Publication

Abstract : Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and technologies are revolutionizing enterprise workflow and processes. Deployment of ICT tools for supply chain planning and execution has resulted in greater agility, robustness, collaboration, visibility and seamless integration of all stakeholders in the enterprise and also extended enterprise consisting of suppliers and customers. Business analytics is emerging as a potent tool for enterprises to improve their profitability and competitive edge. Business analytics aims at building fresh perspectives and new insights into business performance using data, statistical methods, quantitative analysis and predictive modeling. Advanced analytics is being employed for several processes in supply chain planning and execution like demand forecasting, inventory management, production distribution planning etc. Enterprise case studies of successful deployments of business analytics for supply chain management are showcased. Some challenges faced in business analytics usage like high cost, need for data aggregation from multiple sources etc are also highlighted. An integration of business analytics with disruptive and game-changing technologies like social media, cloud computing and mobile technologies in the form of the SMAC - Social, Mobile, Analytics and Cloud stack holds tremendous promise to be the next wave in enterprise computing with wideranging advantages like improved supply chain planning, collaboration, execution and stake-holder engagement.