CLOUD & CYBER
THE ROLE OF CLOUD TECHNOLOGY IN TACKLING THE CHALLENGES OF COVID-19
From an operational perspective , Miller explains that “ cloud technology was already playing an important role in ensuring that data from sites ( including those that were deploying automation and robotics ) could be shared with our regional and global teams and that we could apply data analytics to improve processes and efficiency .”
A cloud enabled supply chain management system that involves not only warehouses , transportation , yards and labour , but individual components too such as robots and smart glasses that can record , coordinate , and orchestrate each component from a single integrated view . “ COVID-19 has accelerated the need for such cloud-based automated supply chains to quickly address sudden demand and supply shocks , delays , and interruptions ,” says Miller .
“ For those who have been working from home , our earlier integration of cloud-based solutions eased the transition , as we were able to ensure that people across multiple locations could continue to access the tools and data they needed . DHL Supply Chain is an early adopter in building a cloud network that will allow investing companies to minimise capital
“COVID-19 has accelerated the need for such cloud-based automated supply chains to quickly address sudden demand and supply shocks , delays , and interruptions ”
SALLY MILLER DHL SUPPLY CHAIN , CIO NORTH AMERICA , RETAIL
expenditure and optimise material flows and shipping channels by migrating all supply chain processes into the cloud ,” she adds .
When asked if cloud technology has grown in priority since the outbreak or if such threats have only emphasised the importance that was already there , Miller comments that it is “ most likely the latter . We were already aware of the value that cloud technology brings and how and where it made sense to apply it in our networks . As part of our overall accelerated digitisation agenda , we had identified various applications where the cloud could support our customer and back office operations .” However , one area in which the business case for cloud technology has been strengthened is “ business continuity management ,” adds Miller . “ We saw during the pandemic the value of being able to maintain stable operations in an unpredictable , volatile environment . Cloud technologies helped ensure that we were less vulnerable to potential disruption at single locations .” supplychaindigital . com 93