List of Top Picks in 2017 - Sequel Edition

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The year 2017 saw a surge of interest in the evolution of technology and strategy development for the future, with the topic of Industry 4.0 dominating the discourse. This was evident in a blog post published on December 12, 2017, by a platform owned by Mortson Enterprises Inc., which became the number one read article of the second half of the year.

The platform, which had a productive first year, published a large number of articles contributed by industry leaders, attracting readers and contributors from various parts of the world and diverse industries. The article in question, titled "Industry 4.0: A Blueprint for Success," provided an infographic by Rob Memery at 2Flow, which depicted the definition, history, elements, challenges, enabling technologies, and blueprint for Industry 4.0 success.

Industry 4.0, coined in 2011, represents the advancement of Robotics, IoT, Artificial Intelligence, and various technologies. The article discussed the implications for Manufacturing, Operations, and the Digital Supply Chain of the future, and highlighted the top 10 Supply Chain skills of the future.

While a direct top 10 list of the most popular supply chain and technology articles specifically from the second half of 2017 is not readily available, the following key themes and topics were likely popular in supply chain and technology discussions, as these have been consistent focal points in supply chain literature and have evolved into 2025 trends:

Digital transformation of supply chains, including the emergence of digital supply chain management platforms and the evolution of integrated business planning (IBP).
The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in enhancing supply chain forecasting, planning, and automation.
Supply chain risk management and strategies for derisking global supply chains amid geopolitical and market uncertainties.
Sustainability in supply chains, including the use of cloud ERP systems, smart devices, and green technologies like electric vehicles and 3D printing to improve environmental impact.
Blockchain adoption for ensuring transparency and compliance in supply networks.
Advances in warehouse planning and logistics software tools for better inventory and distribution management.
Use of IoT and robotics for automation and real-time supply chain visibility.
Freight and transport innovations, including intermodal and LTL freight improvements.
Case studies on supply chain resilience in manufacturing and healthcare sectors.
Supply chain leadership and its link to top company performance, reflecting managerial best practices since 2017.

For a more comprehensive list of articles from that timeframe, it is recommended to consult dedicated archives of leading supply chain publications such as Supply Chain Management Review, SupplyChainBrain, or academic databases.

In addition to Industry 4.0, other noteworthy discussions included the impact of Millennials on marketing and how to engage them effectively, as well as the growing interest in technological advancements in warehouses and distribution centers. The wildly popular game Farmville also involved managing the Supply Chain of a farm, reflecting the increasing integration of supply chain concepts in everyday life.

Lastly, the article invited readers to share their stories, experiences, or expertise through a Guest Post Form, further solidifying the platform's commitment to fostering open dialogue and collaboration in the supply chain and technology community. Indirect Procurement, an important but often overlooked expenditure area in companies, was also touched upon, emphasising the platform's broad scope and relevance to various sectors.

References:

[1] "Top 10 Supply Chain Trends for 2017." Supply Chain Management Review. (2017). https://www.scmr.com/article/top-10-supply-chain-trends-for-2017

[2] "The 10 Most Important Supply Chain Trends for 2017." SupplyChainBrain. (2017). https://www.supplychainbrain.com/articles/188622-the-10-most-important-supply-chain-trends-for-2017

[3] "Supply Chain Leadership: The Link to Top Company Performance." Supply Chain Management Review. (2017). https://www.scmr.com/article/supply-chain-leadership-the-link-to-top-company-performance

[4] "Freight Transportation Trends 2017." Transport Topics. (2017). https://www.ttnews.com/articles/freight-transportation-trends-2017

The surge in technology development and strategy discussions in 2017 also included the importance of finance in procurement and business decisions within the digital supply chain industry, as highlighted in various articles published by leading supply chain publications.
The lifeblood of any successful digital supply chain is its procurement strategy, and technology plays a crucial role in optimizing this process. Companies in the industry 4.0 era are investing in digital platforms for better automation, distribution, and finance management.
As the digital supply chain continues to evolve, technology is expected to streamline procurement processes, enhance digital transformation, and improve collaboration across various industries. Financial management, business strategy, and industry-specific needs will all play key roles in shaping the future of the digital supply chain.