When EDI first came into use, supply chains were simpler, with a limited number of suppliers. Now, thanks to globalization and specialized manufacturing, there might be hundreds of suppliers in a supply chain. And, as prices change, businesses move overseas, and market conditions evolve, these suppliers change as well.
Digital disruption is having a profound effect on every industry, but the changes are perhaps most striking in industries like manufacturing, transportation logistics, and retail. Companies must be able to deliver new products and experiences, quickly adjust to changes in the marketplace, make business processes smooth and invisible to the end-consumer and, most importantly, be agile. Customers simply won’t tolerate delays because of a supply chain issue,
Last week’s NRF show made the digital imperative for retailers loud and clear – from analytics, AI, IoT, and chatbot demos to even the occasional robot, attendees were presented with the promises and perks of next-gen retail technology.
