In our previous blog, we provided a macro overview of the guide-to-blog series, Taking the Next Step Towards Supply Chain 4.0. In this blog, we’ll discuss the actual transition process and pinpoint concerns that will likely manifest along the way in the supply chain 4.0 journey.
Industry 4.0 Overview
Any introduction to supply chain 4.0 must begin by defining Industry 4.0, or the fourth industrial revolution. This revolution improves on the digital revolution (Industry 3.0) with significant advances in personal computing, information technology, and global connectivity. Industry 4.0 introduces new concepts and technologies that fuse the physical and digital worlds in myriad ways. This disruption will be felt across industries and redefine both supply chain concepts and competitive advantages in increasingly short windows.
One of the biggest challenges facing all companies with a strategic initiative to embrace new and emerging technologies is where to invest for long-term success. Further, the sequence of how tools are deployed – and more importantly, adopted – by users across the organization will determine if the investments will deliver the maximum return and competitive advantage in all areas of the supply chain.
Our work with a wide variety of organizations has given us insights into the most common concerns facing supply chain-centric companies in their pursuit of supply chain 4.0. These concerns include:
- Identifying signature supply chain processes
- Choosing the right supply chain technology
- Embracing change with minimal impact
- Change management implications
- Partnering with a technology vendor
- Measuring supply chain metrics
- Creating data visulizations, analytics, and reports
Deep-dive Into Potential Concerns
In the next few blogs, we’ll delve deeper into each concern and provide industry-leading insight on how to navigate these obstacles. These insights will not only provide clarity – when facing such business dilemmas – but will also underline actionable takeaways businesses must take to ensure and maintain preparedness on their supply chain 4.0 journey.
What you’ll notice is that change management will be the catalyst in all of this. Major implementations in the supply chain space will require the ability to manage and embrace change in order to minimize disruption and optimize performance. More on that later in this series!
To learn more, you can download our entire guide here or below. Otherwise, stay tuned for blog #3 in the coming week on the importance of identifying signature supply chain processes.
