INTERNET OF BEHAVIOURS
ROBOTIC PROCESS AUTOMATION
TECHNOLOGY
70
“ Machines aren ’ t replacing humans . They ’ re just freeing us up for higher-value activities , and taking the monotonous tasks off our plate ”
the supply chain network , it hasn ’ t yet reached the point of being an “ end-toend ” solution . It ’ s likely to become one in 2021 , though .
Currently , IoT is already in use in some manufacturing processes , with smart factories and enhanced machines that communicate with the hubs hivemind , and it ’ s particularly potent in the logistics industry , where aeroplanes , freighters , and vehicles are fitted with sensors and live-tracking capabilities . In the coming year , we should see IoT grasp demand management , preventative maintenance and sourcing applications in the near future , as well .
INTERNET OF BEHAVIOURS
As an addition to IoT , 2020 has seen a desperate need for ‘ Internet of
Behaviours ’, or IoB . IoB is a lesserknown variant that focuses on using data to change behaviour . This is possible now , courtesy of what Gartner calls “ digital dust ” – the data footprint that we all leave behind us from our everyday use of technology – which can be harvested , analysed , and used to influence or manipulate end-user behaviour through feedback loops . As we move into 2021 , it ’ s likely that we ’ ll see organisations working with not only IoT but also IoB , as our methods of purchasing , as well as the supply and demand for certain products changes .
ROBOTIC PROCESS AUTOMATION
Robotic Process Automation , more commonly referred to as “ RPA ”, is a system that , generally-speaking , creates value across the entire supply chain . RPA is software that takes traditionally manual processes , completed by human resources , and automates them the clue is in the name , really .
Naturally , as I alluded to earlier , we are prone to error ; RPA implementation results in fewer mistakes , more efficient processing times , and costs
DECEMBER 2020