Digital Supply Chain: Unlocking the Potential of Emerging Technologies

Mar 02, 2023

Oracle | 4 min READ

The supply chain has been an integral part of the business world for centuries, but with the advent of technology, it is undergoing a transformation like never before. The digital supply chain, which leverages the latest technological advancements, is poised to revolutionize how goods are sourced, produced, and delivered to customers. From IoT and sensors to nanotechnology and printing, the digital supply chain is changing the game in several ways. Let's take a closer look at these capabilities:

Pradip Das

Global Practice Director –

Supply Chain Management

Birlasoft

IoT and Sensors: IoT devices and sensors are the backbones of the digital supply chain, providing real-time data that allows organizations to make informed decisions. For example, IoT-enabled devices can monitor the temperature and humidity of products in transit, ensuring they are transported under optimal conditions. Sensors can also monitor the wear and tear of equipment in a factory, enabling maintenance to be performed before a breakdown occurs.
Social and Big Data: This is a key enabler in the digital supply chain, providing valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. We can analyze this data to identify trends, improve customer engagement, and streamline operations. For example, social media can gauge customer satisfaction, while big data can optimize delivery routes and reduce transportation costs.

Nanotechnology and Printing: Nanotechnology and 3D printing are changing the game in the digital supply chain, providing new ways to produce and deliver products. Nanotechnology can develop new materials with improved strength, durability, and thermal resistance, while 3D printing allows for the creation of customized products in real time. This technology can potentially make the supply chain more efficient and sustainable.

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Cloud Services: Cloud computing has transformed how organizations to store, manage and analyze data. The cloud enables organizations to access the information they need, when needed, from anywhere in the world. This is particularly useful for companies with multiple locations, as it allows them to coordinate their supply chain efforts and make informed decisions.
UI and Display Innovation: Advances in the user interface (UI) and display technology are making it easier for organizations to monitor and control their supply chain. For example, interactive displays can provide real-time information on the status of products in transit, while UI innovations can make it easier to access data and make informed decisions.
Robotics: Robotics is changing the way products are manufactured and delivered. Automated systems can perform repetitive tasks more efficiently than human workers can, freeing up resources for other important tasks. Robots can also monitor and control the supply chain, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

Birlasoft is at the forefront of the digital supply chain, offering a comprehensive array of enterprise solutions such as Oracle Cloud, Oracle EBS & JDE, Peoplesoft, Microsoft, and Infor to meet all your supply chain needs, no matter your industry.

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Some of the critical use cases of the digital supply chain:

The digital supply chain provides a range of tools and technologies that can help organizations meet these challenges and succeed in the digital age. Let’s take a closer look at the use cases:

Digital Supply Chain: Unlocking the Potential of Emerging Technologies

1. Adding a leading edge to ERP applications

Constrained Planning: Organizations can identify potential bottlenecks and constraints in their supply chain and develop strategies to overcome them. For example, constrained planning can help organizations optimize their production schedules, ensure suitable materials and equipment, and reduce waste and inefficiencies.
Inventory Optimization: Organizations can optimize their inventory levels, reducing the risk of stock-outs and overstocking. For example, inventory optimization can help organizations reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, and ensure they have the right products available when and where they are needed.
Advanced Forecasting: Organizations can identify potential risks and opportunities and plan for the future. For example, advanced forecasting can help organizations improve production schedules, optimize inventory levels, and reduce costs.

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2. Transforming with digital technologies

Connected Supply Chain: A connected supply chain is one in which all the stakeholders are connected and communicating in real time. This includes suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and customers. Organizations can improve collaboration, reduce errors, and streamline processes by connecting all the links in the supply chain.
Supplier Collaboration: By collaborating with suppliers, organizations can reduce costs, improve quality, and ensure they have the right products available when and where they are needed. For example, Blockchain can ensure accurate and valuable costing information to meet the cost-reduction goals of organizations.
Connected Products: Connected products are equipped with sensors, software, and digital technologies to communicate with other products and systems. Connected assets provide visibility, improves insights and utilization, and lowers operational cost using IoT. Overall, they drive lower costs of operations and better compliance.
Smart Manufacturing and Distribution: Organizations can automate their production processes, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. By embracing smart manufacturing and distribution, organizations can reduce costs, improve quality, and ensure that they have the right products available when and where they are needed.
Product Provenance Tracing: Blockchain can enable organizations to track and trace materials, products, and services – the ability to provide provenance. It is more critical during global disrupting events like COVID-19 to secure and strengthen supply chains.

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In conclusion, the digital supply chain is transforming how organizations operate, providing various tools and technologies to empower organizations and enable them to succeed in the digital age. From constrained planning and inventory optimization to advanced forecasting, the digital supply chain provides robust solutions to help organizations improve their operations and achieve their goals. Whether you are just starting or looking to elevate your supply chain to the next level, the digital supply chain has something to offer.

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