Supply Chain Technology and Systems from edX

There are underlying fundamental principles and concepts that apply to all supply chains, which can be expressed in relatively straightforward models. However, to actually implement them across a real supply chain requires the use of technology across multiple systems. Supply chains have a long history of using technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The shear scale and scope of most supply chains require many distinct systems to interact with each other.

Unfortunately, technology is a moving target. It is constantly evolving and improving so that today's technology is outdated within a few years or months. Rather than focusing on a specific software system, this business and management course will focus on three aspects: fundamental concepts, core systems, and data analysis.

We will start with the introduction of fundamental concepts that are used in all software tools. We will cover IT fundamentals, including project management and software processes, data modeling, UML, relational databases and SQL. We will also introduce Internet technologies, such as XML, web services, and service-oriented architectures. No prior programming experience required.

We will then provide an overview of the main types of supply chain software including ERP, WMS, and TMS systems. We will describe their main functionality, how they work, how they are used, their architecture, data flows, and how they are organized into modules. We will also cover the software selection process and how software upgrade and implementation projects should be organized and managed.

Finally, we will dive into data analysis that is core to all large supply chains. We will introduce visualization and big data analysis techniques that are used in practice today.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Fundamental it concepts
Supply chain management systems

Analysis of data from supply chain systems

Fundamental it concepts
Supply chain management systems
Analysis of data from supply chain systems

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops data analysis techniques that are highly relevant to supply chains

Covers architecture and use of ERP, WMS, and TMS systems used in supply chains

Teaches IT fundamentals, including project management, software processes, data modeling, and UML

Uses relational databases and SQL to convey data modeling fundamentals

Introduces modern Internet technologies, including XML, web services, and service-oriented architectures

No prior programming experience is necessary to take this course

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Supply Chain Technology and Systems with these activities:

Review course syllabus

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Helps recall any previously acquired knowledge about supply chain management fundamentals and data analysis techniques.

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Read the course syllabus carefully
Identify key topics and learning objectives
Review any prerequisites and foundational concepts

Read 'Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation'

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Provides a comprehensive overview of supply chain management principles and best practices, complementing the course content.

View Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning,... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book
Read each chapter carefully and take notes
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises or case studies
Summarize key concepts and their relevance to the course

Answer questions on online forums

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Reinforces understanding through explaining concepts to others and engaging in discussions.

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Join online forums or discussion boards related to the course topics
Monitor discussions and identify questions that you can answer
Provide clear and helpful responses, citing relevant course materials

Four other activities

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Create a concept map

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Enhances understanding and retention of fundamental concepts and their interconnections in supply chain management.

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Identify key concepts and their relationships
Use a visual tool to create a conceptual map
Explain the connections and relationships between concepts

Explore supply chain software demos

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Provides hands-on experience with different types of supply chain software, deepening the understanding of their functionality.

Browse courses on ERP Systems

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Identify reputable vendors and their software offerings
Register for free trials or demos
Explore the software's features and interface

Solve data analysis exercises

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Strengthens analytical skills and reinforces data analysis concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on Data Analytics

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Find online resources or textbooks with practice datasets
Apply data analysis techniques to solve exercises
Interpret and draw insights from the results

Design a supply chain improvement plan

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Applies knowledge gained in the course to a real-world scenario, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on Supply Chain Management

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Identify a specific supply chain challenge or opportunity
Research and gather data on the current supply chain
Develop and analyze alternative improvement plans
Present the recommended plan and justify its benefits

Career center

Learners who complete Supply Chain Technology and Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Supply Chain Analyst

Supply Chain Analysts help organizations optimize their supply chains by improving efficiency and reducing costs. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental concepts of supply chain management, as well as an overview of the main types of supply chain software used in the industry. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a Supply Chain Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Analyst

Production Planner

Production Planners are responsible for planning and scheduling the production of goods and services. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental concepts of supply chain management, as well as an overview of the main types of supply chain software used in the industry. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a Production Planner.

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Transportation Manager

Transportation Managers are responsible for planning and managing the transportation of goods and materials. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental concepts of supply chain management, as well as an overview of the main types of supply chain software used in the industry. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a Transportation Manager.

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Warehouse Manager

Warehouse Managers are responsible for the efficient operation of warehouses and distribution centers. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental concepts of supply chain management, as well as an overview of the main types of supply chain software used in the industry. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a Warehouse Manager.

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Procurement Manager

Procurement Managers are responsible for sourcing and purchasing goods and services for an organization. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental concepts of supply chain management, as well as an overview of the main types of supply chain software used in the industry. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a Procurement Manager.

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Inventory Manager

Inventory Managers are responsible for planning and managing the flow of inventory through a supply chain. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental concepts of supply chain management, as well as an overview of the main types of supply chain software used in the industry. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as an Inventory Manager.

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Demand Planner

Demand Planners are responsible for forecasting demand for products and services. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental concepts of supply chain management, as well as an overview of the main types of supply chain software used in the industry. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a Demand Planner.

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Supply Chain Consultant

Supply Chain Consultants help organizations improve their supply chains by identifying and solving problems. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental concepts of supply chain management, as well as an overview of the main types of supply chain software used in the industry. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a Supply Chain Consultant.

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Logistics Manager

Logistics Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and coordinating the movement of goods and services from suppliers to customers. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental concepts of supply chain management, as well as an overview of the main types of supply chain software used in the industry. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a Logistics Manager.

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Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve problems in a variety of industries, including supply chain management. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental concepts of supply chain management, as well as an overview of the main types of supply chain software used in the industry. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as an Operations Research Analyst.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make better decisions. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental concepts of supply chain management, as well as an overview of the main types of supply chain software used in the industry. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a Data Analyst in the supply chain field.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental concepts of supply chain management, as well as an overview of the main types of supply chain software used in the industry. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a Project Manager in the supply chain field.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts help organizations improve their business processes by identifying and solving problems. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental concepts of supply chain management, as well as an overview of the main types of supply chain software used in the industry. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a Business Analyst in the supply chain field.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental concepts of supply chain management, as well as an overview of the main types of supply chain software used in the industry. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a Software Engineer in the supply chain field.

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IT Manager

IT Managers plan, organize, and direct the IT resources of an organization. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental concepts of supply chain management, as well as an overview of the main types of supply chain software used in the industry. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as an IT Manager in the supply chain field.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager