Creating supply chain resilience through data orchestration

We live in unparalleled times, an age where there is so much uncertainty. It has become increasingly difficult for organisations to manage the impact these challenges have. ‘Normal’ is now disruption, sudden shifts that are difficult to navigate. ​

Therefore, we have seen many issues arise within the global supply chains. In almost every sector there has been disruption. Some foreseen, some less obvious. It is the less obvious consequences that have caught many organisations by surprise. Why? It’s simple. A lack of visibility into the upstream supply chain and the required data around that network that would allow “intervention” much earlier to mitigate some of those risks. ​

Modern supply chains have evolved into complex global networks. Trying to unpick that code to the 3rd or 4th tier is extremely difficult and costly. Intelligent segmentation with appropriate technology can start that journey, but that’s not enough. It is now a question of source data and how that information is used by people and other technology. ​

The ability to wisely map a prioritised supply chain with rich procurement insights can drive immense value and thus create far higher resilience. Furthermore, it can enable many new use cases, particularly as we are now seeing the need to drive Scope 3 sustainability through our value chain.

How should Organisations approach this change?

​Figure 1 illustrates for us how connectivity to data through technology can orchestrate this migration to proactive risk management across the value chain.

A data ecosystem is required to enable the growing list of use cases. The need to integrate category intelligence, supply chain mapping and network data through an orchestration layer is evident and we will see new operating models emerge that expands cross functional collaboration across the entire value chain. ​

With this approach, we can begin to align strategic procurement, operational resilience, and drive towards the sustainable supply chain for the future.​

My advice to organisations interested in creating such resiliency is to carefully consider:

1. Which use cases are a priority?
2. How can you approach segmentation of categories and suppliers?
3. Connect resiliency platforms to the right data for your priority uses case.
4. Look for partnership in design and deployment of the resiliency solution.

To read more blogs in the Intelligent Industry: Journey to Farnborough International Airshow series, see quick links below:

A Quantum of Intelligent Industry – Mike Dwyer considers the potential impact that the world of quantum computing, sensing and communication could have on our ability to create new intelligent products and services.

Innovation at Speed: What Intelligent Industry can learn from Formula One’s data driven innovation – Ashish Padhi delves into the data driven rapid innovation process of Formula One aerodynamic design to prise out lessons for Intelligent Industry.

Enabling Digital Twins with Systems Engineering – Adam Lancaster & Scott Reid explore how to enable Digital Twins across the full lifecycle, using Systems Engineering techniques.

How the advent of advanced air mobility will pave the way for more connected and sustainable aviation – Gianmarco Scalabrin explores how advanced air mobility is ready for prime time and will play a crucial role in connecting communities while helping aviation drastically reduce its CO2 emissions.

Quantum Computing is accelerating Intelligent Industry: The QUASAR Project – Krisztian Benyo builds upon our exploration of Quantum Technology and delves into how Quantum Computing is accelerating Intelligent Industry: The QUASAR Project.

Only those that can harness relentless change to drive rapid product evolution will succeed in the future – Andrew Hawthorn builds upon our exploration of faster, more intelligent innovation by considering that the organisations who succeed in the future will be those that invest now in advanced engineering technologies.

How collaborative organisations manufacture more sustainable products – Fiona Crabb explores how manufacturing organisations can adapt to generate more sustainable products and practices in an ever-changing global landscape.