ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Digital supply chain

A digital supply chain is like a long line of people that need to pass things along to each other so that they can make something cool. Imagine you want to make a delicious cake. First, you need to get all the ingredients – flour, sugar, eggs, milk, butter, and so on. All of these things come from different places and need to be transported to the bakery where you're going to make the cake.

In a traditional supply chain, this transportation process can be slow and complicated. Lots of paperwork and phone calls are involved to make sure that everything arrives on time and in good condition. But with a digital supply chain, things are faster and easier. This is because everything is managed digitally, using computer systems and the internet.

For example, the bakery can use software to place an order for the ingredients they need. This order is automatically sent to suppliers who can then see what they need to provide and when it needs to be delivered. When the ingredients are ready to be shipped, the supplier can use digital tracking systems to monitor the shipment and make sure it arrives on time. This helps to reduce the risk of delays and problems.

All of this digital information can also be shared between different companies that are involved in the supply chain. This means that everyone can see what's happening at every stage of the journey. For example, the bakery could see when the flour is being harvested and milled, so they know exactly when it will be ready for delivery. This helps to ensure that everything is in place when it's needed, which is crucial for producing high-quality products.

Overall, a digital supply chain makes everything faster, more efficient, and more transparent. It helps to reduce errors and delays, which means that products can be made more quickly and at a lower cost. This is good for everyone involved, from the manufacturers to the retailers to the consumers who get to enjoy the final product!