Soft Automation in Supply Chain: A New Frontier for Efficiency

How Trace Consultants Can Transform Your Supply Chain and Procurement Technology in ANZ

In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, supply chain and procurement functions are no longer just operational necessities—they’re strategic drivers of growth, resilience, and competitive advantage. For CEOs, CFOs, CIOs, and CTOs across Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), the pressure is on to modernise these critical areas with cutting-edge technology. But where do you start? How do you bridge the gap between where you are now and where you need to be? That’s where Trace Consultants steps in.

At Trace Consultants, we specialise in guiding ANZ organisations through supply chain and procurement technology transformation. From assessing your current state and identifying gaps to developing a robust business case, defining functional and non-functional requirements, scoping the market, crafting a go-to-market strategy, and managing implementation and change, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through how our expertise can help your organisation unlock value, reduce costs, and future-proof your operations.

‍

The Strategic Imperative for Supply Chain and Procurement Transformation

Before diving into how Trace Consultants can help, let’s set the scene. The ANZ region faces unique challenges—geographical isolation, complex supply chains, and a volatile global market. Add to that the rapid pace of digital disruption, and it’s clear why CEOs are rethinking their supply chain strategies, CFOs are scrutinising procurement spend, CIOs are pushing for tech integration, and CTOs are championing innovation.

Procurement and supply chain technology transformation isn’t just about adopting the latest tools—it’s about aligning your operations with your strategic goals. Whether you’re in mining, retail, healthcare, or manufacturing, optimising these functions can deliver significant cost savings, improve supplier relationships, and enhance resilience against disruptions. But achieving this requires a structured approach, and that’s where Trace Consultants excels.

Step 1: Current State & GAP Assessments – Knowing Where You Stand

The first step in any transformation journey is understanding your starting point. At Trace Consultants, we conduct comprehensive current state and gap assessments to give you a clear picture of your supply chain and procurement operations.

For CEOs, this means gaining visibility into how your supply chain aligns with your broader business strategy. For CFOs, it’s about pinpointing inefficiencies that inflate costs. CIOs benefit from an IT-focused lens that evaluates how your current tech stack supports—or hinders—procurement processes, while CTOs get insights into innovation gaps that could be bridged with emerging technologies like AI or IoT.

Our approach is pragmatic and data-driven. We benchmark your performance against industry standards, assess your processes, and identify risks. For example, we’ve worked with a mining organisation in ANZ to evaluate its supply chain risks, delivering a roadmap to stronger supplier relationships and improved supply continuity—outcomes that directly impact the bottom line.

Step 2: Business Case Development – Justifying the Investment

Once we’ve mapped your current state and gaps, the next challenge is building a compelling business case. This is where CFOs and CEOs sit up and take notice. A technology transformation isn’t cheap, and stakeholders need to see a clear return on investment (ROI).

Trace Consultants collaborates with your leadership team to develop a business case tailored to your organisation’s goals. We quantify the benefits—think cost reductions, efficiency gains, and risk mitigation—and align them with your financial and strategic priorities. For instance, we’ve partnered with a healthcare provider to show how a procurement overhaul could deliver substantial savings while enhancing service delivery, winning buy-in from the C-suite.

Our business cases don’t just focus on numbers; they tell a story. We highlight how technology can transform your supply chain into a competitive advantage, making it easier for CIOs and CTOs to advocate for the necessary IT investments. Whether it’s reducing procurement cycle times or enhancing supply chain visibility, we make the case airtight.

Step 3: Functional Requirements & Non-Functional Requirements Definition – Setting the Foundation

With the business case approved, it’s time to define what your new system needs to do. This is where functional and non-functional requirements come into play, and it’s a critical step for CIOs and CTOs tasked with ensuring technology meets business needs.

Functional requirements outline what the system must do—think streamlined sourcing, real-time inventory tracking, or automated supplier management. Non-functional requirements cover how it should perform, such as scalability, security, and user experience. At Trace Consultants, we bring decades of supply chain and procurement expertise to the table, ensuring these requirements are both practical and forward-thinking.

