Understanding customers and
anticipating their demands
ahead of time is fast becoming
the big differentiator in the
logistics and supply chain sector.
But that means embracing
technology in all its
forms, according
to logistics and
supply chain
expert Professor
James Stock of the
University of South
Florida.
On a recent visit
to South Africa
Stock said it was fast becoming
apparent that software was the
distinguishing factor that would
ultimately dominate the market
place.
“Companies willing to pay for
the best software that would
allow them the use of various
technologies
are moving
ahead. It
is for this
reason that one must welcome
initiatives such as cloud
technology. It will allow smaller
companies to compete in this
space as they will be able to
access the newest technologies
without necessarily
having to incur
the fixed
costs of
maintenance upgrades
and infrastructure expenditure.”
Stock said technology was
playing a major role in the
logistics of the modern day
business.
“Pharmaceutical giant
Pfizer, for instance, used RFID
technology to tag the drug
Viagra – not because they
wanted to know where the drugs
were at any given time, but for
brand protection. With so many
counterfeits available, they
wanted to track their product to
protect their brand.”
He said tracking systems
remained one of the top supply
chain technology trends,
allowing for up-to-date
information sharing. But an
added benefit is greater security
in the supply chain.
“Through the effective use
of technology – software and
systems – you can interpret
your data much more quickly
and effectively which all in all
allows you to anticipate the
demands of your customers
ahead of time.”
INSERT
Cloud technologies will
enable smaller companies to
access newest technologies.
