INDUSTRY WATCH
or scale can be a difficult decision. This
decision could be made easier by taking
hold of the competitive landscape, to
guide the level of adaptation required.
However, prioritising the customer is a
better approach.
Analyse customer needs and provide
solutions. With complete supply chain
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visibility and real time insights, organisations
can not only have better control of their
product, but also provide control to the
customer, allowing them to track progress in
real time.
For customers seeking specialised
customisation, companies can leverage
existing data by applying smart analytics
and AI to determine and predict customer
needs on an individual basis. This is an
exciting time to be in manufacturing. The
multitude of opportunities and technology
options can also make it overwhelming, but
with a pragmatic view, manufacturers can
transgress common barriers, set realistic
goals and find funding to make innovative
ideas come to fruition. n
Supply chain networks evolve
as mobility apps challenge
traditional architecture
T
he impact of digitisation is rapidly
disrupting business models across
organisations. This is becoming
more prevalent in the manufacturing sector,
particularly supply chain where automation
and data exchange are key. Cassie Lessing,
managing director of Strato IT Group,
provider of business system solutions
including StratoPOD, says that digitising
traditional supply chains has become a critical
element of businesses moving forward.
“Traditionally, supply chains have been
discrete and siloed often lacking integration
and transparency,” he said.
“By embracing digitisation, supply chains
will become fully integrated ecosystems,
exposing every level and player within the
chain, including the end customer.”
By breaking down the siloes and bringing
more visibility, digitised supply chains
become more agile and better able to react
to changing market conditions.
“Enabling real-time power within a supply
chain is extremely valuable,” added Lessing.
“It not only makes reaction times fast, but
also provides an opportunity for scenario
planning ahead of time easier and
more accurate.”
Lessing says that digitisation will continue
to develop the supply chain, creating a
network that will offer a higher level of
responsiveness and resilience.
“The transparency and improved efficiency
of a digitised supply chain delivery will assist
companies to compete more successfully,
bringing much needed advantage for
clients,” he said.
The aim of tomorrow’s supply chain
is to become proactive in terms of
clients’ requirements.
Lessing says that being able to anticipate
disruption as opposed to being impacted
by it will greatly assist clients to better
manage scenario planning.
“The challenge is not to be
underestimated, building a robust and
receptive supply network is ambitious,” he
said. “Digitisation will play a key role in this
development as will the mobile business
apps built to assist clients.”
Moving away from proprietary software and
embracing mobile business apps designed
to manage the agility, flexibility and
transparency of tomorrow’s supply chain
network is key.
Strato IT Group Managing Director
Cassie Lessing
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INTELLIGENTCIO
Lessing says clients need to consider those
apps that integrate fully and enable a more
powerful supply chain network. n
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