How composability can increase supply chain agility

Want to skim the article?

• The ability to rapidly adapt to changes in the marketplace is necessary for business continuity and growth.
• Composability is a software architecture that employs what’s known as micro-services. Each service carries out a specific task, which can be exchanged between services to create greater functionality.
• Acting as building blocks, each component in composable architecture can be independently deployed, upgraded or replaced.
• Composable applications allow companies to quickly adapt their supply chain operations as product demand fluctuates or in response to external events.
• Companies can respond faster to problems with specific components while minimizing disruption since other components remain unaffected.

In today's business environment, the ability to rapidly adapt to changes in the marketplace is necessary for business continuity and growth. For supply chain leaders, this means having nimble and agile supply chain software that can quickly respond to changes in demand. One way to achieve this agility is through the use of composable applications.

What is a composable application?

Composability is a software architecture that employs what’s known as micro-services. Each service carries out a specific task, which can be exchanged between services to create greater functionality. This flexibility allows developers to compose an application from different types of services that are already in use. Then, these applications can be easily customized to the individual needs of users.

Acting as building blocks, each component in composable architecture can be independently deployed, upgraded or replaced. Composable infrastructure has quickly become an industry favorite. This is because of its attention to scalability and the ability for seamless updates or expansions with each new release.

The benefits of composable software development include the following:

• Increased speed and efficiency when making changes
• Reduced redundancy for developers
• Cost savings over traditional methods and lower IT costs
• Improved overall user experience.
• Reduced downtime
  

The overall benefits of composable application development can be tailored to supply chain management software. This can help brands create a composable supply chain to:

• Fulfill orders quicker with modern supply chain software
• Meet customer demand with flexible components and functionality
• Gain real-time visibility into inventory management data

How companies are using composable applications to increase agility

Businesses today need to be faster and more agile than ever to stay competitive. Composable applications can increase supply chain agility by allowing companies to make quick changes when needed.

For example, a brand’s supply chain team can use composable applications to integrate new vendors, systems or process changes. All with ease and minimal disruption.

Additionally, supply chain agility can be increased by having interconnected systems that can be easily switched based on supply and demand.

By using composable applications, companies can quickly adapt their supply chains as needed to capitalize on changing market conditions. This way, companies are armed with the right tools to increase their capacity to outmaneuver their competitors. Doing so keeps them competitive in today's age of rapid change.

What are the benefits of using composable applications in supply chains

Automation and composable applications are becoming key elements of many supply chains. By designing a modular architecture, companies can create comprehensive solutions tailored to the needs of their organization.

Composable applications allow companies to quickly adapt their supply chain operations as product demand fluctuates or in response to external events. This means supply chain teams can add functionality as needed. For example, brands can enjoy warehouse management functionality and then add on order management capabilities as they need.

Companies can respond faster to problems with specific components while minimizing disruption since other components remain unaffected. The versatility of composable application technology opens up possibilities for supply chains looking for a competitive advantage in today’s market.

How to get started with composable applications

If you're interested in composable applications, start by identifying which processes would benefit most from being broken down into smaller components. Then, determine how those components should communicate with each other.

Now, you have a plan in place to build and deploy composable applications. And now you can start reaping the benefits of increased agility and flexibility.

Here are several more tips and strategies to consider before getting started:

• Pick an appropriate cloud provider that meets your current needs and has a high degree of scalability for future expansion.
• Perform an audit of existing operations to ensure everything functions as it should  
• Identify areas where new composable technologies can make the most difference.
• Ensure your staff receives professional training so they can properly use and understand the functionalities.
  

Finally, don’t forget the need for proper data security protocols; users must understand their responsibility to protect sensitive information. Following these steps will help your business on the right foot when launching composable apps.

To stay up to date on the latest supply chain trends and technologies, subscribe to PorterLogic's newsletter today.