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Digitization in supply chain management

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Digitization in supply chain management

Industries nowadays are becoming more transparent with regards to how their management is run and the supply chain is no exception.  Customers are also becoming more demanding for efficient delivery processes and are becoming choosy about the mode of accessing products. The advancement of digital technology has really been the driving force for these changes.

How to make a supply chain system more efficient?

It is quite a difficult task for companies to develop an efficient supply chain system. It is quite impossible for companies to develop a supply chain without a clear idea of the process and applications and a certain amount of strategic planning. The company should try to improve its systems based on their current business situation and also on the basis of evolving business ideas. These new and improved ideas should be implemented in all spheres of their business operations including (but not limited to) the below-mentioned avenues-

  1. Processes– The company need to implement these new and improved methodologies to connects the suppliers and the customers in a better manner. This will help in proper coordination and collaboration between these two important stakeholders.
  2. Performance management system– The company should necessarily set up some specific rules and regulations to enhance the performance of those who have the responsibility to manage the entire supply chain. All the important performance indicators should be measured timely to ensure better results and make the supply chain system more efficient.
  3. Developing the organizational skillsets– the company needs to understand various skills that are required to enhance the performance of the entire supply chain. These may include the skills of problem-solving by optimizing or managing the entire supply chain. This may require strong organisational support to promote relevant communication across different organisational user groups or programs. However, for extracting maximum benefits from such activities, the company has to develop its in-house talent and experiences. Then only it can ensure continuous development of new supply chain applications and processes.
  4. Enhancing stakeholder capabilities– In addition to enhancing the capabilities of their in-house resources, the company also needs to develop the capabilities of its partners and stakeholders. The supply chain just cannot achieve their set objectives of developing a well-oiled system without the help of their partners or the stakeholders such as suppliers, technology providers or even the distributors.
  5. In leveraging advanced technology– as already discussed, the company has to develop a road map for effective implementation of the new and advanced technologies into the supply chain. A few such operations include the integration of the information layer, analytics capabilities the database and the cloud.

 

When it comes to the supply chain industry, most of the companies are delivering their products to their customers through a standardised process. The marketing branch of the company places orders and the ordered products are prepared for distribution. At the same time, the respective customers are given the requisite information regarding their product and its shipment. It is necessary for the operation to take place smoothly so that the customers can expect their shipment on time. But, it does not happen as smoothly as desired, all the time and inadequate information is the ‘culprit’ for the same. For example, at times, the necessary data which is necessary for forecasting may remain insufficient. In some of the cases, the manufacturing branch of the company may not get sufficient help from the suppliers or other relative partners due to lack of timely information in critical links of the supply chain and there arises a gap between the operation process and the requirement. The whole supply chain is interrupted this way.

Digitization in supply chain management

How can digitization help?

There can be many concrete examples of benefits brought about by digitization into a supply chain system. Enhancing productivity and growth of work are two broad benefits of digitizing the supply chain.

Given below are a few of the benefits digitization can bring to the supply chain management-

  1. In the process of capturing data-

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a boon of modern technology that is capable of making data available in a more transparent manner. Thanks to IoT, manufacturers are now able to gather data with the help of sensors. These data are essential for monitoring important supply chain assets. This results in lower downtime in data capturing and helps the company to manufacture products so as to meet the demands of their customers.

Data captured so efficiently brings transparency to transportation and logistics as well. Barcoded products manufactured by a company can be tracked by both the company and the customers alike. Moreover, internet of things has also enabled new tracker facility that can track not only the location but also can capture data regarding the temperature, orientation, humidity and other such variables that can cause a positive impact on the entire delivery system.

  1. In analysing data–

Digital concepts such as e-commerce are providing big data and it helps in the improvement of process management, product customization, market trend predictions, quality levels and customer personalization. For example, this new-found process of analysing data can help in providing new data routes for freshly observed patterns which, in turn, can identify more routes with fewer shortcomings.

  1. In integrating data–

The most significant contribution of digitization to supply chain is perhaps achieving higher levels of clarity at all stages of the process. Data is contained in different ‘blocks’. It is necessary to capture the required data, integrate them and then analyse them effectively in certain specified steps. The method of integration may involve the following steps depending upon conditions-

  • systems involved in integrated planning and its execution
  • advanced analytics
  • logistics visibility
  • smart procurement and the warehousing

Advanced features of digitization are employed in all these stages to bring the much-needed transparency into the supply chain.

  1. In accessing data–

The integrated units of any supply chain management depend on data accessed. These data need be transferred eventually to the end-customers. With the advent of digital technology, the data transferring process has also become quite easier. Now, the customers can keep track of their shipping experiences from their own comfort, thanks to features of digitization.

  1. In interpreting data–

If real-time data can be obtained, it proves to be very useful for any supply chain management. But, one of the major drawbacks here is the achieving of the desired accuracy level and reliability of data. Digitization has been of tremendous help here as it has offered the facility of correcting the data automatically and even enhancing reliability in supply chain technology.

