Wanda Johnson, a supply chain technology fellow with Deloitte Consulting LLP, presented the findings of the firm’s annual industry survey, conducted in collaboration with MHI, regarding the adoption of technology in the supply chain. The study aimed to address major issues that have emerged over the past decade and provided insights into where the industry is heading and what the future might hold.
Johnson emphasized the importance of keeping humans involved in the decision-making process, no matter how advanced technology becomes. The report highlights change management as a crucial factor in implementing new technologies and ensuring employees are prepared to adapt to their evolving roles in the workplace.
The key themes identified by robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence were highlighted in the survey. Generative AI was noted for its potential to enhance human capabilities, facilitate reskilling and provide valuable data for predicting outcomes and improving decision-making processes. The report also emphasized data governance to ensure accurate results from clean data.
However, Johnson warned of potential inaccuracies if not closely monitored when using generative AI to process large amounts of data and assist in decision-making. It is essential for planners to carefully review data generated by AI before relying on it solely for recommendations. The human element remains crucial in leveraging technology effectively in the supply chain.