Past

1. Technologies Used

Paper works –

1. The supply chain relies on physical documents.
2. Shipment details are communicated among shippers, carriers, and retailers.

Spreadsheets –

1. A spreadsheet is a tool that is used to store, manipulate and analyze data.
2. Spreadsheets allow analysis from many different perspectives.
3. Can be modified and enhanced to reflect new situations and options.

Gut Feelings –

1. It depends on the timing, whether it’s a fast-thinking decision or a slow-thinking decision.
2. Intuition plays an important role in a decision that needs to be made in the next few seconds during a negotiation.

2. Method Used

Leave rooms for accurate data –

1. An accurate data entry yields good results making the supply chain operation successful.
2. Provides the foundation on which supply chain processes execute transactions and managers make decisions.

Present 

1. Technologies Used

ERP –

1. Planning software brings the important functions of the supply chain into the data stream with the ERP.
2. Improves forecasting and drives consensus as well as builds confidence.

Electronic data interchange system –

1. Standardizes transactions with suppliers reducing the risk of miscommunication, human error, incorrect shipments and other mistakes.
2. EDI can help eliminate procurement errors and clarify inventory status information throughout the supply chain.

2. Methods Used

Agile method –

1. Responsiveness, competency, flexibility, and quickness to manage how well a supply chain entity operates on a daily basis.
2. Measuring metrics assessing the level of customer service (i.e., speed, reliability, and quality of service), and the cost to serve.

Continuous flow method –

1. Relies on supply and demand stability.
2. Processes are scheduled in such a way as to ensure a steady and continuous flow of information and products.

Custom configured model –

1. A combination of the agile and continuous flow models.
2. An ideal in scenarios where multiple product configurations are required.

Effective chain model –

1. Management must maximize utilization of machinery and other assets.
2. Must maintain high overall equipment efficiency to reduce cost.

Fast chain model –

1. Used by businesses that manufacture finished products.
2. They deal mainly with extremely trendy products that have a short lifecycle.

Flexible model –

1. Adapts to meet the natural flow of your business.
2. Makes sure resources are not wasted due to the inability to make immediate changes.

Supply chain operation reference –

1. This framework focuses on five areas of the supply chain: plan, source, make, deliver, and return.
2. To address, improve, and communicate supply chain management decisions within a company and with suppliers and customers of a company.

Future

1. Technologies Used

Cognitive learning –

Cognitive supply chains analyze all types of data.

1. Internal (such as point-of-sale, material inventory, work-in-process, and inbound shipments)
2. External (weather forecasts, social sentiment, and market trends).

Machine learning –Its multiple capabilities are essential for business success in providing accurate information and predictions and recognizing patterns.

IoT – By automatically collecting data, IoT systems eliminate human error in data collection and so help improve demand forecasting.

2. Methods followed

Automation – The use of digital technologies to improve efficiencies, connect applications and streamline processes within supply chain operations.

Real-time processing – Logistic activities that track and trace, in real-time, the movement of goods and packages from the suppliers, manufacturers, warehouses, and hubs to the end customer.

Audit Accuracy – Reviews any or all of the activities and processes that an organization follows to deliver products or services to its customers.