We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • SUBMISSIONS
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • CSCMP EDGE 2022 Startup Alley
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • CSCMP EDGE 2022 Startup Alley
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
Home » Digital technology in the supply chain: Still in its infancy
Forward Thinking

Digital technology in the supply chain: Still in its infancy

September 2, 2015
Supply Chain Quarterly Staff
No Comments

The aerospace and defense industry is no stranger to digital technologies, such as analytics, wearables, and the industrial Internet of Things. Many companies in this space have been hard at work manufacturing and selling digitally enabled products and systems. For example, new aircraft can now, in real time, track flight data like fuel consumption, speed, and potential equipment failure. Such information can be used to make minor changes midflight that could save fuel, improve flight time, or even save lives. (A Forbes article from last year highlights some of these potential changes.)

But when it comes to using digital technologies in their own supply chain operations, even companies in these technologically advanced industries are only in the initial stages of implementation. That's what makes Accenture's recent report on the aerospace and defense supply chain—"Are You Playing Ramp Up Roulette With Your Suppliers?"—so interesting.

The technology that has achieved the greatest adoption level so far is analytics, according to the report, which is based on the consulting firm's latest Aerospace and Defense Digital Supply Network Survey. Three-fourths of respondents say they have either implemented or plan to implement analytics for supply chain execution; two-thirds have either implemented or plan to implement analytics for supply chain planning and forecasting. The use of mobility tools, such as tablets, wearables, and other personal devices, is also increasing, with half of respondents planning to use or already using them for supply chain execution. Cloud-based technology, currently used or planned by 34 percent of respondents, also shows great potential for the aerospace and defense industry.

The report's authors believe the biggest potential benefits of digital technologies lie in increasing collaboration among supply chain partners. Outsourcing, especially of aspects of the production process, is increasing within aerospace and defense. Yet the industry is "still challenged by a lack of transparency and weak collaboration," according to the report. Digital technology could help resolve these problems. For example, analytics and simulation of products could be used during development and testing, and wearables could help companies conduct virtual production inspections.

There are, however, many challenges that the aerospace and defense industry must overcome to realize these benefits. According to Accenture, the use of digital technology is inhibited by such things as complex processes, legacy operating models, data security concerns, and certification. Indeed the biggest challenge of all, says the report, may not be the digital technologies themselves but integration with existing systems and processes.

  • Related Articles

    AI leads the way in supply chain technology, survey shows

    Digital transformation simmers in supply chain planning circles

    How Walmart chooses which tech to implement in its supply chain

Recent Articles by Supply Chain Quarterly Staff

Intermodal sector weathered a “challenging” year in 2022, IANA says

Freight sector missed the boat on strong U.S. economy in Q3 and Q4, FTR says

Freightos completes plan to go public on NASDAQ exchange, raises $80 million

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • Forecasts call for freight rate slumps in 2023

  • Projected U.S. recession in early 2023 will soften freight market

  • Inflation drops again as interest rate hikes hit home, NRF says

  • How to avoid the next crisis: A new approach to supply chain agility

  • New Jersey truck fleet says Freightliner tractors will deliver safety as well as freight

Featured Video

20221107korber large vs

Enhancing Customer Experience with Your Supply Chain Strategy

Viewer Contributed
With the rise of e-commerce, many businesses have had to transform their warehouses to handle online orders in addition to regularly scheduled inventory shipments. This means warehouses need more information than ever before to ensure they can meet customers' needs. As a result, companies need to select warehouse...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • Guide to Pallet Rack Safety

  • 3PLs: Complete Orders Faster with Flexible Automation

  • A shipper's guide to navigating post-pandemic holiday freight

  • THE NEW WAY TO WAREHOUSE: 4 Innovations in Automation & Robotics to Boost Warehouse Productivity

View More

Subscribe to Supply Chain Quarterly

Get Your Subscription
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • E-NEWSLETTERS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CUSTOMER CARE
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
  • STAFF
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright ©2023. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing