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There’s a new team member entering the workforce: one designed to bridge the critical and growing gap between machines and human workers as new technology becomes more deeply integrated into processes and workflows.
It’s driven by intelligent automation, which, according to a 2023 report from IBM, is positioned to alter and optimize the work done by humans and machines. The report analyzed survey data from 3,000 global C-suite executives across industries.
What’s the difference between basic automation and intelligent automation? Basic automation can automate simple, repetitive tasks devoid of analysis, while intelligent automation can support more advanced decision-making.
The introduction of intelligent automation is taking large enterprises beyond Industry 4.0 and leading them straight to Industry 5.0, where humans work alongside advanced technology. Future-forward companies may be powered by people, but they’ll be made more productive and capable by automation.
This is especially true in supply chain operations. Technology is poised to change the dynamics and division of labor between humans and machines in supply chain, enabling capabilities like end-to-end visibility and smart recommendations.
Meet the 'Augmented Connected Workforce'
Recently, a new breed of labor was identified as it makes its way into large enterprise environments: the augmented connected workforce (ACWF).
The infiltration of intelligent automation into existing teams and environments may turn up the volume on productivity of human-machine partnerships by combining technology, workforce analytics, and skills augmentation.
ACWF empowers human workers to use data and digital tools to perform their jobs smarter and faster. This gives them more context and guidance to make better decisions and spend time on important business activities.
Benefits of ACWF for Supply Chain
When it comes to supply chain operations, ACWF can bring specific benefits to drive business value.
Refocusing and reprioritizing work activities
Transportation
Instead of a manager attempting to track fleets and routes on a daily basis, advanced technology can gather relevant information and provide data that supports fast and confident decision-making.
For example, technology can promptly analyze factors like fleet performance, fuel consumption, routes, weather, and traffic patterns to help transportation managers find efficient and cost-effective ways to move goods and facilitate delivery accuracy in the process.
Meanwhile, these managers can redirect their efforts toward collaborative and problem-solving actions, like prioritizing safety, compliance, or delivery initiatives to help reduce risk and generate new revenue.
Equipment maintenance
Intelligent automation can help monitor equipment health, detect anomalies, and predict maintenance needs so workers spend time where it counts instead of performing scheduled equipment maintenance even when it isn't needed.
When employees can be dispatched to precisely where they’re needed so they can intervene and prevent machine problems from creating downtime, this can minimize supply chain downtime and boost efficiency.
Demand forecasting
By analyzing information, such as past sales records, sales transactions, economic indicators, and supplier data, intelligent automation can help supply chain leaders enhance demand forecasting.
With more accurate predictions about what will happen and when, large enterprises may be able to reduce risks and make more effective financial decisions to protect profit margins, cash flow, and resource allocation. Better forecasting precision also can allow your supply chain to respond faster to changes at every step, from inventory to delivery.
Challenges of the Augmented Connected Workforce for Supply Chain
Of course, there are also challenges to consider when exploring ACWF as a possible initiative to bridge the human-machine gap.
Regulatory challenges will be an issue of concern. Even lawmakers and legislators find it difficult to fully understand automation’s capabilities and propose controls to regulate its use.
Data security issues will likely be front and center as well, as information is fed into and accessed by intelligent automation systems. This means companies will need to create policies and procedures to maintain compliance and privacy.
The Takeaway
Implementing ACWF into your enterprise’s supply chain strategy can help you make positive strides in the long run. Combining technology, workforce analytics, and skills augmentation through an augmented connected workforce can help businesses take advantage of information that already exists within their value chain to boost worker efficiency, manage talent shortages, and transition from reactive to proactive responses.
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