Digitization has transformed the way large organizations learn customer demand and address real-time supply chain challenges. We discuss this aspect with the specific case of Loreal. Using the fascinating case of Loreal, we dive how digital transformation is different from digitizing a process or a few processes. How did Loreal grow and use digital transformation and tools to sense real-time customer needs. Digitization is not just restricted to large organization but can equally empower small and medium-scale enterprise supply chains. We discuss classical applications in agriculture supply chains and then discuss digital technologies such as Industry 4.0 tools that can enable the supply chain transformation.

In this module, we first discuss the aspects of digitization – from task automation to order fulfilment. We discuss how new technologies diverge from existing ones. We then discuss approaches to identify areas of improvement and specifically how can digitization improve supply chain performance. We introduce the traditional approaches/ metrics to measure performance and the associated flaws. We then learn the approach to map supply chain processes and uncover opportunities of digitization. Then we proceed into how inefficiencies in road transportation can be overcome using Transport Management System, Automated Driver Assisted Systems, and Driver safety. Specifically, we discuss use cases from trucking and how OEMs are adopting digitalization to proactively address safety and maintenance problems in trucking.

Ports are container terminals that are struggling to catch up with demand fluctuations, disruptions in the form of lack of containers, chassis, labour strikes. Disruptions and inefficient port processes affect vessel turnaround times. Long wait times increase the demurrage costs; as high at thousands of dollars per additional hour. In this module, we discuss the demand and supply side challenges at a terminal and how digitization is helping ports to manage demand fluctuations. Today, bigger ports are resorting to blockchain technology to address tracking and traceability issues in shipping containers. We specifically link digital tools with reducing processing time variability and unlocking unused capacity.

In this module, we will discuss traditional challenges with warehousing operations and how advancements with process digitization and robotization can help in rapid fulfilment of orders and at the same time mitigate the effect of disruptions. In particular, we will discuss how several warehousing decisions which were traditionally done manually can take advantage of warehouse digitization opportunities. We will discuss the value of warehouse management systems and how data-driven dynamic decisions can add value. Further, we will discuss the core challenges in manufacturing nodes of the supply chain. Especially the challenges manufacturing face with Push vs Pull supply chains. Likewise, digitalization can have a large effect on supply chain services such as procurement. Real-time monitoring of inventory, and capacity levels can proactively help to manage inventory re-ordering and staffing decisions. What are the levers manufacturing nodes have to remain competitive? How are companies leveraging digital technologies to capture new streams of data and how this data can be leveraged to take real-time decisions. We discuss use cases and in particular discuss how new technologies provide new data sources that allow us to proactively solve business problems

While we realize digitization can help transform supply chains; it could involve significant capital investments and potentially uncertain outcomes. In this module, we discuss how should one assess both tangible and intangible benefits of digitization and justify digitization to management. With use cases from large organizations such as Heineken, TetraPak, and DHL, we discuss how organizations assess the value of digitization. We also discuss analytical tools that can help develop rich data-driven insights and enable dynamic decision-making in supply chains.