For example, we’ve collaborated with an ANZ retailer to define requirements for a procurement platform that integrated with their existing SAP system. The result was a solution that improved supplier collaboration and reduced procurement costs. By aligning these requirements with your strategic goals, we set the stage for a technology solution that delivers real value.

Step 4: Market Scoping – Finding the Right Solutions

The tech market is flooded with options—AI-driven analytics, blockchain for traceability, cloud-based procurement platforms. How do you choose what’s right for your organisation? Trace Consultants takes the guesswork out of market scoping.

We analyse the vendor landscape, assess solutions against your defined requirements, and shortlist options that fit your budget and goals. For CIOs and CTOs, this means a tech stack that integrates seamlessly with your existing architecture. For CEOs and CFOs, it’s about ensuring the investment aligns with long-term growth and cost objectives.

The technologies we evaluate span a wide range, each addressing specific supply chain and procurement needs. Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) systems optimise production and inventory planning. Procurement-to-Pay (P2P) platforms streamline the end-to-end purchasing process, from requisition to payment. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) enhance inventory control and logistics efficiency, while Transportation Management Systems (TMS) improve freight and shipping operations. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions, like SAP or Oracle, integrate these functions into a cohesive whole, providing real-time data and scalability. Our expertise ensures we match the right tools—whether APS, P2P, WMS, TMS, or ERP—to your unique ANZ context.

Our deep industry knowledge across ANZ sectors like FMCG, manufacturing, and property services ensures we recommend solutions that work in your context. We don’t just hand you a list—we provide insights into implementation feasibility, vendor reliability, and potential ROI, empowering you to make informed decisions.

Step 5: Go to Market – Launching Your Transformation

With the solution selected, it’s time to go to market. This phase is about strategy—how do you position your new procurement or supply chain technology to maximise adoption and impact? Trace Consultants crafts a go-to-market plan that covers everything from stakeholder communication to supplier onboarding.

For CEOs, this means a rollout that aligns with your vision and minimises disruption. CFOs get a plan that optimises spend and tracks ROI from day one. CIOs and CTOs benefit from a technical strategy that ensures smooth integration and scalability. We’ve worked with an ANZ property business where our go-to-market approach reduced service costs while improving asset management.

Our plans are collaborative and tailored, ensuring your internal teams and external partners are on the same page. It’s about setting your transformation up for success from the outset.

Step 6: Implementation – Turning Vision into Reality

Implementation is where the rubber hits the road. Trace Consultants manages the entire process, from deployment to testing, ensuring your new technology delivers as promised. This is a hands-on phase where our project management expertise shines.

For CIOs and CTOs, we handle the technical heavy lifting—integrating with systems like Microsoft 365, Oracle, or Dynamics while minimising downtime. CEOs see a transformation that stays on schedule and within scope, while CFOs appreciate our focus on cost control and value delivery.

For instance, we’ve supported an ANZ manufacturing firm to implement a supply chain platform that shortened lead times, all while keeping the project under budget. Our pragmatic, operational lens ensures solutions are not just theoretical but actionable and impactful.

Step 7: Project Management – Keeping It on Track

A transformation of this scale demands rigorous project management. Trace Consultants brings a structured approach to keep your initiative on time, on budget, and on target. We assign dedicated project managers who act as your single point of contact, coordinating across teams and vendors.

For CEOs, this means peace of mind that your strategic vision is being executed flawlessly. CFOs get transparent reporting on costs and progress, while CIOs and CTOs receive technical oversight that ensures quality and compliance. Our track record speaks for itself—projects delivered with minimal disruption and maximum results.

Step 8: Change Management – Embedding the Transformation

Technology is only as good as the people using it. That’s why change management is a cornerstone of our approach at Trace Consultants. We help your teams adapt to new processes and tools, ensuring adoption and long-term success.

For CEOs and CFOs, this translates to a workforce that drives ROI through efficient operations. CIOs and CTOs benefit from training programs that upskill IT teams to manage and optimise the new systems. We’ve partnered with an ANZ healthcare client where our change management efforts turned a procurement function into a strategic asset.

Our change management strategies are tailored to your culture and goals, blending training, communication, and support to minimise resistance and maximise impact.

Why Choose Trace Consultants?

