This year has had no shortage of events that underscore the importance of supply chain visibility: shifting business impacts as COVID-19 case numbers started to rise again, extreme weather events around the country and the world, and a return to a tight labor market. Manufacturing companies need to achieve situational awareness by gaining visibility and synchronization of their supply chains in order to navigate these fluctuations efficiently and with minimal disruption to customers.
Harnessing the power of enabling technologies is one of the most effective ways to improve visibility and drive efficiencies across the supply chain. Manufacturers might consider using AI-driven simulation tools and digital twins to better anticipate supply chain disruptions and help them understand when to adjust their plans accordingly.
Because interconnectivity will drive such efforts, businesses should also look for opportunities to further integrate smart device capabilities across their organization. Just as important to the implementation of these AI-driven tools is a leadership team committed to supporting their integration throughout the business on a holistic level.
Originally published in the Manufacturing Leadership Journal, read this RSM-authored article to learn how advanced technologies can help manufacturers achieve better situational awareness of their supply networks, and how foundational information technology and operational systems are key to doing so.
How can advanced IT help manufacturers?
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