Industrial revolution 4.0: impact on development of supply chains and logistics.

• Author: Shaikh, Nazir Ahmed

Byline: Nazir Ahmed Shaikh

Every company and organization operating today is different; however all are facing a common challenge i.e. need for connectedness and access to real-time insights across processes, partners, products, and people.

The term "Industry 4.0" refers to a new phase in the Industrial Revolution that focuses heavily on interconnectivity, automation, machine learning, and real-time data. It also referred as IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), or smart manufacturing which the amalgamation of physical production and operations with smart digital technology, machine learning, and big data. It is creating a more holistic and better connected ecosystem for companies that focus on manufacturing and supply chain management.

Global Supply Chains and the Logistic Industry are important beneficiaries of technological progress. The Industrial Revolution 4.0 sees supply chains that are able to produce products from vast quantities to single items using flexible processes. Logistics companies should also be ramping up their investment in technology to deliver Logistics 4.0. The world becomes more and more digitally. The logistics trends predicted for 2019 and beyond are more tangible. The development of Logistics 4.0 is creating huge changes within companies. Many researchers and companies are convinced that automation, networking and digitizing will become more and more important within the industry. End-to-end visibility is very vital. The complete visibility of the entire supply chain could achieve true demand-driven planning, allowing efficient response to changes in sourcing, supply, capacity and demand.

Business analysts have identified ten strategic technology trends that will to have an impact on companies in near future and they will shape the digital business opportunities in twenty-first.

These trends relate to connect the real world with the virtual one and the emergence of the digital connection.

Technology trends impacting on development of supply chains and logistics The ten fundamental technological trends that will effect on companies and their activities are The Device Mesh: trend concerns the growing set of endpoints people who are using mobile devices wearable, consumer and home electronic devices, automotive devices and environmental devices, such as sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT).

Ambient User Experience: a trend that refers to connect the virtual world with the real world. The ambient user experience...