While it is unclear who coined the term big data , it is a phrase that has been in use since the early 1990s . Big data in today ’ s supply chains used for inventory predictions , product quality , temperature control , order fulfilment , realtime tracking , and machine maintenance .

While one of the first early examples of the internet of things ( IoT ) can be dated to Coca-Cola in the 1980s , IoT was not a meaningful concept until 1999 . Today , IoT in supply chains is used for location tracking , environment sensing , fleet management , equipment maintenance , and demand assessment .

" Early examples of the internet of things can be dated to Coca-Cola in the 1980s "

Despite being first coined as a term in 1991 by David Felernter , it wasn ’ t until 2002 that the concept of digital twins was applied in manufacturing by Dr Michael Grieves . Digital twins are used today in supply chains to optimise processes and inventory , identify bottlenecks , and plan transportation and facilities .

Dating back to 1982 , David Chaum first proposed a blockchain-type protocol in a college dissertation . However , it wasn ’ t until 2008 that the first blockchain concept was brought to fruition by Satoshi Nakamoto . Today , those in supply chains use blockchain to increase automation , improve collaboration , drive traceability and transparency , and to optimise security .

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