Disruption is normally anathema in the supply chain. Formally defined as a disturbance or problem that interrupts an event, activity, or process, disruption means a supply chain that was once functioning smoothly is no longer doing so. MORE
The term “supply chain” has an industrial feel to it; but, supply chains were around before the Industrial Age and probably predate recorded history. Paul Simpson reports, “Excavations of the dry bed of the ancient Lake Olorgesailie, in southern Kenya, led by American paleoanthropologist Rick Potts, suggest that our ancestors created the first supply chain between 305,000 and 320,000 years ago, at least 80,000 years older than we previously thought.”[1] MORE
Like most people working STEM fields, IBM researchers believe technology has the potential to change the world around us in profound ways. Annually, members of the IBM Research team showcase what they perceive as the technologies with the greatest breakthrough potential over the coming five years. This year’s offerings include: crypto-anchors and blockchain; lattice cryptography; AI-powered robot microscopes; unbiased artificial intelligence; and quantum computing. MORE
Today in America, we commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The American Revolution left us with stories of heroism, betrayal, sacrifice, and struggle. Few people, however, think about the war for independence and the vital role played by the supply chain. The justification most often cited for the revolution is the unfairness of taxation without representation; or, as the Declaration states: “Imposing Taxes on us without our Consent.” MORE
There is a general consensus among analysts that businesses organized around industrial age principles need to transform into digital enterprises … Continued. The post Defining the Digital Supply Chain is no Easy Task appeared first on Enterra Solutions. MORE
I read a lot of articles about the need for supply chain transformation. Most of the articles discuss the importance of leveraging digital technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT); the cloud; 3D printing; robotics, blockchain, and cognitive computing. What they don’t often discuss is the end game. Dan Gilmore, editor-in-chief of Supply Chain Digest , asserts supply chain transformation is only beginning to catch the attention of many CEOs. MORE
Pundits seem a lot more worried about job losses attributed to artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics than the workers who could be replaced. “For years now,” writes Wanda Thibodeaux ( @WandaThibodeaux ), “professionals have voiced concerns that robots and automation would steal jobs away from hardworking individuals. The bulk of workers, though, are actually pretty laid back about the idea of robots in the workforce and aren’t concerned that their jobs are at stake.”[1] MORE
Most people have heard the term Industry 4.0 which refers to the next industrial revolution. The revolution is being triggered by technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and additive manufacturing (aka 3D printing). Industry 4.0 is predicted to make manufacturing more efficient and effective and to eliminate many manufacturing jobs. MORE
Logistics have always been data driven. Historically, logistics data can be found on cuneiform tablets, pieces of parchment, and paper. In the Digital Age, paper trails need to give way to cyber records. Most supply chain professionals understand this, which is why the interest in blockchain technology is growing. Blockchain will certainly help logistics operations in a number of ways; but, digital data already available can also help. MORE
Today, much of the United States will experience a total solar eclipse. That hasn’t happened for nearly 100 years. Because … Continued. The post Solar Eclipses and Supply Chain Risk Management appeared first on Enterra Solutions. Business Risk Management Supply Chain Enterra Solutions Stephen DeAngelis MORE
We all know the World Wide Web introduced customers to a new way of shopping. The rise of e-commerce has played havoc with traditional brick-and-mortar stores — which all struggle to counter the so-called “Amazon Effect.” MORE
We live in a risky world. Supply chains, especially extended ones, are subject to an almost infinite number of risks. … Continued. The post Supply Chain Resilience in a Risky World appeared first on Enterra Solutions. Business Cognitive Computing Risk Management Supply Chain Enterra Solutions Stephen DeAngelis MORE
When (if ever) most people think about agriculture, Old MacDonald’s farm or Grant Wood’s America Gothic are more likely images to come to mind than the Jetsons. But farming is moving into the Digital Age. It’s an Age when discussions about paperless offices and robotic factory floors are far more likely to be heard than digital transformation on the farm. MORE
