The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has introduced an array of sensors, cameras and other interconnected devices into the warehouse: each providing unique benefits to supply chain performance. But even with the value of these insights, manufacturers still struggle to overcome disjointed communication protocols and legacy technologies. The truly digital supply chain that can forecast the effects of geopolitical disruption with digital twins, improve picking by optimizing facility layouts and provide more redundancy with an expansive network of vetted suppliers is close for many, but just out of reach for most.
While the COVID-19 pandemic brought the supply chain into common household discussion, complex, global supply chains are at increasing risk from the unknown. Droughts decreased semi-conductor production, fires shut down factories, winter storms closed roads and accidents blocked canals. Yet through technology and real-time data, manufacturers can develop flexible, resilient supply chain strategies and infrastructures and adapt to crises to diminish risk.
What’s next in supply chain transformation?
