The Future of Supply Chain Management and Acquisition

Introduction

Significant changes are being made to the acquisition and supply chain operations, and further changes are likely in the future. Emerging technology like robots, drones, 3D printers, and self-driving cars are changing established procedures and redefining how commodities are produced, moved, and purchased. These developments might result in greater productivity, lower expenses, and more customer satisfaction. Assessing these technologies’ possible effects on supply chain management and procurement is critical as the government looks into their implementation for increased efficiency. This paper reviews an article relating to the supply chain’s future based on technological changes. It identifies the implications of emerging technologies to the future of supply chain and acquisition.

Review of Article Relating to the Future of Supply Chain

The advantages of employing robotic process automation (RPA) in the context of supply chain management (SCM) are highlighted in the paper titled “How Robotic Process Automation Benefits Supply Chain Management” by PUICA (2022). The article underlines how firms must emphasize agility, efficiency, and dynamism while the SCM environment undergoes a digital revolution. SCM must distribute resources to high-value tasks that provide substantial results to maintain performance. Automating low-value tasks becomes essential for SCM’s longevity and continuity while producing better outcomes.

The paper claims that using software robots in SCM avoids mistakes that could occur when SCM operations are processed manually. These software robots toil nonstop, archiving and preserving a thorough history of all activities taken to ensure uninterrupted functioning. Additionally, the usage of software robots may be smoothly included in the current program architecture, allowing for speedy adoption without interfering with current SCM systems (PUICA, 2022). This enables businesses to utilize the advantages of RPA effectively.

According to the article, RPA entails educating and preparing software robots to carry out repeated organized activities while collaborating with various computer systems simultaneously. RPA’s adaptability and agility allow it to carry out various SCM tasks, reducing procedures and increasing productivity. The paper offers insights into the definition of RPA, its advantages in SCM, and its applicability through a supply chain management scenario highlighting its application (PUICA, 2022). The study argues that RPA has considerable advantages in supply chain management since it automates low-value jobs, boosts productivity, and frees up businesses to concentrate on higher-value work. Software robots help SCM become more agile, productive, and sustainable, making it a crucial tool in the continuously changing digital environment.

Implications of Emerging Technologies on the Future of Supply Chain and Acquisition

According to Bolatan (2021), with their cutting-edge sensors and artificial intelligence, self-driving cars have the potential to transform supply chain logistics and transportation. These cars can increase economy and safety by driving themselves, planning their routes, and using the lowest gasoline possible. Self-driving vehicles may constantly function by doing away with human drivers, thus cutting down on delivery times (Bolatan, 2021). Real-time tracking and coordination are also made possible by integrating communication technology, facilitating seamless interaction with other supply chain operations.

Borghetti et al. (2022) point out that drones provide a revolutionary possibility in last-mile delivery, especially in crowded metropolitan settings. Drones speed up the delivery process since they can go through traffic and deliver products to customers. This technology lessens the need for conventional ground transportation, which frequently experiences traffic jams and delays. Businesses may improve speed, efficiency, and flexibility in logistics operations by using drones for delivery. Drones are advantageous for supply chain functions, including surveying, monitoring, and inventory management, since they can access remote or inaccessible sites.

Noorwali et al. (2022) argue that the widespread use of 3D printing technology has the potential to upend established distribution and production systems. 3D printers eliminate the need for massive inventory stockpiles, shorten lead times, and support localized manufacturing by enabling on-demand production. With this technology, companies may produce goods nearer where they will be consumed, cutting down on shipping expenses and environmental effects. Additionally, 3D printing offers opportunities for customization and personalization, allowing companies to satisfy the demands of each particular consumer more effectively. By enabling decentralized production networks and lowering reliance on conventional supply chain nodes, 3D printing can change supply chains as materials and printing technology progress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this essay investigates how rising technologies will affect the future of acquisition and supply chains. The advantages of robotic process automation (RPA) in supply chain management are emphasized, including automating low-value operations, lowering mistakes, and boosting efficiency. The transformational potential of self-driving vehicles, drones, and 3D printing in improving logistics and industrial processes is also covered in the study. These technologies include benefits, including increased productivity, quicker delivery, and lower prices. However, integration, training, rules, and potential interruptions must all be carefully considered for a successful deployment. Adopting these cutting-edge technologies can improve supply chains’ sustainability, productivity, and agility in the digital era.

References

Bolatan, G. I. S. (2021). FROM LOGISTICS 4.0 TO LOGISTICS 5.0 LOGISTICS FOR DIGITAL SOCIETY. Academic Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, 191.

Borghetti, F., Caballini, C., Carboni, A., Grossato, G., Maja, R., & Barabino, B. (2022). Using drones for last-mile delivery: A numerical case study in Milan, Italy. Sustainability, 14(3), 1766.

Noorwali, A., Babai, M. Z., & Ducq, Y. (2022, November). Impacts of additive manufacturing on supply chains: an empirical investigation. In Supply Chain Forum: An International Journal (pp. 1-12). Taylor & Francis.

PUICA, E. (2022). How is it a benefit to use robotic process automation in supply chain management? Journal of Supply Chain and Customer Relationship Management, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.5171/2022.221327