The top 8 supply chain technology themes and trends of 2022 are:
- Hyperautomation 2.0
- Next Generation Robots
- Autonomous Things
- Digital Supply Chain Twin
- Analytics Everywhere
- Security Mesh
- Ecosystem Collaboration
- Sustainability Tools
With increasing pressure on supply chain leaders to implement technological responses to disruptions, supply shortages and security incidents, Gartner, Inc. has identified the top 8 supply chain technology themes and trends in 2022.
Hyperautomation is the leading supply chain technology theme in 2022.
Hyperautomation 2.0
Hyperautomation is a business-driven approach that organizations use to rapidly identify, vet and automate as many business and IT processes as possible through the orchestrated use of AI and ML.
Hyperautomation 2.0 goes past this initial focus on AI and ML and integrates other technologies and tools of the technology portfolio.
Solutions will include intelligent remote fulfillment networks in warehouse or yard management domains and personalized e-commerce applications.
During the next 5 years, hyperautomation 2.0 will be part of initiatives in warehousing, transport, production and others
Gartner Top Supply Chain Technology Themes and Trends in 2022
Also read: AI in Australia
Next Generation Robots
Enterprise-centric next-generation robots are rapidly moving from the science fiction space to real-life production platforms, transforming a wide range of industries.
Enterprises will have heterogeneous fleets of robots interacting with each other – like elevators and doors
Gartner Top 8 Supply Chain Technology Themes and Trends 2022
In the future, companies will have heterogeneous fleets of robots where work will have to be orchestrated across different robots — meaning that robots have to interact with each other and need to communicate with other types of automated equipment like elevators and doors.
Also read: This AI-enabled, Self-driving robotic boat cleans up harbours and rivers
Autonomous Things
Autonomous things, such as robots, vehicles or drones can augment traditional manually intensive physical tasks with greater efficiency, clarity and safety.
Working independently or in networks they also enhance a new generation of immersive work and customer experiences through enhanced service efficiency and transparency.
Autonomous things support safer, more efficient and optimized processes and operations across supply chains.
Also read: Why Australian enterprises are investing in AI?
Digital Supply Chain Twin
The digital supply chain twin (DSCT) is a digital representation of the physical – often multienterprise – supply chain.
It is the basis for local and end-to-end (E2E) decision making that ensures that all decisions are aligned horizontally and vertically throughout the supply chain.
Through its connection to the real world, situational awareness is greatly enhanced, and decisions can be made faster and more accurate.
Adapting to new technology is the most important strategic change: Supply Chain Executives
Gartner Top 8 Supply Chain Technology Trends
Analytics Everywhere
Analytics are capabilities that deliver reporting, interactive data visualization, advanced analytics and intelligence — including ML and predictive and prescriptive analytics.
With the ever-growing availability of data, AI can now be applied to transform data into information and deeper insights as part of a DSCT.
Also read: The Top 10 Data and Analytics Trends For 2022
Security Mesh
Security mesh is a structured framework of governance, collaboration and applied technology applications that are orchestrated from within supply chains to ensure security at all times.
“Security in supply chains is only as strong as its weakest link,” Klappich said. “Security mesh embraces the reality of dynamic, interconnected and increasingly digitalized supply chains by addressing an evolving nexus of threats posed by cyber, digital and data.”
Security in supply chains is only as strong as its weakest link
Ecosystem Collaboration
The pandemic has revealed many supply chains don’t have basic communications or digital connectivity in place with key stakeholders
Ecosystem collaboration tools are digital technologies that create a collaborative work environment for people and generates new opportunities.
Ecosystem collaboration solutions and services establish foundational network visualization and mapping tools. This helps in achieving real-time digital connections across people, data, machines, systems, processes and things.
Supply chain leaders who don’t invest in sustainability tools risk a significant impact on brand image
Sustainability Tools
Sustainability tools are an evolving spectrum of applications, services and capabilities. They enhance levels of digitalization, collaboration and visibility, crucial to formalize the processes.
“Sustainability has impacts that span the entire value chain — from plan, to source, to make, to deliver, to the service domain.
