Technology and the supply chain, by Nashtec

One of the main technological changes we have witnessed over the past years is the increased popularity of the tablet computer, with laptops and desktop PCs taking a backseat.

This surge in popularity is not exactly surprising. Being both lightweight and portable, as well as boasting many of the same features as its predecessors, the tablet is an ideal alternative to traditional computing, and an invaluable addition to the supply chain.

Using a tablet computer hooked up to Wi-Fi, staff will have access to all of the data they will need at the touch of a button. The tablet can be of use in many departments and tasks, particularly stocktaking and distribution.

Many companies are rolling out the tablet across their businesses. Not only are they faster, they also eliminate a lot of the organisation’s dependency on paper, making big steps towards the highly-prizedgreen company status. Take a look at our recent post to see how supermarket giants Morrisons are making use of these clever devices.

Apps

Of course, a tablet would be relatively useless without the appropriate software to accompany them, and as expected, their popularity has brought about a wealth of new apps too.

With an App Store fit to burst, there are thousands of programs that have revolutionised how we live, from office life to industry. When it comes to the supply chain, however, specialist apps are necessary to meet its demands.

Many companies choose to produce their own software packages and apps that are specifically designed to meet the needs of their businesses. This can often be done in-house, in larger companies with expansive IT teams. However, for smaller companies with limited employees, it can be difficult to do so.

There are some companies that specialise in mobile application development. Businesses can use external providers to create an app that will really benefit the running of their business. In addition, using companies li

ke Nashtech ensures the production of quality, professional and usable applications.

Drones

In an effort to speed up the process, many companies are keen to offer the fastest delivery service possible. However, there’s only so fast individuals and trucks can go - that’s where Amazon comes in.

Already a global retailer, Amazon is constantly looking for new ways they can maintain their position at the top of the e-commerce hierarchy. In their latest attempt to do so, Amazon unveiled their plans to roll out drones across their delivery system, as the BBC reports.

Dubbed Prime Air, the service involves using specially designed unmanned drones, called Octocopters, to deliver goods to their customers. Amazon are hopeful that with this technology they will be able to deliver a parcel weighing up to five pounds in just thirty minutes. Take a look at this video to see the drones in action.

The company are in the testing stages at the moment, and it could take up to five years before we are able to take advantage of this super quick service. In addition, the company still need to seek approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration. However, by eliminating humans from the process, delivery times are speeded up considerably, revolutionising how we transport goods.

These are just a few of the existing and potential developments that we have seen in the supply chain in recent years. As our technology advances further, it is sure to be revolutionised even more in the coming years.