Supply Chain Holiday Readiness 2024

As the 2024 holiday season approaches, retailers must prepare their supply chains for increased demand and ensure smooth operations. Brands and retailers are predicted to incur an extra $197 billion in middle- and last-mile expenses, increasing 97% over last year. And with the 2023 US holiday spending at $966.6B, set to exceed. A thorough preparation is more important than ever.

With the right holiday readiness strategy, you can turn the holiday rush into a season of flourishing revenue without breaking a sweat. At Undocked, we have been through this several times, and we know the playbook. In this blog, we share the key initiatives we recommend for optimal holiday readiness.

Address Holiday 2023 Backlog & Introduce New Features

Analyze and clear any pending backlog items from Holiday 2023 to ensure your systems are up-to-date and ready for the new season.

Roll out new features designed to improve operational efficiency and customer experience. Ensure all new features undergo rigorous testing to confirm they function as expected. Provide comprehensive training and detailed documentation for new features to your team.

Fix Packs and Release Management for Your Cloud WMS and OMS Applications

Businesses who have moved to cloud should ensure all the fix packs and releases are thoroughly tested and applied before the code freeze date. It is advisable to pre-build reusable automation and performance testing suites which can be used to certify the releases of these cloud applications.

Automate as much as possible to ensure quick identification and resolution of issues. Test autoscaling policies and ensure they work under peak conditions. Any break in features or any new performance issue introduced because of these releases can directly impact operational efficiencies. 

Enhance Monitoring, Alerting, and Dashboards

Regularly review monitoring data to identify and address operational gaps. Set up dashboards to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) like order processing times, inventory levels, and fulfillment rates. Establish alert mechanisms for critical issues to enable immediate action.

Implement a continuous improvement cycle with regular reviews and updates based on monitoring insights. Foster a culture of continuous improvement within your team.

Invest in auto-packaging solutions to speed up order fulfillment. Regularly monitor app performance to ensure a seamless customer experience.

Utilize visualization tools to map out the entire fulfillment workflow. Regularly review the visualization to identify and address bottlenecks and streamline operations.

Conduct Comprehensive Performance Testing

WMS - Inbound, Outbound Inventory Management Testing:

Conduct performance tests on inbound and outbound inventory management systems to ensure they can handle increased holiday volumes. Address any issues identified during testing promptly.

EOM - Sourcing, Allocation, Inventory Management, Shipping & Fulfillment:

Conduct thorough tests on sourcing, allocation, inventory management, shipping, and fulfillment processes. Make necessary adjustments based on test results to optimize efficiency.

Interface Testing:

Ensure seamless integration between systems by regularly testing interfaces. Resolve any interface issues identified during testing promptly.

Test Script Development & Test Data Creation:

Develop detailed test scripts covering all critical scenarios. Use accurate and realistic test data for testing to ensure your systems perform as expected under various conditions.

Regularly review test reports to identify performance issues. Implement recommendations to enhance system efficiency.

Address Risks and Remedies

Order Integration & Data Consistency Issues:

Conduct integration tests to ensure smooth order processing between systems. Address any integration issues promptly to avoid disruptions.

Implement validation checks for order data consistency. Resolve any order mismatches promptly to ensure accurate order fulfillment. Regularly review and optimize order consolidation processes. Use automated systems for order consolidation to improve efficiency.

Slow & Interrupted Waves:

Monitor wave processing performance regularly. Make necessary adjustments to enhance efficiency and ensure smooth operations.

Invalid Inventory Data:

Conduct regular inventory audits to ensure data accuracy. Use real-time tracking systems to maintain accurate inventory data.

Label Printing & Print Server Issues:

Conduct regular maintenance on label printers and print servers. Implement backup systems to ensure continuity in case of issues.

Capacity Planning & Control Room

Create a comprehensive plan to handle increased holiday volumes. Ensure your capacity plan includes contingencies for unexpected spikes in demand. Establish a control room for real-time monitoring and rapid issue resolution. Ensure your control room is staffed with experienced personnel.

Ensure sufficient staffing levels for peak periods. Plan for additional temporary staff if necessary to manage increased workloads.

Ensure Operational Readiness

Develop Operational Playbooks:

Create detailed playbooks outlining standard operating procedures for all critical processes. Ensure your team is familiar with these playbooks.

Conduct Knowledge Transfer Sessions:

Provide comprehensive knowledge transfer sessions for your team. Ensure all team members are up-to-date with the latest processes and procedures.

Ensure Tools and Access:

Verify that all necessary tools and access are in place. Conduct a pre-holiday audit to ensure there are no gaps in your operational setup.

Hold a Pre-Holiday Summit:

Align your team on goals and strategies with a pre-holiday summit. Use this opportunity to address any concerns and ensure everyone is prepared for the holiday season.

Conclusion

Preparing for the holiday season requires meticulous planning and execution. By addressing backlog issues, leveraging new features, enhancing monitoring systems, conducting comprehensive performance testing, mitigating risks, and ensuring operational readiness, retailers can ensure a smooth and successful holiday season.

At Undocked, we are dedicated to helping you achieve operational excellence. If you need assistance with your holiday preparations, contact our team for expert guidance and support. Together, we can make Holiday 2024 your most successful season yet.