Continuous Innovation

GoodOps is excited to speak at the Home Delivery World conference, April 5th, on “Continuous Innovation: The Future of Supply Chain & Logistics”.  We’ll share 1) industry insights around why companies must put supply chain & logistics innovation at the core of their growth strategy, 2) the key components to successfully deploying a model of continuous innovation that integrates advanced technologies and sustainability frameworks, and 3) a case study on how helped one of the top 5 global supply chains rapidly launch and scale their innovation program.

Home Delivery World highlights include:

• 2,500 attendees
• 330 speakers
• 300 exhibitors and partners
• 260 sessions across two packed days
• 90,000 Sq Ft of expo space showcasing the newest technologies including electric trucks, drones, autonomous vehicles, custom chassis and more

Please join us at Home Delivery World (link) using our 30% discount: GOOD30.

View our case study on launching a global innovation program and view our services to see how GoodOps can help you transform your global supply chain & logistics. Or send us an email at info@goodops.co to get started today.

Operating Models

Companies must transform their operating models to manage the supply chain networks of the future. Leading brands and supply chain providers have optimized linear, rigid and lean operating models with top-down, siloed decision making. However, companies must now compete in a digitally connected, omnichannel landscape where speed and flexibility are critical to success. For many companies, what used to be their competitive advantage is now one of their biggest constraints.

An operating model is the link between corporate strategy and execution. All too often, companies declare bold visions and hire functional leaders, but fail to differentiate their capabilities, strategically organize resources or establish an operational blueprint. Well defined operating models ensure value delivery, plus the ability to effectively counter disruptive competitors, capitalize on growth opportunities and mitigate risk.

Companies must transform their operating models based on the unique realities of their industry, strategy and extended supply network. To do this right, they must keep 7 key areas and questions in mind:

1. People – What experience and skills do you need across roles and levels to thrive in a digital world? How do you ensure diversity, flexibility, growth and cultural fit?
2. Process – How do you best realign processes to support core strategic priorities? How do you optimize information flows in a fast-moving, agile organization?
3. Technology – When do you use cloud-based apps vs. proprietary, purpose-built apps for competitive advantage? How do you balance immediate ROI vs. long-term advantage?
4. Data – How do you standardize and automate collection of critical data across your network? What tools and dashboards will make that data accessible and actionable?
5. Governance – How do you ensure decisions are aligned with your strategy? How do you redefine decision making rights and processes to be data and analytics driven?
6. Culture – What are the principles and values that guide your thoughts and behaviors? How do you inspire and motivate people to stay focused, committed and accountable?
7. Structure – How do you redesign roles and responsibilities to deploy integrated squads focused on customer journeys? How do you manage across functions and locations?

Successful transformation of supply chain operating models requires an integrated approach. As companies seek to transform their operating model, it’s critical that they think holistically. Fixing one area without addressing the others rarely leads to differentiated or lasting change. Process improvements may realize incremental cost and time savings, but without an associated shift in technology tools and systems that makes data more actionable, or new team and decision making structures, the overall transformation will fail.

View our services to see how GoodOps can help you strategically transform your operating model and lead in a digitally connected, fast moving and complex world. Or send us an email at info@goodops.co to get started today.

Advanced Technologies

Supply chain networks are radically transforming due to the increased application of advanced technologies. In a rapidly changing business terrain, many companies still struggle to properly apply foundational technologies such as mobile, cloud and analytics. Meanwhile, industry leaders are building a competitive advantage by strategically exploring, deploying and scaling the operating tools and platforms of the future.

Companies can no longer wait to adopt proven innovations. Increasingly demanding customers and an interconnected set of exponential technologies are colliding to accelerate the pace, scope and expectations of supply chain transformation. Those who fail to proactively innovate their supply chain using advanced technologies will quickly be displaced and find it very difficult to recover.