  1. Comprehensive integration of solutions involved in the supply chain– as the supply chain is a vast territory, companies nowadays often vary in the planning or reporting of production related data. Digitizing the process of the supply chain is a great approach that removes many hurdles faced in all SCM systems down the line. But it requires a strategic approach for the digitization plan to be executed properly. If such a strategy is executed properly, there can be many benefits for the company and many inherent faults can be eliminated, which, if not eliminated, have the potential to deviate the processes from reaching the organisational goal. Digitization helps in setting certain benchmarks and fixing of organisational goals properly. Such integration helps the works to be accomplished in a proper manner. But, it is very important for the companies to keep a track on such integrated solutions and measure the performance at every stage, in order to avoid eventual failures.
  2. Helps in better handling of data- The Internet of things has reached its greater heights with time and, in recent times, has become an integral part of supply chain management. Better solutions to perennial supply chain issues have been possible now, thanks to IOT. Now, the supply chain can be digitized involving operations such as collecting of data, sorting and finally evaluating the data. As a result, it helps the managers or the planners of the company to make more effective planning ideas. Effective methods of data connection are also helping the managers or planners to deal with circumstances which used to plague the management a lot in earlier times. The IoT based technologies employed to supply chain involves a lot more detailing, and hence can save the management from critical situations happened earlier due to lack of attention to such details. Now, IoT based data handling methods enables the management to deal with all such issues and complex datasets in a more efficient manner.
  3. Helps in enhancing collaboration– Digitizing the entire supply chain may not prove to be an easy task at all. Of course, it involves hurdles and complexities while implementing it across the organisational spheres. But, it is more than worth doing so as through digitization, the planners can share the data within themselves and within the supply chain stream to ensure smooth functioning of the operational cycle. Digitization facilitates more interactions and such a collaborative approach can save the organisation from breakdowns or disruptions. A digitized supply chain actually works a kind of central hub that includes a lot of data which can be accessed through multiple nodes. Unlike the traditional system, no one has to wait for days or months to collect or gather the requisite data. Results can be obtained much faster, rather than waiting for months. Thus supply chain digitization can deliver proven benefits for the supply chain companies.

Steps or phases involved in digitizing the supply chain process-

One of the important ideas involved in digitizing a supply chain is to be clear about its sustained benefits and whether the existing SCM processes in the company are capable enough for implementing and integrating changes likely to facilitate by digitization. Therefore, any supply chain company may go through the following five major stages in the process of digitization-

  1. It should understand the present position of itself– the company should be able to assess its current position and the level of maturity it has attained with time. It should also be able to identify the areas that need further improvement and maturity.
  2. It should be able to define its strategies properly– The company should be able to set a target for the supply chain management well before the implementation of digitization starts. It should also envisage the possible strategies and planning involved in the process of digitization.
  3. It should develop a proper road-map – The company should be able to define the necessary steps required for digitization and sketch a detailed road map accordingly.
  4. It should develop small pilot applications with end to end scope– A company may devise some small pilot applications that can be helpful in digitizing the entire supply chain in due course. These pilots should be able to carry out the necessary steps within its scope, however small they may be. Such a pilot application will help in assessing the capabilities of the company for digitization. But, the company needs to keep in mind that such pilots should be used in integrating the digitization in supply chain only, rather than for fixing other organisational goals.
  5. The company should do rollouts and monitor their development– After successfully developing pilots, the company should do a few rollouts in certain segments. Then it should monitor the progress of these rollouts and assess which segments are benefitted the most from the digitization. This rollout can even be extended either to some important regions or particular customer segments as desired by the company management.

 

Assessment of maturity in the supply chain-

Most of the supply chain companies in the present day have successfully implemented certain levels of digitization in their operations. Before extending higher levels of digitization, it is very important for the companies to study its current maturity level in order to devise a specific plan for the next level of supply chain digitization. The maturity of a supply chain can be witnessed in four stages as discussed below-

  1. Digital novice– It indicates an immediate need for improvement to sustain in the business. Companies at this stage need to proceed further to the next level of supply chain digitization at the earliest.
  2. Vertical integrator– At this stage of digital maturity, the companies manage to integrate various processes of supply chain digitization into different departments or functions within their spheres of operations.
  3. Horizontal collaborator– The companies, at this stage of their maturity, have gathered required information that can help their supply chain partners to set up their goals and objectives. Such expertise and control help all stakeholders to carry out their processes easily and to bring the much-needed transparency into the entire supply chain operations.
  4. Digital champion– At this stage, the company has achieved the greatest level of digital expertise possible in association with its partners and has managed to be more transparent in their operations as well. This has been done by developing some beneficial digital processes and techniques and implementing them seamlessly in the entire supply chain management.

 

Some examples where digital technology has been helpful

A wide range of ideas of various technologies are mentioned below, which are integral parts of digitization. These have come to immense help to the industries.

