In exploring digitalization in the Supply Chain this week, let's consider applications that we use in our everyday life, comprising the so called Internet of Things (IoT) such as fitness apps, making smart payments, etc. Can you think of examples of loT applications and outline the benefits associated with those applications from a LSCM perspective? Barriers to having full visibility of information across the supply chain are outlined on pp. 219-220 in the book as cultural, financial, technical and organizational. These barriers need to be addressed so that organizations can gain business benefits from supply chain spanning information technologies. Information complexity, proliferation, diffusion, velocity and accuracy are key drivers of developing increasingly sophisticated supply chain information technologies. As per page 218 in the book today's global SC networks are distributed across multiple, widely dispersed echelons and this leads to information complexity and proliferation. The information increasingly diffuses downstream in the SC to multiple partners (including 'always-on' consumers). Velocity (speed) due to faster cycle times and competition. The need for accuracy is obvious. So, how can new technologies improve supply chain management? A starting point in viewing this could be Figure 13.1 and noting the impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution. The use of lot in LSCM should also be considered (e.g. Figure 13.2) in this context. The use of other technologies and applications in an LSCM context could then be considered e.g. data analytics, EPOS, AI, anticipatory shipping, blockchain. Finally the self-thinking supply chain - with its autonomous and predictive capabilities - should be illustrated and considered. In wrapping up our discourse for this week, please ensure you are familiar with the concepts of anticipatory shipping and the gearbox approach. Finally, please explore the following excellent resources: Blog Instructio What are the characteristics of a self-thinking supply chain?