siliconindia | | JULY - AUGUST 20258IN MYOPINIONIt was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness If someone having no idea of 'A Tale of Two Cities' thinks Charles Dickens is a chief supply chain officer in the post-COVID era, he might as well be forgiven because this timeless quote feels as relevant as ever in the ever-complex background of the supply chain today.It is probably both the best and worst time to be a supply chain professional. On one hand, the unprecedented macro socio-economic complexities of the Post Covid world (think unemployment, inflation, war, climate change ­ to name a few) make it increasingly difficult to keep the fine balance between supply chain cost and efficiency; cost per piece is increasing by every passing day, courtesy increased labor cost, inventory storage cost and handling fees, driven by an ever demanding customer base pampered by a multitude of options at their fingertips. On the other hand, unparalleled technological advancements are making it easier to add more efficiency to the overall supply chain process. One thing is for sure ­ supply chain digital transformation is not `Nice to Have' anymore. It is imperative for survival in a highly competitive environment.The Rise & Rise of Advanced Analytics:Advanced analytics has emerged as a cornerstone in reshaping the dynamics of supply chain decision-making. The ability to harness massive amounts of data (Big Data), coupled with sophisticated analytical tools, empowers organizations to gain unprecedented insights into their supply chain. While traditional supply chains have always used descriptive analytics to gain insights from historical data, the evolution from descriptive analytics to more predictive and prescriptive analytics is becoming the hallmark of modern digital supply chain analytics.Predictive analytics leverages historical data and statistical algorithms to forecast future trends, demand, and potential disruptions. Organizations can anticipate market shifts, optimize inventory levels, and enhance overall operational efficiency by analyzing patterns and trends. Prescriptive analytics takes decision-making a step further by providing actionable insights and recommendations. By considering various scenarios and potential outcomes, organizations can optimize their supply chain processes in real time. This proactive approach enables faster response to disruptions, reduces lead times, and ultimately enhances customer satisfaction.In my current role as a director of the inbound supply chain for one of the world's leading food service distributors, I experience firsthand every day the transformational power of advanced analytics. Whether it is diagnostic analytics to find out root causes for service level or supplier fill rate problems or predictive analytics to come up with potential future service level issues or demand forecasting exceptions, advanced analytics is adding value and efficiency to the `Day in Life' of the supply chain business organization, and how.AI/ML and Its Role in Revolutionizing Digital Supply Chain: The integration of AI/ML has been a game changer in supply chain analytics. By harnessing the massive amount of supply chain data like By Pritam Debnath, Director - Inbound Supply Chain Technology, Sysco [NYSE: SYY]DIGITAL SUPPLY CHAIN TRANSFORMATION ­ WINNING THE AI/ML WAYPritam Debnath
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