Monthly Archives: February 2016

Thought Leadership in Supply Chain Management: An insight for Software Company CEOs and Business Owners

Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Thought Leadership, ,
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The software companies are using Thought Leadership as their content marketing strategy where they are utilising their knowledge, experience and expertise inside the business or from their community, to answer the biggest problems in the minds of their target supply chain management market. The thought leaders are targeting to establish authority on their topics to produce deep research on the subject in order to present a depth of knowledge that no one else has.
Supply chain thought leadership can be defined as the qualification of your company, resources, or processes which are capable of developing new approaches to supply chain challenges of the future. To establish your company as a “thought leader” it is important to praise your capacity to unlock value or overcome obstacles with innovation beyond what your competitors have achieved so far.
The benefits of thought leadership start with brand affinity. By communicating thought leadership, you become part of the conversation early in the consumer journey. You allow your audience to get to know you. Ultimately thought leadership is one of the outcomes of a solid content strategy. And content is bigger than marketing. Leaders are everywhere. Expose your thought leaders, and you begin the process of setting up a successful business.
In the arena of thought leadership your company should aim for creative and unique understanding of the business with the ability to project effective and relevant insights which will attract and impact your customers in the market.
The secret idea of the software companies behind showcasing thought leadership is to sell their consulting practice. Thought leadership actually increases the sale ability of their smart and experienced resources. But in true sense it never brings down the actual significance of thought leadership in the industry. With thought leadership we are able to comprehend the innovative solutions for the existing business problems and also opportunities in future of supply chain.
The importance of the supply chain thought leaders are more important than ever given the impact of the supply chain in driving the success of modern organisations. The ability to understand all aspects of an end-to-end supply chain is essential for the thought leaders; this would refer to all activities that take place from “farm gate” to “consumer plate”. It is neither possible nor appropriate for the thought leader to try and acquire complete knowledge on “end-to-end” supply chain; rather it is more about collaboration among key partners that clearly understand their different value offerings and can align on purpose and objectives. Supply chain thought leaders must recognise this reality and understand the capabilities, needs and objectives of each key supply chain partner so the supply chain operations continue to be effectively realised.
Let’s talk about the companies who are not really investing or putting any effort in thought leadership. Most of the software companies who are there in business for more than a decade, have a vast knowledge of their industry, and have new and creative ideas on how to make a mark on their customers. It makes sense for a CEO or business owner to look closely at the bottom line and this is where sometimes they don’t see the ROI in spending time on thought leadership. But for their knowledge, now consumers are doing more research into businesses than ever before. They don’t just want a company that will get the job done; they want one they can trust. They want one that employs right resources. And they want to work with a company that can show them that they know the answers to their questions before they even realise the problem. The top leaders in the industries very well know that the true thought leaders inspire positive change and share their knowledge in order to make their business and their industry a better place.
As company CXO or business owner of a software company, if you are really looking forward in investing your time and money in developing thought leadership there are few ground rules which can always be followed to see the actual ROI.
Define the Road-map
First of all define your organisation’s definition on thought leadership and start defining the road-map to be able to define the desired outcome and define the steps to achieve it. Bear it in your mind that Thought Leadership is never a revenue stream. Create your road-map with an eye toward accrual of brand value, not revenue. If you want your organisation to be a thought leader, you need to make sure that what you create comes from the DNA of your organisation, and that it finds its way back.
Identify area of expertise
An end to end Supply Chain consists of multiple business entities so when acting as a thought leader it is important to be focused. The best way to develop your acumen in thought leadership is to leverage on your capability and skills which you have acquired in all those years of services. Discuss with your centre of excellence and identify the areas of expertise.
Customer Survey
Conduct survey to identify the business problems your customers are facing over specific areas which you are competent in brainstorming. Detect the questions your customers and the business owners are asking during a sales pitch or while you are attending a conference or seminar. Identify them all, make a list and prioritise them. Answer those questions across multiple formats and multiple channels in a way that adds value to your audience. Start with the most important and work your way down the list. Seek to be the best answer to those questions.
Competitor Analysis
A simple Google search can help you answer that question. You have to remember in current market brands are not just competing with their direct competitors rather they are competing with everyone. Anyone who publishes content in your space is competing for mind share and authority.
