It’s no surprise that digital transformation served as the primary driver behind the message presented by leaders from Siemens Digital Logistics during the 2019 Supply Chain Forum in Frankenthal. The company’s first-ever joint conference forum delivered key insights on the importance of thorough implementation and understanding technology’s role in mitigating risk and generating success. More than 100 attendees from the commercial, manufacturing, and logistics industries participated in the conference.

“We need to increase the investments in implementing digital solutions. Digital transformation is not cheap, it doesn’t happen on its own, and it can’t be done half-heartedly,” warned Frauke Heistermann, a digital expert on the Board of the German Logistics Association (BVL). “Companies also need to develop and cultivate curiosity and enthusiasm for technology and all things digital among their top executives.”

Supply chain risks are inevitable and the key to success is through identifying and implementing a solution that makes them manageable, according to key takeaways highlighted during the forum. As the digitization of processes continues, industry leaders are encouraging companies to do away with paper and rely on software for seamless management. With these changes, scheduling and resource planning become streamlined and ultimately reduce economic damages.

Uwe Schumacher, Vice President of Business Development at Siemens Digital Logistics, reiterates this message by adding that the key to integrating planning, collaboration, and transparency in global supply chains is a reliable software solution.

“Visibility is the single most important aspect in the supply chain,” he adds.