This is your weekly supply chain bulletin from B2BE for the week starting 4th September 2023.
Each week, we bring you a rundown of the latest trends in the news from across the supply chain industry. We cover the issues most important to you, bringing you useful links to the full articles. This ranges from news on various supply chain disruptions to strategies to lessen the damage. We also include other relevant supply chain related updates. If you missed it, you can read last week’s supply chain bulletin here. Read on to see what’s making the news this week.
De-globalisation is shaking up the supply chain
This article explores how de-globalisation is actively transforming the automotive supply chain, with a particular focus on Europe. It highlights that offshore procurement has significantly declined over the past two years and predicts further decreases, driven by nearshoring trends and shifts in materials sourcing, especially for electric vehicles (EVs). The rise of EVs and regulations governing supply chains is actively pushing automakers to collaborate with nearby suppliers. Additionally, the semiconductor sector is experiencing an active increase in nearshoring due to national security concerns. The article actively emphasizes the importance of actively creating an intelligent, data-driven, and sustainable supply chain for future competitiveness.
AI used for smooth supply chain issue by global trade sector
The global trade sector is increasingly turning to AI, including generative artificial intelligence (AI) and large-language models, to address supply chain challenges. AI helps governments and businesses analyse trade data, simplifying cross-border commerce by identifying problems and opportunities in the $32 trillion trading system. This includes machine-learning tools used by private trade data company ImportGenius to identify customs patterns and translate foreign languages. AI is also employed by companies like Nestle SA to detect product quality issues and improve manufacturing line efficiency. The future supply chain aims to be intelligent, data-driven, and sustainable, with AI playing a crucial role in automation and risk mitigation.
The University of Sydney suffers from supply chain breach
The University of Sydney has reported a data breach related to its supply chain. The breach compromised the personal information of international students and applicants. It was isolated to a single platform and did not affect other university systems, with no evidence of personal information misuse so far. The university has contacted cybersecurity authorities and the New South Wales privacy commissioner, but the exact data compromised and the number of affected individuals remain unclear. This incident follows a 2020 breach involving proctoring platform provider ProctorU, which exposed email addresses belonging to the university and its peers. Higher education institutions are frequently targeted due to their assumed vulnerability.
Transport workers request safe supply chain from new Aldi CEO
Transport workers are protesting at Aldi stores, urging the newly-appointed CEO, Anna McGrath, to prioritise safe, fair, and sustainable supply chains. The
Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) is calling on Aldi to follow the lead of supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths and collaborate with TWU on supply chain safety and fairness. The TWU believes that Federal Parliament should pass legislation to enforce safe and fair standards for all transport workers. They cited 347 insolvencies in the transport industry in the last financial year and 147 truck crash deaths this year. Aldi has not responded to the safety principles put forward by the TWU.
About B2BE
B2BE delivers electronic supply chain solutions globally, helping organisations to better manage their supply chain processes, providing greater levels of visibility, auditability and control. We’re driven by a passion for what we do, inspired by innovation, and underpinned by a wealth of knowledge. With over 20+ years of experience, the B2BE teams operate worldwide.
For more information, visit www.b2be.com.