So, why partner with Trace Consultants for your supply chain and procurement technology transformation? It’s simple: we bring a unique blend of expertise, pragmatism, and ANZ-specific insight. Our team has decades of experience across industries, from mining to retail, and we understand the challenges you face in this region.

We’re not just consultants—we’re collaborators. We work alongside your C-suite to deliver results that matter: cost savings, operational efficiency, and strategic growth. Whether you’re a CEO looking to future-proof your supply chain, a CFO aiming to optimise spend, a CIO integrating tech stacks, or a CTO driving innovation, we’ve got the tools and know-how to make it happen.

The Road Ahead: Start Your Transformation Today

The time for supply chain and procurement transformation is now. In an era of disruption and opportunity, ANZ organisations can’t afford to lag behind. Trace Consultants is here to guide you through every step—from assessing your current state to embedding lasting change.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your supply chain and procurement functions? Contact Trace Consultants today to start your journey. Let’s build a future where your operations aren’t just efficient—they’re exceptional.

‍

Australia's robust and innovative manufacturing sector is continually evolving, integrating emerging technologies to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. One technology leading this charge is Additive Manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing. With its potential to significantly improve service levels, optimise working capital efficiency, and reduce operating costs, AM is leaving an indelible mark on Australian manufacturing, particularly in supply chain management.

‍

Transforming Service Levels with Additive Manufacturing

AM is a game-changer for enhancing service levels in manufacturing due to its capacity for speed, versatility, and customisation. This technology circumvents the need for traditional, time-consuming methods involving mould creation and assembly. Instead, it allows for the design, iteration, and production of intricate parts within hours, leading to faster delivery times and higher customer satisfaction.

Consider the case of Australian-based Titomic. The company leverages their proprietary Titomic Kinetic Fusion (TKF) technology - a variant of AM - to produce large-scale industrial parts at unprecedented speeds. This has enabled Titomic to deliver improved service levels and responsiveness to customer needs.

Additionally, AM's on-demand production capability can streamline supply chains by reducing the need for warehousing and inventory management, thus leading to more efficient and responsive service provision.

Additive Manufacturing: A Catalyst for Working Capital Efficiency

AM also bolsters working capital efficiency in manufacturing. By minimising the need for physical inventories and facilitating production on-demand, manufacturers can dramatically decrease storage costs and the amount of capital locked in unsold goods.

Inventia Life Science, based in Sydney, offers a compelling illustration of this. The company harnesses 3D bioprinting to produce skin cells on-demand, effectively eliminating the need for large-scale inventory management. This on-demand production capability significantly optimises working capital by tying up less money in inventory and freeing up resources for other strategic initiatives.

This on-demand approach also influences the supply chain by reducing the dependencies on long lead times and external suppliers, thereby creating a more agile and responsive production process.

Reducing Operating Costs through Additive Manufacturing

Furthermore, AM contributes to substantial reductions in operating costs. These savings are realised through decreased material wastage, lower energy consumption, and reductions in costs associated with equipment maintenance and storage.

Melbourne-based Ansett Aviation Training exemplifies how AM can lead to substantial cost savings. The company used AM to create simulator parts, yielding a remarkable 70% reduction in manufacturing costs. They also achieved shorter lead times and lower inventory costs, showcasing the significant impact AM can have on the entire supply chain.

Embracing the Future of Australian Manufacturing with Additive Manufacturing

As these insightful case studies demonstrate, AM is a potent instrument of change for the Australian manufacturing sector. By improving service levels, optimising working capital efficiency, reducing operating costs, and redefining supply chains, AM is paving the way for a more agile, efficient, and sustainable manufacturing industry in Australia.

The accelerated adoption of AM is not merely a trend. It represents a paradigm shift that is expanding the horizons of what is achievable in manufacturing. For Australia's manufacturing industry, the future is unfolding right before our eyes – and it is being printed in 3D.

‍

Contact us today, trace. your supply chain consulting partner.

