Digital Transformation of Supply Chain: Enhancing Supply Chain Visibility at Rahat Distribution

Abstract

The project “Digital Transformation of Supply Chain: Enhancing Supply Chain Visibility at Rahat Distribution” highlights the operational challenges faced by a Rawalpindi-based distributor of Rahat hygiene products. Key issues include manual stock counting without barcodes or tagging, handwritten diaries and Excel-based inventory and order management, no digital order placement, lack of delivery tracking, and absence of GPS for route optimization— resulting in delayed responses, information leakage, poor delivery planning in congested Rawalpindi-Islamabad zones, and limited visibility into stock expiry risks and operational failures. These outdated processes severely hinder real-time decision-making and overall supply chain visibility for management. The paper proposes affordable, scalable solutions: an integrated Warehouse Management System (e.g., Zoho Inventory) for barcode-based real-time tracking, mobile digital ordering with EasyPaisa/JazzCash integration, GPS fleet tracking via TPL Trakker for route optimization, and centralized databases to improve inventory accuracy, forecasting, and cross-functional visibility. While no implementations have occurred yet, the study provides a clear roadmap to bridge these digital gaps and enhance competitiveness in Pakistan’s growing hygiene products market.