More complex supply chains, increasing volatility in global markets, unforeseen events; There are numerous factors that complicate collaboration with partners along supply chains. When it comes to improving collaboration, there is often talk of optimizing "supply chain collaboration." But what exactly is behind it?
First the container traffic jam in the Suez Canal, now the traffic jam in front of the fourth largest container port in the world: Since the closure of large parts of the container port Yantian at the end of May, container ships have been jammed in front of southern China.
Too much complexity and the fear of possible errors are among the key factors that prevent companies from investing in the digitization of their supply chain. This was recently revealed by the results of the 14th Hermes Barometer.
Supply chain visibility has become a widespread term and one of the megatrends in logistics. At the same time, the implementation of supply chain visibility is currently one of the greatest challenges for companies. Smart digital tools already exist in many functional areas.
There were a high number of blank sailings last year, particularly due to the Corona Pandemic. The analyst Sea Intelligence has released an analysis this week showing a high number of cancelled sailings especially in March 2020.
It has been one month since the Ever Given, one of the world's largest container ships, ran aground in the Suez Canal, blocking the important waterway in Egypt. After 422 ships got stuck, the container ship was freed after 6 days. As reported by Reuters news agency, it is estimated that the consequences will be felt until summer.
The progress of automation is already evident in modern vehicles, for example in the form of advanced driver assistance systems that help drivers stay in their lane, maintain their speed or brake in good time. In freight transport, truck platooning is a preliminary stage on the way to autonomous trucks.
The blockade of the Suez Canal led to immense effects on cargo traffic and world trade. A brief review: The container vessel "Ever Given" veered off course in a sandstorm on the night of March 24th and grounded in the Suez Canal. After six days, the 400-meter-long and 69-meter-wide vessel chartered by Taiwan's Evergreen Marine Corp. was freed.
High investment costs and a lack of know-how stop many companies from investing in digital innovations. Nevertheless, the Corona crisis in particular showed that digital pioneers benefit from the investments they have previously made.
There is no denying the fact that innovative digital solutions offer the potential to transform the industry. Nevertheless, digitization still poses major challenges for companies. We talked to Menno Benningshof about the current challenges, opportunities but also about possible dangers.
