STEKOM University, Indonesia – International Seminar entitled “Navigating Global Supply Chain Challenges : Innovative Solutions for a Resilient Future” brings together a number of International speakers to discuss in more depth the complexity of global supply chains and navigating challenges within global supply chains and leveraging innovative strategies and solutions for a resilient future.

Seminar Opener:  

1.Dr. Joseph Teguh Santoso (Rector of STEKOM University) Indonesia

Seminar Speakers:

1.    Joel Mulepa (Lecturer in Information and Communication Technology) DMIJSBU, Malawi

2.    Nurgizat Yerkebulan (Senior Lecturer, Department of Electronics & Robotics) ALMAU, Kazakhstan

3.    Setiyo Adi Nugroho, M.Kom. (Lecturer in the Department of Computer Systems) STEKOM, Indonesia

Hosts :Anggi Novita Sari (International Relations) STEKOM, Indonesia

The increasingly rapid development of digital technology has had a significant impact on human life. Overall, digital technology is influencing processes in the supply chain. This can certainly create a more precise supply chain. However, on the other hand, disruptions often arise unexpectedly, such as natural disasters or global pandemics. Therefore, supply chain resilience needs to be considered to be able to survive in facing future challenges. Apart from that, innovative strategies and solutions are also needed to develop the supply chain and ensure sustainability and achieve efficiency in supply chain management.

In this seminar, Setiyo Adi Nugroho, M.Kom (Lecturer in the Department of Computer Systems) STEKOM, Indonesia delivered material regarding the role of information technology in strengthening global supply chain resilience. In his presentation it was stated that supply chain resilience is an important aspect of modern supply chain management, encompassing the system's ability to not only “bounce back” after disruptive events but also to be able to adapt and transform. So when there is a problem, it is not just about recovering, but also having to be able to adapt because conditions have changed. And to strengthening the resilience of global supply chains, we can utilize information technology. Information technology plays an important role in increasing supply chain resilience. Because information technology provides theoretical guidance for companies to recover from disruptions and improve operational performance. In information technology, there are also key technologies that can increase efficiency and security in managing global supply chains, including artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT) and blockchain. Integrated dynamic capabilities and relational perspectives through information technology can develop supply chain resilience outcomes.

Furthermore, Setiyo Adi Nugroho, M.Kom explained that artificial intelligence (AI) are at the forefront of transformation. Artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize demand estimation and enable companies to predict market needs more accurately. This precision in forecasting helps simplify management supply, reducing excess or stock outs and ultimately minimizing costs associated with excess supply. AI can also improve decision-making processes, automate routine tasks and facilitate smarter, data-driven strategies so they can adapt to changing market conditions. AI can be defined as an automated system which means there is a lot of data collected by AI to make predictions. AI has the ability to collect data and identify trends allowing it to help supply chain managers understand key demographics and predict future behavior and determine optimal delivery times. Ultimately, AI can make supply chains more transparent and profitable.

Furthermore Setiyo Adi Nugroho, M.Kom said that we can use AI to monitor and estimate inventory levels in real time. This is a major step towards supply chain efficiency. AI can also help track and analyze supply chains in real time, which previously took weeks or months. For example, when you want to check the warehouse in a factory. As is known, how difficult it is to check a factory warehouse even though it is only a factory. So what if you check a retail store that has many branches, which will certainly make management difficult. But by using AI can predict and calculate capacity, warehouse efficiency and product supply. Apart from that, AI can also speed up product delivery because it is easier to find products, easier to track and find the fastest route to send products.

Then regarding warehouse automation with AI. Setiyo Adi Nugroho, M.Kom explained that warehouse automation with AI is an effective way to increase supply chain efficiency. The benefits of AI-based automation include increased throughput and energy efficiency. AI can save time and effort spent on repetitive tasks. So people can focus on more useful tasks. AI is capable of performing a variety of tasks, from simple calculations to complex cognitive functions. AI is also able to analyze product dimensions and identify the most efficient storage options by considering time, cost and output frequency. This will reduce the number of shipments and containers required. AI technology can also provide predictive analysis. By using AI and predictive analytics, companies can predict the impact of events on the supply chain. AI can help companies plan ahead to avoid problems. This can improve risk planning, demand estimation, supplier and customer management, and logistics management. Additionally predictive analytics can enable retailers to measure levels supply correctly and avoid stock outs, identify reliable suppliers and reduce costs supply.

