MODEX 2024, one of the largest supply chain trade shows in the USA, held at the sprawling Georgia World Congress Center, brought together supply chain professionals from around the world to explore the latest trends and innovations shaping the industry. Amidst the buzz and dizzying array of massive robotic displays and automated solutions covering an area equivalent to many city blocks, these overarching themes emerged: the imperative of supply chain resilience, agility and sustainability.
Key Takeaways from UPS’ Keynote
Keynote speaker Bill Seward, head of UPS Global Supply Chain Solutions, shed light on the pressing issues facing manufacturers today, and emphasized the need for agility and adaptability, and leveraging human resources and technology in an increasingly volatile environment. With challenges ranging from trade tensions to supply chain talent shortages, the imperative to build resilient supply chains has never been more apparent.
A key trend Mr. Seward highlighted is the shift towards near-shoring and the emergence of Mexico as a key trade partner for the USA, and other countries such as Vietnam. In response, UPS and other industry leaders are embracing “China Plus” programs, diversifying their supply chain networks to mitigate risks and enhance flexibility. Mr. Seward also noted that near-shoring along with geopolitical tensions and other disruptions have surfaced literally within the last three years!
Central to needed manufacturing transformation is the strategic deployment of technology to achieve end-to-end visibility and efficiency. UPS’ focus on digital fluency in their leadership training underscores the critical role of talent development in harnessing the full potential of deployed technology.
Mr. Seward also noted that by leveraging technology to facilitate manufacturing team communication and creating a culture of internal promotions, companies can foster a more engaged and productive workforce. He further mentioned his observation that employee retention in automated sites is higher than in non-automated sites.
The urgency of supply chain adaptability and resilience is particularly pronounced in industries like life sciences, where the need for robust and agile supply chains had been an industry topic for some time, then the COVID-19 pandemic fully exposed the severe impact of supply chain disruption on health systems. Industry publication Medical Product Outsourcing cites “rising labor costs and supply chain disruptions” as causes influencing medical device manufacturers to also re-evaluate their sourcing strategies.
Reflections on People, Processes and Technology
QAD’s Industrial Transformation Platform leads with addressing the needs of the manufacturing organization’s staff and industry-specific process requirements, then provides the technology to enable both. When technology leads, manufacturing teams often have to work around or within the confines of the technology. QAD instead offers the technology and manufacturing expertise to aid the people and the processes that truly power the enterprise in the near term, and sustain the enterprise through future disruption and constant change.
UPS’ investments in RFID technology and other healthcare-specific solutions, captured under a brand displayed at MODEX named “UPS Healthcare” reflect their strategic focus on enhancing resilience and supporting critical sectors like life sciences.
Furthermore, the growing emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives underscores the need for firms to ensure sustainability and responsible business practices, especially given that certain markets require such initiatives to be in place in order for a firm to conduct business in those markets. From right-sizing packaging to optimizing transport efficiency, companies are increasingly prioritizing ESG considerations as integral to their operations.
Finding Agility and Resilience in the Face of Uncertainty
In conclusion, MODEX 2024 served as a platform for meaningful discussions on driving supply chain resilience and agility in an era of unprecedented challenges. By embracing technology, fostering talent, and prioritizing sustainability, organizations can build agile and resilient supply chains capable of navigating the complexities of the modern world.
At QAD, our vision and mission is to enable organizational efficiency and agility, to ensure that businesses can survive amidst the reality of an uncertain future. We would love the opportunity to share our expertise to help your company achieve efficiency without sacrificing the agility you need to stay viable in the future.
Visit our website to see specific ways QAD has helped life science manufacturers solve their most pressing concerns today and set them up for success for tomorrow’s uncertainties.
