In the contemporary and rapidly evolving digital landscape, it is scarcely surprising that automobile manufacturers such as Ford are capitalizing on technology’s potential to revolutionize their supply chains. Becca Adam, product line manager for material and vehicle logistics IT at Ford, emphasized during the recent ALSC Digital Strategies North America conference that the key to success lies not only in embracing the latest digital tools, but also in cultivating the right talent and corporate mindset to propel innovation and future growth.
According to Adam, the foundation of Ford’s journey towards an integrated end-to-end supply chain supported by digital technology is founded on three key principles. These guiding principles encompass defining a shared vision, investing in foundational systems and data, and aligning technology with talent strategy.
The first key principle, defining a shared vision, centres on fostering close collaboration between business and IT teams, as well as supporting third-party vendors. Adam underscored the importance of having dedicated product managers who are fully committed to digital tooling and innovation, emphasizing the necessity for space to innovate, experiment, and even “fail fast” to drive genuine innovation and creativity within the organization.
Furthermore, investment in foundational systems and data is pivotal for large-scale organizations like Ford. Understanding the capabilities of technology, modernizing core value chain execution systems, and prioritizing data management are vital components of this principle. With an emphasis on operational real-time visibility and centralized decision-making, Ford is making strategic investments to future-proof its business.
Workflow management also plays a crucial role in driving digital transformation. Digital tools that provide visualization of data, control tower technology, and analytics are indispensable for running scenario models and managing workflows in large, complex organizations like Ford.
When it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), Adam advised caution and emphasized the need to apply AI with care. She highlighted the importance of partnering with SaaS providers and integrating AI into their platforms. Additionally, Ford’s partnership with Google Cloud has provided access to advanced language models, further highlighting the significance of data management in unlocking the full value of AI.
Aligning technology with talent is the final guiding principle that Adam underscored. With the potential loss of tribal knowledge due to retirements, Ford is identifying the archetypal future employee and the skills they should possess. This forward-thinking approach aims to attract and nurture the next wave of talent capable of driving a connected supply chain view.
In conclusion, Ford’s vision for the digital future involves the seamless fusion of talent and technology. By embracing a culture of innovation, investing in foundational systems and data, and aligning technology with talent, Ford is poised to lead the automotive industry into a new era of digital excellence. As Henry Ford once said, “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” These words ring true as Ford embraces the transformative power of digital technology in its pursuit of excellence.