In his presentation Setiyo Adi Nugroho, M.Kom explained about internet of things (IoT) is a site that provides data for AI. Internet of things (IoT) can be described as a network of devices that are interconnected and exchange data with other IoT devices and the cloud. IoT devices are typically equipped with technology such as sensors and software including mechanical and digital machines as well as consumer objects. Shipping containers equipped with IoT sensors help companies monitor shipments in real time. This real-time tracking capability extends from the warehouse to final delivery, providing data on location, temperature, humidity and other important factors. IoT can help reduce errors in inventory management.

Next regarding blockchain, Setiyo Adi Nugroho, M.Kom explained that blockchain is a digital recording technology which works as a digital data storage system connected via cryptography. Blockchain can significantly improve supply chains with faster and more efficient delivery of products, improve coordination between partners and help access to financing. Blockchain can help handle complex data sets in supply chains. Today's processes and levels of the supply chain are highly dependent on data. Blockchain can be used to track supply chains from end-to-end, allowing companies to be more transparent. Blockchain can increasing trust and coordination between parties involved in the supply chain. Using blockchain in supply chain verification is a surefire way for companies to track defective products. For example, when there is a defect, everyone can see it but cannot know, even the bank cannot understand the defect. By creating a shared ledger, companies can determine the origin of the manufacturing process and product supply. By creating a shared ledger, companies can also verify transaction flows without having to carry out physical audits or financial reviews. Blockchain technology can also reduce the risk of counterfeit products entering the supply chain. Because the process can be seen even by the bank, it can be seen that the store is buying from the right supplier. The use of blockchain technology increases the efficiency of supply chain transactions, reduces the risk of fraud, increases transaction speed and inventory and financial information.

The next speaker, namely Joel Mulepa (Lecturer in Information and Communication Technology) DMIJSBU, Malawi discusses role information and communication technology (ICT) in supporting global economic recovery after the pandemic. Basically a pandemic is disease outbreaks that occur on a global scale that affect many activities in several countries. An example is the Covid-19 pandemic which has caused various impacts, especially negative impacts. The pandemic caused many people to lose their jobs due to lockdown policies, the pandemic also caused inflation and supply chain disruptions. The lockdown policy disrupted the movement of goods and factory materials. Thus causing delays and shortages in some products. However, now ICT has emerged which is a solution during the pandemic. ICT is information system technology which has an important role in the real sector. ICT covers various areas of specialization such as computers, telephone, internet and audiovisual which can help find solutions to chaos that occurs at any time. So even though during the Covid-19 pandemic there was a lockdown policy, people can still communicate and work remotely using video conferencing such as zoom or whatsApp.

Furthermore, Joel Mulepa said that there are other things that also come as a solution, namely cloud computing. Cloud computing is a cloud data storage service, for example Google Drive and Dropbox. Cloud computing is a system that can be used without having to install any software on a computer because it uses a cloud system. Cloud computing also means reducing physical documents and data storage on disks. Another solution is VPN (Virtual Private Network). VPN is a service that allows someone to connect to a website safely and more privately. For example, when someone talks about sensitive issues. So it is recommended not to use regular calls. But it uses channels that have end-to-end encryption. So that means that the information sent via this channel has received a public key and also a private key.

Furthermore Joel Mulepa explains about accelerating digital transformation in various interests. The Covid-19 pandemic has made many industries accelerate the use of digital technology. The positive side is that ICT almost provides a solution to every problem. For example in the retail business. People today are more comfortable shopping online because of its advantages that conventional businesses don't have. So more shops started selling online. This is a great opportunity to develop a business, especially if you look at the increasingly rapid advances in technology. Now days it is very easy for businesses to reach a global audience through online platforms such as eBay or Amazon. Like wise in health services. As is known, the pandemic covid-19 has brought big problems in health services. But that's where solutions come in, such as virtual doctor visits. Virtual Doctor visits are part of technological advances that save time and potentially save patients. Virtual visits create face-to-face meetings between doctors and patients, both near and far have a direct line with GPs and specialists through conferencing software such as Google Meet or Zoom.

Joel Mulepa concluded that even though the Covid-19 pandemic has brought many problems and chaos, it has also provided space for people to start thinking and coming up with ideas. So you can create something using computer technology. Such as remote work, global fintech innovation, digital marketing, learning technology, health technology and IoT as well artificial intelligence (AI). Including new economic opportunities that have been created by advances in ICT. Thus encouraging the expansion of e-commerce business. And currently, the ITC law in support of e-commerce platforms and logistics regarding supply chain management has also had the development of websites and applications. This shows that there is globalization and the development of ICT.