ITE 3111: Emerging Technologies in E-Supply Chain Management

This report examines the impact of emerging technologies on e-supply chain management. It discusses the roles of robotics in automating warehouse processes and reducing operational costs, highlighting the importance of change management during implementation. The report also explores the application of big data analytics in improving inventory management, enhancing traceability, and enabling data-driven decisions. Furthermore, it analyzes how RFID technology streamlines data capture and enhances visibility in warehouses, while also discussing the implementation challenges and the need for a marketing approach to technology adoption. Finally, the report investigates the use of drones for logistics and monitoring, emphasizing their ability to reduce delivery times and costs, while also addressing the barriers and drivers for drone adoption within supply chain operations. This student-contributed assignment is available on Desklib, a platform offering a wealth of study resources for students.

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Student’s Name
Professor
Date

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E-Supply Chain Management
A new generation of supply chain management through technology has made increased attention
in the mode of supply chain management for many organizations. It is very vital for
manufacturing firms who are heavily dependent on their supply chain partners to distribute their
products. Manufacturers, distributors, retailers, suppliers and shippers are the major players in
the supply chain of both processing and manufacturing firms, which ends with a given product
reaching the final consumer. with the increased attention given to the modes of technology used.
The dynamic requirements of consumers, the need to fully integrate technology in the
management process of the supply chain process has become more critical (Ross 2016).
Technology has improved visibility and accountability in the supply chain management. In order
to ensure proper governance in the supply chain process, firms need to employ modern
technological innovations. below are some of the technologies that have been adopted in the
supply chain management recently.
Robotics
Autonomous robots are becoming popular in supply chain management. They have been
programmed to require minimal human intervention or interaction during their functionality.
Their use in the supply chain setup is expected to grow in the next five tears majorly in the
supply chain operations that include use in high-risk activities and lower the overall costs of
services. They already have a strong presence in the manufacturing sector, assembly plants and
warehouse management.
In most of the fulfillment processes in the warehouses, robots are particularly required.
Fulfillment processes demand high levels of human involvement and a tremendous amount of
movement is needed throughout the facility. Some of the organizations have already started
using robots in carrying some of the processes in their facilities; an example is the Amazon. The
organizations already using robots in their operations have experienced a reduction in the
operation costs, improved productivity, ability to scale up and down in relation to demand levels,
efficiency gains and improved customer service levels.
changes

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most of the activities in the supply chain management process are monotonous. Inventory
movement from one point of the warehouse to another, for example, is dull but very tedious.
Some of the warehouses have put this into consideration and introduced automated means, which
includes the use of robots, which has led to a reduction in the human labour cost while reducing
the number of mistakes committed and improving processes efficiency.
In the recent past, robots have enabled firms to reduce the size of their infrastructure through a
robot’s utilization carrying most of the supply chain processes. The use of LocusBots has
facilitated this process when they have been used hand in hand with the human component of the
processes delivering high e-commerce processes efficiently (Holmström, Holweg, Lawson, Pil,
& Wagner, 2019). LocusBots have ensured automatic detection of varied employees’ language,
adapting to their environment instantly as they work with different employees speeding up the
workflow and reducing the chances of errors. The scanners fitted in them ensure 100% accuracy
in the operations.
change implementation
while the robot’s introduction comes with significant benefits to the organization, their
introduction exposes an organization to a variety of processes design and management problems.
The introduction of robots in the organization can be managed just like any other changes being
introduced. Implementation for accommodating the new changes that the organization will be
presented with. The organization needs to ensure three levels of change transformation have been
broken down for the proper implementation process. The three levels include; organizational
change, personal change and transformation management. The particular change will manage the
most fundamental impact the introduction of robots will have on employees. The organization

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will address the effect the robotic introductions will have on the specific teams or departments
within the organization (Basheer, Siam, Awn, & Hassan, 2019). This will help in moving the
workforce in these departments towards embracing the new additions. Transformational
management will require an organization-wide recognition of the introduction of robots in the
supply chain management processes.
Big Data Analysis
functions
Big data analysis has significantly improved supply chain management processes. It has been
used to effectively manage critical operations points, which include operational, strategic and
supply chain tactical levels. It has collectively made an impact on the supply chain processes.
Big data analysis has improved inventory delivery time by suggesting and identifying various
ways of reducing the existing communication gap between supply chain players. Decision-
makers use the analytics reports to achieve overall operational efficiency and ensure constant
monitoring of supply chain performances to improve productivity (Saberi, Kouhizadeh, Sarkis,
& Shen, 2019). The supply chain management data analytics augment data-driven decisions that
are crucial in cost reduction and improve the overall service delivery levels.
Changes in the Supply Chain
big data analysis has enhanced inventory management majorly for firms having sizeable
inventory levels and online stores. the use of big data has enabled supply chain managers to have
a minute by minute look of various operations, and possible bottlenecks are identified, which
could slow down the supply chain process. besides, it provides the prevailing consumer trends,
which are important in enabling businesses to optimize inventory.