Companies are always looking for a competitive edge and many organizations believe Big Data and advanced analytics can help them find one. The truth of the matter is so many organizations are now leveraging Big Data and advanced analytics that finding an edge is becoming increasingly difficult. Sam Ransbotham ( @Ransbotham ), David Kiron ( @DavidKiron1 ), and Pamela Kirk Prentice ( @pamelakprentice ) assert, “Competitive advantage with analytics is waning. MORE
As the United States continues to recover from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, it seems unnecessary to warn supply chain risk … Continued. The post Weather Disasters Usher in New Era of Supply Chain Risk Management appeared first on Enterra Solutions. MORE
The American stage director Scott Ellis once quipped, “After raising twins, you get organized.” ” Manufacturing executives are beginning appreciate that bit of wisdom and are increasingly turning to digital twins to improve their operations. MORE
“Potential” is an interesting word. It means something has the capacity to become or develop into something in the future; however, there are no guarantees the thing being discussed will ever achieve its potential. In discussions about blockchain technology, the word “potential” is often used. Many analysts have great expectations blockchain will achieve its potential in numerous economic areas; but, we’ll have to wait and see. MORE
How can something over 30 years old still be considered in its infancy? According to Jonathan Sallet, a former visiting fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution, that’s exactly the situation in which the Internet of Things (IoT) finds itself. “The term ‘internet of things’ is said to have been first used in 1985,” he explains. MORE
Common sense alone tells you automobile manufacturers face different risks than cosmetics manufacturers. So it comes as no surprise a joint report published by the Cranfield School of Management and Dun & Bradstreet concludes, “There are significant differences across sectors, requiring varying risk management practices across industries.”[1] MORE
Kernels of truth are often found in idioms. One such idiom advises us to “keep in step with the times.” ” As I wrote in a previous article, “Generally speaking, that’s pretty good advice. Companies failing to adapt over time have filled history’s dustbin. Going out of business probably wasn’t their goal; but, they discovered change is seldom easy.”[1] MORE
We are all familiar with the terms friend and enemy. We learn to trust a friend and distrust an enemy. In more recent times, however, the term “frenemy” has cropped up. Frenemy is a portmanteau of “friend” and “enemy” and a clear oxymoron referring to someone with whom one is simultaneously friendly and rivalrous. In the business world, omnichannel operations are creating frenemous relationships between retailers and suppliers. MORE
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of networks that primarily facilitates machine to machine communication. “Imagine a world … Continued. The post The Internet of Things and Cognitive Computing will Mature Together appeared first on Enterra Solutions. MORE
One of our mottos at Enterra Solutions® is “Revolution not Evolution.” ” Bill DuBois, Director of Marketing Content at Kinaxis, appears … Continued. The post A Call to Arms for the Supply Chain Revolution appeared first on Enterra Solutions. MORE
With all the buzz about blockchain, one could be excused for thinking the technology is fully mature. However, Robert J. Bowman, Managing Editor of SupplyChainBrain , reminds us, “When it comes to the deployment of blockchain in the supply chain, or anywhere else for that matter, these are still early days.”[1] ”[1] Why all the hype? The simple answer is potential. Blockchain holds a lot potential to make the supply chain better. MORE
The speed of business is now computer speed and supply chains need to run at the same speed as the rest of the business. Fortunately, cognitive technologies are maturing just in time to achieve that aim. Cognitive computing is a sub-set of artificial intelligence (AI) combining machine learning, natural language processing, and advanced analytics. Even though there are differences, the terms AI, cognitive computing, and machine learning are terms often used interchangeably. MORE
Irony is defined as “a state of affairs that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects.” ” Some pundits find it ironic that even as companies are searching desperately for people to fill supply chain positions other pundits are predicting the demise of humans in the supply chain. Among those predicting technology will make humans redundant are supply chain and retail expert Allan Lyall and his Boston Consulting Group colleagues Pierre Mercier and Stefan Gstettner. MORE
By now most people understand they generate data whenever they use their computer, tablet, or smartphone. They also understand companies … Continued. The post Artificial Intelligence and Targeted Marketing appeared first on Enterra Solutions. Artificial Intelligence Big Data Business Cognitive Computing Digital Path to Purchase Targeted Marketing Enterra Solutions Stephen DeAngelis Supply Chain MORE