Advanced technologies will augment decision making, streamline operations and automate processes across entire supply networks. All companies must digitize and connect their supply chain to improve fulfillment, drive efficiency and become more flexible. However, the current wave of advanced technologies will require and unlock entirely new operating models. Below is a core list of 7 advanced technologies that companies must master:

1. Artificial Intelligence – With AI, companies can analyze massive data sets to identify patterns or anomalies, automate processes or operational areas, take predictive actions, generate actionable insights and rapidly evolve solutions based on real-time, network wide information. This will unlock human creativity and transform decision making.
2. Augmented & Virtual Reality – With AR & VR, companies can enhance a wide range of activities such as warehouse picking and packing, delivery loading and unloading, employee training and warehouse/container layouts. More engaging, immersive  experiences will drive higher acquisition and retention of customers and employees.
3. Blockchain – With blockchain, companies will realize unprecedented visibility and trust, especially in complex global supply chains. This will reduce information and financial friction, optimize inventory levels and improve product quality. Pairing a shared database with smart contracts will drive widespread activity automation across supply networks.
4. Internet of Things (IoT) – With IoT, companies will have real-time tracking to the pallet, case or package level, and an explosion of data from devices and sensors across machines, vehicles and infrastructure. Savvy companies will maximize asset utilization, transform operating models, better understand customers and enhance service levels.
5. Autonomous Vehicles – With AVs, companies will realize hyper-efficient and dynamic inbound/last-mile transportation plus warehousing and large-scale yard/lot operations. They will enhance sustainability, avoid accidents and optimize time-in-transit. Reducing or eliminating the drive role will also radically reduce operating costs.
6. Drones – With drones, companies will perform automated inventory counts on a more regular and cost-effective basis, better track assets in the yard, and open new delivery options for hard to reach or congested locations such as cargo ships and rural communities. As weight limits rise to a metric ton or more, drones will reshape logistics.
7. Robots – With robots, companies will reduce labor costs, task time and error rates for routine activities. Advanced companies will automate entire warehouses and pair them with artificial intelligence to unlock mass customization. This will radically alter the labor force, including more roles for women and a focus on technology skills development.

Companies that wish to lead in the future must take immediate action and strategically explore deployment of advanced technologies. First, they should analyze their industry and extended supply chain to identify the most relevant and disruptive technologies. Next, they should collaborate with their partners and customers to create an integrated technology development roadmap for the entire supply network. With a clear understanding of what they need to accomplish, they can then build the necessary capabilities and teams to ensure success.

View our services to see how GoodOps can help you build a competitive advantage by integrating advanced technologies across your supply chain network. Or send us an email at info@goodops.co to get started today.

Case Study

Leading the autonomous trucks market analysis, strategy development and pilot tests for a global distribution company.

CHALLENGE

One of the largest distribution companies in the world needed to understand how they can leverage the coming wave of autonomous trucks and build a competitive advantage.

SOLUTION

• Partnered with the CEO, COO and Head of Innovation to develop their framework for adoption of autonomous trucks, including market analysis, strategy development, solution design and pilot testing.
• Analyzed industry and customer ecosystems to generate a custom white paper. Content included high-potential applications, adoption timelines, relevant case studies, future KPIs, potential partners, competitive threats and market specific considerations across their global supply network.
• Curated a week long experience for our client and their customer at an industry leading conference, including a featured speaking slot. Also brokered high-end meetings, collaborative working sessions and an intimate high-end dinner that secured strategic relationships with technology providers, elected officials, government agencies, industry associations and venture capitalists.
• Designed and managed a Level 4 “driverless” autonomous trucks pilot test with a leading technology provider, including partner selection, agreement negotiation, test plan design and pilot management.
• Brokered a Level 1 Driver Assistive Truck Platooning (DATP) test with a leading technology provider, including partner selection, route selection and test plan design.
• Generated custom technology and deployment reports that guided the autonomous trucks strategy for our client as well as their customers, which include some of the largest brands in the world.

IMPACT

Client has positioned themselves as a trusted innovation partner for their customers, leading integration of autonomous trucks across the connected, smart and automated supply chain networks of the future.  

View our services to see how GoodOps can help you build a competitive advantage by harnessing disruptive innovations such as autonomous trucks. Or send us an email at info@goodops.co to get started today.