‫وزارة التعليم‬ MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

‫جامعة اإلمام عبد الرحمن بن فيصل‬ IMAM ABDULRAHMAN BIN FAISAL UNIVERSITY
‫الكلية التطبيقية‬ APPLIED COLLEGE

SCM 212/SCM 302 Digital Supply Chain Operations

Critical Writing Assignment for Student Portfolio ( 20 marks)

Instructions – PLEASE READ THEM CAREFULLY!

• This assignment is an individual assignment.

• Due date is 7/12/2023

• The Assignment must be submitted only in WORD format via allocated folder.

• Assignments submitted through email will not be accepted.

• Students are advised to make their work clear and well presented, marks may be reduced for poor

presentation.

• Students must mention question number clearly in their answer.

• Late submission will NOT be accepted.

• Avoid plagiarism, the work should be in your own words, copying from students or other

resources without proper referencing will result in ZERO marks. No exceptions.

• All answered must be typed using Times New Roman (size 12, double-spaced)
 ‫وزارة التعليم‬ MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
‫جامعة اإلمام عبد الرحمن بن فيصل‬ IMAM ABDULRAHMAN BIN FAISAL UNIVERSITY
‫الكلية التطبيقية‬ APPLIED COLLEGE

LO covered: K1.2 Define the role of new technologies in Digital Building Blocks, Enabling and

Managing the Digital Supply Chain.

“How digitization makes the supply chain more efficient, agile, and customer-focused”

Study and listen to the Harvard Business Review Webinar on https://hbr.org/webinar/2017/10/digitizing-

the-supply-chain by Stefan Schrauf—co-author of “Industry 4.0: How Digitization Makes the Supply

Chain More Efficient, Agile, and Customer-Focused” and then answer the following questions :

Ques 1: Explain how the changing customer expectation and digital technology adoption drive

unprecedented operation complexity and opportunity. (4

marks)

Answer

Changing expectations and digital technology drive both complexity and opportunity in today's
supply chain.

Rising customer demands:

• Customers want more regionalized supply chains, personalized services, and highly
customized products.
• This puts pressure on companies to transform their supply chains to be more agile and
customer-centric.

Digital technology empowers transformation:

• Companies can use technology to gain real-time transparency, connect customers and
suppliers, and optimize planning and execution.
• This creates a "connected digital ecosystem" that enables companies to respond to changes
quickly and efficiently.

Key levers for transformation:

 ‫وزارة التعليم‬ MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
‫جامعة اإلمام عبد الرحمن بن فيصل‬ IMAM ABDULRAHMAN BIN FAISAL UNIVERSITY
‫الكلية التطبيقية‬ APPLIED COLLEGE

• Integration: Connect all supply chain components, from customers to suppliers, into a unified
system.
• Transparency: Gain real-time visibility into product flows throughout the network.
• Real-time interaction: Combine planning and execution layers for faster response to
changes.

Top investment areas for connected supply chains:

• Integrated planning and execution

• Transparency and visibility
• Procurement for all
• Smart factory and smart manufacturing
• Agile logistics and transportation
• Risk management and cybersecurity
• Sustainability and circular economy
• Labor and talent management

By embracing these changes and leveraging technology wisely, companies can create a strategic
asset that differentiates them in the market.

Ques 2: Draw connected supply chain eco system mentioned in the webinar. (2

marks)

Answer

Connected Supply Chain Ecosystem:

1. Digital Warehouse:

• Automation for high-volume efficiency

• Configurable for order-to-goods-to-man operations
• Combining and fulfilling customer baskets

2. Logistics and Transportation:

 ‫وزارة التعليم‬ MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
‫جامعة اإلمام عبد الرحمن بن فيصل‬ IMAM ABDULRAHMAN BIN FAISAL UNIVERSITY
‫الكلية التطبيقية‬ APPLIED COLLEGE

• Automation and self-driving vehicles

• B2C logistic solutions for doorstep delivery

3. Transparency and Data Model:

• Full data visibility across the supply chain

• Utilizing analytics for future prediction and workflow integration
• Creating a learning system

4. IT Backbone and Data Analytics:

• Robust IT infrastructure for data storage and processing

• Advanced data analytics for insights and decision-making
• Collaborative work environment

5. Strategic Asset:

• Leveraging technology for specific business objectives

• Increasing efficiency and flexibility
• Differentiating product offering through innovative delivery methods

6. Integrated Planning and Execution:

• Cloud-based software and planning tools

• Bidirectional information flow from customers and suppliers
• End-to-end connectivity for real-time data visibility
• Demand-driven supply chain management
• Reactive and responsive system for order fulfillment

7. Supply Chain Visibility:

• Real-time tracking of products throughout the journey

• Transparency into product origins and materials
• Traceability for sustainability and accountability

8. Procurement for All:

• Connecting all suppliers, including strategic and transactional

• Efficient and collaborative procurement processes

9. Smart Factory and Manufacturing:

• Automation and optimization of production processes

• Real-time data for improved decision-making
• Connected and intelligent factory operations
 ‫وزارة التعليم‬ MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
‫جامعة اإلمام عبد الرحمن بن فيصل‬ IMAM ABDULRAHMAN BIN FAISAL UNIVERSITY
‫الكلية التطبيقية‬ APPLIED COLLEGE

