Tips for Collaborating with Your Downstream Supply Partners

We can compare the downstream fuel supply chain to an ecosystem. Many parts work together to form a lengthy, synergetic process.

Like an ecosystem, each piece of the supply chain relies on the other parts to be effective. For example, the downstream supply chain includes buyers, suppliers, terminals, and carriers—each of these shares many of the same challenges.

This complex system is becoming even more convoluted. How can you interact with your supply partners? How can you make collaboration seamless and contribute to the supply chain’s overall success?

Each member of the chain faces challenges related to the collection, storing, and distribution of data. With Partner Insights, those issues are tackled head-on, bringing these processes into the 21st century.

This article will discuss the downstream fuel supply chain and how to collaborate with your downstream partners more effectively.

 

Collaborating with downstream supply partners

The downstream supply chain is much like any business process. Effective collaboration between the various players in the chain will lead to better communication, more efficient processes, and ultimately a smoother-running operation.

Each party must do its part to contribute to the process’ overall success. So let’s examine some areas where downstream supply partners can improve how they collaborate.

 

Communication

Communication is a cornerstone of any business relationship. For the downstream, it’s essential to keep your partners up-to-date on any changes in product flow or holdups. Keeping the flow of information open is the most important thing you can do to successfully collaborate with your supply chain partners.

Also, carriers communicate information about their drivers and trailers to terminal operators. The importance of compliance cannot be understated, so ensuring that drivers and trailers meet the terminal’s requirements will result in faster loads. Your drivers should be able to have and share that data quickly with terminals to move things along.

Carriers also communicate with other downstream partners to ensure that the right product is being sent out at the right time. So, you need to make sure that your information is being sent in a timely fashion.

 

Reliable information and accuracy

Sharing information is only helpful if it is accurate. As we will outline below, inaccurate data is the beginning of downstream supply chain problems. Even the tiniest of incorrect details can have a ripple effect throughout the downstream supply chain.

It is vital to take the time to verify the information before sending anything. Most communications are time-sensitive. This fast-paced market does not have room for error.

Carriers must also ensure that their downstream partners are receiving the correct information. Whether providing carriers with critical destination information or estimated arrival times, communicating that data quickly and accurately will keep things moving.

 

Be flexible

Even with the most accurate data available, the fuel supply chain faces many changes every single day. The ability to react quickly and be flexible in the face of those challenges will differentiate between being successful and not.

As downstream supply chain partners, it’s essential to know when one party is having issues with another, so you can be proactive in taking steps to protect your margins.

The most flexible companies can thrive even during unpredictable circumstances and events.

 

Challenges facing the downstream supply chain

There are many players, hundreds of products, and changes happening at every turn in the downstream oil supply chain. With thousands of transactions happening simultaneously, and each player trying to protect its thin profit margin, the area is ripe for misunderstandings and miscommunications.

Many common operational pitfalls that face carriers and terminal owners boil down to one issue: manual processes. Let’s examine one example of how manual processes affect the downstream supply chain.

Clearing a transport at a terminal is often a manual process and is done through email and fax communication. This process can be time-consuming, taking days or weeks to complete.

The result? Any manual process opens the possibility of increased human error. Errors are unavoidable, but each error creates a domino effect and affects the following areas of the supply chain.

For example, there may be a delay in being able to load the product. Those delays translate into time wasted and increased costs. The carriers are then late to deliver to their retail partners, which damages those relationships.

These manual processes also lack information security, which can lead to compliance issues. Whatever the case, sending a driver to a terminal only to find that they cannot load the product is a waste of time and money.

 

Collaboration through digitalization

The future of the fuel industry lies in digitalization. Digitalization provides downstream supply chain partners with the ability to be flexible, efficient, and secure.

The downstream oil industry is already beginning to see some of these changes happening in its own operations. For example, 60% of oil refineries surveyed noted spending more on digital tools this year.

However, the simple act of digitizing your processes does not eliminate all of these issues. The industry simply has not kept up with the unrelenting drive of technology. Instead of making sweeping changes, many organizations have made minor, incremental changes. With many customers using many different data management programs, how can carriers maintain accuracy and flexibility?

 

Partner Insights

Digitizing the supply chain will be crucial in elevating the industry and reaching a new level of responsiveness and efficiency. The benefits are numerous.

Terminal operators will reduce time-consuming and inaccurate manual data entry. Carriers will appreciate the accurate lifting instructions and simplified record-keeping. All parties will enjoy frictionless, seamless communication. 

Suppliers will enjoy the benefits of greater customer satisfaction and better customer experiences. In addition, their operations will be more efficient, cost-effective, and productive.

The correct data and the right tools mean you have the right operational intelligence to eliminate inefficiencies. Partner Insights provides those benefits. With reliable data and streamlined processes, downstream supply chains will enjoy better communication and collaboration.

Partner Insights is the tool you need to digitize your operations. Learn how it can streamline your collaboration with your downstream supply partners today.