The supply chain industry is in a state of transition and transformation. New technology such as AI, Big Data and machine learning is making life easier for industry executives as an ever-increasing number of companies begin to digitise their offerings. In order to stay ahead in a dynamic and continuously evolving industry, businesses must trial technology to increase efficiency. The technology giants, IBM Watson, understands the challenge that supply chains face. The company has announced Watson Supply Chain Insights, an AI-based solution that enables supply chain professionals to get through a data overload for enhanced visibility throughout the entire supply chain.

If you think about it, we are all part of a supply chain -- as producers, consumers or distributors, often playing multiple roles. It should not surprise anyone that Artificial Intelligence has a role here too. Now, supply chain management is nothing new, even if the term itself was coined relatively recently, in the 1980s. Supply chain management traces its roots to the early 20th century, when the development of the assembly line necessitated a new system to manage the flow of raw materials and finished goods. Although the science (and art) of supply chain management remains primarily concerned with this, the business landscape has evolved significantly. The increase in international trade, shift towards just-in-time production, and rise of e-commerce are just some of the factors that have changed how the game is played.