**Chicago**: Blue Yonder’s Logan Kluth presented key strategies for revolutionising supply chains at ProMat, emphasising data transparency, flexibility in technology adoption, and resilience to combat ongoing disruptions in the industry, offering actionable insights for businesses aiming for effective supply chain transformation.
Last week, Blue Yonder attended ProMat, one of the most significant events in the supply chain management sector, showcasing advanced robotics and featuring numerous discussions alongside noteworthy keynotes. Among the highlights was a presentation by Logan Kluth, Vice President of Product Management at Blue Yonder, who discussed strategies aimed at revolutionising supply chains.
In an era marked by ongoing disruptions, Kluth underscored the importance of fostering an agile supply chain capable of adapting swiftly to changes. His session outlined actionable insights for companies aspiring to transform their supply chain operations in response to current and future challenges.
The three fundamental steps proposed by Kluth to revolutionise the supply chain included enhancing transparency, executing with flexibility, and prioritising resilience.
Firstly, Kluth emphasised the necessity of improving transparency throughout the supply chain. He noted that while data is crucial, not all data holds the same value. Companies must now strive for data that is not only accurate and well-organised but also robustly applicable across the entire supply chain. Historically, different segments within the supply chain operated with individual solutions tailored to their specific needs, often overlooking the broader implications of technology selections on other areas. Kluth warned, “When you deploy automation correctly, it is a force multiplier. But automation can only solve yesterday’s problems if you don’t have agile data throughout your supply chain.” Given that 84% of companies experienced disruptions last year, establishing systems marked by end-to-end visibility has become critical. This includes crafting strategies for collaboration across silos, allowing teams to swiftly recover from disruptions.
The second step involved executing changes with flexibility. Kluth addressed the intricacies of change management as companies transition from outdated systems to modern technology—a process that becomes increasingly complex especially in light of diminishing profit margins. He urged companies to tailor their transformational efforts to their unique circumstances, noting, “Focus on composable microservices. Ask what you can implement today that will help you tomorrow. What technology can be plugged into what you have today?” Kluth advocated for a gradual integration of updates to technology, emphasising that a committed, well-planned approach can enhance preparedness for both current and emerging market conditions.
Lastly, Kluth highlighted the significance of building resilience within the supply chain. A supply chain designed with end-to-end interoperability allows businesses to make informed, strategic decisions instead of reacting to immediate pressures. As Kluth pointed out, “If you’re always fighting fires, you’ll never get to adding value.” With a focus on collaboration and anticipation of potential disruptions, teams can better prepare for various scenarios. For instance, issues from a supplier might necessitate changes in production schedules, affecting logistics as well. A resilient supply chain can flag such supplier challenges, equipping transport teams to model different outcomes and enabling preemptive action.
Kluth concluded that while the technology landscape is ever-evolving, the most effective solutions are those that can be pragmatically implemented now for optimal future positioning. Instead of pursuing every new trend, he encouraged businesses to adopt practices that sync with their specific operational models and priorities.
In essence, the insights presented at ProMat reflected a comprehensive approach to modernising supply chain strategies, emphasising the importance of data transparency, flexibility in technological adaptation, and a strong foundation of resilience to thrive amid ongoing disruptions. Further information about Blue Yonder’s offerings, including their Composable Journey, can provide additional resources for organisations seeking to enhance their supply chain proficiency.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Subscribe to Industry Updates
