Logistics and Supply Chain Technology Report 2021

Chapter 6: Disruptive Technology

Bold transformations across the Asia-Pacific region are being spearheaded by industry and government alike, innovating on industrial policy and technology with a future-facing outlook. The horizon for change is bright, and the market for technology solutions in the supply chain is ripe for disruption. Concerns around large-scale projects have been somewhat allayed by the necessity to make a move during COVID-19, and enterprises are opening up to the transformative effect these technologies can have on the way they do business. Focus upon merely supplementing and reshaping prior logic has given way to building out new business functions and processes in order to direct supply chain transformation in years to come. Whilst there has been some hype around growth tied to digital transformation, technological disruption across transportation, warehousing and predictive analytics herald a new era of productivity for the industry.

Which of these disruptive technologies will have the biggest impact on the industry?

To this extent, our survey respondents told us that the next 12-18 months were all about Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies. Ranging across models for decision making, demand forecasting, warehouse automation and robotics and beyond, the rise of AI and ML within the logistics industry prefigures the introduction of much needed innovation into an industry often caught behind the curve. The enthusiasm for AI and ML was sustained by our respondents when speculating about the future shape of the logistics industry. With 40% of all survey respondents emphasising AI as a gamechanging technology for the next 5 years. Leveraging AI/ML technology across operations can surface new opportunities for automation, from security infrastructure to warehouse automation and demand planning production AI/ML has the ability to truly revolutionise the logistics industry.

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