Startup

The evolution of job roles: how traditional roles are adapting to technological advancements

Published

2 weeks ago

October 24, 2024

admin

A decade ago, procurement managers found themselves staring at a mountain of paperwork, trying to finalise a critical deal for a company. The clock was ticking, and every delay meant a ripple effect across the supply chain. They must have thought, “There has to be a better way.”

Back then, supply chain roles were all about manual effort, gut decisions, and constant firefighting. A report named Anvyl’s “2023 Supply Chain Outlook,” revealed that nearly 60% of small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) faced significant revenue losses in 2022 due to supply chain disruptions. These disruptions highlighted the importance of moving away from old methods and embracing newer, tech-enabled solutions.

Today, that world looks entirely different. Technology is transforming traditional roles into more strategic, data-driven ones. What was once a reactive process has become proactive, thanks to new-age tech including AI, IoT, and data analytics. But how are these changes shaping the future of supply chain jobs?

The transformative impact of technology on job roles

Technology has revolutionised job roles across industries, reshaping how tasks are performed and redefining skill requirements. Automation and AI are streamlining processes, allowing employees to focus on higher-level strategic work rather than routine tasks.

Reports suggest that technological advancements will impact job roles in 77% of organisations over the next five years. AI and automation are leading the charge. 75% of companies are already using or planning to adopt these technologies.

Here’s how these developments are redefining job roles and the skills required in the modern workforce.

1. The rise of hybrid job roles

The rise of hybrid job roles is transforming the future of work! As technology advances, this flexible model merges remote and on-site work, letting employees choose when and where they thrive. Perfect for computer-based tasks, it boosts productivity and engagement. 20-25% of workers can now operate remotely several days a week without losing momentum. Embracing hybrid work isn’t just a trend; it’s the key to creating agile, resilient workplaces!

2. Data-driven decision making

When businesses began expanding globally, the flood of data was overwhelming. There was this standard industry practice of making decisions based on previous data. This “rearview mirror approach” was no longer appropriate. Real-time information was what was needed to stay on top. This real-time data would be processed into critical insights. Now, with advanced analytics, we can foresee problems before they arise and adjust our strategies in real-time.

The Internet of Things (IoT) has taken supply chain visibility to a whole new level. We are no longer in the dark about where shipments were or when they’d arrive. While data analytics and IOT provide valuable insights, artificial intelligence develops understanding based on the available data.

Today, AI models have already been trained to pre-empt problems and make recommendations accordingly. For instance, Amazon employed AI strategies to make predictions on sales demand for over 400 million products on 2023 Cyber Monday, increasing its supply chain by 75%.

3. Reskilling and upskilling

To navigate technological evolution, a strategic approach to reskilling and upskilling is crucial. 60% of organisations are aggressively investing in training programmes. Experts and broader trends emphasise the importance of these initiatives in preparing a future-ready workforce through corporate training programmes, partnerships with educational institutions, government initiatives, and online learning platforms.

4. New job titles and roles

Technology is not about taking jobs away from people. It is about enabling people to focus on more important and impactful tasks. Advanced analytics have supplanted traditional statistical methods, enabling data scientists to anticipate market shifts and develop competitive strategies.

New roles are emerging:

1. IoT Specialists: IoT specialists are crucial to ensure seamless connectivity across networks. They design and implement IoT solutions that enable devices to communicate and share data effectively. They ensure real-time monitoring and control and drive efficiency. By integrating IoT technologies, these specialists help organisations collect valuable data, improve decision-making, and respond swiftly to changes in the market.

2. AI and Machine Learning Experts: AI and machine learning experts refine algorithms that align AI tools with organisational goals. They analyse vast amounts of data to develop predictive models and optimise processes, ensuring that AI systems are effective and tailored to meet specific business needs.

3. Supply Chain Strategists: Supply chain strategists take a holistic approach to supply chain management, looking beyond day-to-day operations to identify new opportunities for growth. They analyse market trends, assess competitive landscapes, and forge strategic relationships with suppliers, distributors, and partners. By understanding the bigger picture, these strategists help organisations develop proactive strategies that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall performance. Their insights are vital for driving innovation, expanding market reach, and ensuring long-term sustainability in a rapidly changing business environment.

4. The Supergrid Hero: The Supergrid Hero is a champion of the emerging supergrid ecosystems poised to transform the supply chain landscape. They are strategic and visionary leaders who can bring together competitors and logistics companies to build a more connected network for transportation and communication. By fostering collaboration, they can minimise operational risks, streamline fulfilment processes, and promote decarbonisation efforts.

Embracing the future

Technology allows us to move away from repetitive, manual tasks and focus on innovation, strategy, and growth. The faster organisations adapt, the quicker they gain a competitive edge. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and leveraging real-time data analytics, companies can successfully navigate the demands of the future, unlocking new opportunities and ensuring resilience in a dynamic landscape. The future of work is here. The question for the C-suite is not whether to embrace new technologies, but how quickly to do so.

(Sandeep Goel, Managing Director, Moglix)

(Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of YourStory.)

Source link

Post Views: 12

Startup

Flipkart selects five startups for third cohort of Flipkart Leap Innovation Network

Published

54 mins ago

November 7, 2024

admin

Flipkart has selected five innovative startups for the third cohort of its flagship startup accelerator programme, Flipkart Leap Innovation Network (FLIN).

The cohort is introducing startups that are driving advancements across GenAI, omnichannel, analytics, and video commerce, the company said in a statement.

