As a supply chain professional, I am always looking for ways to help organizations better prepare for the unpredictable—especially, as we currently continue to experience such intense disruption. Here are some workflow transformation lessons the team learned from using emerging technologies to reimagine the supply chain of IBM Systems.

1. Provide quick access to actionable data insights

To help identify early warning signs of disruption from external data such as social media and insights from The Weather Company, cognitive control tower capabilities were developed. As a result, IBM Systems supply chain professionals were able to quickly access relevant and actionable data.

Instead of searching for information and status reports, the team is able to quickly respond to events and focus attention on higher value activities, like communicating with customers, suppliers and other impacted stakeholders

2. Improve reaction times with inventory prioritization

To optimize orders based on critical need, such as inventory reallocation and prioritization, Watson AI now helps the team improve reaction time by providing actionable insights. Again, the team is now able to spend this time on higher value work.

As a result of the convergence of these emerging technologies, and the ability to embed them in as a part of newly transformed intelligent workflows, IBM System supply chain team can better use big data.

3. Reinforce your supply chain, strengthen the global supply network  

The current crisis has exposed a need for a strengthened global supply chain. While other unpredictable events will continue to arise, identifying opportunities to make your business smarter can help you be better prepared to address disruption.

The journey to intelligent, self-correcting supply chains is ongoing for all organizations, but adaptable supply chain leaders can learn and grow from the impact of today’s challenges. Structural flexibility, global visibility and rapid reaction and scenario planning will help create the smarter supply chains of tomorrow.

By continuing to optimize increasing global supply chains, these leaders can help their organizations be prepared to effectively respond to the next disruption.

The performance data discussed herein is presented as derived under specific operating conditions. Actual results may vary.

If you would like to learn more about transforming your supply chain to address disruptions, IBM professionals are here to help.