Technologies that impact the Supply Chain

Every industry is affected by different segments of the new innovative technologies each day. The supply chain companies, are also, affected by the tech revolution.

There are many things that businesses have to keep in mind to ensure their long-term survival during the smart tech revolution. Things like drones, self-driving vehicles, robotics, 3-D printing and wearable technology. A new study from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Global Supply Chain Institute identifies this five technologies like the key to a company’s success.

Of these technologies, the experts consider robotics to be the greatest potential disruptor over the next five years. Drones, on the other hand, are tech in the rise. They are still making their way up, to fully show their potential, not only in tracking warehouse inventories, like they do now. The wearable technologies, like smart glasses, are also applicable in the warehouse. Helping workers sort, pack and inventory items as well as identifying safety hazards or the shortest path to their next pick. Self-driving vehicles will substantially affect transportation costs. All in order for companies to cut their expenses and improve their fleet time management. Finally, 3-D printing is identified as having the potential to eliminate the supply chain completely. But only if costs can be reduced and usable materials expanded.

Companies must remember that all these technologies are fully connected and linked to the innovations like Big Data and IoT. The link with a digital and software interface is a must for real tech breakthroughs.