ABeam optimises supply chain digitalisation

Businesses around the world have experienced political and economic turmoil over the last few years which has left many companies struggling, and maintaining supply chain stability in the face of ongoing market disruption is now a key challenge facing Vietnamese firms.

‘Data technology’ and ‘digital transformation’ are two terms that are often cited as new solutions for the new era, and Vietnam is currently undergoing a major digital transition, with numerous government programmes laying the foundation for the change.

Ryohei Oda, general director of ABeam Consulting Vietnam, said, “Despite the current period of ever-faster transformation, many businesses are sticking with traditional processes. This reluctance to make necessary changes is limiting, and can prevent businesses from accessing digital solutions that boost innovation.”

“In the face of unpredictable market forces, flexibility and resilience are valuable resources that make it easier for businesses to handle the unexpected,” Oda added.

The German multinational software provider, SAP, helps businesses improve operational transparency by using digital-data management techniques to help firms troubleshoot their global supply chain management concerns.

However, Bui Nghiem Tung, technology expert at ABeam Consulting with more than 15 years of experience in shared SAP Deployment, believes not all businesses are set up to maximise the potential of SAP's solutions.

“SAP only provides the tools to deliver supply chain solutions. The application of SAP's software requires different formulas suitable to the specific operating conditions for each organisation. An overall assessment of the situation is necessary to gain an understanding of the criteria for determining success,” said Tung.

Tung pointed out three key points that business leaders need to pay attention to as they seek to digitalise supply chain management.

"First, businesses need to focus on resource management and whether there is a way to optimise the human element at different stages or create a more automated and resource-saving work environment. The second point is related to data security, legal tasks, and data security regulations," he said.

With a wealth of global knowledge, ABeam delivers a competitive advantage to clients with its digital infrastructure expertise, ensuring optimal results from using the SAP platform.

"Finally," Tung added, "Difficulties often arise in the management of the transition, so simplifying processes and minimising bottlenecks during implementation can help improve efficiency."

With more than 40 years of experience working alongside businesses in Japan and around the world, ABeam Consulting has offered the services of its 7,000 team members to more than 6,000 projects from over 1,100 clients.

With a wealth of global knowledge gleaned from a diverse range of industries, ABeam delivers a competitive advantage to clients with its digital infrastructure expertise, ensuring optimal results from using the SAP platform.

“In most cases, we do not recommend using the SAP application until an assessment is made concerning the ability of the current system to accept its deployment. We can provide a standardised process to create change in terms of data, organisation, or even people, from within the business. Once we are sure everything is in place, the new SAP process can be launched,” said Tung.

Despite the competitiveness of the high-tech solutions market in Asia, earlier this year, SAP announced Abeam Consulting as its first partner for the Regional Strategic Services Partner (RSSP) initiative.

The RSSP initiative enables partners to scale their SAP practices more quickly across the region and collaborate more closely with SAP to deliver joint customer success.

Vietnam's pivotal role as one of the leading exporters to Walmart's global supply chain is poised to strengthen, as discussions with senior executives highlight the potential for enhanced collaboration and increased participation of Vietnamese suppliers.

Regional supply chain shifts are underway. Ramachandran a.s., Citi country officer for Vietnam, shared his views with Hoang Anh on how Vietnam can take ad-vantage of this for further economic development.

Enterprises need to plan a long-term strategy based on core principles, avoiding hasty digital transformation that leads to avoidable pitfalls that they can learn and benefit from in advance.

With Vietnam’s logistics industry estimated at $80 billion and with an increase of 14-16 per cent annually, the adoption of digital transformation and automation is expected to drive more efficiency in the sector.