In this text we will talk about technological innovation in processes in the Supply Chain and what are the trends in the future for large foreign trade companies.
We can call the culture of innovation as the so-called logistics 4.0, which emerged through an evolution of operational logistics within the supply chain, constantly happening with the use of new technologies that turn to efficiency and agility in the processes to be executed plus the reduction of operational costs.
It is considered a “key turn” fortasks and xecutadas under the influence of document scanning and automation of repetitive procedures.
With the elements brought by the innovative technology of logistics 4.0, they foster the evolution of companies, helping in the constant improvement of international logistics processes.
Together we will learn more about this technological evolution that helps in the processes of large players in the market to remain increasingly attuned to the needs they need to perform to stay ahead of the competition.
What is Supply Chain and what is its importance to companies?
Let’s contextualize the supply chain concept and its importance in large companies to start the main subject in a chained way and that all readers can understand.
Also called the Supply Chain, it embraces all operational processes, from the collection of supplies to the arrival of the product to the consumer. That is, the methods and operations relevant to the manufacture, logistics and distribution of goods.
The Supply Chain is the organization of the complete flow of the merchandise, being always related to operational and strategic pairs, as a current that goes through all the processes of your business and your peers.
The main pillar of the Supply Chain is to serve the end customer, leading companies in achieving the objective in an agile way and with integrated processes.
Its importance is part of the point at which it is necessary to optimize the stock and thus continuously ensure the appropriate quantity of goods with the same quality, for the precise fulfillment of market demand.
Culture of Innovation: it is essential for the logistics of large companies
It is important that companies understand the culture of innovation that will be implemented so that they can monitor logistics 4.0 technologically that will influence the scope of logistics processes.
Because logistics processes will be executed based on the demand for predictability, with the use of state-of-the-art technology, such as: Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things or Big Data.
Experts point out that innovation technology must have the necessary incentive in large companies so that technological resources are used in operational processes and in the experience of service in the marked actuator.
Potential players who operate in different market niches of foreign trade, use the solutions of innovation technology in their processes to achieve success in the business.
State-of-the-art technology assists carriers such as cargo monitoring, performing proper tracking so that thefts are prevented. As well as, in imports and exports, the investment of innovation technology is the best way to make logistics processes efficient, helping to improve the performance of the international market.
The transformation of supply chain as the key to the “Omnichannel” world
Logistics 4.0 has gained prominence among large companies based on the application of technological resources, which optimize logistics processes with greater speed and cost reduction.
Based on industry 4.0 guidelines, it uses technology in favor of the efficient and automated production system, transforming the supply chain processes cohesive ly and with greater visibility.
Digital Innovation in Supply Chain
Companies that use innovation will be more successful, because they apply state-of-the-art technology that are available, preparing with creativity and competence, in addition to focusing on the future with a value proposition.
Challenges faced with technology
One of the major concerns of companies is the search for technology for automating processes that are inefficient, making operations more expensive. Higher productivity should be sought at lower cost, optimizing investments and satisfying the client.
In addition, people should remain the main focus, because what should be automated are repetitive tasks, so that people are free to create.
Technology management in Supply Chain in the future
In this constantly happening future, the development of people through the culture of innovation will have as its keyword the “Collaboration”, thus creating a reliable environment and mutual cooperation between business partners.
At a time of so many changes it is necessary to learn, unlearn and relearn to be always prepared for the future that arrives with the need for new constant updates.
Logistics 4.0: 4 tips to implement the culture of innovation in your company
It is always said that it is in the crisis that people reinvent themselves, opportunities arise and inventions happen. Because in the Supply Chain it is no different, having as main feeling the fostering of a culture of innovation as a crucial requirement for the promotion of new initiatives, awakening the survival instinct of companies to stay active in the market.
And how to implement this culture of innovation? Below, we’ll list four simple, basic tips that will help you guide yourself down the right path.
Leadership
The support of the leader is fundamental and inspiring for the approach of his leaders. The efficient leader is the one who is committed to innovation, because more than supporting, he should set an example.
Error tolerance
There is no process of technological innovation without errors that are inherent to the attempts made, because the processes need to be tested in such that they can be improved.
Innovation needs boldness to happen through the courage to take initiatives that will lead to successes and mistakes.
Prepare for mistakes, knowing how to analyze productively and withdrawing learning from the lessons taken with them, so that they do not repeat themselves.
Environment and innovation tools
The space reserved for people to develop creativity can bring the leader and the led closer together to express ideas and opinions.
With regard to innovation tools, some are used to construct long-term ideas (Design Thinking), others for decision making (SWAT Matrix) and also those that focus on execution (PDCA, 5W2H).
Resilience and willingness to learn
The manager’s vision of innovation must have the necessary maturity in knowing that learningis constant and should be a priority, due to changes in business and human behaviors that always change.
Culture of Innovation: trends for the future of supply chain
“The global Supply Chain technology market is expected to reach $6 trillion by 2025 in the freight, storage and service, supply chain business (SCM) and final delivery sectors.” (Pitchbook, 2021).
The chaos generated in the Supply Chain by Covid-19 has had a major impact on the future and trends in the sector, exposing companies to various vulnerabilities, brought about by the increase in the world economy.
As a whole, companies put out fires in an attempt to maintain the online sales flow, with high investments in launching new business models.
Below we will list some of the trends and predictions for the future in the Supply Chain market:
- growth in consumer expectations for free and faster deliveries;
- decentralised supply with its own supply chains;
- increased demand for sustainable supply;
- increased demand for ethical consumption.
