Effective collaboration is key to managing your supply chain efficiently. In Beacon, you can collaborate on two levels: shipments and orders. Understanding the differences and best use cases for each will help you choose the right approach for your needs.
Key Differences
Shipments
A shipment refers to the physical movement of goods, such as a container, pallet, or air waybill (AWB). Shipments represent the logistical aspect of your supply chain.
Best for:
Tracking milestones like departure, transit, and delivery.
Discussing issues specific to logistics (e.g., delays, reroutes, or container details).
Collaborating with teams focused on transportation and operations.
Examples of Collaboration:
Leaving a comment to discuss a container’s delayed arrival.
Uploading shipping documents (e.g., bills of lading or customs paperwork) for easy access.
Orders
An order represents a purchase order (PO) or customer order and typically includes one or more shipments. Orders focus on the commercial and fulfillment side of the supply chain.
Best for:
Collaborating on purchase order details, such as quantities, SKUs, or supplier-specific information.
Tracking order-level milestones, such as order placement or fulfillment progress.
Engaging with procurement, sales, or customer service teams.
Examples of Collaboration:
Adding a comment to resolve discrepancies in the ordered vs. shipped quantities.
Uploading purchase orders, invoices, or supplier contracts.
How to Decide When to Collaborate on Shipments or Orders
Use Shipment Collaboration when your focus is on logistics and transportation. It’s ideal for resolving container delays, discussing transit milestones, or managing freight carrier updates.
Use Order Collaboration when you need to work on broader supply chain issues like purchase order accuracy, supplier communication, or order fulfilment.
Collaborating Effectively on Both Levels
Beacon allows you to work seamlessly across both shipments and orders. By using live boards, you can:
Combine shipment and order data for a holistic view.
Centralise comments, documents, and updates to reduce communication silos.
Tailor notifications and access levels to ensure the right teams stay informed.
By understanding the differences between shipments and orders, you can make collaboration more efficient and ensure your supply chain runs smoothly. If you have questions or need assistance, contact support@beacon.co.uk.