Supply Chain World Volume 12 Issue 1 | Page 42

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long will it be there for ? What impact will the delay have on it reaching the next destination and how can it get there sooner ? All the good work put into laying the foundations falls if systems are operating in silos .
To make things work , true interoperability must be built into the supply chain ecosystem to ensure different computerized systems can connect and exchange information at all stages . Importantly , interoperability enables differing IT systems to work together while integrating digital identification systems , reducing data silos and helping to track goods from warehouse to delivery .
Consider yourself like air traffic control – there is no way you could do your job if you could just see the planes but not be able to inform anyone whether it is safe to land . If systems are not effectively communicating with each other then it is impossible to manage supply chains effectively too .
Integrating the full range of technologies present on the Internet of Things ( IoT ) can provide further visibility into logistics operations , from live weather monitoring and routing to the wear and tear on transport vehicles and more .
This data is then shared between each trading partner in the supply chain , providing supply chain managers with real-time oversight of a product ’ s journey . As a result , supply chain operators can quickly adapt to changes in demand , or if an issue or chain disruption takes place , the problem can be identified quickly and rerouted to minimize ongoing disruption and ensure business continuity .
Securing communication through private blockchain
Cyberattacks are tipped to be a big issue over the coming years , and there ’ s no denying the devastating impact they can have on supply chains and their ability to function .
Fortunately , secure data exchange platforms like blockchain can improve data security , offering robust security protocols ,
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