 

  1. 3D printing – 3D printing is used in widely used in manufacturing these days. The scope of 3D printing in the field of pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics has enforced a dramatic change to the supply chain strategy involved therein. Many production industries like Johnson and Johnson, Invisalign etc have leveraged 3D printing technology into good effect and have excelled to greater heights of late. Other companies are also following suit and the concept is 3D printing is expected to grow even more in a foreseeable future.
  2. The fast growth of ‘Uberization’– When Uber first came into the market with its unique concept, it was not able to penetrate that much into the existing market share. But, with time, Uber has been able to leverage the technology disruptions to good effect and made distinct changes into their operations, to accommodate modern technology. It helped their operations so much that, in two years, the worldwide market share of Uber rose from 8% to 27 %.
  3. Internet of Things and machine learning – These technologies are among the most evolving technologies in modern times. These are being leveraged in the SCM industry to fulfil the needs of the digital supply chain for the future. These technologies offer various advantages related to costs, operational efficiency etc to the supply chain companies.
  4. Advantages of cloud computing– Cloud computing came to prominence after 2016. A cloud provides distinct advantages when a supply chain organisation wants to set a benchmark in its data acceptance level. It is because cloud computing enhances the computing power and application systems of a supply chain. A cloud computing framework also increases the efficiency of the software systems. But, its development requires a lot more time.

 

Digitization is nothing short of a revolution nowadays. Transforming everything to digital is challenging indeed. There are many avenues of digitization that may find a place in supply chain systems.  Advanced robotics, 3D printing, drones, internet of things etc fall under this category. But, it would have been better, if such technologies can be customised to some extent. Also, the capital involved in the maintenance of these technologies is still a concern for the companies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The future of recruitment

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The future of recruitment

Can you imagine the world full of machines without a man in the industry? No, right.
Because that is not possible, even if the man has created the machines to work instead of him,
he will be present in the industry, because someone needs to lead all those processes and the
robot will not be capable for that. But why almost everyone is asking what will happen with
Recruiting companies, recruiters and “Hunting good candidates.” We need to be aware of
constant technology changes, that is our present, and it will be our future. Yes, the world is
changing, the industry of 4.0 is tending to that robots replace the human in this field, to
reduce the costs and provide more productivity, but no one is expecting that this all can be
possible without the man involved in it.

Let’s focus now on the recruiting process, so we can discuss later on what will happen with that.
Recruiting process is starting at the moment when your client tells you that he needs someone
new for some position in his company. After that recruiter preparing everything for the deep
search and the process of sourcing will take some time, depending on the position. The recruiter
is someone with many years of experience in the recruiting candidates, and he knows exactly
which candidate profile is ideal for the position. He reads the profile, but in that way he is not
reading the simple sentences he is reading the history of that person, he knows, and he feels all of
those profiles. Yes, he is spending 2 minutes on every profile, but in those 2 minutes he is
scanning that profile, and look at the specific details.

There is one fact and everyone will agree. The crucial fact in the recruiting process is feeling.
The recruiter needs to feel the profile, he needs to think in the same way as candidate, simply
say, recruiter needs to recognize in those simple sentences on the profiles which candidate is
willing to move, what the candidate expects from his future and the most important thing, the
recruiter must understand the psychology of people.

Technology and automation might be leaking into the industry, but recruitment is fundamentally a
social negotiation that needs a human touch. The process might be streamlined, and the work
itself given a facelift but it will remain a social practice at its core.

You can say right now, why I should hire a recruiting agency to find me the right candidate, when
I can do that by myself, or people from company HR sector can do that? The reason is really
simple. Even if there is a lot of platforms like LinkedIn, Job boards, etc. finding a good and
qualified candidate is the process, really hard process, because people are changing jobs quickly,
they are looking for something exciting, new, they are changing jobs more rapidly than ever
before. In the IT sector, you can see that developers are changing jobs on 3, 4 months. Why is
that happening? Because there is a bunch of free online courses, these days you can learn
everything, you can graduate in medicine but you can be a developer. How is that possible?
Simple, you can learn codes, and languages in 1 or 2 months online, after that you just need a
practice and voila you can work as a developer, even if you are a Doctor. Almost the same
situation is in many industries. So, yes you can find the candidate by yourself, but nobody can
guarantee to you that that candidate will stay at your company for a long time and that he/she is
the real expert in his field. Recruiters are doing researches always, they are having a huge base
with right candidates for positions where they are expert, they are in constant communication
with right candidates, and they know which candidate is right for every position, they just feel
that. That comes with years and years of experience. Many corporations believe in the choice of
and when recruiter say this guy is one for this position that is of, he gets the job.

Organisations will seek Recruitment agencies till the time there are people coming in and.
Business will be their CORE and till the time you have been handling a support function why not
continue using them. With a tightening candidate pool and all the uncertainty around European
limitations, agencies will be a lifeline to accessing talent.
So, yes we think that recruitment processes will always stay in the domain of because we are all
humans, and even if the machines will replace in some industrial processes, there will always be
human to develop and manage those processes.

