STRIVE Vol 7 Issue 1 | Page 20

Gurumantra AI the next big thing in SCM Gurumantra - AI Applications in Supply Chain Management Rapidly evolving technology and a digitally focused world have opened the door for a new wave of automation to enter the workforce. Robots already stand side- by-side with their human counterparts on many manufacturing floors, adding efficiency, capacity (robots don’t need to sleep!) and dependability. Add in drones and self-driving vehicles and it’s no wonder many are questioning the role of humans going forward. Supply chains, although automated to a degree, still face challenges brought about by the amount of slow, manual tasks required, and the daily management of a complex web of interdependent parts. The next generation of process efficiency gains and visibility could be on your doorstep with artificial intelligence in supply chain management, if only you’d let the robots 19 Operations & Supply Chain Club, IIM Raipur automatically open it for you. What are the applications of AI in Robotic process automation for improving Supply Chain Management? Four key elements need to be in place for you to take full advantage of robotic process automation in your supply chain: Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ robots for picking orders and moving them through the facility; sensors to ensure product quality and stock; cognitive learning systems; and, artificial intelligence to turn processes into algorithms to guide the entire operation.