Decentralized computing in supply chain management is evolving. The future lies in globally accessible central platforms, where all authorized users involved in the supply chain can collaborate in a standardized environment.
This shift will transform how we handle export and import data. Instead of multiple files, there will be one comprehensive file per shipment, encompassing all steps from origin to destination.
This new approach will define processes as a sequence of events, clearly outlining who does what, where and when for efficient cargo movement.
Imagine a world where one shipment equates to one data file, with multiple users leveraging workflow and process controls for a standardized, consistent and predictable supply chain.
These platforms will connect with carriers, customs authorities, terminals and technologically-advanced logistics providers. Vendors will be integrated either online or electronically, all working within designated platforms.
This setup will ensure instantaneous interoperability, where visibility is just the starting point, not the ultimate goal. The integrated processes will span the entire supply chain, from order management to transportation and from sales to operations to accounting, laying the groundwork for automation.
What future developments can we anticipate? Auto-rating, auto-costing, auto-scheduling and automated customs clearance are just the beginning. This isn’t about AI, rather automation based on executing defined, logical processes.
Mechanized logistics will become the norm, distinguishing the digitally advanced from the manually operated. While processes governed by regulations or mathematical principles, like customs clearance or accounting, will see thorough automation, areas requiring creativity, imagination and problem-solving — such as expediting cargo movement or navigating market changes — will remain human-driven.
This evolution promises greater job satisfaction and significantly less administrative drudgery, marking a new era in supply chain management where technology and human ingenuity coexist for optimal efficiency.