[kkstarratings]

LEAN SIX SIGMA DNA

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LEAN SIX SIGMA DNA

Lean Six sigma is a tool and concept that relies on a collaborative team effort for quality enhancement. Though the concept of Lean Six Sigma has been around the corporate world for many years now, how an organization incorporates Lean Six Sigma in its DNA is what makes the difference!
Lean Six Sigma is a combination of Lean methodology which creates value for customers by eliminating wastes and Six Sigma which seeks zero error through effective problem solving. The purpose of Lean Six Sigma is to increase an organization’s efficiency while systematically removing waste from its processes and reducing variation.
Many organizations, where lean culture exists have a more sustained environment and have regular exponential improvement. A lean process is faster, more economical and defines customer value by delivering satisfactory quality. Six sigma originated more than 3 decades ago in Motorola and has been a pioneer in saving billions in almost every industry incorporating it. It is a statistical method which produces 3.4 defects per million opportunities, known as DPMO. It stabilizes the process and minimises variation ensuring consistency in quality and service. Lean and Six Sigma together minimizes the resources required for producing the products and renders the entire operations to be faster saving time and cost for the organization. Most processes focus only on producing the results, they do not focus on eliminating the waste created in the process. Lean Six Sigma focuses primarily on removing these wastes. It is just like clearing unwanted cache from your mobile or computer applications and freeing the memory space. Lean Six Sigma clears the waste from your processes and expedites the overall performance of your processes.
Leam Six Sigma process also helps to nurture and improve the efficiency of the employees. Organizations who use the Lean Six Sigma method have reported more active and accountable employees as compared to organizations who have not implemented the Lean Six Sigma concept to date. It develops the confidence of the employees by engaging them in improving the way they work. Lean Six Sigma uses common practices to fix a problem. It is defined in 5 stages:

Define – What is the requirement?
Measure – Where does the current process stand?
Analyse – Identify the problem and root cause
Improve – Implement steps to fix the problem
Control – Sustain the improved achievement

In simpler words, Lean Six Sigma helps you to identify the cause of a problem and find a permanent solution to it, based on facts. There are two ways in which an organization can incorporate Lean Six Sigma. You can either implement it as a function or you can incorporate it in the DNA of your organization. Lean Six Sigma DNA is reflected in each and every process of the organization. Lean Six Sigma makes it easier for an organization and its team to perform better and solve problems efficiently. Contrary to popular perceptions, Lean Six Sigma is based on clear postulates and can be used in any organization from simple to complex. Overcome business process hurdles by incorporating the Lean Six Sigma DNA today!

In the past century, our parents and grand parents couldn’t imagine that one day they will buy something from the comfort of their houses. Nowadays that is usual activity, you can buy everything what do you need from the armchair. There is a lot of websites for online shopping like Amazon, eBay, and the biggest one Aliexpress with more than 100.000 suppliers from all over the world. Let me explain you first what Is e-commerce. In the context of e-commerce, most people first think about online shopping and shopping opportunities through the internet, however, web shopping is only a small part of the overall picture ofan electronic store. One of the important features is that electronic trading is a dynamic character, and that every year, it combines and combines new functions and elements. E-commerce is an internet-based platform through/using which businesses and consumers interact, exchange information/knowledge, create and procure goods and services and carry out various economic activities. This means that if you are, for example, an owner of e-learning platform you are using e-commerce to sell your classes and courses. The promotion of new products and services offered by companies is almost unimaginable without online promotion. The digital economy with e-commerce has accelerated and improved the economies of the developed countries, while in the coming period it will be seen that other medium and undeveloped countries will be affected. But why is better to use e-commerce than traditional commerce? Most of the world is still not fully aware of the use of electronic commerce and the advantages it brings to today’s modern business and lifestyle. But in the future that will change because the internet environment is growing so fast. The use of an Internet contributes to reducing costs. This is also one of the reasons for developing e-commerce. Small businesses are especially noticed by their e-commerce opportunity because they will have the opportunity to find out about the mand to market on the same level as large companies. Carrying out commercial transactions electronically, in addition to increasing traffic and earnings, gives great opportunities to users and companies in terms of increasing the quality of services, integration and job creation.The Internet represents a place of great business opportunities and a huge market for large, medium and smallbusinesses,individualsandentrepreneurs.Costsandriskshaveneverbeen smaller, and the potential gain is higher.
So if you are thinking to change your business, the best way is to choose internet and e-commerce and to use all of its advantages and many opportunities. Think better, create bigger, be present, be aware, be famous, be online always, and show the world what do you can offer to them. This is a key to every successful business.

 

[kkstarratings]

What business leaders should know about digital transformation?

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What business leaders should know about digital transformation?

