Monday, November 5, 2012

Mobile Phones as an Essential Tool in Supply Chain

Continuing on today's debate of DakNet:
The increasing penetration of mobile phones in rural parts was one reason why DakNet's market will always be shrinking. Amir Hasson's United Villages realized this and started E-Shop, a mobile based supply chain solution in rural areas. Many institutions/NGOs have started exploring this potential in other developing nations also. Living Goods is a NGO in Uganda which provides cheap supply chain solutions to rural people. And not surprisingly, they are finding mobile phones a major ally in their work. Quoting NY Times blog


As mobile phones become ubiquitous even in rural villages, they have transformed the work.   Sales reps now use texting to log their sales and track inventory.  Most customers have a phone, too — or their neighbor does — so Living Goods can target them with direct messages — promotions and sales, but also health messages. Someone who buys malaria medicine, for example, will get a text a day later that says “you may be feeling better, but please take ALL your medicine.” Pregnant women get health advice.

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