Predictions

point companies must ensure they have all the data on one platform from ocean , road and rail routes . This gives confidence they have a complete picture . It also makes the user experience better , as users can adapt the data to their specific requirements .

Start small and build

Global supply chains are huge . It would be too disruptive to try to integrate all insights from every aspect of the supply chain in one go . It is better to start with one mode . Decide where to start by identifying where the biggest opportunity for improvement lies . For example , ocean visibility is easier in some senses as it is a less segmented market than road haulage .

Then adopt a step-by-step process and ensure the software provider is willing to be a partner on that journey . Every customer should be asking its vendor to help find value in the supply chain not just in the short term , but continuously monitoring for future opportunities . What we have seen work is setting up a center of excellence which encourages collaboration and enables customers and partners to constantly look at how to improve capabilities .

One aspect that should not be overlooked is talent , as developing a more integrated digital supply chain platform also requires very different skills . Given that every sector is facing huge challenges to find the right skills organizations need to think about how they attract the talent that will help their businesses in the next five to ten years .

Here too , there is a role for the vendor to be supportive . Next generation AI and automation tools can automate mundane tasks easing the burden on employees and allowing them to focus on more interesting , challenging tasks . Building a reputation as an innovator in supply chain technology will make a business more attractive to top talent . Hopefully , this hasn ’ t put readers off a career in the supply chain industry . If anything , it should reinforce that it is probably one of the most exciting and fast moving career choices out there . Let ’ s face it , you will never be bored ! However , as supply chain professionals we must also be realistic about what lies ahead . There is a real opportunity for data emerging from supply chains to offer strategic insights to critical business decisions in the year ahead , but access to that information will only be possible with end-to-end visibility and increased collaboration between everyone in the eco-system . Insights will have to be delivered in near real-time to keep companies ahead of the uncertainty and unpredictability . Get that right and the supply chain can demonstrate critical value to the business . ■

For a list of the sources used in this article , please contact the editor .

project44 www . project44 . com

Bart de Muynck is Chief Industry Officer at project44 . As the supply chain connective tissue , project44 operates the world ’ s most trusted end-to-end visibility platform that tracks more than one billion unique shipments annually for over 1,200 of the world ’ s leading brands , including top companies in manufacturing , automotive , retail , life sciences , food & beverage , and oil , chemical & gas . Using project44 , shippers and carriers across the globe drive greater predictability , resiliency and sustainability .

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