SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT into logistics . With the help of this consulting model , supply chains can be simulated virtually and evaluated in terms of function and efficiency well in advance of operational network implementation . Real planning scenarios can include , for example , the networking of locations within a production network in the context of multi-level production . How can the transport of raw materials and intermediate products between the individual sites be optimised ? Are the suppliers optimally assigned to the plants ? Is the delivery frequency correct ? The new level of transparency allows for even more , as it is the key to creating transport synergies , increasing container fill rates or reducing special transports . All of this pays into more efficient as well as greener supply chains with lower
CO 2 emissions .
From shipment creation to control tower
Cloud-based logistics platforms are now the linchpin of highly efficient transport networks . This is because they provide the chemical producer with a central solution for communication with various forwarders and transport service providers . The information flow in shipping management is mapped consistently and the system can be flexibly adapted to the various requirements of the locations . It replaces countless individual systems with a single standard . Necessary documents , such as loading lists , consignment documents or barcode labels , can be generated and printed at the push of a button via central platforms . Dangerous goods information on the shipping order or loading list can also be taken into account . The shipments are finally forwarded to the various freight forwarders via stored routing specifications . Cloud-based logistics platforms can do much more than this , however . For logistic chains in the chemical industry , they act as a control tower with a wide range of highly important functions . Sensor data for monitoring temperature , viscosity and aggregate states can be fed into the information process via the IT platform , as can data from trackers that record vibrations , for example .
A look into the future
Digitisation creates a new level of efficiency and security for supply chains in the chemical industry . It integrates site and production requirements into the supply chain and creates an end-to-end visibility ex-works . Simulation tools make possible a detailed assessment and testing of changed network constellations or production requirements . Control tower functions ensure continuous tracking and documentation of the global supply chain . And there is even more to come . Artificial intelligence ( AI ) automates steps in the supply chain that involve decision-making , planning and implementation . It detects patterns and the smallest deviations in shipping processes and network structures . It is always learning . This all equips AI to deal on the fly with disruptions that can have an outsized impact on the supply chain . This data-driven intelligence , often referred to as machine learning , infuses supply chains with a high degree of resilience .
Conclusion
Anyone hoping to conquer the growing global threat scenarios to the chemical supply chain needs an integrated strategy . A silo mentality provides little effective support to supply chains in the interconnected world of logistics . The best way to avoid production bottlenecks or manage fluctuations is to sync internal and external logistics and to simultaneously coordinate production figures , technical resources , and transport and storage capacities . Siemens delivers systems that not only ensure the smooth collaboration of all players in supply chain networks . They also provide end-to-end visibility and empower businesses to plan , simulate and optimise their logistical processes . This is how a chemical supply chain thrives in a VUCA world . •
Sven Durian
KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER & CHEMICAL INDUSTRY EXPERT
SIEMENS DIGITAL LOGISTICS GMBH
k + 49 6233 45 94 3-118 J sven . durian @ siemens . com j www . siemens-digital-logistics . com /
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