Horizons Spring/Summer 2019

There will be more transparency and accountability within the supply chain which will ultimately lead to improvements in the overall process. Delivery & Transportation Logistics and transportation will be a challenge in the U.S. marketplace as we continue to see the changes in the technologies and methods of delivery products to consumers and users. The Amazon explosion may just be the beginning of things to come in the marketplace relating to fulfilment and delivery of goods and services. New technologies will certainly enhance the delivery methods and may provide new modes that will make current methods too costly and obsolete. It is certain that business leaders cannot become complacent when it comes to embracing change and new ways of providing and delivering products. In addition, many experts do point out that the U.S. infrastructure, including our roads and bridges, need substantial improvement in order for our economy to remain competitive and retain key manufacturing and distribution business in our country. Going Global International competition with China and other emerging markets will also continue and will be certain to change and adapt as the global economy continues to grow and develop in new markets. With wage growth and increased labor costs in China, its middle-class spending strength is generating increased demand for products within its own economy which will shift some of the future importing and exporting trends. China appears to be committed to its focus on quality, automation and enhanced technology used in manufacturing segments. China has invested heavily in its infrastructure and remains committed to

business leaders cannot become complacent when it comes to embracing change and new ways of providing and delivering products

Challenges will continue in the market for skilled labor needed to better operate, maintain and even develop the new technologies and automation used to enhance and produce products and services. Companies will need to invest in the training and development of employees to meet the ever-changing technological skills and demands within the next era of manufacturing. 3D printing is an excellent example of how technology has and will continue to replace labor components within the production process. Re-Shoring & Technology Many contemplate the idea of re-shoring and bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. which most agree is a great goal for our economy. The reality is that bringing a product or process back to the States may not necessarily create the number of jobs that were required years ago when it was originally domestically produced. It most likely will require new investment in technology coupled with a different labor component having enhanced technical abilities to monitor a more complex and automated production process. The impact of technology on the supply chain will certainly enhance the sharing of information via IoT and other advancements such as blockchain to better integrate the working relationships with vendors, suppliers and customers.

Next Decade: AI & Robotics

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