Can you imagine driverless semi-trucks rumbling down I-70? How about technology in retail stores that can predict your behavior and instantly help you find the merchandise you want to buy? No, this isn’t an episode of The Jetsons. It is the future made possible by new technology in the supply chain industry, and Kansas City is leading the way!
KCSmartPort recently held its Annual Industry Briefing with presenting technology sponsor DSI Global, which focused on how technology is revolutionizing the supply chain industry. The EDC was also proud to help sponsor this important event.
The supply chain encompasses all the people, industries, processes, and technologies involved in moving a product from the supplier to the end consumer. Kansas City is a major player in the supply chain industry. Our location at the intersection of four major interstate highways (I-35, I-70, I-29, I-49), and at the heart of a rail corridor spanning coast-to-coast across the US and from Canada to Mexico, make KC a prime location for shipping.
Mark Heinrich, GM of strategic sourcing and supply chain management for Microsoft, was the keynote speaker at the KCSmartport event and recognized the impact Kansas City has on the entire country.
“When you talk about logistics and the technology revolution going on in the U.S., logistics is the new manufacturing,” said Heinrich. “This is especially true in Kansas City where you can almost reach the entire U.S. population within 48 hours by truck. The thing that’s amazing to see is how this is changing the face of the workforce in Kansas City.”
Industry leaders from across the country discussed the future of the supply chain and its impact on Kansas City.
According to KCSmartPort President, Chris Gutierrez, Kansas City’s Smart City collaboration with Cisco, Sprint, Think Big Partners, and other major local collaborators has attracted the attention of the entire country. KC SmartPort is a non-profit economic development organization that works to attract freight-based companies, such as manufacturing, distribution and warehouses, to the 18 county, bi-state Kansas City region.
“The KC region is recognized nationally for innovative approaches to community planning and development,” says Gutierrez. “Our region will receive significant Federal funding to implement Smart Transportation in partnership with Google, and Cisco has picked KC to be one of the world’s first Smart Cities, which is kind of a big deal.”
New advances in wearable technology and tablet applications can provide real-time data to decision makers, leading to greater efficiency and lower costs. Jeff Risley, Business Development leader for Bartlett & West, says facilities such as Centerpoint’s new Intermodal Centerin South Kansas City will benefit.
“New technology is going to rock the transportation industry’s world,” says Risley. “If warehouse owners can start thinking about how technology can help them be more efficient, it will set them up for future success.”
Projects such as the Streetcar & Smart City initiative are establishing Kansas City as a leader in the supply chain industry.
While driverless semi-trucks may not be on the immediate horizon, Kansas City is ripe for entrepreneurs and businesses to innovate with technology and create “smart” solutions for the supply chain industry.
“Technology is something we need to learn how to embrace and use to solve problems,” says Gutierrez. “In Kansas City, we are proud to carry that innovative thinking into discussions around making our regional supply chain companies more successful in today’s global marketplace.”
To learn more about how the supply chain is impacting Kansas City, Missouri, please visit KC SmartPort’s website.