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M lt-ter s ppie cllboaton Creating stronger multi-tier supplier collaboration and supplier relationship management will transform supply chain management processes in 2024. Historically, one of the main challenges companies face in supply chain management is having visibility into their upstream suppliers to ensure they can fulfill demand for the necessary components or materials needed to develop products. Leveraging enterprise platforms built on AI/machine learning (ML) technology enables companies to share essential information and data with suppliers along each node of the supply chain. Having visibility into tier-two suppliers and beyond creates a more direct, mutually beneficial relationship and collaboration process that allows teams on both sides to identify potential supply chain constraints and proactively find solutions. For example, a supplier can share data about the availability of critical components which could determine if and when specific components are at risk of being short. When a company finds out about this shortage with enough lead time, they can respond proactively and update plans across their supply chain ecosystem. –Igor Rikalo, President and COO, o9 Solutions Rbo ic Robotics will achieve mainstream adoption in 2024. We will see a dramatic increase in the number of businesses deploying robots in their distribution centers and warehouses, particularly in item picking where gains in vision software and advancements in end eectors now
deliver a return on investment most organizations can’t ignore. This is particularly beneficial when there is a shortage of labor for such roles. In 2024 we will also see more robots doing repetitive tasks like case picking and palletizing. Robotics- as-a-Service will also increase, as many warehouses look to deploy robotics either to explore the benefits they oer firsthand, or to address increased throughput needs. –Jake Heldenberg, Head of Solution Design, Vanderlande
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to transpacific routes to avoid the Red Sea. We advise leveraging transpacific routes to the U.S. West Coast and use IPI to the East Coast for immediate needs, while routing less urgent cargo via transpacific routes to the U.S. East and Gulf Coast through the Panama Canal. As shippers make this shift to avoid Suez Canal issues and potential ILU labor disruptions, there are risks if all shippers adopt this strategy simultaneously. Operations at terminals and rail ramps may strain, reminiscent of the post- pandemic congestion. Expect container trucking rates, especially on the West Coast, to rise in 2024 due to increased demand, regulatory hurdles, and capacity exiting the market. – Paul Brashier, Vice President of Drayage and Intermodal, ITS Logistics Weather events Weather events are the top logistics disruptor for supply chains. Today, a billion-dollar event occurs every three weeks. Hurricanes, winter storms, wildfires, and flooding are likely to cause havoc in supply chains. –Julie Gerdeman, CEO, Everstream The persistent challenge of climate change remains a formidable disruptor. Drought stands as one of the most severe threats we confront on a global scale as its profound repercussions ripple across diverse sectors, encompassing energy, manufacturing, food production, transportation, and beyond. –Bindiya Vakil, CEO, Resilinc Environmental regulations Consumer focus on ESG practices continues to grow, and the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission is poised to broaden ESG reporting requirements in 2024. Now is the time to invest in retooling logistics and procurement practices, focusing on supply chain digitization. Investing in data- rich platforms enables dynamic responses to changes in supplier relationships, regulations, and reporting requirements. –Christophe Vanackère, CEO, Trace One
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Cou- bse slu ios
Cloud adoption continues to transform supply chain and distribution operations. Cloud- based ERP systems provide real-time visibility across the supply chain, enabling rapid decision-making and adaptation. This streamlines processes, shortens lead times, and enhances cost control through increased agility and eciency. Oering a scalable and flexible infrastructure, it’s an ideal platform for unlocking the potential of AI and ML. Additionally, the cloud empowers supply chain experts with advanced analytics and predictive capabilities. By leveraging extensive data and computing power, they can improve demand forecasting, optimize inventory, and refine distribution strategies through a data-driven approach. This will reduce expenses and elevate customer satisfaction by enhancing service levels. Moreover, the cloud facilitates seamless communication and data sharing among suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors. This collaboration can minimize disruptions, mitigate risk, and fortify supply chain resilience.
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–Will Quinn, Director of Distribution Industry Solution and Strategy, Infor
122 Inbound Logistics • January 2024
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