The market research institute Gartner expects significant changes in supply chain management within five years. Eight trends are already emerging.
- By 2023, at least every second global player will use artificial intelligence (AI), advanced analytics and technologies related to the Internet of Things (IoT) in their supply chain
- By 2023, 90 percent of all blockchain initiatives are in danger of falling asleep - there is a lack of use cases
The analysts of the US market research firm Gartner consider supply chain managementincreasingly related to corporate risks. Gartner advises that supply chain managers should signal to company management that they are ready to use innovative technologies. The analysts put forward two theses: first, by 2023 at least every second global player in their supply chain will be using artificial intelligence (AI), advanced analytics and technologies related to the Internet of things(IoT) work. Second, 90 percent of all blockchain initiatives threaten to fall asleep in the same period - the use cases are missing.
That will be the case within the next five years managementof supply chains are changing significantly, the analysts continued. You name eight trends:
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): Not many companies are yet using artificial intelligence (AI) in supply chain management, explains Gartner. That should change, because AI helps them find the most efficient routes and optimize stocks in the warehouse. Both save time and money.
2. Advanced Analytics: Advanced Analytics supports, for example, the identification of fraudulent customers or the determination of the correct prices.
3. Internet of Things (IoT): The Internet of Things (or English IoTfor Internet of Things ) enables insights into the entire supply chain. IoT technologies should, for example, ensure that nobody opens consignments without permission.
4. Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Robotic Process Automation ( RPA) is intended to reduce costs, for example by automating the checking and compliance of contracts. Chatbots can answer questions from employees.
Drones fly over stocks and take photos
5. Autonomous vehicles and drones: In storage rooms, autonomous vehicles can bring goods to the ideal location. Drones can fly over stocks and take photos.
6. Digital twins of the real supply chain: The idea of digitally mapping a complete haptic supply chain is still in its infancy. At this point in time, decision-makers have to weigh costs and benefits very carefully, emphasizes Gartner. However, with increasing technological maturity, the advantages in terms of transparency and error avoidance become apparent when such a digital twin is available.
7. Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR and VR): The analysts expect a combined one in the futureapplicationartificial and extended realities through sensors and technologies that are worn on the body. This will make it possible, for example, to "touch" goods that are in distant places.
8. Blockchain: The blockchain will relieve companies of paperwork. Deliveries can be tracked and counterfeits can be detected.
Conclusion: For Gartner, the supply chain is more than just an "executive area". Companies need a strategy for their supply chain that examines all new technologies for suitability and incorporates them sensibly.
This article was originally published by CIO