Emerging Technology Trends

Technology is a key component of supply-chain design and increasingly supports planning, execution, visibility and control across extended networks.

Why it matters

New technology can improve speed, visibility and decision quality, but it also introduces investment, integration, data, security and change-management challenges.

Core concepts

• Cloud computing provides shared computing resources and applications accessed over networks rather than owned entirely on-site.

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning support pattern detection, prediction and automated decision support.

• Data analytics turns large volumes of data into information that can support supply-chain decisions.

• Sensors and telematics collect and communicate operational data from equipment, vehicles and processes.

• Supply-chain control towers combine data and visibility to support end-to-end monitoring and exception management.

• Other emerging technologies include blockchain, intelligent asset management, the Internet of Things, quantum computing, 3D printing, wearable technology, augmented reality, robotic process automation, autonomous vehicles and drones.

• Technology value depends on how well the technology fits the process and supply-chain need.

Remember for the exam

• Technology should solve a supply-chain need, not be adopted because it is new.

• AI, analytics, sensors and control towers support different capabilities.

• Visibility and integration are major technology value drivers.

• Emerging technologies also introduce new risks and implementation requirements.

Apply it

• Use this concept in a practical decision by asking: Technology is a key component of supply-chain design and increasingly supports planning, execution, visibility and control across extended networks.

• Then check the decision against this principle: New technology can improve speed, visibility and decision quality, but it also introduces investment, integration, data, security and change-management challenges.

Exam trap

Watch for questions that test this distinction or principle: Cloud computing provides shared computing resources and applications accessed over networks rather than owned entirely on-site.

Key takeaway

Emerging technologies are changing how supply chains sense, analyze, decide and execute. CSCP highlights cloud computing, AI, machine learning, analytics, sensors, telematics, control towers and other technologies that improve visibility and automation.