The supply chain encompasses the processes and network that a product undergoes before it gets to the final consumer.
This network comprises different people at different stages, the raw materials suppliers, the manufacturers, the distributors, the retailers, and then the consumer.
Though supply chains differ in different countries, it’s the same principle. In Nigeria, the local supply chain is often the process aforementioned.
The outbreak of COVID-19 however disrupted this process to a large extent, not just in the country but globally.
As retail slowed down considerably due to low production rates and import restrictions.
Online outsourcing which bypasses a lot of the supply chain process became more popular as it was the most available option for getting needed products.
Now, with the lingering effects of COVID-19, Using Technology applications for outsourcing necessities have come to stay.
Companies are now researching and innovating ways to make this tech-customer experience seamless.
The tech-enabled local supply chain has opened a lot of possibilities for both manufacturers and consumers.
People can easily stay in their houses and order doorstep delivery of goods and services.
Companies have to simply put their products and services where they would be seen by their target audience.
Various techniques have recently been applied in Nigeria to improve the local supply chain.
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning is helping manufacturers develop an AI-driven supply chain management system. They get to understand the needs of their end-product users and deliver accordingly.
Also, tech is helping drive the local supply chain by imploring sensors and a data analytics bot that collates data and presents insights to the manufacturers. This tech involvement is at the manufacturer’s level.
There is also the logistics arm of tech enablement when it comes to the local supply chain in Nigeria.
Some logistics startups conduct interstate delivery while many others just make delivery within a given state.
Logistics cuts across different industries, the food, and fashion industry are spearheading the automated logistics technology in Nigeria. Companies and startups are upskilling to meet up this new demand.
Other technologies that have been predicted to overhaul the general local supply chain are as follows:
Blockchain Technology
This technology due to its ability to store information that cannot be altered can be applied in the supply chain and this will bring about transparency in every dealing.
It will also solve the problem of tracing damaged and counterfeit goods for consumers and manufacturers alike. As the entire supply chain is monitored on the blockchain.
Robots and automation
In Nigeria, automation has greatly improved to what is obtainable in some European countries, however, we’ve been doing enough to increase production.
But as technology continues to improve there is a need to increase the automation process. This will greatly improve the local supply chain in Nigeria.
Internet of Things (IoT)
This technology is proving useful in other sectors it has been applied, for the local supply chain it will aid asset tracking, provide accurate asset inventory among other things.
3D printing
The 3D printing technology is another aid to the manufacturers in the local supply chain as producing customized and personalized products can be done with ease.
The technologies mentioned in this article are already improving the local supply chain in other countries, adoption by Nigerians would go a long way to create a more favorable local supply chain in the country.
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