday season, but that will make customer service and communication even more important.

  


Some solutions to these challenges:

  

Increase Visibility Throughout the Supply Chain Process


Now, more than ever, it is important to understand what is taking place throughout your supply chain. Delays in production, fulfillment and shipping can ruin the customer experience. However, with high supply chain visibility, these delays can be caught early and resolved quickly. This information can also be communicated to the customer, so they are not left wondering why their package has not arrived.

  


Diversify Suppliers and Freight Carriers


What would happen if your supplier had to discontinue their services or there is a disruption due to Covid-19?  Diversity helps to mitigate risk and helps to sustain businesses in less than ideal circumstances.

  

Collaborate Between Suppliers and Carriers with Technology


Due to the pandemic, remote work is becoming the standard for many companies across the country.  Through technology, teams can now easily collaborate internally, as well as digitally access their carrier connections to quote and tender freight using consistent data that can be maintained for analysis.

  


A shift from in-store to online purchases could be the greatest challenge for supply chains this holiday season. This trend could increase demand on shipping and warehousing, causing several bottlenecks due to staffing shortages and new safety protocols.  Having the right technology to increase visibility and to collaborate between a diverse set of suppliers and carriers can greatly reduce these risks.  However, in many cases, organizations may not have the required resources to optimize their technology for this new market or are unsure of which technology would best satisfy their requirements.  In these situations, a third party analysis, from a company with expertise on a diverse set of technologies within your industry, is recommended.

  

Corvita Group is a supply chain strategy, design and implementation firm with a focus on technology. We are seasoned professionals that have a combined experience of over 150 years spanning all aspects of supply chain operations. From procurement to inbound transportation, warehousing, inventory control, distribution, transportation and reverse logistics, we have the experts to address our client’s needs.


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