Charles Darwin once said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change that survives.”
In the same line of thought, it is time for all business leaders to adapt to the new technologies of digital transformation to survive in this era of digitalisation. The digital transformation is the incorporation or integration of various digital systems in a business to achieve ease of operations and better productivity.
The transformation from analog business technology to digital is not an easy task but it has become the need for every business firm for survival. Digital transformation has become mandatory for all business enterprises, be it big or small. It saves time, minimizes human involvement allowing a business leader to cater to more intricate and delicate issues of his business, reduces chances of error and boosts the customer delivery experience. It reshapes every aspect of the business enterprise. It provides improved customer insights, better utilization of resources, enhances overall corporate control, optimises risks, allows the creation of new products and services through innovation, digital augmentation of existing channels and enhances worldwide connectivity.
Although digital transformation accelerates the entire business gamut in a more strategic and impactful manner, there are four core areas that are highly impacted by integrating your business with digital automation.
DECISION MAKING
Digital integration allows business leaders to take real time decisions based on data and analytics, instead of relying on instincts and past experience. It considers the current market scenario and results in efficient judgments.
CONNECTIVITY
Incorporation of digital technologies lets your business reach out to all distributed networks of your customers, suppliers, and associates. It reduces the time of delivery of the services and automated controls ensure uniform communication of business information to all concerned entities.
AUTOMATION
Manual activity gets replaced by mechanical and artificial intelligence. Virtual administration enables the business leaders to focus their attention on more important and critical issues pertaining to their business. Automation also minimises error occurring through manual execution of tasks.
INNOVATION
Incorporation of advanced digital technologies allows a business leader to bring in new and modified business operation controls, products and services. Digital transformation of a business merges the strategy with technology driving the business to success.
There are many business pioneers who hesitate to let go of the traditional established norms and shift to digitalisation. Though business leaders are apt in strategy making and strategic vision for the success of their trades, digital technologies assist them in achieving precision in their planning and actions. Undoubtedly, a proper alliance of automation techniques provides a lift to any ongoing business enterprise.
This is a time when every business leader needs to understand the inevitable requirement of the digital transformation of their business functions. From grocery shopping to managing your finances, everything has become digital. As such, every business leader must take in on their priority list to accustom themselves with the latest technologies for the faster development of their business and to beat the competition

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The Changing Nature of Organizations, Work, and Workplace

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The Changing Nature of Organizations, Work, and Workplace

Everything around us is changing, and it is changing rapidly! What seems unrealistic and unachievable today is likely to become a regular affair in a couple of days. People, environment, technologies, economies, markets, transportation, infrastructure, everything is developing fast. And so is our workplace, nature of work and our organisations.

If we were to compare our current working conditions with those of a decade ago, we will find a prodigious change in almost everything. Desktops have been replaced with iPads, papers have been replaced with digital information, files have been replaced with hard disks and fax has been replaced with instantaneous emails.  From our office printer to the water dispenser everything has gone through a drastic change. In a sense, everything has evolved for the better!

Even if we set aside the materialistic gizmo, the credentials of our work have also evolved to a great extent. The gap between the management and the employees has narrowed down to almost a negligible level. Employees and subordinates are given importance in the decision making process for the business. The focus of the organisations has largely shifted to providing the best benefits and perks to the employees. Employee satisfaction has moved up the priority list of the industries so that the prime focus of their employees is on conferring the best services to their customers.

Employees too are nowadays required to be efficacious in their demeanor. Always being on the go is a mandate in today’s work culture. Monitoring and work assessment are almost done on a real time basis. Competitions are vigorous at all levels. Everyone is at a constant marathon with their peers and counter parts. Mistakes can be catastrophic, even if it is a silly one. There will always be someone amongst your colleagues or competitors to take benefit and skim at your blunder.

Work dynamics have changed.  The complexity of work has also increased. People are expected to be subject matter experts in their respective fields. At the same time, they are also expected to be multi taskers with knowledge on various others aspects. Hierarchy has been replaced by parallel systems. Team work is more pivotal than individual achievement.  Dependency on advanced technologies has become abundant. Human effort has been lessened with the use of these advanced technologies. Routine operations are automated, saving time and energy. As a result of which, job responsibilities of manpower have shifted towards strategic planning, growth, and innovation. With new trends hitting the market every day, modification in existing standards of every business house is indispensable.

Organisations in the present times have become dynamic.  Globalisation has uplifted the performance benchmark. Geographical boundaries stand no restraint when it comes to providing service. Organisations welcome multicultural workforce with ease. Diverse cultural background of the workforce, age difference, linguistic unfamiliarity, gender biases, etc. do not matter anymore in this cosmopolitan urbane work culture. They never let go of opportunities to develop and lead. What matters most is the success.  It is the new leader in this era of emerging markets. And success is the only constant in this ever changing milieu.

