Conducting the Revolution: The Challenge of Technology Adoption in Supply Chains

Like so many in my generation, I used to watch Bugs Bunny cartoons on Saturday mornings, enjoying the silliness and learning the cultural references. In one episode, he memorably impersonated the real-life maestro Leopold Stokowski. One of the leading conductors of the early 20th Century, Stokowski went beyond simply managing his orchestras’ musical delivery, earning a reputation as a musical entertainer, a characteristic that Bugs Bunny played up with comic effect.? With a flick of the wrist and a knowing glance, Stokowski – as great conductors do - weaved together the melody of violins, the thunder of drums, and the hushed whispers of woodwinds. When done with aplomb, the effect of a supreme conductor results in a masterclass of coordination, transforming mere notes on paper into a living, breathing symphony.

More Than Just the Tool

As our supply chains have become more and more digital in nature, so the range of technology solutions available to help them become more effective, more efficient and more economical has exploded. ?Each solution promises to attack a particular set of challenges, with positive returns on investment delivered quickly.? The reality is usually otherwise; adopting new technologies in today's supply chains demands a level of orchestration analogous to the delivery of a concerto. ?It's not just about deploying the latest gadget; it's about harmonizing people, processes, tools, and culture into a seamless performance. And often, this symphony requires new partners, each playing a critical role in delivering the technology's full value.

Consider additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing. ?Here is a disruptive set of technologies that are now proven to have transformative effects, reshaping production, addressing supply chain challenges and increasing service levels. ?Harnessing its power calls for a chorus of collaborators: design experts crafting optimized models, data analysts crunching numbers on physical and supply chain characteristics, providers with the right machines able to produce items in the right materials, skilled technicians operating 3D printers, specialists handling post-processing, and vigilant teams ensuring quality control. Each element of this complex value chain, like a distinct instrument, contributes to the final masterpiece.

Directing the Orchestra

If you were to approach your Procurement Director and say that 3D printing is exactly what you need, but that they’ll have to negotiate and put in place contracts with half a dozen or more companies to deliver what is needed, they will probable respond quite directly. ?

So, how does a supply chain conductor manage this complex score? There are two primary movements:

1. In-house Harmony: Companies can choose to develop the internal expertise and infrastructure to manage all these elements themselves. This requires significant investment in talent, training, and technology, essentially building an orchestra from scratch. While rewarding, it demands meticulous planning, considerable time and an ongoing commitment.
2. Orchestrated Partnerships: Alternatively, the symphony can be led by partnering judiciously with experts. These one-stop-shop solutions, or "technology integrators," bring together the different elements themselves, reducing complexity for their customers.? In the area of additive manufacturing, companies like Dimanex combine data analytics, digital design capture and optimization, a full spectrum of 3D printing technologies (enabled by a global network of partners), post-processing, and quality assurance all under one roof and coordinated with an effective workflow. ?This streamlines implementation and reduces internal resource demands, bringing scalability and reducing the time – and cost – to leverage the new technologies in your supply chain.?

Stokowski, Abbado or Rattle?

Remember, the choice isn't about one being inherently better than the other. It's about understanding your organization's strengths, limitations and strategic goals. Whether you conduct the orchestra yourself or collaborate with seasoned musicians, remember: adopting new technologies in supply chains is about more than just acquiring tools. It's about orchestrating the change, one well-coordinated step at a time.

Don't let the complexity of new technologies mute your supply chain's potential. Contact me today and together, we'll orchestrate a solution that brings harmony to your operations. Let's turn your vision into a reality, one well-timed note at a time.

This Week's Interesting Articles

• Sustain the Chain With Technology . With sustainability now integral to supply chains, many are turning to technology to drive towards it.
• EU agrees supply chain crisis measures to prevent goods shortages. The strategic impacts of supply chain disruptions call for Government actions.
• An Industry Reckoning at Additive Manufacturing Strategies. Leaders in the 3D printing sector now recognise the need to reduce complexity.

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