Over the last few years, companies across the supply chain have learned to survive disruption using an array of tools and strategies. One of the most successful tools, especially in the wake of COVID-19, has been digitization. Companies that have abandoned antiquated forms of record-keeping and analysis such as paper, email, or PDF in favor of integrated, cloud-based systems, have found themselves in the best positions to withstand disruption and outperform their competitors.

The shift to digitization is not an easy one though. Many companies have wisely started the process, investing in enterprise resource planning (ERP), search engine marketing (SEM), and other key technologies. But without a unifying system to integrate these tools not just internally but also with external partners, those companies will start to suffer from information sprawl, which can snowball into a host of other challenges.

To avoid this, businesses can invest in a cloud-based, scalable business-to-business (B2B) integration platform, which ensures quality data exchange and improved visibility down the supply chain. Ken Clark, director of product marketing at OpenText, discusses the benefits of digital transformation and how integration is an essential part of this process.

The cloud and artificial intelligence have proven to be game changers for companies that have done this, he says. “The scalability of the cloud allows you to start small to build a foundation while retaining day-to-day control through self-service tools. Then as you grow, you can take advantage of a fully managed B2B integration service.”

Whether you choose a self-service integration service or a fully managed one, the switch to cloud-based, fully integrated technology is no longer a luxury in today’s supply chain but an imperative. Without integration, companies lack visibility, leaving them vulnerable to a host of residual challenges and risks. Those that both digitize and invest in integration technology will lead the way into the inevitable future.

Please CLICK HERE to download the white paper.