Market but don’t sell
Market your thought leadership as a product but never sell during a thought leadership presentation, discussion, or post. Consider your target audience for thought leadership represents the most sophisticated information consumers. The audience knows that the company delivering them the insight is a software service firm and that they are in the business of making money. Don’t tell them that during the course of an article about your supply chain service or product that you have the best answer to the most recent and trending business problem, and then showcase a bunch of product names or put up logos to convince them of your market position. If your ideas are valuable and meaningful, buyers will come to you. They will ask how you uniquely deal with the problems. When that happens, the thought leadership conversation becomes a pre-sales conversation and then you can shift into a more traditional sales relationship.
Smarter and not looser
Don’t think about losing your idea or solution to your competitor who attends a thought leadership session on social media and then implement your ideas in his/her company. The person sharing his or her learning expresses a certain level of trust in the source, which they may well return to you setting up a virtual relationship transforming the learning experience into a purchase.
The benefits of thought leadership are not just limited to acquiring new customers. Here are some of the other benefits of thought leadership:
  • Acquire potential Resources from the Industry: Potential employees who have become more aware of your company may seek employment with you.
  • Free publicity and branding: Research and Marketing companies may look to your company for insight on breaking news and trends, offering free exposure in trade publications or national news outlets
  • Business Development Opportunities: Business development opportunities may arise, such as partnership requests, investment opportunities, or buyout offers
  • Industry publications: You may be offered speaking engagements or opportunities to write for industry publications
Let me put some figures from the latest research report on Thought Leadership published by AMCF (Association of Management Consulting Firms).
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X-as-a-Service (XaaS) – Cloud Computing Service Models

Cloud Computing, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, ,
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During 1990 expansion of internet brought about a new class of centralised computing, called Application Service Providers (ASP). Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) essentially extended the idea of the ASP model, but now there are almost too many cloud based service offerings to keep track of.
XaaS or “Everything or Anything-as-a-Service” is a term derived from Cloud Computing and today with emerging technologies and growing use of internet,  any type of hardware, software, platform or business process can be offered as a cloud-based service.
The benefits of XaaS to any enterprise or industry are higher levels of innovation; faster responsiveness to market changes based on customer needs; and to increase the bottom line.
XaaS is a combination of utility-based offerings which are coming with various pricing models based on timeline, usage, etc. The core idea behind XaaS is that enterprises can cut costs and get specific kinds of personal resources by purchasing services from providers on a subscription basis. Before the emergence of XaaS and cloud services, businesses often had to buy the licensed software products and install them on site. They had to buy hardware and link it together to create expanded networks. They had to do all security work on site, and they had to provide expensive server setups and other infrastructure for all of their business processes.
I hereby try to figure out few key services in the as-a-Service domain and their providers in the market. This will help the enterprises and industries in defining their strategies.
Backup as a Service (BaaS)
Backup-as-a-Service (BaaS) provides backup and recovery operations from the cloud. The cloud-based BaaS provider maintains necessary backup equipment, applications, process and management in their data centre. The customer will have some on-site installation, an appliance and backup agents are common, but there is no need to buy backup servers and software, run upgrades and patches, or purchase dedupe appliances.
Some of the well-known Backup-as-a-Service providers include EMC, Oracle, Databarracks, Acronis, Asigra.
Communication as a Service (CaaS)
Communications as a Service (CaaS) is an outsourced enterprise communication solution that can be leased from a single vendor. Such communications can include voice over IP (VOIP or Internet telephony), instant messaging (IM), collaboration and videoconference applications using fixed and mobile devices.
Some of the Communication-as-a-Service providers include Agora, Verizon, Calltower.
Desktop as a Service (DaaS)
Desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) is a form of virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) in which the VDI is outsourced and handled by a third party. Also called hosted desktop services, Desktop-as-a-Service is frequently delivered as a cloud service along with the apps needed to use it on the virtual desktop.
Some of the well-known Desktop-as-a-Service providers include Amazon, VMware, Citrix, Cisco.
Database as a Service (DbaaS)
Database-as-a-service (DbaaS) is a cloud computing service model that provides users with some form of access to a database without the need for setting up physical hardware, installing software or configuring for performance. All of the administrative tasks and maintenance are taken care of by the service provider so that all the user or application owner needs to do is, use the database. Of course, if the customer opts for more control over the database, this option is available and may vary depending on the provider.
Some of the well-known Database-as-a-Service providers include Amazon, google, Microsoft, Oracle, MySQL, IBM, mongoDB, EnterpriseDB, Redis Labs, Rackspace.
