Supply chains can no longer afford to follow a linear model and must transform into connected multi-vendor ecosystems that are scalable , rapidly customizable , agile , and ‘ always-on ’. Competitive differentiation depends on being able to leverage data collected from these connections in real time to coordinate and harmonize functions across people , processes , technology , and networks .
A connected supply chain rests on three pillars - building cognitive operations , exploiting the power of value networks , and amplifying human potential ( see fig ). This involves :
■ Digitizing processes and documents to unlock hidden insights faster
■ Connecting all supply chain stakeholders and facilitating an exchange of data and information in near real-time
■ Automating processes and systems to remove inefficiencies
■ Leveraging AI / ML to augment human decision making
Digitize Processes and documents
Connect Parties and customer journeys
Exchange Data and information
Automate Processes and systems
Augment Human decision making
By coupling high levels of AI , Automation and Machine Learning with seamless data visibility across the entire value chain , the connected systems get smarter as they scale . For instance , a global sports merchandise giant augmented its network with 325 new distributors using an intelligent supply chain platform with automated sales data acquisition . Access to this data across 32,000 + stores and 30 + countries increased its demand visibility by 60 percent , improving demand planning , speed to market , and customer engagement .
Committing to the next-gen supply chain
Today ’ s massive , complex supply chains are living , breathing organisms . Keeping them alive is a concentrated effort of multiple , interconnected , interdependent systems that run seamlessly without the need for manual intervention . Building a connected supply chain is like creating a central nervous system for this organism . In this system , every tiny cell can send signals about what
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