Overcoming Supply Chain Challenges: Optimising Performance and Embracing Digital Transformation

In today’s fast-paced and increasingly complex global marketplace, optimising end-to-end supply chain performance is critical for organisations looking to maintain a competitive edge. The supply chain is no longer just a cost centre but a strategic asset that can drive significant value creation. However, achieving optimal performance across the supply chain presents numerous challenges that organisations must navigate. These challenges range from sensing and quickly responding to demand changes and supply disruptions, reducing working capital without compromising service levels, and designing an optimal supply chain network, to improving logistics safety, efficiency, and sustainability, enhancing visibility and connectivity among transport providers, and transitioning to digitally enabled supply chain models.

In this article, we explore these challenges and discuss how organisations can address them through strategic initiatives and the adoption of advanced technologies.

1. Sensing and Quickly Responding to Demand Changes and Supply Disruptions Through Technology

One of the most pressing challenges in supply chain management is the ability to sense and respond to changes in demand and disruptions in supply chains. These disruptions can be caused by a wide range of factors, including natural disasters, geopolitical instability, pandemics, and more. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, highlighted the vulnerabilities of global supply chains and underscored the importance of agility and resilience.

To effectively sense and respond to these changes, organisations must leverage advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies enable real-time data collection and analysis, allowing companies to monitor demand patterns, predict potential disruptions, and make data-driven decisions quickly. For instance, AI-powered demand sensing tools can analyse vast amounts of data from various sources, including market trends, social media, and historical sales data, to provide accurate demand forecasts. This helps organisations to adjust their production schedules, inventory levels, and distribution plans proactively.

Moreover, cloud-based platforms that integrate supply chain data from multiple sources offer end-to-end visibility, enabling organisations to identify and respond to disruptions as they occur. These platforms facilitate collaboration across the supply chain, allowing stakeholders to share information and coordinate responses effectively.

2. Reducing Working Capital Whilst Preserving Supply Performance and Service Levels

Working capital management is a critical component of supply chain optimisation. Organisations need to strike a delicate balance between reducing inventory levels to free up cash and ensuring that supply performance and service levels are not compromised. Excessive inventory can tie up significant amounts of capital, while insufficient inventory can lead to stockouts, lost sales, and dissatisfied customers.

To optimise working capital, organisations should adopt strategies such as just-in-time (JIT) inventory management, demand-driven supply planning, and supplier collaboration. JIT inventory management involves aligning production schedules with customer demand to minimise inventory levels. This approach reduces carrying costs and frees up capital that can be invested elsewhere in the business.

Demand-driven supply planning, on the other hand, focuses on using real-time demand signals to drive production and replenishment decisions. By closely aligning supply with demand, organisations can reduce the risk of overproduction and excess inventory. Advanced planning systems that incorporate AI and ML can further enhance demand-driven planning by providing more accurate forecasts and optimising replenishment schedules.

Collaboration with suppliers is also essential for reducing working capital. By sharing demand forecasts and inventory data with suppliers, organisations can improve lead times and reduce the need for safety stock. Supplier performance management tools can help track and improve supplier reliability, further reducing the need for excess inventory.

3. Designing the Optimal Supply Chain Network

The design of a supply chain network has a significant impact on its overall performance. An optimal network design ensures that products are delivered to customers in the most efficient and cost-effective manner while meeting service level requirements. This involves determining the ideal locations for manufacturing facilities, distribution centres, and warehouses, as well as optimising transportation routes.

Network design is a complex task that requires consideration of multiple factors, including customer demand patterns, transportation costs, lead times, and the availability of infrastructure. Advanced modelling and simulation tools can help organisations evaluate different network design scenarios and identify the most efficient configuration.

In addition to optimising the physical layout of the supply chain network, organisations should also consider the role of technology in network design. For example, the adoption of digital twins—virtual replicas of physical supply chain assets—can provide valuable insights into the performance of different network configurations. These digital models allow organisations to simulate various scenarios, such as changes in demand or supply disruptions, and assess their impact on the network.

Transportation network optimisation is another critical aspect of supply chain design. By optimising transportation routes and consolidating shipments, organisations can reduce transportation costs and improve delivery times. Transportation management systems (TMS) that incorporate AI and ML can analyse vast amounts of data to identify the most efficient routes and modes of transportation.

