An enabler is an area that supports more advanced supply chain and risk management initiatives.  The two enablers I would like to discuss are Information Technology and Measurement Systems.  All four enablers are very productive to keeping supply chains operating and moving during times of risk and help prevent a plan rather than a reaction.

Information Technology has become an important asset to not just the supply chain, but organizations of all types.  IT has been used for artificial intelligence to help predict trends, cyber software to protect systems from invasion, and even through the use of lifetime tracking.  It is important for organizations in the supply chain to use IT to support risk management.  One of the biggest advantages of IT in supply chains is real time tracking using GPS and live time inventory of products that may be placed all around the globe at multiple facilities.  This can also be used to look at trends and monitor sales and inventory to help predict future trends and movements.  You could also pick any company and see where IT is involved somewhere in the industry.  One that I know of from experience is Penske.  They are a contributor to cold chain movement and have implemented sensors and monitors in their cold trucks to ensure the temperatures stay where they need to during transit and allow for instant adjustments from the driver or dispatchers to ensure food is properly shipped.

The second enable is measurement systems.  Measurement systems is another useful tool to prevent risk management.  Most organizations use some type of this to track information on sales.  However, are companies using measurement systems to mitigate potential risk when they do occur.  Through the use of measuring systems, you can get factual information that allows for individuals to make decisions based on the facts and not so much by assumption.  This is also looked at by using the data to see how new production is going and if it is worth continuing.  Apple is a company who uses measurement systems very well.  They only will produce the amount of an item they have measured and predicted to cut down on the amount of inventory that potentially would be wasted.  These are just small examples and descriptions of how enablers can be used to help prevent risk and be prepared.

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