IoT

We’ve stayed clear of themed issues over the years because each issue is designed to touch on all of the fundamental logistics management elements every month. But when I re-examined the editorial line up that surrounds our annual “Technology Roundtable” and Webcast this month, it seemed ideal to call this “The Technology Issue.”

The world of supply chain management is exciting, challenging and rapidly changing. According to supply chain managers and executive leaders at a Fortune 50 company, these five trends are affecting the design and management of supply chains.

Report identifies increased adoption of goods-to-person technology as growth driver.

A senior researcher for IHS Markit observes that 2016 was a disappointing year for automation sales, but expects that trend to be reversed

Enterprise technology providers to collaborate on Internet of Things solutions to increase inventory visibility, track assets and improve supply chain efficiency.

Both legacy and modern technology leaders agree that leveraging API connectivity is critical in keeping up with the pace of a world that demands not only speed and agility, but also a deep level of visibility. During this session a panel of technology and industry experts discuss impact APIs can have on annual net income and market capitalization.

I can't remember a concept that has held more promise for supply chain management than the Internet of Things (IoT).

Supply chain transformation. Software and pouch sorters. The Internet of Things. Innovation. And, sustainability. Those were the five topics that came up in Bob Trebilcock's visits with suppliers on the MODEX floor on Monday.

The index ISM uses to measure non-manufacturing growth—known as the NMI—came in at 53.5 in January (a level of 50 or higher indicates growth), which was 2.3 percent below December, while economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector continued to grow for the 72nd month in a row. The current PMI is 3.4 percent below the 12-month average of 56.9.

The next four years are likely to see a re-imagining of the manufacturing supply chain amid changing customer demands and technological innovation.

With adoption levels still low, three top industry analysts outline their reasons why every shipper should be integrating TMS into their overall supply chain management efforts.

83% of surveyed manufacturers either already have IoT implementations in place or plans to deploy within a year.

Research firm expects number of devices will grow at an average rate of 20%.

Our panel of supply chain technology analysts dive into the trends they think are shaping the future of logistics management. The common thread remains the push toward hyper-interoperability—where technology, people, and process collaborate to create true visibility, accurate orders, and happy customers.