Tim Lawrence
Director Digital Supply Chain, Digital Catapult
Innovations in emerging technology and data analytics are providing solutions to supply chain resilience as it remains a priority through global challenges.
Supply chains are becoming increasingly complex amid events like the Ukraine conflict, soaring inflation and the changing climate. This has created major challenges in coordinating logistics and optimising supply chains across geographies, partners, regulations and transport modes.
Tech and data tools for supply chain optimisation
Advanced analytics tools can now process vast supply chain datasets to generate insights, identify inefficiencies and model scenarios. By leveraging predictive algorithms and optimisation techniques, companies can adjust inventory, production schedules, distribution plans and other decisions to minimise costs and risks. At Digital Catapult, we’ve helped businesses across sectors leverage emerging technologies to forecast demand more accurately.
AI can construct optimal delivery sequences, simulate delays and recommend cost-efficient changes.
Another key innovation is real-time visibility across end-to-end supply chains enabled by technologies like IoT sensors, tracking devices and software supporting secure data-sharing between partners. For example, we are testing privacy-preserving solutions that can help mitigate risks, like child labour, without exposing confidential data.
In logistics, analytics enable better route optimisation and load planning. Meanwhile, AI can construct optimal delivery sequences, simulate delays and recommend cost-efficient changes. Our Logistics Living Lab project uses these technologies to reduce empty lorries on UK roads, cutting carbon emissions.
Innovative initiatives for the future
Through initiatives like the Digital Supply Chain Hub, we are making supply chains more resilient, sustainable and efficient. By harnessing emerging technologies and data integration, these innovations will be critical for supply chain agility, reduced costs and sustainability improvements.
By leveraging data and new technologies, companies can gain a competitive advantage through optimised global supply chains. Our team recognises that applying digital tech to supply chains can improve efficiency by up to 30%. Resilience, reduced costs and sustainability improvements are benefits for businesses embracing these innovations, which will transform future supply chains.