作者 TechNews | 發布日期 2024 年 06 月 27 日 9:00 | 分類 AI 人工智慧 , 軟體、系統

With enterprises involved in manufacturing, sales, and product transportation moving towards artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), the critical industry is undergoing a period of transformation in order to overcome ongoing economic and supply chain challenges. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are increasingly investing in industry-specific AI technologies and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions to enhance their competitive advantage.

Before adopting powerful solutions such as artificial intelligence, every enterprise must have a clear understanding of its internal and external operations. This means understanding what data they already have access to, identifying data silos, and how to strengthen key partner relationships to facilitate seamless and secure data exchange. Those who build internal and external collaborative communities, readily share insights, and take action will ultimately be best able to leverage AI as an assistant, ensuring that they derive full value from their technological investments. Vaibhav Vohra, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Epicor, mentioned in the Epicor Insights 2024 User Conference the development work in the field of AI that helps to handle various tasks, from adjusting inventory levels and increasing revenue through intelligent product recommendations, to optimizing supply chains for maximum efficiency.

Digital connected data supply chain strategy

According to a recent PwC study, 80% of "digital champions" (companies with the highest level of digitization) described their supply chain focus as external integration and even end-to-end orchestration, compared to only 36% of all (non-digital champion) companies. This shows how the most mature and forward-thinking enterprises are gradually moving away from analog, isolated supply chains to adopting digitally connected, self-orchestrating data ecosystems.

An effective data supply chain strategy operates through a network of partner communities, integrating critical functions like finance, design, testing, and manufacturing to eliminate data silos. Once the gap between the shop floor and top floor is narrowed, insights will flow more freely. By harnessing the power of converging technologies and bridging data gaps, companies will be able to make data-driven decisions much faster, significantly improving business outcomes.

Transforming data collection into informed execution

Artificial intelligence has almost limitless potential. It can help build important data bridges across departments, automatically analyze various business data, and provide actionable insights to improve operational performance. However, this is heavily reliant on capturing high-quality data and appropriately prioritizing data as part of the business strategy. ERP systems are designed to incorporate AI into this process, rapidly analyzing vast amounts of data and transforming it from a record-keeping system into an organized action system. Low code/no code solutions are a great example of how AI significantly improves workflow efficiency, as they provide automation or "recipes" that can orchestrate human or machine tasks into end-to-end digital processes. By automating certain manual processes in the shop floor that could take hours, employees will have more time to focus on other important areas of the business.

Working with trusted partners

One of the most important factors in any technology investment is continuing to work closely with trusted strategic digital transformation partners who understand your specific industry needs after the sales and implementation processes. According to the 2023 Epicor Industry Insights report, most business leaders have a positive overall procurement journey experience but are seeking more technical support and partnerships, especially in the post-implementation stage.

Many participants in this study identified security and risk mitigation (26%) as the biggest challenge they face when implementing new ERP solutions. Other concerns included time and cost related to implementation and training (24%), the ability to customize to meet business needs (24%), and integration with other business applications (24%). The results of the study show that working closely with trusted partners who understand industry-specific goals can alleviate anxieties about AI-driven data integration, cybersecurity, or adaptability.

Artificial intelligence is an extremely powerful tool that can meet the needs of the global digital-centric economy. As manufacturers, distributors, and retailers embark on their digital transformation journey, they are laying the foundation for more agile, efficient, and resilient operations. Making the right tactical investments in AI solutions specific to the industry and working with trusted partners from consulting to post-support can help increase the likelihood of achieving data supply chain goals. We have already begun to see how these measures are positively transforming critical industries at home and abroad.

For more information on how Epicor, as an essential partner for the world's most important businesses, can meet business needs, simplify operations, and improve efficiency, refer to the IDC report.

(From Deng Yongquan, Vice President of Epicor Asia, Image Source: Epicor)