Faster Rate Of Change

Supply chains have evolved and how. Automation, AI, Blockchain are only some of the novel technologies coming up.

- Molly Roy

In the present day, the supply chain is not just a way to keep track of your product, but also a way to gain an edge on your competitors by building your own brand. Modern supply chains are fast, with most company’s success dependent on their ability to efficiently move parts from around the world to, and throughout, manufacturing facilities. Products move from a raw material state to the end user quicker than they ever have, yet the demand for speed is only increasing.

Consumer expectations for choice and customisation only add to the pressure felt by the supply chain and material handling functions. Products and parts must be located quickly, their progress tracked accurately, and shipped out to the customer on time.

Automation and AI-driven technologies are changing the face of warehousing industry, pushing advanced inventory control high up the industry agenda and sharpening cost-control, space optimisation and competitiveness. Rakesh Sinha, head, global supply chain, manufacturing and IT, Godrej Consumer Products Limited, says, "The level of automation in an industrial environment depends on the cost of capital and the cost of labour. While cost of capital in India is much higher compared to the developed economies, cost of labour is much lower. As a result, India is expected to have much lower level of automation compared to the developed nations."