CEOs around the world are eager for digital transformation. Most understand why their companies need to transform, and most have a basic understanding of what must be done. But a fundamental question remains: how do they make it happen?
Cavalier Group, a vertically integrated provider of red meat to South African retailers, operates cattle and lamb livestock farms, feedlots, livestock trading houses, slaughterhouses and meat packing plants across the country. It had relied heavily on various sensors to manage its operations - such as thermistors that are used to ensure its chillers are operating optimally - and its security systems, such as access control and CCTV cameras. But because those sensor and security networks were in silos with separate interfaces, they were not always easy to use.
The complex nature of the supply chain in an era booming with digital data means a barrage of processes and systems to manage at all times, but it also means that numerous opportunities exist to improve efficiency and service for customers.
Real-time monitoring solutions and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies can identify more problems in cold chains than incumbent systems, but a strong business case exists only for high-value products like vaccines or clinical samples, and commodities that suffer high loss rates, according to Lux Research.
Currently, containers, ships and other intermodal transport assets such as chassis and gensets are mainly what we call "dark, dumb and disconnected." What this means is that we really don't know much about them. They are not self-aware, we can't see them, and they can't tell us about their actions and status.
The "last mile" is a telecom term for delivering telephone, cable or internet services to the customer's location. With the most connections to make, it's the bottleneck of the system. It's also the most expensive and difficult to upgrade.
The latest news, analysis, trends and solutions for big data, blockchain and the internet of things (IoT) and their impact on supply chain management. Big data describes the large volume of data that inundates a business on a day-to-day basis and can be analyzed for strategic business insights. IoT is the means that collects and sends data from a range of “things” — anything from watches to fridges to cars — that are connected to the internet with sensors or computer chips. Learn how companies around the world are using big data, blockchain and IoT for supply chain optimization and competitive advantage.
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