Technology is driving supply chain evolution, automation and digitalisation. In order to navigate an increasingly turbulent environment, businesses are turning to automation to enhance the resilience and efficiency of their supply chains. This course will focus on contemporary supply chain operations and explore the roles automation technology can play to increase operational performance. The currently available forms of automation will be explored, together with the practical uptake of alternative technologies in a range of business sectors. The return on investments of these automation approaches will be assessed in relation to alternative commercial settings.

Supply chain digitalisation goes hand in hand with automation, both as an enabler and a means to leverage commercial value. Thus, this course will also examine the role digitisation plays in supply chain automation. Data management and coordination via digital platforms will be explored in relation to supply chain automation.

Automation and digital supply chain technology is constantly evolving. This course will also cover this dynamic landscape by exploring future supply chains. New approaches to resilience and agility will be covered together with the latest developments in omnichannel logistics and supply chain circularity. The impacts of advances in machine learning, artificial intelligence and the latest analytical techniques on supply chain automation will covered.