August 201719 Our work in supply chain is changing rapidly as we implement new technology. Our leadership challenge as CIOs and IT leaders is not only to describe what the new technology will do, but also to help people understand how their jobs will change.CIOs have a clear opportunity to lead in a major way. This is the best moment we've ever had as a profession to step out from the background and be responsible for both the technical solution and the roles our employees will have in the future.We should acknowledge that existing technologies, from mobile apps and small applications to improved packaged software, are eliminating clerical jobs at an accelerating rate. An easy way to separate new technology effects from current development is to measure how much paper is needed in a supply chain, and then calculate how paperwork elimination will change clerical jobs. Changes from the implementation of electronic BOLs, e-signature, apps to register drivers, even the tried and true EDI, are evolutionary change; new technologies will revolutionize roles.As we implement artificial intelli-gence programs that eliminate analyst jobs, introduce augmented reality that makes direct labor more productive, install automated vehicle technology that decreases our need for drivers and fork lift operators, and fly drones to count inventory, IT leaders are in the best position to define the new roles for people, and, just as importantly, describe the roles that will go away.Implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in supply chains may have the broadest effect on how we manage the supply chain. Roles and tasks, sequences of work will all be altered as we develop new AI algorithms. Much of the indirect labor throughout the supply chain will be eliminated over time as we develop the algorithms. However, it's really easy to start an AI project and the ROI on this is clear. Our challenge as leaders is to help everyone understand their jobs are being irreversibly changed and eliminated.Perhaps more obvious than AI, driverless vehicles will also radically alter the employment landscape. Truck drivers and forklift drivers will be eliminated within the next 5-10 years as we replace our fleets with autonomous trucks and lifts. We already have high turnover and shortages in this area and it may get worse as fewer people enter the profession. The CIO's role here is to accelerate the testing and integration of these vehicles as fast as possible. In this case the message is to implement faster, to push outside the comfort zone.Drones, as sexy as autonomous vehicles to some, promise to change how we count inventory, how we track trailers and trucks and, of course, how we deliver material. Drone usage will likely be automated--no pilots needed. For example, if we can fly drones throughout a warehouse to conduct inventory, then the inventory control function radically changes. Not only will we not need inventory counters, we will need fewer analysts. Frequent counting via drones ensures greater accuracy and, coupled with CIO InsightsBY KEVIN GLYNN, VP & CIO, DSC LOGISTICSTechnology Changes to Supply Chains Demand Good LeadershipKevin Glynn
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