Assignment #1: Supply Chain Technology

ACTIVITY:

From the early assembly lines to cutting-edge robotic systems, the continually evolving supply chain technologies isshaping the present and the future. Most recent trends in supply chain technologies focus on a smart, tech-driven solution to decrease operating costs and improve efficiency. These changes are based on leading supply chain establishments having immediate adoption and leadership with new capabilities and technology.

Several elements go into predicting the Present and Future of Supply Chain, but one vital unifying concept in Supply Chain is the certainty and reliability of data. New Supply Chain Technologies look to massively improved business connectivity, visibility, and certainty of supply chain data, in addition to the speed of information flow.

Top Supply Chain Technologies facing the future:

1. Artificial Intelligence
2. Cloud Computing
3. Internet-of-Things (IoT)
4. Robotics
5. Sensor Networks
6. 3D Printing
7. Big Data
8. Block Chain

Activity Steps:

1.	Choose one of the technologies facing the future.
2.	Create a historical timeline of when the technology was developed and introduced, naming the creator (can be a person or a company), and the country responsible for the introduction of this technology.
3.	Explain what the technology does? What are the benefits to companies using this technology?
4.	What will happen to companies that do not adopt this technology? Provide a detailed impact.
5.	Why would a company NOT introduce this technology? Describe at least 5 reasons.
6.	Describe the impact on the supply chain.
7.	What are the costs involved in implementation?
8.	Name at least 3 companies that can provide expertise in your specific technological area.
9.	Find 3 companies that are early adopters of new technology. IE: Wal-Mart and Amazon are at the forefront of technological innovation. You cannot use these two. Explain what these companies are doing or what they have done.
10.	Add an interesting video. (5 minutes or less)
11.	present a handout for your classmates outlining the pros and cons of the technology you have chosen.
12.	write a professional report to be submitted. Use a title page, table of contents, summary and conclusion.
13	Prepare a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation (maximum 10 slides) to be presented.