What role will the supply chain manager play in the factory of tomorrow?

The new generation of industry is considerably transforming factories and the daily lives of their managers. They now have to deal with new technological tools that are revolutionizing the production process.

In a rapidly changing industry, the role of the Supply Chain Manager has evolved in recent years. How can people and digital tools work together effectively? How can we improve product traceability and process transparency?

These questions are at the heart of Supply Chain 4.0. Procemo takes a closer look at the role of the Supply Chain manager in a connected and responsible factory.

Factory 4.0 in a nutshell

Factory 4.0 or the industry of the future is an intelligent factory that integrates digital technologies into its production process. It is the direct result of the digitization of the supply chain.

The objective? Optimize every stage of the value chain to respond effectively to customer demand. The aim is to produce more, faster and better. Connected tools adapt autonomously to the pace of production , enabling companies to increase profitability.

Procemo has identified the 5 main advantages of the intelligent factory:

1. Better management of financial, data and material flows thanks to interconnected tools and the increasing use of artificial intelligence.
2. Greater flexibility in the face of fluctuating demand.
3. Optimized production costs and improved product quality.
4. Traceability and transparency throughout the value chain.
5. Optimization of all processes thanks to independent, interconnected tools that automate certain repetitive tasks.

How to become a supply chain manager in Factory 4.0?

Supply Chain Managers combine technical skills with interpersonal intelligence.

He benefits from solid training in value chain management : he masters each link, knows the role of each employee and anticipates potential risks that may arise.

They also have the human skills to unite a team around a common goal and adapt quickly to changes in the sector.

‍SupplyChain manager, a changing profession

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Supply chain manager's hard skills

All good managers master the tools of their sector. Supply Chain Managers are familiar with all the software, tools and processes involved in Factory 4.0. Among them, some are unavoidable: automation, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), RFID.

He is also capable of collecting and analyzing large quantities of data. He surrounds himself with complementary expertise and collaborates with new Supply Chain professions to exploit this data and identify performance levers.

The Supply Chain Manager masters all the methods of project management and change management. These skills enable them to effectively structure their teams to achieve corporate objectives.

Soft skills for the supply chain manager

A supply chain manager is only as effective as his or her leadership skills, and the intelligent coordination of the talents around him or her. This is where interpersonal skills come into play: listening, empathy, curiosity and resilience are the key assets of a good manager.

In Factory 4.0 , the supply chain manager is flexible. He or she adapts quickly to major changes, proactively learns to use new work tools, and easily integrates into his or her environment. Once again, he is the human pillar to whom employees turn in the event of difficulty.

The Supply Chain Manager in intelligent industry

The role of the Supply Chain Manager in Industry 4.0 is far from obsolete. On the contrary, he or she is a pillar in the transition from a conventional factory to a connected one.

Where yesterday's manager orchestrated the work of employees, tomorrow's manager ensures the integration of new technologies within the organization. He invites his team to work in concert with the new software and tools available.

The supply chain manager and process automation

Automation is a key principle of Factory 4.0. The supply chain manager is fully conversant with the agile and iterative methods that make for greater efficiency and productivity.

Repetitive, low-value-added tasks are now carried out by machines, leaving employees free to concentrate on complex tasks. The supply chain manager coordinates the automation of simple tasks.

Most basic decisions are now taken by machines or by a small group of employees. Material, logistical and information flows are interconnected, considerably lightening the manager's workload.

The Supply Chain Manager's role in supply chain management

Supply Chain Managers coordinate all logistics operations. They orchestrate all logistics stages, from raw materials procurement to product delivery to consumers.

Once again, he relies on interconnected software and tools that provide him with real-time visibility of the value chain. This enables managers to make well-informed decisions on stock levels, supplier relations, delivery progress, etc.

Factory 4.0 equipment therefore helps managers to improve customer service through efficient, resilient logistics. 

New production flow management

The supply chain manager supervises production flows. In Factory 4.0, software automatically adjusts production rates to demand fluctuations.

The manager relies on predictive management systems to anticipate fluctuations in demand. He can then manage inventories and production flows in real time to ensure that every product is available for sale.

This strategy not only optimizes the value chain, but also protects against potential disruptions, such as late delivery or lack of conformity. This dimension must be taken into account to achieve consumer acquisition and loyalty objectives.

In other words, the Supply Chain Manager is also the guarantor of the company's reputation and its competitive positioning.

Product life cycle stages 

Traceability and transparency: the challenges of Supply Chain 4.0

In Factory 4.0, the supply chain manager retains his missions, but has new tools at his disposal and integrates new imperatives to carry them out successfully.

Product traceability is now essential. Consumers are sensitive to this issue, and are demanding greater transparency. In the smart factory, barcodes and RFID tags enable managers to trace products throughout their lifecycle.

Companies and customers are now widely familiar with this system of barcodes and RFID tags, but tend to overlook their importance. These tools enable managers to track the movements of individual parts in real time, and gather valuable information on their lifecycle.

The data gathered through product traceability is then used to optimize the production and distribution process : reducing the risk of theft or damage, improving ecological efficiency, improving transport strategy... It is therefore a key element in a connected and increasingly sustainable Supply Chain.

Supply chain manager's career prospects

The missions of the supply chain manager continue to evolve in step with technological advances and consumer demands. Their duties now go beyond the managerial sphere, giving them a strategic position.

In the future, it will continue to build agile, flexible and resilient organizations in a fast-changing sector.

He is expected to sharpen his technical skills in data management, and to master with precision the workings of artificial intelligence, augmented reality and digital twins. These tools enable him to adopt a more profitable organization for the company.

Last but not least, a good supply chain manager is constantly training and keeping abreast of emerging technologies. They keep a close eye on the processes adopted by competing companies, and don't hesitate to shake up the organization of their team toboost their company's performance.

Conclusion

The Supply Chain manager must quickly grasp the tools and processes of Factory 4.0 to facilitate the immersion of the rest of the team. He or she is the pillar that enables companies to tackle the digital digital transition of the Supply Chain.

If you need advice on how to evolve your value chain and adopt a strategic positioning, our Procemo consultants consultants are at your disposal. Our experts are trained in Purchasing, Supply Chain and Logistics, and are at your disposal to meet your strategic and operational challenges.

To find out more, don't hesitate to contact us.