4. Improving Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability in Logistics Operations

Logistics operations are at the heart of the supply chain, and improving their safety, efficiency, and sustainability is crucial for overall supply chain performance. Safety is a top priority in logistics, as accidents and injuries can lead to significant disruptions and financial losses. Efficiency is also critical, as logistics operations that are not optimised can result in delays, increased costs, and reduced customer satisfaction. Sustainability has become increasingly important as organisations seek to reduce their environmental impact and meet regulatory requirements.

To improve safety in logistics operations, organisations should invest in technologies such as automated material handling systems, real-time monitoring, and predictive maintenance. These technologies can help reduce the risk of accidents by automating hazardous tasks and providing real-time visibility into the condition of equipment and infrastructure.

Efficiency in logistics can be enhanced through the adoption of lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies. Lean logistics focuses on eliminating waste and improving the flow of goods and information throughout the supply chain. This can be achieved through process standardisation, the use of cross-docking techniques, and the optimisation of warehouse layouts.

Sustainability in logistics operations can be addressed by adopting green logistics practices, such as using energy-efficient vehicles, optimising transportation routes to reduce fuel consumption, and implementing recycling and waste reduction programs. Organisations can also reduce their carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources in their logistics facilities and adopting sustainable packaging materials.

5. Improving Visibility and Connectivity of Transport Providers

Visibility and connectivity are critical components of an efficient and responsive supply chain. Without real-time visibility into the status of shipments, organisations may struggle to manage their logistics operations effectively, leading to delays, increased costs, and dissatisfied customers. Connectivity among transport providers is also essential for ensuring seamless communication and coordination throughout the supply chain.

To improve visibility, organisations should invest in technologies such as IoT sensors, GPS tracking, and blockchain. IoT sensors can be attached to shipments to provide real-time data on their location, temperature, and condition. This data can be transmitted to a central platform, where it is analysed to provide insights into the status of shipments and identify potential issues.

GPS tracking systems enable organisations to monitor the movement of their vehicles and optimise routes in real-time. This not only improves delivery times but also reduces fuel consumption and transportation costs. Blockchain technology can enhance visibility and security by providing a tamper-proof record of all transactions and movements within the supply chain.

Improving connectivity among transport providers requires the adoption of digital platforms that facilitate collaboration and information sharing. These platforms can integrate data from multiple transport providers, allowing organisations to manage their logistics operations more effectively. For example, a transportation management system (TMS) can provide real-time visibility into the status of shipments across multiple carriers and enable organisations to coordinate deliveries more efficiently.

6. Transitioning and Transforming to Digitally Enabled Supply Chain Operating Models

The transition to digitally enabled supply chain operating models is no longer an option but a necessity for organisations seeking to remain competitive in the modern marketplace. Digital transformation involves the integration of digital technologies into all aspects of the supply chain, from procurement and production to distribution and customer service.

One of the key benefits of digital transformation is the ability to make data-driven decisions. By collecting and analysing data from across the supply chain, organisations can gain insights into their operations and identify areas for improvement. For example, data analytics can be used to optimise inventory levels, reduce lead times, and improve demand forecasting.

Digital transformation also enables greater agility and flexibility in the supply chain. Cloud-based platforms and digital tools allow organisations to quickly adapt to changes in demand or supply conditions, ensuring that they can respond to disruptions and maintain service levels.

However, transitioning to a digitally enabled supply chain operating model is not without its challenges. Organisations must invest in the right technologies, develop the necessary skills and capabilities, and manage the cultural and organisational changes that come with digital transformation. This requires a clear strategy and roadmap for digital adoption, as well as strong leadership and governance.

Optimising end-to-end supply chain performance is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires a strategic approach and the adoption of advanced technologies. By addressing the key challenges of sensing and responding to demand changes, reducing working capital, designing optimal supply chain networks, improving logistics safety, efficiency, and sustainability, enhancing visibility and connectivity among transport providers, and transitioning to digitally enabled operating models, organisations can achieve significant improvements in supply chain performance.

These improvements not only enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs but also enable organisations to respond more effectively to disruptions and changes in the marketplace. As the supply chain continues to evolve, organisations that embrace digital transformation and invest in the right technologies will be better positioned to succeed in the competitive global marketplace.

‍

Contact us today, trace. your supply chain and procurement consulting partner.

‍

‍