PROFILE
manual scanning processes .”
Another example is a pilot with a multinational chemical , pharmaceutical and life sciences company to equip an entire warehouse with wifi infrastructure beacons . This ‘ connected warehouse ’ solution enables precise location of tagged items throughout the facility , and a virtualisation of the environment so that the operations can be optimised using heat mapping software .
“ The supply chain is becoming a much more strategic issue on boardroom agendas ,” Allison continues . “ Although logistics costs are relatively low in this sector – well below 1 % of sales revenues – the extreme margin-squeeze that our customers are experiencing mean that both the indirect supply chain costs such as inventory , obsolescence and lost sales , and direct logistics costs , such as transportation and warehousing are coming under closer scrutiny . Better , smarter supply chains provide the answer .”
E-health Indeed , the demand for smarter health is leading to a proliferation of services being delivered online . This is one of
the most significant trends Allison believes will impact the industry in the coming months and years , especially when looking at the American market .
“ A key prescription drugs online dispenser has been delivering medicines by e-commerce for the past two years ,” he says . “ The company claims to practice ‘ smarter ’ pharmacy , putting medicine within reach of tens of millions of people by aligning with customers , taking bold action , and delivering patientcentered care at a lower cost .
“ Others in the life sciences and healthcare sector are sure to
14 August 2017