Conference considers the future of supply chains

Cardiff University researchers recently joined colleagues from Panalpina, one of the world's leading providers of supply chain solutions, for a one day conference discussing how research and innovation can impact the global supply chains of the future.

The conference, held on 6 July 2016, was attended by more than 60 people, including Panalpina customers from a wide range of sectors - from fashion and textile to electronics and pharmaceuticals.

Attendees enjoyed a full programme of expert talks from leading academics, industry experts, customers and corporate Panalpina professionals. Cardiff Business School Logistics and Operations Management academics spoke alongside a Cardiff School of Engineering colleague and representatives from drone specialists, UAV AID. The topics included:

• Impact of Drone Technology
• Impact of 3D Printing on Manufacturing and Supply Chains
• The move to Distributed Manufacturing: How will this affect Supply Chains?
• Customer challenges of complex Supply Chains, now and in the future
• Latest forecasting techniques to improve Supply Chain performance

Panalpina also shared its most recent innovations in Logistics Manufacturing Services (LMS), Demand-driven Inventory Dispositioning (D2ID) and 3D printing with the attendees.

This event was an opportunity for attendees to gain an insight in to innovative thinking on the future of supply chains, and the impact of change, while sharing experiences and engaging in open debate. Excellent feedback has been received about the construction of the day.

As the conference drew to a close, Cardiff Business School and Panalpina announced that they were embarking on an exciting new, two-year research project on integrating 3DP technology into industrial supply chains, and invited Panalpina customers to get involved and discover how 3D printing could benefit their supply chain.

Cardiff Business School and Panalpina have a long-standing professional relationship which has delivered significant value to both parties. Most recently the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project between the two parties was awarded the People’s Choice Award and Business Innovation Award at the Cardiff University Innovation and Impact Awards 2016.