How does EDI support a greener supply chain?

EDI supports a greener supply chain mainly by replacing paper based processes, such as printed orders, invoices and delivery notes, with digital document exchange between trading partners. Cutting paper use in this way reduces waste and the resources tied up in printing and physical handling, while also making supply chain processes faster and less error prone.

What are the benefits of using a network of micro-manufacturers instead of one large supplier?

A network of smaller, more localised micro-manufacturers gives a business more flexibility and resilience than depending on a single large supplier. If one manufacturer faces disruption, others in the network can help cover demand, which supports scalability and reduces the risk of the kind of large scale supply shortages a single point of failure can cause.

How does increasing data visibility improve supply chain productivity?

Increasing data visibility improves productivity by giving a business a clearer, more current picture of what is happening across its supply chain, rather than relying on outdated or incomplete information. With better visibility, teams can spot inefficiencies sooner, make faster decisions and focus resources on the areas that will do the most for both the business and the environment.

← All articlesReports

A report from Transalis: 3 steps to a green supply chain

Considering how to tackle environmental issues in supply chain management can be difficult. In this whitepaper, we uncover 3 key steps to creating a green supply chain.

Transalis16 February 2023

A report from Transalis: 3 steps to a green supply chain

Download your free copy

Get the full report as a PDF: free, no sign-up required.

Download my free copy

Key takeaways

Growing pressure on organisations to reduce their environmental impact is pushing many to take a more considered approach to manufacturing, logistics and administration across the supply chain.
Reducing paper usage and adopting more digitised, automated processes are practical ways to cut supply chain emissions while also improving productivity and profitability.
Moving to a network of localised micro-manufacturers can make a supply chain more scalable and better able to adapt when a large supplier is disrupted.
Increasing data visibility across the business helps organisations spot inefficiencies and make better decisions, supporting both productivity and a shorter, greener supply chain.
The report brings together independent research, industry sources and client case studies across these three areas for organisations building a more sustainable supply chain strategy.

How can businesses build a shorter, greener supply chain?

Businesses build a shorter, greener supply chain by combining three approaches: using EDI and digital processes to cut paper use and emissions, moving towards a network of more localised micro-manufacturers for greater scalability and resilience, and increasing data visibility across the business to support better decisions. Together these steps reduce environmental impact while also improving productivity and profitability.

There’s increasing pressure on organisations to address environmental impact as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies. Taking steps to a green supply chain is one way this can be achieved…

This includes a more considered approach to manufacturing, logistics, and administration across the supply chain. Adopting greener supply chain practices, such as reducing paper usage, enabling digitised and automated processes, and utilising a more localised manufacturing network can all significantly cut supply chain emissions. These will not only significantly improve the business environmental impact (outside of surface-level box-ticking), but will also improve productivity, efficiency and profitability.

For example, the temporary closure of Foxconn resulted in significant issues for Apple with the release of the iPhone 14, highlighting the fragility of their large-scale outsourced manufacturing in China. This has clearly been noted by other organisations, that are now turning to more localised networks of micro-manufacturers to deliver the required stock levels.* In fact, a strategic pivot to a shorter supply chain brings some notable commercial and environmental benefits.

In this report, 3 steps to a shorter, greener supply chain, we explore the top green business strategies that organisations should be adopting for a more eco friendly supply chain:

Utilise EDI to support the supply chain and benefit the planet
Adopt a network of micro-manufacturers for scalability and agility
Increase data visibility across the business to maximise productivity

Each of the steps above forms a detailed chapter in the report, where we have included our independent research, trusted industry sources, and client case studies. As with all of our quarterly whitepapers, this report is entirely free to access by downloading a copy.

Frequently asked questions

How does EDI support a greener supply chain?: EDI supports a greener supply chain mainly by replacing paper based processes, such as printed orders, invoices and delivery notes, with digital document exchange between trading partners. Cutting paper use in this way reduces waste and the resources tied up in printing and physical handling, while also making supply chain processes faster and less error prone.
What are the benefits of using a network of micro-manufacturers instead of one large supplier?: A network of smaller, more localised micro-manufacturers gives a business more flexibility and resilience than depending on a single large supplier. If one manufacturer faces disruption, others in the network can help cover demand, which supports scalability and reduces the risk of the kind of large scale supply shortages a single point of failure can cause.
How does increasing data visibility improve supply chain productivity?: Increasing data visibility improves productivity by giving a business a clearer, more current picture of what is happening across its supply chain, rather than relying on outdated or incomplete information. With better visibility, teams can spot inefficiencies sooner, make faster decisions and focus resources on the areas that will do the most for both the business and the environment.

Ready to discuss more?

Talk to our specialised team who will work with you to find the best solution to meet your business needs and future-proof your supply chain. Book a meeting, give us a call, or email us directly.

Book a meeting 0800 054 8059(UK)+44 1978 369 343(Int’l)sales@transalis.com

Want this applied to your supply chain?

We will look at how you trade today and show you where the report's findings would change things for you.

Download your free copy

Frequently asked questions

Ready to discuss more?

Read next

Want this applied to your supply chain?