Supply Chain & Logistics Industry told Data & Technology Need to be Part of their DNA to Guarantee Success
Posted by on Jul 21, 2016
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Chicago, July 14th 2016 - The role of data and the impact of evolving disruptive technology dictated the conversation at this year’s 3PL Summit & Chief Supply Chain Officer Forum in Chicago (June 20-22, 2016).
The event, bringing together over 650 attendees and 110+ speakers for 3 days of intimate industry dialogue, explored a wide range of technological opportunities and challenges set to revolutionize the future of supply chain and logistics.
Providing a unique supply chain perspective, senior executives from Intel, Johnson Controls, Jabil, Sealed Air, Raytheon, TE Connectivity and more contributed to animated debates on how to make the right decisions with data and what steps need to be taken to initiate a data driven transformation. “If you want to win, you have to evolve from data to insights” advised Emile Chammas, CSCO at Sealed Air.
Representing a logistics standpoint, C-level executives from C.H. Robinson, Toll Group Americas, Echo Global and SEKO, demonstrated how they are driving change and what to look for in the perfect innovation partner.
Key members of logistics start-ups including Flexport, Transfix, project44 and Cargo Chief, who are the frontrunners challenging the industry status quo, evaluated the impact of technology on traditional models and debated the potential saturation of the start-up logistics market. “Technology needs to be part of your organization’s DNA.” Ben Braverman, CRO at Flexport stated matter-of-factly.
Later on in the day, a panel discussion featuring both the users and the makers of the latest game-changing technologies highlighted the huge potential shift from the use of 3D printing and robotics in small scale manufacturing to mass production. Their findings complemented the findings in eft’s recent Chief Supply Chain Officer report where over 50% of respondents believed warehouse automation, full-visibility and prescriptive analytics will be prevalent in most supply chains in the next 10 years.
With Brexit and the changing tide of the US economy monopolizing the headlines, Jim Tompkins, CEO at Tompkins International emphasised that metamorphosis is the key to evolving in an increasingly dynamic global economy. John Wiehoff, CEO and Chairman of the Board at C.H. Robinson continued this theme, explaining that in order for the industry to move forward and improve it is crucial to continue the drive for innovation into businesses.
To get the full lowdown on what went on access the event debrief here. Interested parties can also follow the happenings on Twitter by searching for the event hashtag #3PLUS16 or following @eyefortransport.
For more information on eft’s global events, including the European 3PL Summit sister event, please contact Fabia Palmer, Marketing Manager at eft on fpalmer@eft.com