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JANUARY 2021 I SMT007 MAGAZINE 19 of real-time data from multiple sources. Exam- ples include predictive analytics, artificial intel- ligence, and machine learning. • Digital-to-physical: Using automation and other technologies to translate decisions and actions from the digital realm into physical out- comes in the supply chain. Examples include autonomous robots and control systems, real- time geospatial visualizations, autonomous vehicles, drones, remote maintenance, and 3D printing. To fully realize the digital supply network, however, manufacturers will need to embrace the new way of working and expand supply chain management in three areas: • Horizontal integration through the myriad operational systems that power the organization • Vertical integration through connected manufacturing systems • End-to-end, holistic integration through the entire value chain 5. Intelligent Automation For years, organizations have been working toward an automated future that frees people from time-consuming, manual work. Today, automation has moved from the factory floor into every facet of the organization to sup- port better ways of working that fuel busi- ness growth. Intelligent automation thrives 4. Digital Supply Network Digital technology is disrupting traditional operations, from quoting to shipping, and every business is now a digital business. The impact on supply chain management is partic- ularly great. Businesses cannot unlock the full potential of digital without reinventing their supply chain strategy. A digital supply network is simply a supply chain managed via auto- mated systems and web or cloud-based solu- tions. The supply chain is morphing rapidly from a linear material flow to one that includes an increasing number of emerging technolo- gies and digital connectivity. It's no secret that robotics, physical systems and other innova- tions are creating new, previously unthinkable capabilities in modern supply chains such as 24/7 connectivity, enhanced visibility, and effi- ciency. Supply chain professionals are drawing on digital innovations from other areas of the business to create a three-phase closed loop supply chain digital transformation (Figure 1): • Physical-to-digital: Capturing information from the physical world to create a digital record of the supply chain and what's hap- pening in it. Examples of these innovations include sensors, controls, GPS, wearables, and 3D scanning. • Digital-to-digital: Harnessing the power of advanced algorithms and machine-to-machine communication to enable advanced analytics Figure 1: All businesses are now digital businesses.