| | December 20198CIOReviewTECHNOLOGY CHANGING THE FACE OF LOGISTICSBy John Haggerty, Vice President Business Development, Burris LogisticsTechnology is changing the logistics game. Solution and service providers are challenged to overcome the complexity of emerging channels with increased agility and speed. Both Amazon's and Uber's emergence into the logistics field is creating a hype that cannot be ignored. The inevitable push for more efficient technology utilization and supply chain innovation will ultimately separate the winners from the losers.The future will likely be a blend of niche need intersected with current capabilities. The likelihood that AI-driven, autonomous, hover vehicles rendering roadways obsolete is slim. Likewise, the push for more urban and rooftop farms will never disrupt the need for the expansive traditional food growing regions of the world. The total integrated supply chain accommodates various functions and disciplines when technology is utilized effectively.These are applicable today:· Improved automation in warehouses to include full-blown ASRS to an increasing availability of practical modular automation choices and robotics· IIoT and 5G devices and the increase of M2M (machine to machine) communication· Wearables enabling cyborg-like workers including scanners, smart glasses, voice devices, etc.· Autonomous vehicle usages on private property, off public roads· Semi-autonomous or smart industrial vehicles with operator assist technologies· Predictive & Prescriptive maintenance applications and demand planning analytics tools· The rise of AI & ML· Automated load to capacity matching· Real time visibility across the carrier networks· Data democratization and utilizationDemand is the key driver in logistics, therefore, we must leverage demand planning and forecasting technologies to improve supply chain performance and execution. Advanced data utilization tools are now anticipating demand. AI and prescriptive analytics can automate demand planning decisions and will replace older diagnostic tools of the past.The notion of a source-based or factory forward supply chain view is obsolete. The supply chain begins with and is driven by demand. Without accurate demand planning, any finished goods inventory moved, whether industrial or consumer, is merely shifted in place or channeled, with greater risk of obsolescence in today's multi-channel digital world. For example, yogurt comes in a vast variety of SKUs, flavors, sizes, and types. Fresh foods IN MY OPINION
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