Thursday 23 January 2020

7 Key Trends That Will Change Supply Chain Management in 2020!



The supply chains for a variety of businesses has grown more complex. They are now smarter, faster, more consumer centric and sustainable. According to Accenture, 76% of supply chain managers see customization of services and products and faster fulfilment of orders as the two top-most consumer demands in the coming years. Higher expectation from the consumers impact every part of the supply chain. InVerita has summarised seven supply chain trends that will blow up in 2020:

1. Artificial Intelligence

Supply chain was one of the top areas where businesses are generating revenue from AI investment. The adoption of machine learning and other AI technologies provides new insights into a wide range of aspects, including logistics and warehouse management, collaboration, and supply chain management. AI enables the tracking and measurement of all the factors needed to improve demand forecasting accuracy. Having all this information could easily reshape warehouse management, with self-driving forklifts, automated sorting, and self-managing inventory systems.

2. IoT & Big Data

Through the installation of sensory devices on products, businesses can track their products movement and manage their inventory easily and automatically. The impact of these IoT trends in the supply chain is reduced costs and improved service delivery. The data is collected in a central system and can then be analysed to derive valuable insights.

3. Wearable Technology

Wearable devices, together with cloud technology, can allow workers to input and access data in real-time. Warehouse managers can leverage this tech to collect correct inventory data quickly as well as keep track of products manufactured, stored, and transported at any given time. These devices can also help companies to detect health issues in their workers as such promote their wellbeing.

4. Omnichannel Service Delivery

Omnichannel is a multi-channel sales approach that provides the customer with an integrated customer experience. The customer can be shopping online from a desktop or mobile device, or by telephone, or in a bricks and mortar store and the experience would be seamless. Omnichannel marketing can be a valuable asset for businesses that are looking to deliver a better customer experience.

5. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

RPA involves automation of manual processes using the software. It’s a software robot that is programmed to mimic human actions. As such, RPA will be used to automate most of the repetitive warehouse tasks and fasten the process of order fulfilment.

6. Autonomous Driving

As the demand for delivery drivers grows and the supply of labor declines, businesses will be forced to turn to alternatives such as autonomous vehicles. Autonomous vehicles have the ability to impact supply chains through cost savings, improved efficiency, and increased safety.

7. Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR)

AR and VR in retail helps to improve customer engagement and involvement. In supply chains, AR improves the order picking process. By using smart glasses, employees can see exactly where items should fit on carts while they are picking orders. AR and VR could help managers to get a real time look at any site at any time to ensure that processes are running as planned. This is particularly important when key personnel aren’t able to be on site.

These advancing technologies are reshaping the supply chain, not in the future but now! Technologies will enhance the speed, dynamics, and resilience of internal, as well as, external supply chain operations, which will, in return, strengthen customer relationships and increase revenue flow. Therefore, companies should be aware of ongoing changes and constantly be on the lookout of innovative solutions in order to stay competitive.


Reference
1. inVerita, 7 supply chain trends that will blow up in 2020 https://medium.com/
2. Andrew Arnold, How AR And VR Are Revolutionizing The Supply Chain www.forbes.com/
3. Lucy Benton, 6 Ways AI Is Impacting The Supply Chain https://supplychainbeyond.com/

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