A recent article in the Harvard Business Review aptly illuminates the impending technological disruption of traditional supply chain management. The authors anticipate near total replacement of supply chain management with technological solutions within a decade. Leaders in the space are already integrating AI, robotics, digitization, RFID, and automation to improve their processes, reduce cost and friction, and increase their product and supply chain quality and resiliency.

“Sensor data on machine use and maintenance are helping some manufacturers to better estimate when machines will break down, so downtime is minimized. Blockchains are beginning to revolutionize how parties collaborate in flexible supply networks. Robots are improving productivity and margins in retail warehouses and fulfillment centers. Delivery drones and self-driving vehicles aren’t far off.”

As supply chains grow and transition into better and more efficient versions that utilize new technologies, like blockchain, new models of supply chain management are emerging. One such model utilizes a “digital control tower” which is a “virtual decision center that provides real-time, end-to-end visibility into global supply chains.” The benefits of such systems are numerous. With more data and visibility, decisions are better, when decisions are better, outcomes improve. Companies that implement technology-driven supply chains will be well positioned in competitive markets.

A major topic of Distributed 2018 is the potential use cases for distributed ledger technologies. IBM has long been a innovation driver for business and the company is all-in on the disruptive potential of blockchain in supply chains from food safety, to pharmaceuticals, to aeronautics.

Big names in aviation and supply chain like Boeing, Airbus, and GE are all exploring improvement in their supply chains with blockchain technology. The potential is huge and the benefits are real.

The “digital control tower” does not yet exist, but Genesis Supply Chain (GSC) is developing a platform that will provide end-to-end part visibility and a supplier aggregation and ratings system that will be a critical component in the next technology-driven supply chain for MROs or aviation companies. Smaller companies or MROs that do not have resources of Boeing or Airbus need access to supply chain technology and GSC will provide a low-barrier entry point for aviation companies that want a more efficient supply chain and purchasing process. Companies that move quickly can reap immediate benefits and gain advantages over competitors by utilizing technologies like blockchain and GSC will make the decision much easier.

The GSC Platform token is now in pre sale. You can find more information about GSC, the GSC Platform, and the GSC Blockchain at gscplatform.io including how to participate and our vision for blockchain in the aviation supply chain.