The supply chain space has been pushed to transform and innovate in response to new demands and challenges of the last few decades. Rapidly changing consumer behaviour has largely been attributed to this, which can be seen in the popularity of e-Commerce in recent years. However, nothing like the pandemic has spotlighted the need to adapt to new technologies.

Why tech and data are no longer a nice to have

For supply chains, utilising the latest technology and trends is no longer a nice to have; it is a determining factor that will transform your company from mere operations to a hub of business innovation.

This year’s first-ever SC Edge, rebranded from Supply Chain Innovation, was an avenue for high-quality discussions among industry members. The event brought together over 40+ supply chain experts, from chocolate bar movers to submarine builders, to share their experience, insights and practical strategies in their journey towards digitising their supply chain.

Identifying the challenges

The pandemic and recent weather disruptions (such as bushfires and floodings in some states) brought major challenges to local and international businesses managing their supplies and sending out their products to customers.

Coupled with other issues, such as staff shortages, lack of automation/technologies to support forecasting, warehouse and inventory management, and transportation issues, organisations were faced with the undeniable truth that the time to innovate must be now.

At SCEdge, supply chain experts dove into the nitty gritty on how exactly data and technology can help supply chain practitioners address these issues.

“It was a great privilege to be a guest panelist at Supply Chain Edge discussing a range of supply chain topics in front of so many credible supply chain individuals and teams,” shared Malek Mourad in a LinkedIn post. Malek is currently the Customer Supply Chain Development Partner at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

“It was humbling listening to other supply chain professionals on how they have been navigating through the disruption since Covid and the journey they are on digitising and preparing their supply chains for the future,” he said.

“It’s great to see that we are able to have hese types of events, and meet and connect with so many amazing people face to face.”

SCEdge Testimonials

Attendees learned how to effectively utilise data to improve decision-making, improve their inventory and warehouse management, and optimise their logistics. Here’s what some had to say. 

“Good line up of speakers and discussion. Excellent opportunity to meet with important industry players to share views of the evolution, challenges and opportunities of the current market.”

Delia Zhou, Demand Planner, National Tyre and Wheel

“#SCEdge2022 – great industry gathering of supply chain professionals sharing insights and knowledge that has real world practical applications.”

Jonathan Oughtred, Head of Supply Chain, Purearthfoods

“It was great to participate in this event and start my network in Australia. I feel like we are facing the same issues and we can help more each other with our cases and experiences.”

Andrey Jankovitz, Supply Chain Head, Sanofi Consumer Healthcare

“Very good event that introduced me to several new concepts which I can study further and look to apply within our business.”

Martin Hall, Domestic Supply Chain Manager, Mitre 10 NZ

“Found it very beneficial hearing how each company tackles the aproblems and issues we are all experiencing and ways in which we can improve.”

Beverley Wilmot, Senior supply planner, Pharmacare

Gaining your supply chain edge

There is a constant need to innovate and there has never been a better time to start than now. While understandably daunting, it is crucial that organisations take the opportunity now to apply the knowledge and skills to get a competitive edge to their supply chain.

Learn more about our events here.