Agility is Key For Supply Chain Digitalization

Andy Chan, Global Director, Key Account Management - Technology Vertical, DP World

The supply chain has been stretched and tested in recent years, highlighting insufficiencies in some areas, and opportunities in others. To solve some of the issues presented during this period many regions are looking to digitise supply chains, and increase the visibility (innovation) of freight in movement.

Agility and speed are two words that define digitalisation. The shifts in production and transportation of goods in the last three years have meant that those who can adapt the quickest and implement IoT solutions most efficiently are the ones coming up on top. 

“Agility and speed are two words that define digitalization.”

This doesn’t however come without its pitfalls – but how can we learn from the current trends

and advances across the world to make sure no one is left behind. At DP World in particular, we seek to be at the forefront of digital transformation, revolutionising all aspects of global trade through innovative technology solutions that make it easier to finance shipments, expand markets and geographies, and make shipping journeys more visible, agile, and resilient for our clients.

In line with this, DP World has made concerted and continued efforts to digitise its supply chains within Canada over the last few years. Examples of this include the Fraser Surrey terminal, which was equipped with rotating container technology - the first of its kind in Western Canada. This state-of-the-art technology brings cost savings by removing the need for traditional bulk ship loaders to transfer goods and reducing product damage and loss through dust suppression mechanisms. Implementing this container technology allows for improved workflow efficiencies that we at DP World intend to create throughout every link of the global supply chain.

We have also demonstrated our push for greater supply chain digitisation through significant terminal technology investments that aim to facilitate smoother trade flows. In June 2022, with our Saint John terminal, we made investments into solutions ranging from upgrades to the terminal operating system, a new truck gate system, and enterprise-wide financial management systems.

All of these initiatives were specifically aimed at achieving the fundamental goal of giving Canadian exporters more options to reach global markets and remove the challenges preventing them from trading freely.

Our push towards this same digital transformation objective was displayed more recently, with our use of new technologies contributing to the expansion of the Port of Vancouver by 60%. Now standing at 72 acres, the container terminal features modernised, technology-enabled infrastructure and boosted capacity that reflects the surge in demand for Canadian ports services that arose from the COVID-19 pandemic. With all these considerations, the port has been integral in our bid to offer the fastest supply chain connections between Canada, the US and Asian markets.

When it comes to looking at how you can digitise your supply chain to reap the benefits of agility and overall efficiency, supply chain executives need to review their options in detail. As advantageous as digital transformation can potentially be for supply chains, the inability of executives to engage in well-articulated value planning for its implementation can constrain how beneficial it is for companies, as suggested by PwC. Knowing exactly what you expect to receive from supply chain technology before investment is a vital aspect all executives need to gauge when venturing into this digital approach.