In the early days of computers people had to deal with quantities of data memory that these days seems ridiculously small. In fact, people had to cope with data storage units that could only handle a tiny fraction of what CDs, DVDs, USB-sticks or external hard drives can save nowadays. In what gigantic ways technology has developed since the 80s, when computers slowly became popular, can be seen on facts like these: A single MP3-file exceeds the storage capacities of most of the computers back then. Sure one only had to deal with files and data that were accordingly small, but upgrading to a bigger data storage unit was really expensive back then. Nowadays, however, we live in a world were we are surrounded by data and media. Especially the mobile web gives us the opportunity to always download and save files and save them to a variety of systems. It is even possible to quickly share those files via bluetooth, Wi-Fi or USB sticks.

The future is the cloud

Storing data has always required some sort of device on which it is stored. In the near future however, this device will be invisible to our eyes since the data will be stored on the internet itself. Therefore we will be able to access all our data just by establishing a connection to the web. This is why this new technology is called Cloud Hosting. The possibilities and chances it gives to users are virtually unlimited: People – be it private users or project managers – can access their data – documents, pictures, music, everything – from every space in the world via secure and encyphered connections. They just have to decide for a dedicated server that allows them to save and store their data on it. From that point on, they have unlimited acccess to all their data stored on the respective server.

With computers has come a multitude of different software solutions that assist in the processes of Supply Chain Management and Customer Service Management. These software solutions have revolutionized the way that these facets of business are run, creating a much smoother and effective workplace.

Supply Chain Management

Software can be used within SCM for a huge number of different reasons, all of which enable the management of different suppliers to be effectively conducted and monitored. One of the main reasons software is used is to process both orders made by the number of customers affiliated with the business, as well to process orders made by the business to their various suppliers. Encompassed within this process is also the ability to monitor the entire inventory in a certain company, as well as that of their suppliers. SCM software can also be utilized to great effect when a business needs to forecast exactly what they will need over the coming days, weeks and months. With complex systems and highly accurate data analysis, they can accurately predict future consumption, as well as help to streamline any costs involved.

Customer Service Management

There are various different pieces of software on the market that will assist with CSM in a variety of ways, all of which contribute to a more effective and coordinated workforce. Probably the most important piece of software is the one that stores all of the information regarding customers, as well as recording the details of every conversation that has been had with them. This allows the business to more effectively tailor their approach to this customer.

Other types of CSM software will assist the business in monitoring sales, managing the accounts of all customers and also generating any report that is needed to outline a variety of CSM aspects.

Supply Chain Management and Customer Service Management are not new phenomena – in fact, they have been around for a large number of years. In this time they have developed in to the model seen today, but the road has been a long and interesting one.

Supply Chain Management

The basic principle of supply chain management was first used in the early part of the 20th century, with the advent of the production line. The actual term “Supply Chain Management” wasn’t created, however, until the 1980s. The history and development of it can be categorized in to two basic categories – the growth of Supply Chain Management and the specialization of businesses in it.

Since the inception of the production line, SCM has come on in leaps and bounds. The most significant factor in the history, however, is the integration of SCM with new technology, most notably the internet. This made it far easier for outside companies to work within an existing structure and for them to be communicated and monitored in a cost effective way. Alongside the advent of new technologies came the idea of SCM being an important factor in businesses and the development of teams whose role is to work solely in this area. Although SCM had long been used, it was only during this period in the 1980s that dedicated personnel were hired.

Customer Service Management

Customer Service Management really came to prominence in the 1980s, with the advent of companies that had specific people to talk to different parts of their customer base. This reaped immediate benefits, as key clients could always have a good understanding with the person that they were dealing with. During the 1990s, CRM began to evolve, meaning that it wasn’t only the customer giving information to the company, but the company also giving incentives and bonuses to their more loyal customers.

In to the 2000s, CRM really jumped in to its current form, with all types of technology being used for its implementation – including, of course, the internet. With this invention, the scope for communicating with customers has been blown open.

Supply Chain Management and Customer Relationship Management are two highly important facets of almost every single business, affecting both the profits and the reputation immeasurably. But what exactly are they and how are they so important to an organization?

Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management is essentially the management of different – yet connected – businesses that are all part of a chain when supplying a customer. This means that the chain encompasses everything from the production, transport and sale of the item in question, monitoring the effectiveness of these different components. A successful supply chain will keep costs for the business down, yet also allow a great product to be delivered to the end consumer.

Supply Chain Management is essential in the modern world as companies find themselves competing in a global marketplace, which has been facilitated by the advent of the internet. To effectively compete in this market, large companies must ensure that every stage of their product’s life – up to the point of sale – is carefully managed and that any potential issues are corrected. With many different businesses often providing different components, it is vitally important that there is both an overall goal in place and also a strategy to ensure everyone is working in synch with each other.

Customer Relationship Management

Customer Relationship Management is a strategy used by most established businesses, in order to control the way in which the organizations interacts with its customers and other clients. This is done through the use of various technologies that both organize and monitor the way in which this process is carried out – from sales all the way through to the way that the product of service is marketed.

Customer Service Management is essential because it increases the businesses ability to synchronize their sales tactics, therefore raising the chance of a successful sale. It also increases the overall quality of service and increases management’s ability to support their staff.