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Module 12: Supply Chains and Information Technology - ASU's W. P. Carey School
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Module 12: Supply Chains and Information Technology - ASU's W. P. Carey School

Understanding the Role of Technology in Modern Supply Chains

The Importance of Technological Infrastructure

  • Modern global integrated supply chains rely heavily on advanced technological infrastructure, which serves as their connective tissue and nervous system.
  • Supply chain executives are expected to understand business technology, but making technology-related decisions can be daunting even for experienced leaders.

Functions of Supply Chain Technology

  • Just like computers help individuals organize their lives, supply chains utilize technology for research and analysis, planning and scheduling, purchasing, networking, and relationship management.
  • Companies must consider various factors when making IT decisions: memory, storage, computing speed, applications, hardware mobility, and operating systems.

Key Components of a Robust System

  • A powerful system is essential for connecting with trusted partners while protecting against potential threats; it should also be flexible to adapt to future business needs.
  • Organizations currently use a variety of systems (ERP, CRM, SRM), which may evolve over time but will always be crucial for effective supply chain management.

Challenges Addressed by Technology

  • Modern supply chains face challenges such as sustainability concerns, consumer safety expectations, security issues, and legal/ethical compliance—all requiring robust technological support.
Video description

Part 12 of 12 Modern day supply chains are tasked with responding at lightning speed. Like our central nervous system helps us make good decisions, perform physical feats, and communicate effectively and efficiently with those around us, information technology is required to help our supply chains efficiently perform at peak levels. This module illustrates how our uses of technology mirror those of the supply chains use of modern information technology systems. This is the 12th installment in Arizona State University's twelve-part introduction to supply chain management video series developed by Eddie Davila, Jeff Hough, Randy Cates, Dawn Feldman, Dan Ichikawa, Ian Schmoel, and Matt Hardy. ASU, the W. P. Carey School of Business, and the Supply Chain Management Department are proud and happy to share this video series with supply chain management departments, supply chain instructors, career specialists in high schools and universities, as well as industry leaders in an effort to inspire a new generation of supply chain management professionals across the country and around the world. For more information, visit W. P. Carey's SCM Web site at http://wpcarey.asu.edu/scm or send an e-mail to wpcarey.scm@asu.edu.