IBM has introduced a new integrated supply chain suite, embedded with Watson AI and IBM Blockchain and open to developers, to help organizations make their supply chains smarter, more efficient and better able to make decisions to adjust to disruptions and opportunities in an era when globalization has made supplier networks more complex and vulnerable than ever.
With IBM Sterling and Red Hat OpenShift, IBM says, clients can build intelligent, self-correcting, Watson AI- and IBM Blockchain-powered supply chains and modernize existing supply chain applications
IBM sees a $50 billion market in technologies that will enable global businesses to digitally transform their supply chains.
The new IBM Sterling Supply Chain Suite, built on the foundation of Sterling B2B Network and Sterling Order Management, enables manufacturers, retailers, and other types of businesses to integrate data, business networks, and supply chain processes while capitalizing on the benefits of technologies like Watson AI, IBM Blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
With this launch, IBM is delivering a secured, open platform with hybrid-cloud support that enables organizations to integrate their own data and networks – and the data and networks of their suppliers and customers—with the Sterling Supply Chain Suite.
This flexibility enables enterprises to update and tailor their supply-chain solutions to meet their unique business needs. The open-architecture capabilities are strengthened by IBM's recent acquisition of Red Hat, the world's leading provider of enterprise open-source solutions.
"Supply chains are now mission-critical systems for all businesses to drive success and profitability," said Bob Lord, senior vice president, cognitive applications and developer ecosystems, IBM. "Many organizations have risen to the top of their industries by building efficient and agile supply chains. By modernizing supply chains on top of open, hybrid-cloud platforms and infusing Watson AI, IBM Blockchain and IoT into their networks, the IBM Sterling Supply Chain Suite can help companies across all industries enter a new era of global competitiveness.''
According to IBM, the global economy is becoming more reliant on the interactions of connected companies that can tap into data troves from sources like IoT, GPS positioning and continuous weather monitoring, meaning that the potential business value of the modern supply chain has never been higher.
And yet, critical business relationships often hinge on continuous collaboration, transparency and trust to succeed. While some applications and processes must remain safely tucked inside an organization's four walls, many others must find their way to the cloud to take full advantage of the benefits of AI-enabled open collaboration by companies, suppliers and customers.
The IBM Sterling Supply Chain Suite's platform connects to each supply chain's unique supplier ecosystem.
Capabilities include:
- Trusted connectivity built to scale, backed by IBM Blockchain.
- Real-time intelligence and actionable recommendations.
- Open to developers to create tailored solutions.
And, instead of requiring time-consuming and expensive migrations, the suite's containerized software, along with IBM Cloud Paks, allows clients to extend the value and reach of their legacy applications and data. This hybrid approach means clients have the freedom to choose where to run their workloads and the ability to link them to value-added services in the IBM Sterling Supply Chain Suite. For example, once certified, IBM Sterling Order Management containers for Red Hat OpenShift will allow clients to continue to run their software in their own data center—or in any cloud.
For more information, go to www.ibm.com/supply-chain.