How about the glut of fresh produce heading to the bins in the wake of pandemic-related restaurant closures?

For many years now, supply chain managers have been incorporating digital tools for increased automation and optimization. But the pandemic has painfully exposed the weaknesses involved in these adaptations. There has been a massive failure to cope with the rapid changes in demand caused by the lockdowns.

Many decided to jump on the robotics bandwagon to overcome shortfalls, but a rush of new digital solutions and capabilities has muddied the waters significantly, creating even more problems. Even with the most perfect workflow and processes, often the customer’s experience isn’t good.

Robotics have been helpful in many areas of the supply chain during this continued period of uncertainty, but human labor is far from being replaced altogether. The supply chain problem is a complex one that requires more than simply replacing floor workers with robots. Plugging robots into a system that isn’t prepared to change its processes or overall principles will be a recipe for disaster.

So what does the “new” normal look like?

In order to win over skeptics and obstinate back-office naysayers, robotics will have to prove itself as the consistent, reliable, and efficient savior in the race toward increased automation.

This week, we’ll explore the topic of robots and robotics in supply chains:

• What is the difference between “robots” and “robotics?” Why does it matter?

Join us with our special guests Guy Courtin, Director of Global Alliances for 6 River Systems, and Remy Glaisner, a global thought leader in the area of Digitally-Enabled Robotics. Together, we’ll answer these questions and more as we dive into the discussing how robots can run the supply chains!