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Digital Supply Chain Trends & Insights

Advancements in supply chain infrastructure are enabling companies to not only respond to uncertainty but proactively prepare for the unexpected impacts. Digital transformations powered by the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and real-time data are automating everyday activities and providing a level of insight never before available. As supply chains collide with Industry 4.0, the customer experience will be at the forefront: shortened lead times, lower costs, increased redundancy and superior service. What’s next for the supply chain of the future?  

Overview

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has introduced an array of sensors, cameras and other interconnected devices into the warehouse: each providing unique benefits to supply chain performance. But even with the value of these insights, manufacturers still struggle to overcome disjointed communication protocols and legacy technologies. The truly digital supply chain that can forecast the effects of geopolitical disruption with digital twins, improve picking by optimizing facility layouts and provide more redundancy with an expansive network of vetted suppliers is close for many, but just out of reach for most.

 While the COVID-19 pandemic brought the supply chain into common household discussion, complex, global supply chains are at increasing risk from the unknown. Droughts decreased semi-conductor production, fires shut down factories, winter storms closed roads and accidents blocked canals. Yet through technology and real-time data, manufacturers can develop flexible, resilient supply chain strategies and infrastructures and adapt to crises to diminish risk.

What’s next in supply chain transformation?    

Featured Resources

Blog

Fortifying Supply Chain Orchestration

Learn how careful planning helps create a cohesive digital fabric that enhances supply chain orchestration and collaboration to improve the overall customer experience. 

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Why Demand Planning is a Critical Component of Global Sales and Operations Planning and Execution

Direct Customer Inputs Are Critical to The Demand Planning Process

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The Key to Predictability, Reliability and Continuity in Demand and Supply

How to Rethink GSOP&E to Drive Stronger Decision-Making

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Supply Chain

Cost Optimization and on Time Delivery Performance Decisions

There is an optimum balance of network on-time performance, customizable delivery options and cost in the supply chain, but to achieve it you need the insight to make the right decisions. A recent Molex blog outlined how network modeling and optimization provides the insight to understand how different changes will impact network performance. But what are the foundational underpinnings of this process?
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Out of Tragedy Comes Resiliency

COVID-19 was not the first – and won’t be the last – unexpected event to impact global supply chains. Natural disasters, geopolitical crises and simple accidents can have short and long-term effects across the world. Here’s a 5-step process for achieving supply chain agility and resiliency. 

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Jabil and Molex: Culture of Collaboration Enables Unprecedented Customer Value in Turbulent Times

When COVID-19 led to unprecedented demand for lifesaving ventilators, Molex and Jabil joined forces to tackle the need. Molex’s supply chain jumped into action, securing alternative sources for materials and producing 20,000 ventilator parts for Jabil in just six days.

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“We really cared about the fact that the products we were building could save people’s lives and make a difference. We reached out to Molex and they reacted with lightning speed.” 
Frank McKay
SVP and Chief Procurement Officer
Jabil 
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Digital Transformation Requires Real-Time Responses

The emergence of digital tools and technologies has forever altered supply chain strategies. Responsiveness that was once measured in months and quarters is now expected in hours. In a world of real-time data, customers are expecting improved transparency, tighter lead times, more flexibility and greater agility.  

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 Build Stronger Customer Service Levels with Cost-Effective Supply Networks

Amazon’s standard for seemingly instantaneous delivery has led to increasing customer demands elsewhere for on-time performance and more customizable delivery options. But as global supply chains struggle to adapt, they’re becoming more complex and profit margins are being strained. How can network modeling and optimization help manufacturers improve service levels while reducing cost across the supply network?

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Meet the Challenges of Cold-Chain Logistics Head-On

Temperature-sensitive items from asthma inhalers to fresh tomatoes are increasingly being transported across long distances. Resilient cold-chain logistics are necessities in delivering product that remains viable across long distances with disparate temperature variable. Flexible, printed-circuit smart labels provide low-cost, safely disposable alternatives to traditional cold chain monitoring modules, while providing even more efficiency in tracking products across the last mile of end-point distribution. 

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