Digitising the Supply Chain – Insights from Peter Kerr
On 12 August 2025, AFSUG hosted an insightful morning session with Peter Kerr from Argon Supply Chain Solutions, exploring the realities, challenges and opportunities of digitising the supply chain.
Drawing from decades of SAP supply chain enablement experience, Peter shared both strategic perspectives and practical lessons for achieving true end-to-end visibility.
From Basics to Business Value
Peter opened with a key principle: core processes such as goods receiving, stocktaking, and issuing should be commodity processes — standardised, repeatable and ideal for automation.
When these run smoothly, supply chain leaders can focus on value-added processes that drive competitiveness and customer service, rather than troubleshooting day-to-day operations.
End-to-End Visibility as the Goal
Digitising the supply chain is not simply about new technology.
It’s about integrating every step, from vendor planning to customer delivery, so everyone works from a single, accurate version of the truth.
Achieving this requires:
- Standardised processes and data so systems communicate seamlessly.
- Simplified architectures to minimise complex integrations.
- Shared data objects across ERP, warehouse, and transport systems.
This strong foundation enables advanced tools like AI, IoT and control towers to deliver maximum value.
Handling Units – A Case in Point
A practical example was the handling unit — a pallet or container with a GS1-standard SSCC number.
Managed correctly, it can be tracked from supplier through warehouses, transport and ERP systems without relabelling or complex interfaces.
Benefits include faster cross-docking, better truck and storage planning, reduced rework, and improved traceability — all achieved with SAP standard functionality.
Think 10 Years Ahead
Peter urged attendees to make architecture decisions with a long-term view, selecting platforms that will remain relevant and avoiding unnecessary customisation.
Reducing disparate systems and sticking to standards often uncovers efficiencies and unexpected benefits, while keeping future options open for new processes like advanced returns management or e-commerce agility.
Master Data & Standardisation Matter
Consistent master data — especially for packaging, product information and routes — is essential.
Peter highlighted the gains from standardising pack instructions with vendors, leading to better truck utilisation, optimised racking and reduced handling costs.
Agility in a Changing Market
Supply chains must adapt quickly to disruptions and market shifts.
SAP’s standard document types allow rapid enablement of processes such as proof of delivery or cross-docking without months of redevelopment.
Agility also means being able to quickly list, reconfigure, or remove products — a necessity in the fast-moving world of e-commerce.
Real-Time Accuracy Improves Planning
Tightly integrated systems that update stock statuses immediately — rather than at the end of the day — enable more accurate MRP runs, better production planning and higher customer satisfaction.
Key Insights from the Session
- Automate commodity processes to focus on value creation.
- Build for visibility with standardised processes, data and systems.
- Architect for the long term, not just the next go-live.
- Leverage existing SAP standard functionality before customising.
- Maintain strong master data discipline for efficiency gains.
- Prioritise agility in processes and product management.
Peter closed with a reminder that digitising the supply chain is about getting the basics right first.
With a standardised, integrated foundation in place, organisations can fully leverage advanced technologies to create a truly agile, competitive supply chain.
About the Speaker:
Peter Kerr is a senior partner at Argon Supply Chain Solutions, specialising in SAP-enabled warehousing and transport management.
With extensive experience across industries, he helps organisations design and implement supply chain architectures that balance operational excellence with future readiness.
