IT Support in Supply Chain Management (E)

Successful completion of all courses of the Supply Chain Management module.

Course Description:

This course explores the critical role of information technologies and digital innovations in enabling, optimizing, and transforming supply chain operations. Through practical modules, students will gain an understanding of how modern technologies such as Predictive Analytics, ERP Systems, Additive Manufacturing (AM), UAVs (drones), RFID, Augmented Reality (AR), and electronic data interchange (EDI), are reshaping the design, planning, production, and delivery of goods and services.

The course adopts a process-oriented approach that follows key SCM activities (Planning, Sourcing, Making, Delivering, and Returning) and aligns them with relevant digital tools and platforms used in real-world business contexts.

Course contents:

Introduction to SCM
Overview of supply chain principles and digital transformation trends impacting the value chain.

SCM Information Systems
Introduction to ERP systems, data integration platforms, and their role in end-to-end supply chain visibility and decision-making.

Planning by Analyzing Customers
Use of Predictive Analytics, customer segmentation, and demand forecasting to plan production and distribution effectively.

Planning the Production System
Role of smart manufacturing, digital twins, and integrated ERP-MES systems in designing efficient and responsive production systems.

Planning the Resources
Application of IT tools to align human, material, and financial resources through capacity planning and simulation.

Planning Delivery and Returns
Technologies for reverse logistics, delivery network design, and real-time tracking to ensure flexibility and customer satisfaction.

Buying by Means of Marketplaces and EDI
Integration of electronic data interchange and online marketplaces to automate procurement and supplier collaboration.

Making by 3D Printing
Exploring Additive Manufacturing and its impact on inventory strategies, customization, and decentralization of production.

Delivering by UAV
Application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in last-mile delivery, disaster response logistics, and cost-efficient shipping models.

Delivering by AR
Use of Augmented Reality in warehouse operations, order picking, and training to enhance accuracy and speed.

Delivering by ID Technologies
Implementation of RFID, barcodes, and IoT for object tracking, inventory control, and improved visibility across the supply chain.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the strategic role of digital technologies in modern supply chain management.
• Apply predictive analytics and data analysis to improve planning processes.
• Evaluate and recommend ERP and IT systems to support supply chain operations.
• Identify suitable production and delivery technologies based on supply chain objectives.
• Understand the implications of disruptive technologies like 3D printing and drones.
• Analyze real-world cases considering the role of technologies such as EDI, AR, and RFID.

Interactive sessions, expert lectures, case studies, individual and group assignments, technology demonstrations, and presentations.

Pre-assignment, participation during the seminar in the form of contributions and short presentations (individual or group assignments), post-assignment, individual weighting as determined by the instructors, announcement at the beginning of the semester

None

Academic Journals & Articles

• Journal of Business Logistics: Articles on digital supply chain, ERP adoption, and logistics innovation
• International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management: Research on UAVs, RFID, AR, and IoT in SCM
• Supply Chain Management: An International Journal: Analytical models and case studies on planning and IT systems
• MIT Sloan Management Review: Practical and strategic insights into emerging technologies in operations

 Classes with compulsory attendance