Tech solutions are the lifeline of modern day supply chains, and in the African setting, there are so many we can leverage to enhance risk mitigation.
It is true that African supply chains have to combat more challenges than the average supply chain globally. However, these supply chains do not have to do it alone. There are many resources and tech solutions that can help them achieve their goals.
In this article, we will explore some of the tech solutions that come in handy during risk mitigation.
1. Remote training, monitoring, and inspection
Augmented and virtual reality are among the biggest technological advancements in the last few years. Fortunately, they have made their way to the supply chain industry, and those in Africa can also benefit from it.
African supply chains can help these supply chains operate remotely in regions deemed too hot or too risky to send experts or professionals. With these tech solutions, supply chains can train their personnel, monitor operations for efficiency, and conduct necessary inspections.
This way, the supply chains can reduce the cost of logistics and other costs that would typically occur with these sorts of operations. These solutions are especially effective for identifying potential issues before they escalate, and they also help reduce unnecessary downtimes.
The impact will be tremendous for African supply chains; the more they leverage it, the more seamless their supply chain can be.
2. Route Optimization and Spatial Analysis
The road infrastructure is no joke in most regions in Africa. It is one of the crucial challenges these supply chains face. It leads to vehicle damage, loss of goods in low security areas and logistics delays.
With route optimization and spatial analysis, these supply chains can turn the tables. They can reduce delays and properly navigate high traffic regions. Route optimization is a game changer for improved lead times and speedy order fulfilment processes.
With spatial analysis, supply chains can easily identify communities or regions where their operations are at risk. With this tech solution, they can better plan for security and avoid potential disruptions.
P.S: Route optimization is one of Africa’s more widely accepted tech solutions for risk mitigation.
3. Real-time tracking and communication
Information is one of the vital global currencies, and in the supply chain, it is almost everything. Your supply chain runs on information. Whether it is demand forecasting, sourcing, production, or logistics. There is a constant flow of information in the supply chain.
The information making its way throughout the supply chain is necessary for the efficiency of its operation. However, access to this information is what makes it valuable. African supply chains will want to access this information in real-time if they hope to optimize their operation at the highest level.
With tech solutions and cloud base platforms like ERP, GPS tracking, and IoT, African supply chains can facilitate and access real time information. This helps them promote visibility, tracking, and transparency, which leads to seamless communication with all stakeholders.
It also helps track the processes and infrastructure within their operations. When supply chains have access to real-time information, they can easily identify changes or slight adjustments that could put the supply chain at risk.
With real-time access and communication of this information, African supply chains are in a better position to mitigate risks.
4. Predictive Analysis and Digital Twins
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the new kid in the block, and supply chains are milking it. African supply chains can use them for planning operations such as predictive analysis. This entails balancing the demand and supply operations and exploring potential risks that may occur.
On the other hand, digital twins are solutions that allow supply chains to have a digital prototype of their operations. This solution enables simulations and analysis of different scenarios, which helps identify vulnerabilities and potentially risky situations.
With AI, analysis has become so much more convenient and seamless. African supply chains have an opportunity to transform their supply chains. Simply by inputting the right parameters, they have the closest thing to a fortune teller. And it could spell a massive difference in their operations.
5. Robotics and Automation
It is true the African economy is largely informal and traditional. And supply chains across the continent are leveraging it. However, customers are increasingly demanding more from businesses. Customers want fewer errors, faster delivery, and more quality.
Now, supply chains on the continent have no hope of meeting these demands if they continue relying on traditional methods. One of the ways they can meet these demands is through the integration of automation and robotics.
These machines help with different aspects of the supply chain but are particularly efficient in the fulfilment processes. They are typically used to replace manual labour and are great at reducing errors and making the process faster.
They are effective risk mitigation tools, and African supply chains can transform their operations in leaps and bounds by embracing them.
There is no shortage of risks in the supply chain. This is a challenge for many African supply chains, but tech solutions abound and are well able to help them combat these risks. However, they are limited by application and integration. African supply chains will need to step up their acceptance if they have any chance of fully utilizing these solutions.
Obinabo Tochukwu Tabansi is a supply chain mastro and writer with a decade of experience working in different facets of the supply chain. Today he is living his passion for writing on all things supply chain. His blog, Supply Chain Nuggets, is Africa’s fastest-rising supply chain blog, helping professionals, business owners, and curious minds navigate the supply chain complexities on the continent.