10. Agile Logistics and Transportation:

• Flexible and responsive transportation networks

• Dynamic route planning and optimization
• Integration with other supply chain elements

11. Risk Management and Cybersecurity:

• Proactive risk mitigation strategies

• Secure data management and protection
• Cybersecurity measures for infrastructure and operations

12. Sustainability and Circular Economy:

• Sustainable practices throughout the supply chain

• Reducing waste and environmental impact
• Closed-loop systems for resource utilization

13. Labor and Talent Management:

• Developing and retaining skilled workforce

• Investing in training and education
• Creating a positive and inclusive work environment

These 13 components represent the key areas of a connected supply chain ecosystem. By focusing
on these areas and leveraging technology effectively, companies can create a more efficient, agile,
and responsive supply chain that provides a competitive advantage.
 ‫وزارة التعليم‬ MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
‫جامعة اإلمام عبد الرحمن بن فيصل‬ IMAM ABDULRAHMAN BIN FAISAL UNIVERSITY
‫الكلية التطبيقية‬ APPLIED COLLEGE

Ques 3: Categorize the eight key elements that impact the Digital end to end supply Chain. (4 marks)

Answer

The eight key elements that impact the digital end-to-end supply chain are:
1. Integrated planning and execution systems: These systems provide a single
platform for planning and executing all aspects of the supply chain, from demand
forecasting to production scheduling to delivery.
2. Logistics visibility: This technology provides real-time tracking of goods and
information throughout the supply chain, enabling businesses to identify and respond to
disruptions quickly.
3. Autonomous logistics: This technology is enabling the development of self-driving
vehicles and drones that can transport goods and information without human
intervention.
4. Smart procurement and warehousing: This technology is automating the
procurement process and optimizing warehouse operations, leading to increased
efficiency and cost savings.
5. Spare parts management: This technology is enabling businesses to track and
manage spare parts more effectively, reducing downtime and improving customer
service..
6. Advanced analytics: This technology is providing businesses with insights into their
supply chain data, enabling them to make better decisions about planning, execution,
and improvement.
7. Customer experience: Digitization is enabling businesses to provide a more
personalized and seamless customer experience, from product selection to order
fulfillment to after-sales service.
8. Sustainability: Digitization is helping businesses to reduce their environmental impact
by optimizing their supply chains and reducing waste.
 ‫وزارة التعليم‬ MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
‫جامعة اإلمام عبد الرحمن بن فيصل‬ IMAM ABDULRAHMAN BIN FAISAL UNIVERSITY
‫الكلية التطبيقية‬ APPLIED COLLEGE

Ques 4. List the examples of operations must manage and utilise explosion of demand inputs from (3

marks)

• Digital consumer integration

• Digital ecosystem

Answer

The explosion of demand inputs from digital consumer integration and the digital ecosystem
requires businesses to manage and utilize a wide range of data, including:
Explanation:

• Consumer behavior data: This data can be used to understand customer preferences,
identify trends, and develop targeted marketing campaigns.
• Social media data: This data can be used to track customer sentiment, identify product
defects, and gather feedback.
• IoT data: This data can be used to monitor product usage, track inventory levels, and
optimize supply chain operations.
• External data: This data can be used to understand market trends, identify potential
risks, and make informed business decisions.

Ques 5: Describe three elements of Digital revolution which impacts future warehousing in strategical as

well as operational aspect.

Answer (3 marks)
 ‫وزارة التعليم‬ MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
‫جامعة اإلمام عبد الرحمن بن فيصل‬ IMAM ABDULRAHMAN BIN FAISAL UNIVERSITY
‫الكلية التطبيقية‬ APPLIED COLLEGE

The digital revolution is having a significant impact on the future of warehousing, both in terms
of strategy and operations. Three key elements of this impact are:
1. Increased automation: Automation is transforming warehousing operations, from
picking and packing to inventory management. This is leading to increased efficiency,
reduced costs, and improved accuracy.
2. Data-driven decision-making: Warehouses are becoming increasingly data-driven,
using analytics to optimize processes, improve forecasting, and identify potential
problems.
3. Evolving role of warehouse workers: Warehouse workers are increasingly becoming
skilled technicians and operators, responsible for managing and maintaining automated
systems.

Ques 6: List technology enabled manufacturing strategy which drives that transition to a flexible agile and

distributed manufacturing model. ( 4 marks)

Answer

The transition to a flexible, agile, and distributed manufacturing model is being driven by a
number of technology-enabled manufacturing strategies, including:
• Additive manufacturing (3D printing): This technology is enabling businesses to
produce customized products with shorter lead times and reduced waste.
• Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): The IIoT is connecting machines and sensors on
the factory floor, providing real-time data that can be used to optimize production
processes and identify potential problems.
• Artificial intelligence (AI): AI is being used to automate tasks, make predictions, and
improve decision-making in manufacturing.
• Robotics: Robots are increasingly being used to perform tasks in manufacturing, such
as welding, painting, and assembly. This can improve efficiency and reduce labor costs.
 ‫وزارة التعليم‬ MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
‫جامعة اإلمام عبد الرحمن بن فيصل‬ IMAM ABDULRAHMAN BIN FAISAL UNIVERSITY
‫الكلية التطبيقية‬ APPLIED COLLEGE

*********************************Good Luck********************************************