Last year it was about time to retire my current sound system and upgrade to a state-of-the-art wireless sound system. The old one started to show hick-ups and was not easy to integrate with new ‘tools’ in the house (e.g. smart phones, tablets), inflexible to relocate because it used cables (comparable to an EDI connection) and used CDs and music records (non-dynamic library, only offline available).

Key criteria

While shopping for wireless audio systems, a number of key criteria came to mind: dedicated app platform, availability for third party apps, multi room support and a WIFI-based solution.

After reviewing several sound systems I wanted a sound system that was able to control multiple speakers using a compatible device (e.g. smart phones, tablets). Almost all of my shortlisted wireless sound systems were using a dedicated app platform (i.e. full blown streaming media services available). 

User experience

The technology behind this platform and the smooth user experience were a real eye opener for me. The periodical software releases of these sound systems updates both the speakers (software for the hardware) and the app software automatically (ensuring compatibility for all devices in the house).

Not only does the dedicated app enable me to control the wireless speakers from any room in the house (e.g. control any node in my sound supply chain) but its available Business Network (multi layered app store approach) allows me to easily install third party apps (i.e. Spotify, Deezer, Internet radio, etc.) with unlimited media services available.

Zooming in on the multi layered app approach of these wireless sound systems, I realized that I could receive high quality music, in the comfort of my own home using unlimited online libraries without updating my own record collection and/or physically change cd or record. This is a great feeling that I am not blocked by any boundaries of my personal connection anymore and with a single touch on the tablet/smartphone can listen to any song in any room.

So now back again to: What does a wireless sound system have in common with your Supply Chain?

The approach that we have taken with our Quyntess SCM Apps on the Tradeshift platform is similar to that of the dedicated app of the wireless sound systems and the availability of third party apps offered in the App store. After registration on the Tradeshift platform it allows the user to install on any device all applicable apps, being it Tradeshift own or third party apps, like the Quyntess, apps.

If a Tradeshift user wants to use the Quyntess Order Collaboration, e-Logistics, Carrier Collaboration and/or Inventory Collaboration apps they can turn it on with one single click just like I would turn on Spotify with one click in the dedicated app. The only thing we have to ensure of course is that there is also content streaming up and down between the buyer and supplier organizations using the Tradeshift platform.

We are not only able to seamlessly integrate our SCM functionality within Tradeshift. We are able to send push messages to supplier and buyer in case of a new order or updated order response which is similar to Spotify sending an automated message that the playlist/artist you are following added a new track. Our SCM Apps are able to seamlessly collaborate together with the Tradeshift platform just like the Spotify or Deezer app do with the dedicated App of my wireless audio system. 

Is your current supply chain system also future proof and up-to-date with the current technology you are already using in your everyday life?

By Roeland Vermeulen