Supply Chain Automation: Data Automation w. DocParser

In global commerce, supply chain automation has become an undisputed driver of efficiency, accuracy, and cost reduction. At its heart is the strategic management of the data, i.e: data automation, that fuels every decision from forecasting demand to optimizing logistics. 

As businesses strive to rein in supply chain complexities under persistent cyber threat, the integration of secure data transfer and storage solutions, like SFTP To Go, with sophisticated data parsing technologies, like Docparser, is a bastion of effective data automation.

This post unpacks the significance of data management in supply chain automation, introduces SFTP To Go and its benefits, and highlights how it can be integrated with compatible parsing solutions, like Docparser, to get a handle on data automation.

The importance of data management in supply chain automation

Data is the lifeblood in modern supply chains, circulating vital information that keeps the global market pulsing with transactions. From the moment a product is conceived to the time it reaches the consumer, data guides the decisions that ensure an efficient, cost-effective, and timely journey. 

Yet, the sheer volume and complexity of data involved in these processes present a challenge. Data management or data automation is the cornerstone of effective supply chain automation.

Navigating the data deluge

Supply chain operations generate a staggering amount of data. Every product, transaction, and logistical operation adds to this immense dataset. Managing this data effectively is how visibility is maintained across the supply chain. Without visibility, chaos. 

Visibility is how you forecast demand accurately, optimize inventory levels, and ensure timely delivery of goods. Without detailed data management strategies, businesses risk drowning in inefficiencies, errors, and missed opportunities.

Data challenges into opportunities

The challenges of data management in supply chains are manifold because every measurable item, movement or transaction represents a datapoint that, when correctly channeled, will inform future action. 

Data tends to reside in siloed systems, each with its own format and standards, making integration and analysis a complex task. Take integrating customer data from disparate CRM systems, inventory information from ERP software, and logistics details from transportation management systems as an example.

Much of it is unstructured data—emails, PDFs, images, and text documents—that traditional databases struggle to process. Of course, using people to process data on this scale is inefficient, inaccurate, and out of the question.

These challenges present opportunities for innovation. 

The power of data automation solutions

By leveraging advanced data parsing tools in conjunction with secure data transfer/storage solutions like SFTP To Go, businesses can automate the extraction and interpretation of data from various sources. 

Data integration is streamlined and secured across different platforms, with conversion of unstructured data into structured formats that are ready for analysis. The result is a more agile, responsive, and intelligent supply chain that can adapt to changes and disruptions with unprecedented speed and efficiency.

SFTP To Go offers a full-featured platform for secure and reliable, managed data transfer and storage, catering to the complex needs of supply chain operations. It ensures that data, whether pertaining to inventory levels, shipment tracking, or customer orders, is accessible and secure, facilitating seamless communication across the supply chain network.

Yet, the utility of raw data is limited without the ability to parse and interpret it effectively. This is where data parsing solutions come into play, turning unstructured data into actionable insights that fuel continuous operational improvements.

In the context of supply chain management, data parsing solutions can: 

• extract critical information from invoices, including vendor details, payment terms, and itemized lists of goods, including quantities and prices
• process shipping documents to glean tracking numbers, shipment dates, and recipient information
• parse purchase orders to identify order numbers, product specifications, and delivery instructions—and much more. 

This capability to convert diverse documents into structured data formats on any scale enhances the efficiency of data management and supports more informed decision-making, bringing smoother operational workflows across the entire supply chain.

The integration of SFTP To Go with a leading data parsing tool is a powerful synergy that covers the gamut of supply chain data automation, enabling businesses to automate the extraction, processing, and analysis of critical supply chain data collated from their data-capture infrastructure.

An overview of SFTP To Go

In light of major supply chain attacks more than doubling from 2022 to 2023—following relatively stable figures in the preceding six years—the need for heightened security measures has never been more pressing. SFTP To Go brings a comprehensive MFT solution for contemporary supply chain transfer and storage operations. 

Here are some key features and benefits :

• Secure and reliable data handling:
  • Employs Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) and FTP over SSL (FTPS) for encrypted data transfers, protecting sensitive information such as product specifications, shipment schedules, and customer details against unauthorized access.
  • Ensures data is handled securely, making it indispensable for safeguarding confidential supply chain information.
• High availability and accessibility:
  • Powered by cloud-based infrastructure accessible via a user-friendly web portal, ensuring data is always available and accessible, facilitating critical decision-making and enhancing supply chain agility.
  • Supports anytime, anywhere data retrieval and analysis, crucial for dynamic supply chain management.
• Scalability to match business growth:
  • Effortlessly scales to accommodate increasing data volumes and more complex supply chain networks as businesses grow.
  • Offers a solution that grows with your business, eliminating concerns about outgrowing its capabilities.
• Integration capabilities:
  • Designed for seamless integration with a broad spectrum of applications and services, essential for automating supply chain processes.
  • Acts as a central hub for data transfer and storage, enabling smooth data flow between various systems such as inventory management, order processing, and logistics tracking, enabling a more connected and automated supply chain ecosystem.

Integrating data parsing with SFTP To Go

Now, we’ll explore how SFTP To Go integrates with Docparser to further streamline supply chain automation. This integration equips businesses with the necessary tools to efficiently extract, process, and employ data for more effective decision-making and operational enhancements.

