10 Emerging Supply Chain Trends & Technologies with Tecsys' Guy Courtin

In the rapidly evolving world of supply chain and logistics, technological advancements are crucial. We spoke with Guy Courtin, Vice President of Industry and Global Alliances at Tecsys, to get his insights on emerging trends, key technologies, and strategic approaches to navigating this dynamic landscape.

1. What are some of the most significant trends you’re seeing in supply chain and logistics today, and how are they shaping the industry?

To quote Top Gun, I feel the need for speed. Supply chains are being asked to increase speed. Whether it is in delivery, manufacturing, sourcing, planning, or reverse logistics. This is being driven by increasingly demanding consumers. And this is not restricted to B2C supply chains. Expectations cross over from B2C to B2B. This has pushed supply chains to look at new technologies such as robotics, whether for warehouse operations or transportation.  As we, the consumer, push our supply chains to be increasingly sensitive and responsive to our needs, those supply chains will have to constantly find paths to add speed to their processes.

2. What are some of the technologies shaping next-gen supply chains, and how can they improve the supply chain?

The continued digitization of the supply chain. While this might not be seen as “next gen” the reality is supply chains are still striving to become more digital. This is taking many forms, from greater access to real time data, from IoT and other digital technologies, as well as the latest trends – AI. Fundamentally these are all pieces of digital transformation. With the end goal of reducing friction, due to greater transparency within the nodes of the supply chain. But let’s not forget these are tools, and how they are applied has a great bearing on the results they will produce.

3. How are changing customer expectations influencing supply chain strategies, and how can companies leverage technology to meet these demands?

It’s well-documented that customers now expect faster, more reliable deliveries and greater transparency. However, in my opinion, the most significant changes in supply chain management will stem from the trend towards personalization at scale. This personalization is tied to the product, but also how the consumer receives the product. Supply chains need to be flexible enough not only to provide a personalized product, but also a personalized experience to receive the product.

4. What advancements in Warehouse Management Systems are you most excited about, and how do they complement the use of other technologies like robotics in warehouses?

Fully automation-aware WMSs that optimize inventory and pick routes reduce costs and errors. Integrated with robotics, like those used by Lane Automotive, these systems create efficient, automated environments, letting robots handle routine tasks while humans tackle complex ones.

For more on the subject, watch our recent webinar on Future-Proofing Your Operations Through WMS and Robotics.

5. What key strategies should businesses employ to ensure seamless integration of new technologies across their supply chains?

Start with a clear roadmap that aligns technology adoption with business goals. Make sure that you have the data to drive you towards those goals — without the data, all the technology in the world will do you no good. Once you understand your problems and have the data to accurately understand impact, then you pilot new technologies in small segments to refine them before full-scale implementation. Engage cross-functional teams early and invest in training to effectively use new tools. Finally, be prepared to deal with the change management that will crash over your supply chain. How resilient are you to handle these changes?

6. What steps should businesses take to ensure they are properly leveraging data to get the most of the technology in their warehouses?

First, standardize data collection across all systems to ensure consistency. Ensure you have the right data governance and hygiene to ensure that consistent data. Next, use advanced analytics to turn data into actionable insights, like space optimization, resource planning and inventory optimization. Finally, create feedback loops where data from warehouse operations informs broader supply chain decisions, improving overall efficiency.

7. How can businesses ensure that the technologies they implement today will scale with their growth and evolving needs?

Choose adaptive, modular, cloud-based solutions that scale with growth. Prioritize technologies with strong integration capabilities for future compatibility. Regularly review and update your tech stack to meet evolving needs.

8. In your opinion, what does the future of warehouse automation look like, and what should companies be doing now to prepare for these changes?

The future will see more integrated warehouses. Between traditional MHE, modern robotics and labor, warehouses will demand an orchestration of these parts to perform at the highest level. We will also see a greater connectivity between other fulfillment nodes. The future warehouse automation will communicate with other parts of the supply chain. For example, as your automation is picking an order, it will communicate with the fulfillment node to ensure the right asset is available once the order is picked. The digital exhaust from warehouse automation will open up more paths for collaboration throughout the supply chain.

9. What emerging technologies do you believe will have the most significant impact on the supply chain industry in the next five to 10 years?

AI and robotics are examples of the current “hot” technologies. However, the most important area of impact over the next 10 years will be about data.  I realize this is not an emerging technology, but the ability to procure new and reliable data is the fuel to push the digital journey supply chains are on. Any emerging technologies are tools that are reliant on the true technology with the greatest impact – clean and reliable data.

10. What advice would you give to professionals in the supply chain and logistics industry who are looking to stay ahead of the curve with technology and innovation?

Stay curious and keep learning. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions. Avoid the hype. Trust yourself. And keep the long term in mind. Keep the Amara law in mind– we overestimate technology in the near term and underestimate technology in the long term.