Kevin Beasley

The global supply chain has taken a hit over the past year, which has slowed down distribution channels, heightened labor shortages, and increased product delays. However, advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain have created opportunities for companies to enhance supply chain operations moving forward.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we have seen a spike in phishing attacks, Malspams, and ransomware attacks, resulting in many infected personal computers and phones. Some attackers are using the pandemic as bait to impersonate trusted brands, and businesses and end-users alike are being targeted.

5G is the fifth generation in mobile networks and enables connections between machines, objects and devices that are faster and more powerful than previous networks. 5G has a low latency, drastically reducing response times and offers higher capacities in terms of bandwidth. The technology allows users to communicate more information or data at once, and in a quicker amount of time.

As the U.S. and over 180 countries worldwide shut down due to SARS-CoV-2, the fast-spreading virus strain that causes COVID-19, many businesses were forced to immediately shift into survival mode, as a “non-essential” workforce in certain states either went on unemployment or, adopted to working from home (WFH). The arrival and fast spread of Covid-19 and the subsequent national shutdown hit our nation and the world in ways not seen in generations. The role of technology during this crisis will be studied substantially in the future and, no doubt, the technological leap caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will likely make 2020 the year that changed the trajectory of technological tools used for business, such as cloud computing, e-commerce, mobile, and remote work.

2019 ended with soaring jobs growth and a strong finish on Wallstreet. Stocks were up, unemployment was down. Momentum was surging for many American workers and businesses alike, and U.S. growth was projected at a moderate pace.  Even as reports of a mysterious virus circulating in Wuhan, China, reached our news outlets in January-February, few foresaw how coming events would very quickly define 2020 and, make history.

There is no doubt that the supply chain is growing at a rapid pace, with heightened customer demand impacting global fulfillment speeds and shortening shipment deadlines. In fact, two of the top challenges for manufacturers in 2020 will be the lack of supply chain collaboration and need for better supply chain visibility.