 

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Revolution der Industrie 4.0: Was ein Berater für Industrie 4.0 in einer Firma verändern kann

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Revolution der Industrie 4.0: Was ein Berater für Industrie 4.0 in einer Firma verändern kann

Industrie 4.0 ist der Name, den man dem momentanen Fortschritt der Daten und dem automatischen Austausch bei der Produktion von Waren für den Gebrauch oder Verkauf, die durch Maschinen oder Werkzeuge hergestellt werden, gegeben hat. Es besteht aus dem Internet der Dinge (IdD), kognitivem Rechnen und Cloudcomputing. Man nennt es auch eine “smart factory”. Durch diese Technologie kommunizieren und kooperieren Cyber-Physikalische Systeme in echt-Zeit mit Menschen.

Manche Firmen versuchen sich den neuen Technologien anzupassen, während andere sich nicht über neue Entwicklungen informieren und es verpassen, die Umgestaltung anzuführen. Sie passen sich der, sich ständig ändernden Technik-Landschaft, nicht an. Eine Firma, die diese Reise der Veränderung antritt, kann auf dem Markt effektiv Konkurrieren und Kosten und Profite verbessern.

Um den stetig steigenden Anforderungen eines Kunden gerecht zu werden, kann eine intelligente Versorgung und eine Digital-Integrierte Kette eine unvergleichlichen Level an Zusammenarbeit ermöglichen. Eine Gruppe intellektueller ist die Antriebskraft hinter dieser Technologie und sie können die Industrie auf ungeahnte Höhen bringen.

Industrie 4.0 ist eine Technologie, durch die Automatisierung und Computer auf eine Innovative Art, zusammenarbeiten lässt, mit Robotern die durch ferngesteuerte Systeme miteinander verlinkt sind, zu Computer die mit Lern-Algorithmen ausgestattet sind, die die Roboter verstehen und Managen können, ohne dabei viel Hilfe von Menschen zu brauchen.

Industrie 4.0 hilft dabei, eine “smart factory” zu Kreieren, mit Modular-Umrandeten, intelligenten Cyber-Physischen Systemen, die Physische Prozesse überwachen und gemeindete Entscheidungen treffen.

Woher kommt der Ausdruck Industrie 4.0?

Der Ausdruck Industrie 4.0 stammt ursprünglich von einem High-Tech Strategieprojekt der Deutschen Regierung, welche die  Computerisierung der Herstellungsprozesse unterstützt. Der Ausdruck “Industrie 4.0” wurde in 2001 bei einer der größten Messen der Welt, der Hannover-Messe, wiedereingeführt. Im Oktober 2012, hat die Gruppe, die an Industrie 4.0 arbeitete, den Deutschen Beamten eine reihe Umsetzungs-Strategien vorgelegt. Die Mitglieder der Arbeitsgruppe von Industrie 4.0 werden als Erfinder und Schlüsselfiguren hinter Industrie 4.0 gesehen.

Vier Design Prinzipien:

Industrie 4.0 hat vier Design Prinzipien, die Firmen dabei unterstützen Industrie 4.0 Szenarien zu entwickeln und auszuarbeiten.

  • Kompatibilität: Die Fähigkeit, über ein großes Ausmaß, Menschen durch das Internet der Dinge miteinander zu Verbinden und der Atomisierungsprozess.
  • Informationssysteme: Die Fähigkeit der Informations-Transparenz, um einen praktischen Begriff für jeden Zweck zu kreieren, indem man Digitale Fabrik-Modelle für höhere zusammenhang des Informations-Nutzen implementiert.
  • Hilfs-Systeme: Die Fähigkeit eines Technischen Hilfs-Systeme, um Menschen physisch zu unterstützen, indem eine Reihe von Aufgaben durchgeführt wird.
  • Cyber-Physische Systeme: Die Fähigkeit der dezentralisierten Entscheidungen und selbstständiges ausführen von Aufgaben.

Der Schlüsselgedanke der “Industrie 4.0” ist faszinierend und bemerkenswert. Es ist der Prozess, die Industrie mit revolutionären, fortgeschrittenen Digitalen Systemen zu füttern. Die Vorzüge eines Industrie 4.0 Modells könnten die Bedenken, die viele produzierende Firmen haben, in den Schatten stellen. In gefährlicher Umgebung, könnte die Sicherheit und Gesundheit von Menschlichen Arbeitern verbessert werden.  Versorgungsketten könnten einfacher kontrolliert werden, wenn es auf jedem Level der Produktions- und Lieferkette Daten gibt. Computer-Kontrolle könnte zu beständiger und sicherer Produktion und Leistung führen.  Und die Resultate könnten für viele Firmen die Einnahmen, Profite und Marktanteile verbessern.

Das Problem ist also nicht ob Industrie 4.0 kommt, sondern wann. Wie das halt bei großen Daten und anderen Firmen-Fortschritten ist, glauben wir, das die Frühanwender den Preis für ihren Mut ernten werden und in diese neue Technologie einfallen, während die, die Veränderung meiden, es riskieren zurückgelassen und vergessen zu werden.

