The traditional supply chain can be outlined as a linear model that is useful in a predictable and consistent environment. However, the uncertain times we are currently experiencing requires the adoption of a new supply chain model that allows organisations to be more responsive and agile to survive and lead the market. Supply chain 4.0 is the application of the Intelligence of Things, big data combined with custom logistics software development, data science, digital connectivity and many other smart technologies brought by the fourth industrial revolution.
Innovative technologies reorganise the traditional model, change how information flows within the chain and help to achieve greater business success through automation and digitalisation. Global organisations like Adidas, Maersk Line, Volvo, Port of Hamburg and Decathlon already use IoT in their supply chain operations to get valuable insights into things like inventory, logistics and warehousing.
Source: supplychainbeyond
Digital transformation of the supply chain can bring a company a plethora of benefits from better end-to-end visibility and improved decision-making to higher operational effectiveness and minimisation of expenditure.
Here’s more about the top advantages of the digital supply chain:
Source: McKinsey
The disruption in today’s business environment makes digital supply chain adoption a necessity rather than an option. And while many organisations are just considering the benefits, some have already implemented a digital supply chain and proven its capabilities. Here are a few applications of supply chain 4.0:
Digital technologies can help to mitigate the disruptions caused by the pandemic and boost operational efficiency and continuity. For instance, wearables like augmented-reality glasses can help employees receive or render remote assistance, leading to reduced maintenance time. Machine vision algorithms can conduct an automatic quality inspection by analysing images for specific results.
It is unlikely that 3D printing will substitute the traditional manufacturing process. However, it can be applied as a cost-effective solution for producing personalised items. Dr Scholl, a manufacturer of foot care products, uses 3D printing to create custom orthotics.
Smart logistics powered by connectivity, advanced analytics and automation solutions encompass route optimisation and vehicle scheduling. Moreover, COVID-19 has increased the need to deploy fully autonomous vehicles to deliver goods and minimise physical interactions. The introduction of fully automated vehicles depends on deep learning algorithms, and the technology is not yet available.
Even though most vehicles still have to be controlled by human drivers, they are starting to adopt self-driving features. In 2019, an autonomous truck with a safety driver on board made a trip from California to Pennsylvania in three days. Such a trip would usually take nearly nine days. Unmanned aerial vehicles can also be used to optimise the delivery process and maintain social distancing. For example, Amazon developed a delivery system to distribute packages by drones in 30 minutes or less. Another example of no-contact delivery is self-driving robots. At the beginning of 2021, Starship Technologies’ delivery robots have already completed around a million autonomous deliveries.
With the rise of e-commerce, optimising operational costs with technology solutions is also growing. Digital supply chains powered by intelligent, data-based processes provide retailers with enhanced transparency, including raw material acquisition, production and last-mile delivery. By adopting intelligent, data-driven processes, retail businesses can not only effectively manage inventory and meet consumer expectations, but they can also synchronise information-sharing across the whole supply chain.
To learn more about the concept of the intelligent supply chain, check out our latest whitepaper - The Evolution of Retail Technology.
As such, retailers are now adopting a 360-degree view of their entire supply chain—from raw material acquisition to production to last-mile delivery. Zara, a fast-fashion retailer that also manufactures its clothing, uses RFID tags to produce more fast-selling clothes and avoid out-of-stock situations. Walmart has invested $14 billion to improve its supply chain, leveraging automation solutions in distribution centres.
More than 80% of organisations are preparing to leverage the digital ecosystem in the next few years. Many partner with third-party software vendors to build up smart development teams skilled to drive digital transformation forward. Digitisation is a win-win solution for all supply chain stakeholders. The adoption of cutting-edge technologies allows companies to stay responsive to the changing business environment, deliver excellent customer experience and stay ahead of competitors.
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ELEKS’ Head of Software Architecture
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