CARGOCONNECT-OCTOBER2024 - Flipbook - Page 48
FEATURE : INTELLIGENT SUPPLY CHAIN
management and communication. This involves
involving employees in the decision-making
process, providing comprehensive training, and
highlighting the bene昀椀ts of technology for both
the business and its workforce.
* Integration with Legacy Systems: Many businesses, particularly in traditional industries, still
rely on legacy systems that are not compatible with
modern technologies. Integrating new tools with
these systems can be complex and time-consuming.
To overcome this challenge, businesses should
prioritise technologies that are 昀氀exible and can
be integrated gradually. Additionally, they may
need to consider phasing out outdated systems
in favour of more modern, scalable solutions.
* Skill Gaps in the Workforce: The successful adoption of technology in the supply chain
requires a workforce with the necessary skills
to operate and manage new systems. However,
there is often a gap between the skills required
and those available in the workforce. To bridge
this gap, businesses should invest in training
and development programmes, collaborate with
educational institutions, and create a culture of
continuous learning.
Unwinding of the Manual
Intelligence
The integration of automation and technology into
the supply chain is not just about adopting new
tools but also about preparing the next generation of
professionals to thrive in a tech-driven environment.
Educational institutions and training centres play a
critical role in this process by incorporating relevant
subjects into their curricula. By doing so, they can
equip students with the skills and knowledge needed
to navigate the complexities of modern supply chains.
Prof. (Dr.) Jitesh J Thakkar, Dean (Academics)
and Professor (School of Management), Gati
Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, while speaking at the India
Warehousing Show 2024, pointing out the prerogatives noted, “At our institution, we have innovated
by introducing mandatory courses that go beyond
traditional disciplines, embracing a 21st-century
approach to equip students with essential skills for
today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. By
prioritising a forward-thinking curriculum, we aim to
bridge the gap between academia and industry needs,
ensuring that our graduates are not only well-versed
in theory but also prepared to apply their knowledge
in real-world scenarios, thus aligning education with
technological advancements.”
He continued, “Our initiative includes leveraging
AI and ML to develop training curricula, ensuring that
the educational content remains dynamic, responsive,
and relevant. We o昀昀er both digital and classroom-based
courses to cater to different learning preferences
while maintaining 昀氀exibility. Moreover, specialised
certifications in ML and other emerging fields are
integral to our programmes, providing students with
48 | CARGOCONNECT OCTOBER 2024
the opportunity to deepen their
expertise and gain recognition for
their advanced skill sets, ultimately
enhancing their career prospects.”
“Our curriculum is designed
not just to impart technical skills
and theoretical knowledge,” he
added, “but to foster a structured
learning approach that encourages
critical thinking and hands-on
experience through exposure to
industry-relevant projects. By
immersing students in complex
challenges re昀氀ective of those faced
in the real world, we ensure they
are well-equipped to remain at
the forefront of their 昀椀elds. This
comprehensive preparation builds
resilience and adaptability, qualities
that are indispensable in the fastpaced, technology-driven economy.”
Shaping the
Curriculum of
Tomorrow
In the current era dominated
by big data, leveraging AI tools
is fundamental for conducting
robust data analysis and making
informed decisions. Particularly in
the e-commerce industry, where
variables play critical roles in
influencing sales and returns, the
adoption of AI is not just beneficial
but essential. Our AI tool has become
crucial in optimising stock levels
by accurately predicting demand,
thereby preventing the overstocking
of less popular items, which
can negatively impact business
sustainability. At Mintobay, we have
innovated by developing an in-house
AI tool that not only collects and
synthesises data but also provides
comprehensive analyses. This allows
us to effectively manage inventory by
aligning stock with consumer demand
and performing precise demandsupply mapping. Additionally, this
tool plays a pivotal role in strategic
planning across various domains,
including raw material procurement,
production capacity management,
warehouse optimisation, and
manpower allocation.
* Incorporating Emerging
Technologies: Educational
institutions need to update
their curricula to include
emerging technologies that are
transforming supply chains.
Courses should cover areas
such as AI, ML, IoT, Blockchain,
and data analytics. This not
only provides students with
theoretical knowledge but also
practical skills through handson experience with these technologies. For example, students
could work on projects that
involve developing AI-driven
supply chain models or simulating Blockchain transactions.
* Interdisciplinary Learning:
The modern supply chain
requires professionals who
understand not just logistics
but also technology, business
strategy, and data science.
Interdisciplinary learning,
which combines these 昀椀elds,
PUNEET BAJAJ
can better prepare students
CEO and Co-founder, Shakti
for the complex challenges
Trendz (Mintobay)
they will face in the industry.
For instance, a course on
supply chain management
could be paired with modules on cyber security,
digital transformation, and sustainability to
give students a holistic understanding of how
these areas intersect.
