With the mounting challenges brought about by the rising customer demands and complexity of the work environment, companies are always looking for ways to improve their operations and deliver the best service. Technology is one thing that promises to transform different industries and facilitate innovation. Supply chain is one of the industries that have benefited immensely from technology. Here are some of the technologies that you can make use of if you are to be competitive:

Internet of Things (IoT) is a technology that needs no introduction. It has become a leading topic of conversation in the world of technology and is slowly making way into almost every aspect of our lives. The manufacture of IoT devices has been growing significantly mainly in areas such as manufacturing and supply chain management. Research by Forrester Research in 2018 indicated that the largest spending on IoT would be experienced between 2017 and 2023. This spending will be focused on enabling new business models which include software and software-as-a-service (SaaS).

The rise of IoT will significantly change many industries. However, companies that use IoT devices have faced various challenges mainly due to high cost of these devices. Companies in inventory and supply chain management have in the past experienced increased spending, and this is likely to go on between now and 2023. The increase in spending will result from new models of business that include software and products-as-a-service. The reduced cost of IoT sensors, increased connectivity and emerging software will be the leading areas that manufacturers will take advantage of going forward.

It’s rare that I decry EDI, but I encourage a serious look into how and if this bastion of trade is keeping up with the needs of commerce and incorporating the most appropriate technologies. Here’s a look at what might be a shortcoming that needs to be addressed.