Vital decisions in 2024 will affect all of humanity in areas such as democracy vs. autocracy, the future of AI, and dealing with disinformation. In this first article in the series, we focus on AI, which is poised to provide enormous benefits for mankind. At the same time, it presents considerable known issues right now; and speculative very-high-consequence risks in the future. Here we discuss why 2024 will be a pivotal year, setting the direction for how mankind addresses those near-term issues and longer-term risks, with implications for decades to come.
Underlying Technologies
Technologies that underpin supply chain solutions such as AI/ML, analytics, IoT, SaaS, and ERP.
Data-Enabled Digital Transformation—Part One
Data democratization and self-service analytics are a gateway to companies’ data-driven decision-making in this post-digital transformation world. Rapid digitalization has altered the scope and scale of data usage across industries and throughout supply chains. Database structures and data management processes require accessible, accurate, and timely data, integrated from many sources to progress alongside this evolving landscape.
Pallet-level Monitoring – Part One
Pallet-level monitoring enables a more intelligent approach to distribution—Intelligent distribution and FEFO inventory management (First Expired, First Out)—as well as providing the data needed to optimize end-to-end processes for maximum shelf life. Implementing these approaches can cut losses in half for retailers and growers.
Last Mile Delivery Excellence – Part Two: Simplicity, Efficiency, Profitability
Perfecting the customer’s last mile delivery experience can be achieved by reducing logistics complexity and increasing efficiency, while controlling costs.
ChatGPT, What’s It Good For?
There’s so much buzz about Chatbots right now. Is this a dangerous road or a high-value tool? Do Chatbots have a place in supply chain applications? We explore the controversies, the technology, and potential applications and abuses of chatbots.
Supply Chain Networks Revealed — Part 2C: Autonomous Supply Chain Networks
Supply Chain Networks are evolving to become increasingly autonomous, letting intelligent software agents make simple decisions.
Direct Materials P2P—Part Three
Freshness Wars — Part Two: Challenges and Solutions for Improving Freshness
Maintaining freshness of produce and other fresh products is challenging for grocers and their suppliers. Here we discuss why, and how some of these challenges can be solved.
Supply Chain Networks Revealed — Part 2B: Comparison of Supply Chain Network Technologies
We examine integration, interoperability, and extending supply chain networks. Then we compare enterprise applications vs. integrator networks vs. Real-time SVoT networks.
The Case for Autonomous Long-Haul Trucking
Predictions for rollout of driverless cars have shifted from “before 2020” to “after 2030”. Here we explore the many reasons we will likely see driverless long-haul trucking in a hub-to-hub model well before driverless cars are plying our city streets.
Last Mile Delivery Excellence – Part One: Perfecting the Customer’s Experience
Customers’ expectations for delivery excellence continue to climb for faster, error-free delivery, more granular visibility, more convenience, and increased flexibility. Here we discuss specific strategies and capabilities that leading companies are using to try and perfect the customer’s delivery experience, such as via hyperlocal delivery, dynamic dispatch and routing, adaptable workflows, dwell time reduction, real-time visibility, expanding the range of delivery windows, locations, and options, sustainable delivery, last minute rescheduling, and more