Disaster recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS)
Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) is the replication and hosting of physical or virtual servers by a third-party to provide failover in the event of a man-made or natural catastrophe. Typically, DRaaS requirements and expectations are documented in a service-level agreement (SLA) and the third-party vendor provides failover to a cloud computing environment, either through a contract or pay-per-use basis. In the event of an actual disaster, an offsite vendor will be less likely than the enterprise itself to suffer the direct and immediate effects, allowing the provider to implement the disaster recovery plan even in the event of the worst-case scenario, a total or near-total shutdown of the affected enterprise.
Some of the well-known Disaster recovery-as-a-Service providers include Sungard Availability Services, IBM, NTT communications, Acronis, iland, Columbus Business solutions, VMWare, Peak 10.
Hardware as a Service (HaaS)
Hardware as a Service (HaaS) refers to managed services or grid computing, where computing power is leased from a central provider. The HaaS model is similar to other service-based models, where users rent, rather than purchase, a provider’s tech assets. In collective computing environments, HaaS participants often use Internet Protocol (IP) connections to utilize the computing power of remote hardware. A user sends data to a provider, and the provider’s hardware performs necessary actions to the data and then sends back the results. These types of agreements help individual businesses lease computing power, rather than invest in additional on-site hardware.
Some of the more well-known Hardware-as-a-service providers include Equus, Navitus, Amazon.
Identity as a Service (IaaS)
IDaaS or Identity-as-a-Service refers to identify and access management services that are offered through the cloud or SaaS on a subscription basis. This is in contrast to traditional identified and access management (IAM) solutions that are typically completely on-premises and delivered via bundled software and/or hardware means. These systems also tend to rely heavily on Active Directory (AD) and the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) for their IAM services.
Some of the well-known Identity-as-a-Service providers include Centrify, Okta, Ping Identity, Covisint, OneLogin, SailPoint Technologies, CA Technologies, ForgeRock.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a service model that delivers computer infrastructure on an outsourced basis to support enterprise operations. Typically, IaaS provides hardware, storage, servers and data centre space or network components. IaaS is popular in the data centre where software and servers are purchased as a fully outsourced service and usually billed on usage and how much of the resource is used, compared to the traditional method of buying software and servers outright. This may also be called enterprise-level hosting platform.
Some of the well-known Infrastructure-as-a-Service providers are Amazon, CenturyLink, CSC, Dimension Data, Fujitsu, Google, IBM, Interoute, Joyent, Microsoft, NTT Communications, Rackspace, Verizon, Virtustream, VMware.
Network-as-a-Service (NaaS)
Network-as-aService (NaaS), a cloud computing model in which tenants have access to additional computing resources collocated with switches and routers. It is a model for delivering network services virtually, either through subscription or ‘pay as you use’ service model. Through NaaS all that is required of the customer is a computer with an internet connection that is connected to the NaaS portal made available through a NaaS provider/cloud provider. NaaS simplifies network architecture through virtualization.
Some of the well-known Network-as-a-Service providers are Cisco, Aryaka, BigSwitch.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a category of cloud computing that provides a platform and environment to allow developers to build applications and services over the internet. PaaS services are hosted in the cloud and accessed by users simply via their web browser.
Platform as a Service allows users to create software applications using tools supplied by the provider. PaaS services can consist of preconfigured features that customers can subscribe to; they can choose to include the features that meet their requirements while discarding those that do not. Consequently, packages can vary from offering simple point-and-click frameworks where no client side hosting expertise is required to supplying the infrastructure options for advanced development.
Some of the well-known Platform-as-a-Service providers are Salesforce, Microsoft, Google, Engine Yard, NTT Communications, Mendix, cloudControl, CloudBees, Progress, SoftwareAG, SAP, IBM, RedHat.
Storage as a Service (STaaS)
Storage as a service (STaaS) is an architecture model in which a provider provides digital storage on their own infrastructure. Storage as a service can be implemented as a business model in which a large service provider rents space in their storage infrastructure on a subscription basis. Small companies and individuals often find this to be a convenient methodology for managing backups, and providing cost savings in personnel, hardware and physical space. A company providing SaaS may be called a storage service provider (SSP). Storage as a service can also be referred to as hosted storage.
Some of the well-known Storage-as-a-service providers are CSC, Zadara, NetApp, NaviSite.

Supply Chain & Logistics Industry Trends 2016

Logistics, Supply Chain Management, ,
abs
The logistics industry has been undergoing a series of transformations for the past few years. Things that seemed like science fiction in the past, like augmented reality and 3D printing, are actually becoming part of the industry.
