Emerging Technology and Trends
Technology enabled business trends are reshaping E-Business and supply chain management strategies. Leading the way are “emerging Internet technologies, increased computing power of computers, and fast, persuasive digital communications that are creating new ways to manage talent and assets as well as new thinking about organizational structures” (Baghin, Chui & Manyika, 2010, p. 1, para. 1). Merging technologies affecting E-Business and supply chain management can be broadly separated into three categories: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and bar coding, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) integration, and Internet Technologies. In this paper, I will address each category and the benefits each provides to organizations in the form of improved processes and a reduction in expenses or cost.
Table of Contents
1. Emerging Technology and Trends
1.1 RFID and Bar Coding
1.2 ERP Software Integration
1.3 Internet Technology
2. Conclusion
Objectives and Themes
This paper examines how emerging technologies and business trends are fundamentally reshaping E-Business and supply chain management strategies by improving operational processes and reducing associated costs.
- Analysis of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and bar coding in supply chain inventory management.
- Evaluation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software integration for resource efficiency and cost reduction.
- Investigation into Internet technologies, including cloud computing and Web 2.0 tools, for business operations.
- Assessment of collaboration technologies in enhancing the productivity of knowledge workers.
- Review of competitive advantages gained through technology-driven process optimizations.
Excerpt from the Book
RFID and Bar Coding
Although challenges have existed for RFID and bar code use in industry, these challenges and obstacles have been slowly overcome. RFID technology pricing especially chips and scanners have decreased over the years. Bar coding has also seen improvements made with improved label printing by the use of thermal printing that provides “consistent crisp clear lines and spaces that last a long time” (N. A., n. d., p. 10. para. 2). As a result, the use of RFID and bar coding technology has increased.
RFID use can be found in many environments. RFID systems are in use in warehouses or stock rooms where with a waving of a wand, organizations can gain a “sense of all the products that are on the floor or in the back room in seconds” (Wailgum, 2010, p. 2, para. 2). In either distribution or retail channels, RFID technology “reduces theft of high-value merchandise and attaining insight into inventory levels never seen before” (Wailgum, 2010, p 1, para. 7). Retailers are placing RFID chips into expensive blue jean back pockets to prevent thefts from stores. As a result of RDIF use organizations minimize losses in physical inventory and improve tracking of inventory. RFID technology reduces the amount of human intervention to track and find inventory. For example, sensors in manufacturing lines for products as diverse as computer chips to pulp and paper take detailed readings on process conditions and automatically make adjustments to reduce waste, downtime, and costly human interventions.
Summary of Chapters
Emerging Technology and Trends: This opening chapter introduces the core concept of how digital innovations are forcing a shift in organizational structures and supply chain management.
RFID and Bar Coding: This section details how automated tracking technologies minimize human error, reduce theft, and provide real-time inventory visibility in retail and manufacturing.
ERP Software Integration: This section explores how integrating enterprise software systems allows organizations to track and manage energy usage and other operational variables more effectively.
Internet Technology: This section discusses the impact of virtualization, cloud computing, and Web 2.0 tools on business model transformation and internal collaboration.
Conclusion: This final chapter synthesizes the main arguments, affirming that embracing these technologies is essential for maintaining competitive advantage through increased efficiency.
Keywords
E-Business, Supply Chain Management, RFID, Bar Coding, ERP, Software Integration, Internet Technology, Virtualization, Cloud Computing, Web 2.0, Knowledge Workers, Collaboration Tools, Operational Efficiency, Inventory Management, Competitive Advantage
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on how modern emerging technologies are transforming business models and supply chain management strategies to improve efficiency.
Which key areas are examined?
The work covers RFID and bar coding, ERP software integration, and various Internet-based technologies like cloud computing and Web 2.0.
What is the author's main objective?
The objective is to demonstrate how these specific technologies help organizations reduce costs, minimize waste, and improve overall operational processes.
What methodology does the paper employ?
The paper utilizes a literature-based analysis, drawing on existing industry reports and case observations to evaluate technology-enabled trends.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body systematically addresses three categories: automated tracking (RFID/Bar coding), resource management (ERP), and digital connectivity (Internet technology).
What are the fundamental keywords associated with this work?
Key terms include E-Business, Supply Chain Management, RFID, ERP, Cloud Computing, and Operational Efficiency.
How does RFID technology specifically assist retailers?
RFID helps retailers reduce inventory theft and gain precise, real-time insight into stock levels, which was previously difficult to achieve manually.
What benefit did the city of Palo Alto gain from ERP integration?
By using SAP to monitor city vehicle fuel usage, Palo Alto was able to reduce its energy-related expenses by $520,000 between 2005 and 2010.
Why are collaboration tools important for knowledge workers?
As the number of knowledge workers increases, these tools are critical for boosting their productivity and efficiency, often leading to reduced travel costs and better work-life balance.
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- James Tallant (Autor:in), 2010, Emerging Technology and Trends , München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/167297
