Time to understand
Managing supply chain digital transformation and technology
By Oliver Chapman
Supply chain technology falls into two distinct categories : Technology for fulfilling the physical supply of goods and services , and supply chain technology to support the management of the supply chain , making it work more smoothly and ensuring it is less vulnerable to shocks . There is some overlap between these two areas , but this article focuses on the second of these categories .
The supply chain crisis of 2022 was a wakeup call . Organizations began to understand a lesson that OCI had been trying to express for some time . The supply chain ecosystem is delicate and vulnerable , and certain practices must be implemented , or we risk catastrophe . Organizations must audit their supply chain , understand its frailties , and carry out extensive due diligence not only on suppliers but suppliers to suppliers and all the way through the supply chain .
Digital transformation is vital in effectively managing this supply chain audit .
Organizations also need to take a holistic view of the supply chain . For example , the individual suppliers that make up the supply chain might be solid and reliable , but there might be too much dependence on any one region or product type when substitute products are available .
Gathering data
The first step in creating an effective supply chain audit is data collection . Technology is vital in producing this detailed understanding of the supply chain , updated with appropriate frequency , supporting management in taking suitable action . Or to be more precise , technology is vital in collecting data , updating dating and providing analysis .
This article focuses on four specific technologies which can provide , collect and report on supply chain data ,
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