April 20186 MANUFACTURINGTECHNOLOGYINSIGHTS In this era of digital transformation where manufacturing processes are becoming smarter, the overall supply chain also needs to be modernized. Manufacturers are adopting cutting edge technologies of IoT, automation, robotics and big data for their supply chain to enhance efficiency and real time visibility for all processes. The technologies that are making manufacturing `smart' are also propelling significant benefits to the global supply chain by reducing risks through improved quality management, compliance and supplier collaboration. IoT is making significant inroads into manufacturing as well as supply chain through automation and sensor technologies that are aiding in driverless vehicles, especially in warehouse settings. These vehicles not only make operations efficient and safer, but also help in reducing labor costs. Another use case of IoT is in asset tracking and managing goods in supply chain through new RFID and GPS sensors that can track the nitty gritty of products from floor to store. Interestingly, robots are also being used that work hand in hand with human workers to handle repetitive tasks in distribution centers and warehouses. According to IDC, about 50 percent of fulfillment centers will use robots by 2019, boosting the productivity by one-third. Manufacturers are also considering the benefits of moving to cloud to maximize data analytics and supply chain projections. In fact, some manufacturers are evaluating cloud based supplier management platforms providing real time supply chain oversight for faster access and visibility into the status of shipments. To harness the value from the massive amount of data being collected throughout the entire process, manufacturers are also looking at data management tools that can analyze and predict inventory needs. These solutions analyze information at every stage in the supply chain and aid in strategic, fact based decisions and developing predictive modeling.To visualize the supply chain management ecosystem, we have curated content for this special edition by bringing together innovative service providers, changing trends, needs of the hour, and a glimpse into the future. We hope the valuable insights from industry thought-leaders and the innovative solutions from leading as well as emerging companies featured in this edition will help you in making informed decisions for your supply chain management endeavors.Let us know your thoughts.Infusing `Digitalization' in Supply ChainEditorialCopyright © 2018 ValleyMedia, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photography or illustrations without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the magazine and accordingly, no liability is assumed by the publisher thereof.APRIL - 2018SUPPLY CHAIN SPECIALContact Us:Phone:510.936.8381Fax:510-894.8405Email:sales@manufacturingtechnologyinsights.comeditor@manufacturingtechnologyinsights.commarketing@manufacturingtechnologyinsights.com APRIL - 2018, Vol 04 - Issue 02 Published by ValleyMedia, Inc. To subscribe to ManufacturingTechnology InsightsVisit www.manufacturingtechinologysights.com Editor-in-ChiefLaura DavisEditorial StaffSalesVisualizerJohn GouthamJessica Stanley Jessica@manufacturingtechnologyinsights.comT:510.996.5126 Ava Gracia Khyati DubalPeter ThomasVivian MurrayTECHNOLOGY INSIGHTSTECHNOLOGY INSIGHTSLaura DavisEditor-in-ChiefManufacturingTechnology InsightsWrite to useditor@manufacturingtechnologyinsights.com*Some of the Insights are based on the interviews with respective CIOs and CXOs to our editorial staff
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