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big data analysis has also improved inventory traceability in the supply chain process. in supply
chain operations, inventory traceability is critical to its success. the introduction of big data
analysis technology helps managers to obtain accurate information relating to the products,
which helps the operators to remain on top of their operating cycle.
implementation of big data analysis
implementation of big data analytics in an organization is very crucial to ensure the desired
impacts are received. since the method is still new in the market, its impact is changing on a
daily basis. in order to properly address the organizational changes that are associated with the
implementation of Big Data Analytics, it is important to use an agile and iterative strategy of
implementation. normally, the big data program starts with using a specific case in the
organization. over the implementation period, it is apparent that organizational needs are
dynamic and constantly change as the organization discovers a new set of information that is
useful in harnessing the overall performance of the organization. the use of an agile and iterative
implementation approach will ensure a quick solution is provided based on the current needs of
the firm. the strategies will also ensure effective management of possible changes the
implementation will have on the individual employees, groups and departments in the
organization as well as the comprehensive changes that will be realized in the organization.
RFID for Data Capture and Identification
functions
The introduction of RFID for data capture and identification in the last decade has resulted in a
major shift in the overall performances of the supply chain management processes. RFID has led
to timely efficiency improvement as well as eliminate the possible human errors from occurring

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in the supply chain management process (Li, Li, Choi, & Sethi, 2019). It has created an
autonomous distribution center and the warehouses within the supply chain processes. Currently,
most large warehouses have automated their processes, which has ensured processes position
accuracy, visibility and transparency. RFID has been used to ensure that the right inventory in
the right quantity is being collected on both ends. Thus, this has been crucial in eliminating
instances of errors which are rampant in the traditional analog process management.
changes as a result of RFID
the warehouse forms an integral part of the supply chain process. because it is the buffer to
reduce the chances of variability in the supply chain process while serving the customers
promptly during peak times. employment of the use of RFID has helped in getting rid of barcode
scanning before the products are stored, packed and shipped. this has made the overall process of
managing inventory handling easy and simpler. as a result, the manufacturers and suppliers can
improve the visibility and manage the inventory levels, reduce the cost of labour and safety stock
(Nakasumi 2017, July). RFID also helps the firms to tighten their operations. data is very crucial
to the supply chain process, and RFID plays a major role in helping capture data in real-time,
which can create a difference between averting a disaster and a boatload of damaged goods.
implementation of RFID
managing and implementing technological advancements in the organization is always a
technical function of developers and new system implementers. introduction of RFID in an
organization may lead to numerous changes and may face numerous hurdles during the
implementation process. to effectively implement the RFID for data capture and identification
should take the form of new technology marketing within the organization. adoption of the

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marketing approach gives the supply chain managers to explore the opinions of all stakeholders
affected by the system (Ben-Daya, Hassini, & Bahroun, 2019). This helps in the identification of
enhanced fit between the system and the need of the users, prepare various parties in the
organization to receive the new technology addition and encourage innovation among the system
users. this is particularly important in managing the possible changes that will be experienced in
the organization.
Drones for Logistics and Monitoring
Functions
Drones are capable of transporting goods by air, making the inventory in the warehouse and be
involved in security tasks through monitoring. in the supply chain management, drones have
been used in performing numerous functions. some of the functions include conducting urgent
orders that require fast deliveries while reaching areas that are hard to access using other means
of transport (Han, Wang, & Naim, 2017). Drones are also important in monitoring and control
the levels of inventory and tracking its movement within the warehouse.
Changes due to Drones
drones are reshaping the supply chain management field massively. they have been able to shrink
the inventory delivery time and reduce the delivery cost. in the supply chain management
operations, inventory delivery time is always crucial; drones have revolutionized the whole
processes making deliveries that could take days to be completed in a minute (Apte, &
Petrovsky, 2016). Also, drones have challenged the overall supply chain processes and industry
regulations. supply chain procedures require adaptation to include the technological

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advancements in drone technology. this will cover geographical location, delivery speed and
inventory weight restrictions.
implementation processes for drones
adoption and implementation of drones to the supply chain management face a wide range of
barriers and drivers of adoption. these hurdles include organizational change, safety, privacy,
security and technological maturity levels of the firm, and also operational drivers such as the
current levels of operational efficiencies as compared to the alternative approaches. in order to
ensure effective implementation and adoption of the drones, it is important to conduct a thorough
inspection of the requirement of the firm and the possible impact the drones will have in the
organization. inspection is more viable due to its viability in inspecting critical infrastructure that
will be affected by the use of the drones.

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References
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Basheer, M., Siam, M., Awn, A., & Hassan, S. (2019). Exploring the role of TQM and supply
chain practices for firm supply performance in the presence of information technology
capabilities and supply chain technology adoption: A case of textile firms in Pakistan.
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Li, G., Li, L., Choi, T. M., & Sethi, S. P. (2019). Green supply chain management in Chinese
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Nakasumi, M. (2017, July). Information sharing for supply chain management based on block
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Saberi, S., Kouhizadeh, M., Sarkis, J., & Shen, L. (2019). Blockchain technology and its
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