What are the new technologies used in supply chain

If you're in the supply chain field, you know that new technologies are always emerging to help businesses run more efficiently. But which ones are worth your time and investment? In this article, we'll cover the most promising new technologies being used in supply chain management today.

The Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the newest technologies being used in supply chain management. IoT involves using sensors and other devices to collect data about the operations of a supply chain. This data can be used to improve the efficiency of the supply chain and to identify problems.

Blockchain

The use of blockchain in supply chain is becoming more prevalent as the technology continues to evolve. By providing a secure and transparent record of transactions, blockchain can help streamline the flow of information and reduce the costs associated with traditional supply chain management processes. In addition, blockchain can help to improve visibility and traceability throughout the supply chain, which can be beneficial for ensuring the quality of goods and preventing counterfeit products from entering the market.

3D Printing

3D printing is a type of additive manufacturing technology. In 3D printing objects are created by laying down successive layers of material until the desired object is created. This process is also known as additive manufacturing or direct digital manufacturing.

3D printing has been around for a few decades now, but it has only recently started to be used in supply chain and logistics. 3D printing can be used to create spare parts on-demand, which can be very useful for businesses that rely on just-in-time inventory management.

3D printing can also be used to create custom packaging, which can help to reduce packaging waste. In addition, 3D printed packaging can be designed to be more durable and resistant to damage, which can help to protect products during shipping.

Overall, 3D printing is a versatile technology that can be used in a variety of ways to improve supply chain and logistics operations.

Big Data and Analytics

In recent years, big data and analytics have become increasingly important in the world of supply chain management. By definition, big data is a term used to describe large sets of data that can be difficult to process using traditional methods. In the context of supply chain management, big data can be used to track and analyze patterns in customer behavior, supply and demand, and other areas of the business.

Analytics is the process of turning this data into insights that can be used to improve decision-making. For example, by analyzing customer purchase patterns, a company might be able to identify opportunities to stock additional inventory of popular items or optimize its marketing campaigns.

The use of big data and analytics is not without its challenges, however. One of the biggest challenges is data quality: ensuring that the data being collected is accurate and complete. Another challenge is finding the right people with the skillset needed to effectively analyze this data. Despite these challenges, big data and analytics are becoming increasingly essential tools in today's supply chain management landscape.

Drones

The use of drones in the supply chain is becoming more and more popular as the technology continues to evolve. Drones can be used for a variety of tasks such as delivering packages, inspecting inventory, and even conducting surveillance.

One of the biggest advantages of using drones is that they can help to speed up the delivery process. In addition, drones can also be used to improve safety and security throughout the supply chain.

Augmented Reality

The use of augmented reality (AR) in the supply chain is still in its infancy, but there are a few examples of AR being used to streamline the flow of goods. In one case, DHL Supply Chain used AR to improve accuracy and efficiency in its warehouse picking operations. By overlaying information about where items are located and what needs to be picked onto workers' real-time view of the shelves, DHL was able to reduce picking times by 25%.

AR is also being used to create virtual prototypes of products. This allows companies to test out different designs and configurations before committing to the costly process of physically building prototypes. For example, Airbus is using AR to design and build its new A350 XWB aircraft. By visualizing the entire assembly process in 3D, Airbus is able to identify potential errors and make changes early on, saving time and money.

As these examples show, AR has the potential to revolutionize the supply chain by making it more efficient and accurate. While the technology is still in its early stages, we can expect to see more and more companies implementing AR into their operations as it becomes more commonplace.

Supply chain management software 

There are many new technologies being used in supply chain management today. Some of the most popular include cloud-based solutions, big data analytics, and mobile applications.

Cloud-based solutions are becoming more popular as they offer greater flexibility and scalability. Many companies are moving away from on-premise solutions to cloud-based ones.

Big data analytics is another new technology that is being used in supply chain management. With the increasing amount of data being generated, it is becoming increasingly difficult to make sense of it all. Big data analytics can help companies make better decisions by providing them with insights that would otherwise be hidden.

Mobile applications are also becoming more popular as they allow managers to have access to information and tools while on the go. There are many different types of mobile apps available, ranging from simple tracking apps to complex planning and execution apps.

Conclusion

With the ever-changing landscape of technology, it's no surprise that new technologies are constantly being developed to help streamline supply chains. From blockchain to 3D printing, there are a variety of new technologies that have the potential to revolutionize the way we manage supply chains. While it's still early days for many of these technologies, it's exciting to see the potential impact they could have on the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chains in the future.