Supply chain risk management teams know the world is full of challenges and complexity. Trying to prepare for every potential risk to supply chain operations is impossible; nevertheless, some preparation must be made in order to prevent or mitigate significant disruptions to operations. As more and more companies transform into digital enterprises and implement digital supply chains, cybersecurity has risen near the top of the risk management priority list. MORE
There are 5,280 feet in a mile. Logistics providers know their job isn’t complete until every foot of the last mile is covered. Even when a product travels thousands of miles, those last few feet are often the most challenging. Edwin Jiang notes, “Today, the last mile remains both the most challenging and costly segment of the journey, accounting for nearly 50 percent of the total cost of delivery. MORE
In the movie the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy and her companions are told the answers they seek are found in the Emerald City. To get there, all they need to do is follow the yellow brick road. The road begins in the land of the Munchkins then heads out into forests and fields before ending at the doors of the Emerald City. Many companies seem to think there is a yellow brick road that will lead them through transformation processes directly to a digital supply chain. MORE
Enterra Insights
AUGUST 21, 2017
Today, much of the United States will experience a total solar eclipse. That hasn’t happened for nearly 100 years. Because … Continued. The post Solar Eclipses and Supply Chain Risk Management appeared first on Enterra Solutions. Business Risk Management Supply Chain Enterra Solutions Stephen DeAngelis
Enterra Insights
APRIL 30, 2018
Disruption is normally anathema in the supply chain. Formally defined as a disturbance or problem that interrupts an event, activity, or process, disruption means a supply chain that was once functioning smoothly is no longer doing so.
Enterra Insights
JULY 17, 2018
Irony is defined as “a state of affairs that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects.” ” Some pundits find it ironic that even as companies are searching desperately for people to fill supply chain positions other pundits are predicting the demise of humans in the supply chain. Among those predicting technology will make humans redundant are supply chain and retail expert Allan Lyall and his Boston Consulting Group colleagues Pierre Mercier and Stefan Gstettner.
Enterra Insights
JULY 16, 2018
Common sense alone tells you automobile manufacturers face different risks than cosmetics manufacturers. So it comes as no surprise a joint report published by the Cranfield School of Management and Dun & Bradstreet concludes, “There are significant differences across sectors, requiring varying risk management practices across industries.”[1]
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Supply chain data is flawed, we all know this. Hear ClearMetal CEO, Adam Compain, talk about how the right technology and strategies will give you better visibility and create value within your supply chain. The ability to move from reactive firefighting to proactive planning is closer than you think.
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Enterra Insights
AUGUST 30, 2017
We live in a risky world. Supply chains, especially extended ones, are subject to an almost infinite number of risks. … Continued. The post Supply Chain Resilience in a Risky World appeared first on Enterra Solutions. Business Cognitive Computing Risk Management Supply Chain Enterra Solutions Stephen DeAngelis
Enterra Insights
JULY 12, 2018
With all the buzz about blockchain, one could be excused for thinking the technology is fully mature. However, Robert J. Bowman, Managing Editor of SupplyChainBrain , reminds us, “When it comes to the deployment of blockchain in the supply chain, or anywhere else for that matter, these are still early days.”[1] ”[1] Why all the hype? The simple answer is potential. Blockchain holds a lot potential to make the supply chain better.
Enterra Insights
JULY 11, 2018
We are all familiar with the terms friend and enemy. We learn to trust a friend and distrust an enemy. In more recent times, however, the term “frenemy” has cropped up. Frenemy is a portmanteau of “friend” and “enemy” and a clear oxymoron referring to someone with whom one is simultaneously friendly and rivalrous. In the business world, omnichannel operations are creating frenemous relationships between retailers and suppliers.
Enterra Insights
JULY 4, 2018
Today in America, we commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The American Revolution left us with stories of heroism, betrayal, sacrifice, and struggle. Few people, however, think about the war for independence and the vital role played by the supply chain. The justification most often cited for the revolution is the unfairness of taxation without representation; or, as the Declaration states: “Imposing Taxes on us without our Consent.”
