SYNOPSIS
This report presents a collection of five papers in the area of emerging technologies for supply chain management. It presents the implications of supply chain on Internet of Things, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Autonomous vehicles, Smart warehousing and 3D printings. The report includes various supply chain partners, namely manufacturing suppliers, transporters, distributors, retailers and end customers. The papers were written based on literature reviews, empirical case studies and roundtable with many supply chain experts.
Chapter 1 presents how Internet of Things (IoT) could identify opportunities to improve supply chain performance. The proposed framework is illustrated by applying the “Beer Distribution Game” and a related version of that modified supply chain to include more real-world features.
Chapter 2 examines the contribution of robotics and automation for the next generation of e-commerce in supply chain. The paper explores the automated guided vehicles, and Automated Storage and Retrieval Solutions that utilise barcodes and QR codes to navigate the warehouses. The paper concluded with the challenges of automation and robotics in the Malaysian supply chain.
Chapter 3 discusses the implications of Big Data to supply chain. It elaborates the contributions of Big Data in the framework of responsive sensing analytics, predictive scenario planning, effective and visible deliveries, and digitalised manufacturing and services.
Chapter 4 describes how procurement/purchasing function could be competitive through the involvement in Artificial Intelligence, 3D printing, Big Data and Internet of Things. It explains that Artificial Intelligence could be useful for supplier selection, purchase order administration and contract management. In addition, 3D printing could be very useful for inventory management of spare parts, prototypes and low volume items.
Chapter 5 explains digital supply chain network and the four stages towards maturity of a digital supply chain. It provides further details about Internet of Things in logistics and the outlook of Malaysia in Supply Chain 4.0.
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