Docparser

Docparser is particularly well-suited for small, medium, and large-sized businesses looking to digitize their document workflows. User reviews indicate that Docparser excels in supply chain environments from as small as 5-10 employees, to 10 000-plus employees.

Its powerful OCR capabilities and ease of use make it ideal for companies transitioning from paper-based processes, or those with ongoing paperwork components. Integrated with SFTP To Go, Docparser can capture data from contracts, purchase orders, and receipts, streamlining data entry and storage.

We tested this integration and found the process quick and effective. Here’s how to go about it.

Steps for connecting Docparser and SFTP To Go:

• Step 1: configure SFTP To Go - Start by creating credentials in SFTP To Go specifically for Docparser, ensuring they have read/write permissions. Assign a home directory that includes the files you wish to parse.
• Step 2: set up Docparser - In Docparser, initiate a new parser by uploading sample files. This step may involve using templates or defining custom data parsing rules based on your specific needs. Check out the Docparser SFTP integration instructions for more.
• Step 3: enable FTP integration - Navigate to the 'Integrations' section within Docparser and select "FTP" (compatible with SFTP). Construct a connection string using your SFTP To Go host and the path to your files, formatted as sftp://host/path. Input the username and password created for Docparser in SFTP To Go.

• Step 4: acknowledge Docparser warning - Docparser will issue a warning detailing its actions: automatically fetching files at regular intervals, parsing them, and then deleting them from the server.

• Step 5: access your data - With the setup complete, you can now access the parsed data directly from Docparser. Options include utilizing APIs for integration, downloading the data in a structured format, or opting to receive the data via email.

By following these steps, you'll enable an efficient flow of information from SFTP To Go to Docparser, leveraging the strengths of both platforms to automate and enhance your data management processes.

Enhancing supply chain decision-making with advanced analytics

The integration of SFTP To Go with data parsing tools not only enables secure data automation but also sets the stage for employing advanced analytics in supply chain operations. 

Let’s explore how real-time data analytics, powered by these integrations, can revolutionize supply chain management by enabling more informed and timely decision-making.

Employing data for predictive insights

Advanced analytics techniques, including machine learning algorithms and statistical models, can be applied to the structured data transferred by SFTP To Go and curated by data parsing tools. 

These techniques analyze historical data patterns to predict future supply chain trends, such as demand spikes, potential delays, or inventory shortages. 

For instance, machine learning models can forecast demand based on factors like seasonal trends, market dynamics, and consumer behavior, allowing businesses to adjust their inventory and production plans proactively.

Real-time monitoring and response

Integrating SFTP To Go with data parsing solutions significantly enhances the real-time monitoring of supply chain activities. 

This integration allows for the continuous analysis of data extracted from documents such as shipping notices, invoices, and purchase orders, providing a detailed view of the logistics chain. 

With this setup, supply chain managers can immediately detect and respond to various issues, such as identifying discrepancies in expected versus actual shipment contents or timings. 

This capability ensures that any necessary adjustments, like rerouting shipments due to unexpected delays or addressing discrepancies in orders, can be made swiftly to maintain operational efficiency and product quality.

Optimizing operations with analytics

Descriptive analytics provides a detailed view of past and current supply chain operations, offering insights into performance metrics and operational efficiencies. 

By analyzing data collected and structured through SFTP To Go and parsing tools, businesses can identify patterns and anomalies in their supply chain processes. 

This analysis helps in pinpointing areas for improvement, such as reducing waste, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing supplier performance.

Securing data and improving control

The integration of SFTP To Go with data parsing tools fortifies the data management ecosystem against potential cyber threats. This security is of vital importance, as supply chain data often encompasses sensitive information, including product specifications, shipment schedules, and customer details.

By employing SFTP and FTP over SSL (FTPS), SFTP To Go ensures that every piece of data transferred is encrypted, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access. 

This level of security maintains the confidentiality and integrity of supply chain information, which, if compromised, could lead to significant operational disruptions and financial losses.

This integration further empowers supply chain managers with granular control over data permissions. Managers can specify who has access to what data, ensuring that only authorized personnel can view or manipulate sensitive information. This capability is essential for complying with data protection regulations and for safeguarding the supply chain against internal and external threats.

Additionally, the creation of audit trails enhances this security framework by providing a detailed log of data access and modifications. These logs are invaluable for tracking data usage, identifying unauthorized access, and demonstrating compliance with regulatory standards. 

In conclusion

The integration of SFTP To Go with data parsing tools is a game-changer for supply chain automation, offering a secure and strong foundation for advanced analytics. 

By transforming raw data into structured, actionable insights, businesses can make use of predictive modeling, real-time monitoring, and descriptive analytics to make informed decisions that enhance supply chain efficiency and responsiveness.

Empower your supply chain with SFTP To Go

Visit SFTP To Go to enhance your supply chain through secure data automation, and explore:

• Documentation: Discover the full range of capabilities that SFTP To Go offers.
• Pricing: Find a plan that matches your business size and data needs.
• Start a free trial: Experience the benefits of SFTP To Go firsthand with a free trial.