Supply chain and logistics management history

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Supply chain and logistics management history

If you are a business owner you must have come across the supply chain in your business life. It doesn’t matter whether your company is big or small. The supply chain is an integral part of the trade. This process is so natural to every company’s day to day operation that some might not recognize it as a separate unit.

What is a supply chain?

In simple words, it is a system that deals with every kind of movement in a company. If we are dealing with a factory, for example, part of the supply chain would be moving a product from one conveyor belt to another where it undergoes further processes in order to become a finished product. For a hairdresser, a part of the supply chain will be a delivery of shampoos and conditioners.

To sum up, the supply chain is a chain that leads from the creation of the product through suppliers to finished merchandise that is offered to the customer.

Supply chain vs Logistics

Supply chain and logistics are often referred to collectively so many people who are not directly involved in this aspect of the company might think these words are referring to the same feature. Although supply chain and logistics regard same matter, the terms are not interchangeable.

Logistics apply mainly to the distribution of a finished product or its components. Whenever a transportation is involved, that is where logistics come in. Whereas supply chain is a broader term which on top of all transportation, deals with manufacturing. It is safe to say that all the major processes involving production and distribution in a company fall under supply chain.

Supply chain management

The BusinessDictionary defines supply chain management as “management of material and information flow in a supply chain to provide the highest degree of customer satisfaction at the lowest possible cost (…) coordinate order generation, order taking, and order fulfillment. “ [1]

Since supply chain plays such important role in the company existence it is understandable that businesses look for professionals who can manage the processes ensuring that all operations run smoothly.

Not only a good supply chain manager should be able to maintain current flow, but also look for improvement of operations and implement solutions that will be more cost effective. However, the implemented changes cannot negatively influence produced products or services. The key is to reduce the cost and maintain or improve customer satisfaction.

Is it worth hiring a supply chain manager?

Not every company has a supply chain manager. Some businesses, even big production companies, might have responsibilities of supply chain manager divided within several people.  However, it is most beneficial to have one person responsible for all aspects of supply chain. There are few reasons for that:

  1. Unifying all processes
  2. Clear instruction
  3. No shift of responsibility in case of problems
  4. Effective optimization of processes

One person steering the supply chain can unify the processes in the company, so other employees have clear instructions, how to proceed with every query or problem. Also, such person will clearly be in charge and will be able to make fast decisions and take responsibility for problematic situation. When having a full view of the processes a supply chain manager might be able to implement changes to maximize speed and efficiency of the company’s operations.

[1] http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/supply-chain-management-SCM.html

 

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Industry 4.0 Recruitment

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Industry 4.0 Recruitment

For every employer, it is crucial to recruit the right person to the vacant position. The opposite of that can jeopardise, in extreme cases, the future of the company. In today’s world, it is extremely difficult to find a worker of not only required experience but also right set of soft skills. Job applicants often take part in courses that teach them how to present themselves at a job interview. Such person will make a really good impression though recruitment process but once hired can actually demonstrate that his set of skills is not sufficient for the job. With that being said you can see, how difficult it is to find the suitable individual. When we have an entry level position to fill there is less at stake and when chosen person doesn’t turn to be right, the company will be able to carry its day-to-day business with only slight interruption. But what if we need to fill in a senior level position? There is no room for error there. The livelihood of the company depends on the choice we make.

 

Skilled worker

 

Over past few weeks, we were talking about Industry 4.0 and how this trend is growing in popularity. More and more factories and manufacturers are looking to implement Industry 4.0 in their companies. Such companies often are looking for skilled in this area person who can put such changes in place.

 

Let recap, Industry 4.0 is a trend that is set to create “smart factories”. Companies looking to implement Industry 4.0 restructure their manufacturing processes in order produce their good faster, at better quality and lower cost. To do so said companies take advantage of modern technology. Can you imagine having a person with the wrong set of skills performing such changes at your company?

 

How to find a right candidate?

 

To assure that you hired the employee that truly will be an asset to your firm you should consider enlisting the help of a recruiting agent. There are many headhunting companies, however, we recommend choosing the one that specialises in recruiting people for positions you are looking to fill. Not only such agents have relevant experience, they also might know people that could be interested in the position. Therefore the process of filling vacancy might be much shorter.

How to recognise good recruitment agency?

 

The recruitment agent who is truly interested in finding the best candidate for the job will, in the first place, spend some time getting to know your company and establishing your needs. Like a tailor, he will measure all crucial aspects of your company to present you with the candidate that suits most, not only experience – wise but also character-wise.

 

The choice of the recruitment agency is yours but if you are looking for the most dedicated agent you should give us a call. At Stratigo we not only contact people that are actively looking for employment, we also contact individuals who might be interested in changing their place of employment, that widens the area of potential candidates.

Innovation Management

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Innovation Management

In today’s world, a lot of companies face many challenges in day-to –day operation. The great competition that is partially caused by globalisation causes all business owners to look for a way to gain an advantage over other companies. Running a successful establishment means a constant improvement of products, customer satisfaction and business operation.

