Supply-chain digitization is a powerful concept that promises to improve key processes, but it shouldn't be focused on at the expense of a good risk-management program, says Bill DeMartino, general manager-North America with RiskMethods.
Artificial intelligence can play an important role in companies' strategic sourcing initiatives, but there are some key challenges to be addressed, according to Richard Barnett, senior vice president of marketing and alliances with LevaData.
The internet of things offers businesses an unprecedented level of visibility and control over their supply chains. But it also opens the door to potentially crippling cyberattacks.
Supply-chain professionals have been sounding the warning bell about the coming talent shortfall for several years now. But who's listening? At a time when the economy at large is coping with high unemployment and sluggish job growth, the notion of a sector that can't attract enough qualified bodies is tough to grasp. Still, that's the reality in the supply-chain world today, and it's only going to get worse.
Analyst Insight: It is common for high-tech companies to have established processes to ensure they are not overly dependent on too few suppliers. Far less common are processes or intelligence to ensure they are not overly dependent on a specific geographic region. But recent events have pushed the issue of risks from geographic concentration of the supply base to the forefront. - Bill McBeath, Chief Research Officer, ChainLink Research