Even though supply chain innovation (SCI) is a key component of corporate competitiveness, there is no commonly accepted definition of the concept. It is important to address this issue. The pace at which new ideas are introduced has increased markedly over recent decades, and companies cannot afford to be behind the curve because they are unable to effectively evaluate the latest innovations.
The MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (MIT CTL) has launched a research project to better understand SCI, and to help companies assess the potential of new ideas in terms of their supply chains. The project has developed a working definition of SCI, and is creating a framework for evaluating these concepts.
In this white paper MIT CTL gives a brief description of the initial research findings, and undertakes a basic assessment of three very different innovations that have the potential to reshape supply chains: cloud computing, omni-channel retailing, and 3D printing. Each one is reviewed according to the positive changes in cost, cash, and/or service that result from its introduction, as encapsulated in the working definition of SCI.
Cloud computing is the most advanced in that many supply chain applications are now in use, and the technology is delivering positive results. Omni-channel is not an SCI per se, but its implementation requires a number of supply chain innovations. Developments in 3D printing could revolutionize manufacturing and hence supporting supply chains, but these advances have yet to emerge. In the latter two cases the positive deliverables are still unclear.
The assessment underlines the need for companies to carefully evaluate SCIs, and to avoid being caught up in the hype that often surrounds exciting ideas. Another important lesson is that many SCIs are not original concepts, but reconfigurations of existing innovations.
This is a pre-conference white paper for Crossroads 2013: SCM as Future Enabler, June 26th, 2013, on the MIT campus. Register for this conference here.
For more information on supply chain and logistics training opportunities through CTL, visit our education page.