Mobile Applications for Adaptive Supply Chains: A Landscape Analysis

Abstract

Streamlining supply chains is a high priority for corporations. In a volatile economy, customer satisfaction, market share and revenue growth become dependent on getting the right product to the right place at the right time. As a result, the notion of adaptive supply chains is emerging as the next competitive battlefield. Fulfillment velocity, inventory visibility, and supplier coordination versatility form the three pillars of adaptive supply chains. To support these business objectives, traditional tethered computing models are inadequate. Untethered models, enabled by mobile computing, facilitate the improvement, management and re-design of next generation supply chains. In this chapter, we examine the different ways mobility is morphing supply chain applications. Specifically, we show how mobile technology and infrastructure is transforming the key areas of procurement, supply execution, supply chain visibility and after-sales service management.