There is no point in being afraid of digitalisation, as it’s most likely that over the next few years, the development and subsequent implementation of digital tools in all businesses and industries will continue to accelerate. Rather than hanging back or being overly cautious about the use of digital tools in your business, investing in digital literacy and safety is key to continuing your business functions at an optimal level.
Many countries in Asia are expanding their ecommerce capabilities as the function continues to gain popularity, particularly as a number of states in the area are continuing to float in and out of pandemic-related lockdowns. Digital tools are therefore becoming even more important. These include but are not limited to:
- Blockchain
- Data analytics
- Digital twinning
- Machine learning
- Artificial intelligence
However, supply chain issues will continue for developing countries due to several factors. They are less able to invest in digitalisation and supply chain due to a limited economic bandwidth. Additionally, rising costs across the globe mean that such nations are also left with limited options when it comes to unblocking their supply chain, even as supply chain issues begin to reside in other places.
The solution is to embrace the mobility and other advantages that digitalisation gives us, but in such a way that neither detracts from the business nor opens up the business to potential dangers. This means designing a digital learning curriculum for everyone in the business so that crucial comms can flow quickly and evenly.
“Adapt, evolve, or die” is an increasingly common mantra from industry experts, and it rings especially true for those in supply chain. So what does adapting to technology appropriately really look like?
- Flexible yet secure technological infrastructure
- Whatever form of communications and technology you use, being sure that it’s adaptable and secure is crucial, as well as not overly complicated. Regular trainings can help ensure that your whole team is up to speed on the safest and most efficient methods of communications that your company uses.
- Data maturity
- Maintaining digital copies of any mildly important paper document should go without saying – but ensuring that digital copy is backed up is even more important. Appropriately monitoring secure access to such documents should also be reviewed periodically. Additionally, frequently updating material and getting rid of old or irrelevant material when appropriate will help curb the existence of data silos that siphon energy and space from the rest of your systems.
- Digital talent
- A designated technology team, whether they be primarily for cybersecurity or simple troubleshooting, is crucial as a business looks to expand or even just adapt to the new digital world. This person or team should also ensure that the rest of the business is up-to-speed with the digital tools at their disposal as well, and are practicing safe use of said tech.
Digitalisation is one of our cornerstones at Proco Global and we remain available to discuss any and all of the topics mentioned above. Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date with all the latest trends and developments taking place across the end-to-end supply chain.