‘If you’re not going forward, you’re going backwards’

This is the reason why companies are so interested in different methods of company’s processes optimisation and product improvement. As a result, such concepts as lean management and innovation management gained in popularity. In our previous articles, we talked about lean, where it came from and how can a company implement it. Today we will talk about innovation management.

What is an innovation management?

Innovation management is a field in business that combines the management of innovation process and change management. It can be implemented not only in product development but also in various business processes and organisational elements of a company. In simple words, innovation management directs the changes in a firm. It manages alterations, from the planning through implementing to reporting to assure that all the changes are an improvement in company’s work.

The concept of innovation management is based on an idea that first appeared in the 1930s. in a book “Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy” by Joseph Schumpeter. On the pages, the author explained to his readers details of a creative destruction. The theory was a foundation for innovation management. The basic idea of creative destruction or “gale of creative destruction” says that during company’s operation new solutions are being developed at all times while the old ones simultaneously are being destroyed. This shows that businesses are constantly looking for improvement of their operations to keep up with their competitors.

Who can implement an innovation management?

Many incorrectly think that innovation management can only be implemented in companies that are manufacturers. On the contrary, this concept is not only reserved for a factory work, as innovation can be implemented on various levels of company’s operations. Commonly thinking has been adopted that innovation may only apply to a product, possibly a service. Of course innovation is mostly seen in products and services development; however, it can be applied also in such fields of business as customer experience, brand or marketing methods. And this means that virtually every company can benefit from implementing this concept.

Where can an innovation management be implemented?

We can find numerous areas of a business where innovation management can be applied. From mentioned before products and services development to marketing, networking or human resources. We just have to remember that for each area of business different tools must be applied, for instance when implementing changes in HR such tool as online recruitment or intranet might be helpful. In marketing, we can take an advantage of CRM or geo-marketing.

What are the benefits of innovation management?

There is a number of benefits of innovation management. Depending on the area that the company decides to implement innovation management the business owners can expect an improvement of customer satisfaction, business margins, employee engagement or gaining a competitive advantage.

Lean Manufacturing / Lean Management – a short history

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Lean Manufacturing / Lean Management – a short history

We wrote about Supply Chain and its history. We spoke extensively about Industry 4.0, Internet of Things and its benefits. We also mentioned Lean, however, we never explained where it came from. As it is an old concept many must have heard the name before. What people might not know is how important Lean is to other management concepts that were created later.

 

Lean – short introduction

 

Lean manufacturing or lean production, commonly known as Lean, is a concept that was created in Japan. The creation of Lean is credited to Toyota factories. It is thought that Lean Manufacturing was formed around 1980. However, researchers show that the nucleus of the concept can be seen much earlier. It is indicated that the first signs of waste management and reduction appeared in Benjamin Franklin’s time. He, himself indicated that necessary or outgrown stock is a waste of monies and can create a loss. On the pages of Poor Richard’s Almanack he pointed out:

 

“A penny saved is two pence clear. A pin a-day is a groat a-year. Save and have.” [1]

 

Nevertheless, the concept was named and popularised after it was implemented in Toyota factories as a part of Toyota Production System.

 

Toyota Production System

 

The Toyota Production System is a collection of techniques and management tools that are implemented in every aspect of company’s activity. The main goal of this system is to minimalize waste, maximise profit and increase customer satisfaction. The system was developed mainly by Taiichi Ohno and Eiji Toyoda between 1948 and 1975.

 

The basic concept says that all employees should work towards reducing 3M: muri – overburden; mura – an inconsistency; and muda – waste. In other words, the entire factory processes should eliminate mura (inconsistency) without creating muri (overburden) and generating muda (waste).  These basic ground rules helped to shape two important concepts: JIT (Just-in-time) and Jidoka (autonomation). TPS (Toyota Production System) is also a birthplace of Lean Manufacturing.

 

Toyota’s concepts became popularised around 1960 – 1970 when other factories, impressed with the results, started to copy solutions of Toyota’s factories.

 

Lean Manufacturing

 

So what exactly is Lean Manufacturing, and why did it become so popular?

 

Lean Manufacturing, now also known as Lean Management or simply Lean, is not a simplistic solution which can be taken as it is from one company, copied and implemented in another factory or business without any modifications.

 

Every company that wants to draw benefits from this concept, might take the ground rules but all the processes must be developed individually for a specific business in mind.

 

The core concept of Lean Manufacturing is to reduce waste while improving a quality of produced goods or services and simultaneously creating better value for customers.

 

Implementing Lean requires a change of the operation of the entire company. The areas of the company that Lean can be implemented involve transportation, stock handling, overproduction, customer relation and many others.

 

The process of implementing Lean in a company proves to be so complex that many businesses decide to hire professionals who specialise in Lean Management.

[1] Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lean_manufacturing#Lean_implementation_develops_from_TPS