The selected startups— Intelligence Node, Invenzo Labs, StoryBrain, Phyllo, and D-ID— are set to run pilot programs with Flipkart to develop solutions.

“The selected startups get access to mentorship, resources, and the opportunity to execute pilot projects within the Flipkart ecosystem, scaling their solutions to meet the demands of India’s digital economy and e-commerce growth,” the company said.

Since its launch in 2022, the accelerator programme aims to accelerate the growth of the startup ecosystem in India, driving collaboration, and championing cutting-edge retail innovations.

“Through the FLIN programme, Flipkart continues to expand its role as a catalyst for innovation within India’s startup ecosystem, providing a collaborative platform for startups to test, refine, and deploy solutions that can shape the future of e-commerce in India,” said Naren Ravula, Vice President and Head – Product Strategy and Flipkart Labs.

The programme is designed to engage with startups through commercial partnerships in Flipkart’s areas of interest. Successful startups get the opportunity to scale up to a business partnership.

Over 20 startups from the initial two cohorts have concluded pilots working closely with the Flipkart Product and Engineering teams.

The company added that four startups from the previous cohort— Anagog, Speedsize, Sangti, and Vtion— have recently concluded successful pilot projects with Flipkart.

Source link

Post Views: 0

Startup

Thesys secures $4M funding led by Together Fund

Published

2 hours ago

November 7, 2024

admin

AI startup Thesys bags $4 million funding in a round led by Together Fund. The round also saw participation from 8VC, the company said in a statement.

The startup will use the funding to bridge the gap of user experience with AI agents. As a visual collaboration tool, the company will also provide a platform that will enable businesses to ideate, visualise, and ship intelligent experiences at scale.

“The way we engage with technology is changing faster than ever. Static interfaces simply don’t meet the demands of today’s AI-capabilities…At Thesys, we’re building tools that make it possible for businesses to adapt and thrive in this new era,” said Parikshit Deshmukh, Co-founder, Thesys.

This evolution is about unlocking the full potential of AI-driven interactions and delivering unparalleled user experiences, he added.

“The future of AI relies as much on intuitive, adaptive interfaces as it does on backend capabilities. Thesys’ vision for Generative UI aligns perfectly with Together Fund’s commitment to enabling founders who are redefining the user experience,” said Manav Garg, Co-founder and managing partner of Together Fund.

“By empowering teams to create real-time, personalized interactions, Thesys is setting a new standard for AI-driven interfaces. We’re excited to support their journey in transforming the role of design and development tools for the next generation of AI applications,” he added.

The company, founded by Rabi Shanker Guha and Parikshit Deshmukh this year, emerged from the understanding of the need to provide support in the shift towards AI-driven interfaces, it said.

“Thesys envisions a future where all interfaces dynamically adjust to each user’s behavior, preferences, and needs—driven by what the company calls “Generative UI”. Unlike traditional static interfaces that rely on predefined paths, Generative UI uses AI to create unique, adaptive user interfaces on-the-fly, allowing businesses to provide truly personalized digital experiences,” the company added.

The company plans to launch a UI SDK that is set to enable developers to seamlessly integrate Generative UI into their applications. Additionally, post its closed beta launch, the company plans a general availability (GA) with its product within the next quarter positioning itself as the go-to product toolkit for businesses looking to stay ahead in the AI revolution.

“Thesys is pioneering a transformative shift in UI design workflows by integrating AI-driven adaptability… Their Generative UI approach aligns with our commitment to investing in technologies that drive innovation in user experiences,” said Bhaskar Ghosh, partner at 8VC.

Source link

Post Views: 1

Startup

BrowserStack launches AI-driven Low Code Automation tool

Published

3 hours ago

November 7, 2024

admin

Software testing platform BrowserStack has rolled out Low Code Automation, a solution to simplify test automation for quality assurance teams, developers, and non-technical users.

The newly launched solution will address challenges faced by software teams, including manual testing delays and complex automation frameworks, BrowserStack said in a statement.

While traditional test automation requires coding expertise by often limiting non-technical testers to contribute, this tool allows user—irrespective of their technical background—to create and manage AI-driven automated tests without writing code. Users can also use BrowserStack’s cloud infrastructure for reliable test execution.

“(The AI-powered Low-Code Automation (LCA) simplifies the process of building and maintaining test automation suites compared to traditional tools like Selenium. It reduces the steep learning curve and complexity often associated with automation projects, leading to a quicker return on investment (ROI),” Chintan Doshi, Director of Product Management at BrowserStack, told YourStory.

To support development teams worldwide, Low Code Automation speeds up testing cycles, boosts product quality, and enhances user experience by reducing technical barriers.

“Citizen testers—such as business analysts, product managers, and customer support teams—can easily add validations and create automated tests with the test recorder, without requiring coding skills. This reduces their dependency on developers and QAs and empowers them to actively contribute to testing efforts,” Doshi explained.

Founded in 2011 by Ritesh Arora and Nakul Aggarwal, BrowserStack provides a cloud-based platform for developers to test websites and mobile apps across devices, operating systems, and browsers on demand.

With headquarters in San Francisco and Mumbai, the company has expanded its product line to include over 15 products, of which 10 were launched in the past 18 months.

In August, the Accel-backed firm acquired Berlin-based Bird Eats Bug, an advanced bug-reporting tool. The acquisition aims to address the existing gaps in bug reporting and streamline fragmented testing workflows.

Source link

Post Views: 0