Technology is being used widely today in order to provide faster and more reliable delivery services. In the future, we can see a lot more technology and innovation shaping the entire concept of logistics.
As the supply chain becomes more complex with suppliers, their customers and consumers interacting with each other across the globe and across different channels, it’s more important than ever for companies to get and maintain good control of their logistics.
Here are few key trends that supply chain software analysts say are shaping the Supply Chain landscape—and pushing more logistics managers to finally put it to work.
Internet of Things (IoT)
• The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical devices that interact with each other and with business software systems.
• Gartner estimated the number of web connected devices will reach 25 billion by 2020.
• The Internet of Things (IoT) is enabling more and faster information across the supply chains for better decisions, planning and execution.
3D Printing
• 3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file.
• Frost & Sullivan predicted 3D Printing to go beyond market predictions and Gartner placed 3D printing among the top 10 strategic technology trends for 2016.
• 3D Printing is impacting the stages of the product development lifecycle, from the product itself to packaging, presentation and delivery.
Blockchain Technology
• Blockchain is a digital technology for recording and verifying transactions.
• IBM and more than twenty other companies, including Intel, Cisco, and Accenture, are part of a new collaborative effort organized by The Linux Foundation to advance the popular blockchain technology.
• A supply chain blockchain application could be used to record the balances and transfers of inventory across a distributed supply chain network.
Hybrid Transaction / Analytical Processing
• HTAP was coined in early 2014 by analyst firm Gartner to describe a new generation of in-memory data platform that can perform both OLTP and OLAP without requiring data duplication.
• HTAP system is commercially available from SAP with the SAP HANA platform.
• SAP Sales & Operations Planning application uses the power of the SAP HANA platform to plan and re-plan supply and demand.
Digital Supply Network
• Replacing the classic supply chain concept, a series of hubs or modules linked by information and transportation networks. A digital supply network is seamless and interconnected through digital technologies such as machine-to-machine, analytics and Big Data, mobile, social media, and the cloud.
• Four characteristics contribute to the digital supply network:
    • Connected
    • Scalability
    • Intelligent
    • Rapid
Factory of the Future
• Factory of the Future is an umbrella term for Smart Manufacturing which means usage of advanced technologies, usage of internet of things and applying analytics data to make manufacturing more productive and responsive.
• According to Gartner, this is an evolution and opportunity for manufacturing in order to get next level of cost improvement and productivity gains.
Physical Internet
• Physical Internet is an open global logistics system founded on physical, digital, and operational interconnectivity, through encapsulation, interfaces and protocols.
• It will transform the way physical objects are handled, moved, stored, realized, supplied and used.
• The project currently has funding from the National Science Foundation and contributions from MHIA and CICMHE.
Omnichannel Supply Chain
• Omnichannel Supply Chain uses a central stock pool to fulfil orders from all retail channels, including in-store, e-commerce and m-commerce, concessions and franchises, and telephone and catalogue and controls pricing, fulfilment, sales, stock management and ordering.
• It’s a fully integrated, end-to-end solution, providing an accurate and comprehensive visibility of stock, enabling retailers to maximise trade across their customer facing systems.
Wearable Technology
• Flextronics, a global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) company, defined WT as “an application-enabled computing device which accepts and processes inputs. “
• DHL’s testing has shown, smart glasses can improve warehouse efficiency.
• Kylene Zenk-Batford highlighted potential benefits of Wearable Technology in the manufacturing realm.
Postmodern ERP
• “A technology strategy that automates and links administrative and operational business capabilities with appropriate levels of integration that balance the benefits of vendor-delivered integration against business flexibility and agility.”
• A postmodern ERP system will likely be comprised of applications from two or more vendors, and may include multiple deployment models.
Returns Management
• Returns management is the supply chain management process by which activities associated with returns, reverse logistics, gatekeeping, and avoidance are managed within the firm and across key members of the supply chain.
• Organizations which have streamlined their returns operations have achieved nearly $300K in annual cost savings as per Aberdeen Group Report.
Consumer Driven Supply Chain
• Consumer driven supply chains predict future demand, meet forecasted demand, maximize customer satisfaction, and ensure product availability.
• Predictive analytics enable advanced modelling, forecasting, and optimization throughout every aspect of the customer-driven supply chain – from assessing and monitoring current status and accurately predicting and simulating future situations to measuring overall supply chain performance.
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