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ShipBob isn’t a traditional 3PL. They offer 2-day shipping using integrated technology and by splitting inventory across fulfillment centers in the largest US cities to ship orders from locations closer to customers, reducing costs and time in transit.
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Enterra Insights
JULY 3, 2018
There are 5,280 feet in a mile. Logistics providers know their job isn’t complete until every foot of the last mile is covered. Even when a product travels thousands of miles, those last few feet are often the most challenging. Edwin Jiang notes, “Today, the last mile remains both the most challenging and costly segment of the journey, accounting for nearly 50 percent of the total cost of delivery.
Enterra Insights
JUNE 29, 2018
When (if ever) most people think about agriculture, Old MacDonald’s farm or Grant Wood’s America Gothic are more likely images to come to mind than the Jetsons. But farming is moving into the Digital Age. It’s an Age when discussions about paperless offices and robotic factory floors are far more likely to be heard than digital transformation on the farm.
Enterra Insights
JUNE 28, 2018
How can something over 30 years old still be considered in its infancy? According to Jonathan Sallet, a former visiting fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution, that’s exactly the situation in which the Internet of Things (IoT) finds itself. “The term ‘internet of things’ is said to have been first used in 1985,” he explains.
Enterra Insights
JUNE 25, 2018
Kernels of truth are often found in idioms. One such idiom advises us to “keep in step with the times.” ” As I wrote in a previous article, “Generally speaking, that’s pretty good advice. Companies failing to adapt over time have filled history’s dustbin. Going out of business probably wasn’t their goal; but, they discovered change is seldom easy.”[1]
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How do you move from “what happened” to “what would happen if”? Most supply chains struggle with the first, and the latter is wishful thinking. What stage are you in? Find out where your supply chain is on the maturity curve.
Enterra Insights
MARCH 29, 2018
We all know the World Wide Web introduced customers to a new way of shopping. The rise of e-commerce has played havoc with traditional brick-and-mortar stores — which all struggle to counter the so-called “Amazon Effect.”
Enterra Insights
JUNE 22, 2018
In the movie the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy and her companions are told the answers they seek are found in the Emerald City. To get there, all they need to do is follow the yellow brick road. The road begins in the land of the Munchkins then heads out into forests and fields before ending at the doors of the Emerald City. Many companies seem to think there is a yellow brick road that will lead them through transformation processes directly to a digital supply chain.
Enterra Insights
JUNE 19, 2018
Companies are always looking for a competitive edge and many organizations believe Big Data and advanced analytics can help them find one. The truth of the matter is so many organizations are now leveraging Big Data and advanced analytics that finding an edge is becoming increasingly difficult. Sam Ransbotham ( @Ransbotham ), David Kiron ( @DavidKiron1 ), and Pamela Kirk Prentice ( @pamelakprentice ) assert, “Competitive advantage with analytics is waning.
Enterra Insights
MAY 9, 2017
One of our mottos at Enterra Solutions® is “Revolution not Evolution.” ” Bill DuBois, Director of Marketing Content at Kinaxis, appears … Continued. The post A Call to Arms for the Supply Chain Revolution appeared first on Enterra Solutions.
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Common problems like data access and quality are preventing you from taking the first step towards transformation. Modern visibility providers are putting band-aids on bad data, giving you the ability to make misinformed decisions. Solve the data first.
Enterra Insights
JUNE 13, 2018
I read a lot of articles about the need for supply chain transformation. Most of the articles discuss the importance of leveraging digital technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT); the cloud; 3D printing; robotics, blockchain, and cognitive computing. What they don’t often discuss is the end game. Dan Gilmore, editor-in-chief of Supply Chain Digest , asserts supply chain transformation is only beginning to catch the attention of many CEOs.
Enterra Insights
JUNE 12, 2018
Supply chain risk management teams know the world is full of challenges and complexity. Trying to prepare for every potential risk to supply chain operations is impossible; nevertheless, some preparation must be made in order to prevent or mitigate significant disruptions to operations. As more and more companies transform into digital enterprises and implement digital supply chains, cybersecurity has risen near the top of the risk management priority list.
