Enhancing Supply Chain Precision with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management’s Ship Date Feature

Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management is enhancing supply chain precision with a new ship date feature. The landscape of supply chain management is continuously evolving and requires tools that anticipate the needs of businesses striving for efficiency.  Among its latest updates is a crucial enhancement that addresses a common challenge in logistics: the timing of shipments. This addition, known as the ship date feature, brings a new level of precision and control to the management of purchase orders.

Ship Date Feature

Traditionally, Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) Supply Chain Management users could specify a delivery date for purchase orders which indicates the expected arrival time of goods at a company’s facility. The new ship date feature builds on this by specifying the exact date a vendor should dispatch items. This is important for improving the accuracy of supply chain planning and execution.

The core of this update lies in its ability to calculate the ship date based on a transport days setup. This setup allows businesses to define the transit time required from the vendor’s location to their own, factoring in real-world logistics considerations to ensure timely arrivals.

Benefits

• Improved Forecasting and Scheduling: Incorporating transportation days into planning processes allows for more accurate forecasting and scheduling. This forward-looking approach ensures that goods are not only dispatched but also arrive on time, aligning with production schedules and market demands.
• Vendor Ship Calendars: Recognizing that not all vendors operate on the same schedule, the ship date feature accommodates the creation and adjustment of vendor ship calendars. This flexibility is great for managing exceptions, such as expedited shipments or delays, without disrupting the overall supply chain flow.
• Clearer Communication : Specifying ship dates clarifies expectations with vendors, minimizing the risk of misunderstandings and delays.
• Operational Efficiency: Knowing the exact shipping and arrival times enables businesses to optimize inventory management, reducing excess stock and associated costs. This efficiency gain is a key driver in achieving better financial performance.

By providing detailed control over the timing of shipments, D365 addresses an important aspect of supply chain management: predictability. The ability to anticipate and plan for the movement of goods across the supply chain is a competitive advantage in today’s fast-paced market.

The ship date feature illustrates the importance of adaptability in vendor relationships. By allowing for dynamic scheduling and quick adjustments, businesses can respond more effectively to unexpected changes, improving supply chain resilience.

The introduction of the ship date feature in Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management marks a significant advancement in supply chain optimization. It offers businesses the tools needed to navigate the complexities of global logistics, ensuring that goods are shipped and received precisely when needed.

If you want to learn more about enhancing supply chain precision in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management, contact us here to learn how we can help you grow your business. You can also email us at info@loganconsulting.com or call (312) 345-8817.