Enterra Insights
JUNE 11, 2018
The term “supply chain” has an industrial feel to it; but, supply chains were around before the Industrial Age and probably predate recorded history. Paul Simpson reports, “Excavations of the dry bed of the ancient Lake Olorgesailie, in southern Kenya, led by American paleoanthropologist Rick Potts, suggest that our ancestors created the first supply chain between 305,000 and 320,000 years ago, at least 80,000 years older than we previously thought.”[1]
Enterra Insights
JUNE 6, 2018
“Potential” is an interesting word. It means something has the capacity to become or develop into something in the future; however, there are no guarantees the thing being discussed will ever achieve its potential. In discussions about blockchain technology, the word “potential” is often used. Many analysts have great expectations blockchain will achieve its potential in numerous economic areas; but, we’ll have to wait and see.
Advertisement
What collaboration between supply chain and ?nance can achieve.
Enterra Insights
JUNE 4, 2018
The American stage director Scott Ellis once quipped, “After raising twins, you get organized.” ” Manufacturing executives are beginning appreciate that bit of wisdom and are increasingly turning to digital twins to improve their operations.
Enterra Insights
MAY 30, 2018
Logistics have always been data driven. Historically, logistics data can be found on cuneiform tablets, pieces of parchment, and paper. In the Digital Age, paper trails need to give way to cyber records. Most supply chain professionals understand this, which is why the interest in blockchain technology is growing. Blockchain will certainly help logistics operations in a number of ways; but, digital data already available can also help.
Enterra Insights
APRIL 4, 2017
There is a general consensus among analysts that businesses organized around industrial age principles need to transform into digital enterprises … Continued. The post Defining the Digital Supply Chain is no Easy Task appeared first on Enterra Solutions.
Enterra Insights
MARCH 30, 2017
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of networks that primarily facilitates machine to machine communication. “Imagine a world … Continued. The post The Internet of Things and Cognitive Computing will Mature Together appeared first on Enterra Solutions.
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People think end-to-end visibility is simply aggregating data from multiple sources, storing it in one place, and serving it up. That task, though hard, is relatively simple; but more importantly, doesn't solve the fundamental challenge - The Data.
Enterra Insights
APRIL 27, 2018
Like most people working STEM fields, IBM researchers believe technology has the potential to change the world around us in profound ways. Annually, members of the IBM Research team showcase what they perceive as the technologies with the greatest breakthrough potential over the coming five years. This year’s offerings include: crypto-anchors and blockchain; lattice cryptography; AI-powered robot microscopes; unbiased artificial intelligence; and quantum computing.
Enterra Insights
MAY 22, 2018
The speed of business is now computer speed and supply chains need to run at the same speed as the rest of the business. Fortunately, cognitive technologies are maturing just in time to achieve that aim. Cognitive computing is a sub-set of artificial intelligence (AI) combining machine learning, natural language processing, and advanced analytics. Even though there are differences, the terms AI, cognitive computing, and machine learning are terms often used interchangeably.
Enterra Insights
MAY 25, 2018
Pundits seem a lot more worried about job losses attributed to artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics than the workers who could be replaced. “For years now,” writes Wanda Thibodeaux ( @WandaThibodeaux ), “professionals have voiced concerns that robots and automation would steal jobs away from hardworking individuals. The bulk of workers, though, are actually pretty laid back about the idea of robots in the workforce and aren’t concerned that their jobs are at stake.”[1]
Enterra Insights
SEPTEMBER 11, 2017
By now most people understand they generate data whenever they use their computer, tablet, or smartphone. They also understand companies … Continued. The post Artificial Intelligence and Targeted Marketing appeared first on Enterra Solutions. Artificial Intelligence Big Data Business Cognitive Computing Digital Path to Purchase Targeted Marketing Enterra Solutions Stephen DeAngelis Supply Chain
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Securing the supply chain starts with having visibility into the status of your assets, but this requires more than GPS coordinates on a map, because security isn’t just about preventing theft. Your assets don’t just need to arrive at their destination. They need to get there on time and untainted by heat, moisture, or physical shock.
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