*Irish Exporters Association’s high-level seminar on the digital transformation of the traditional Supply Chain
*Series run in partnership with Rhenus Logistics, Iarnród Éireann – Irish Rail & Fleet Transport Magazine
The Irish Exporters Association hosted the second seminar of its 2019 Supply Chain Series with a focus on “Digitalisation and the Supply Chain”. The event brought together key stakeholders from Government, State Agencies and the exporting sector to discuss with participants the opportunities and challenges of the digital supply chain and Ireland’s response through the upcoming National Digital Strategy. Held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk, the seminar attracted industry professionals from the manufacturing, services and logistics sectors.
The 2019 Series focuses on practical and operational challenges for importers and exporters, addressing issues around customs, skills and training, transport, digitalisation, R&D and competitiveness. With keynotes by Barry Vaughan, Principle Officer, Department of the Taoiseach and John Conway, Senior Security and Governance Analyst, Office of the Data Protection Commissioner; seminar participants were briefed on the Government’s plans to promote the digital supply chain through the upcoming National Digital Strategy and the associated opportunities and challenges of securing the digital supply chain and personal data.
Two industry-expert panels featuring high-level speakers from Rhenus Logistics Ireland, Dolmen Design and Innovation, TurmecTeoranta, Microfocus and Assurehedge addressed the hands-on challenges and future opportunities of digitally transforming their traditional supply chains.
Commenting during the event, Simon McKeever, Chief Executive of the Irish Exporters Association, said: “Digitalisation is already transforming how businesses manage and streamline their internal and external operations. Current developments and upcoming advancements in 5G technology, autonomous driving, blockchain and distributed ledgers, artificial intelligence and cloud computing will only further transform the traditional business supply chain. To stay competitive in this changing environment, Ireland and Irish exporting businesses face significant challenges and opportunities when digitally transforming their business operations and supply chain.”
Declan Sinnott, Managing Director, Rhenus Logistics Ireland stated: “Rhenus Logistics is both proud and excited to continue our sponsorship of the IEA Supply Chain Series for a third year. Over the past two years the series has been a real platform for companies from many and varied industries to demonstrate true innovation and collaboration, share experiences and knowhow as we each take on the challenge of growing our respective businesses in often difficult circumstances. Rhenus Logistics and our colleagues in Avant Air and Sea look forward to supporting and helping IEA members address any challenges that lie ahead in 2019 and beyond.”
Glenn Carr, General Manager Freight Rail/Road & Rosslare Europort and Iarnród Éireann – Irish Rail commented: “The Irish Exporters Association Supply Chain programme offered the opportunity for us to showcase our Rail Freight, Navigator Road Agency and Rosslare Europort businesses. We are delighted to again have been a partner of Supply Chain Ireland in sponsoring the exciting and informative range of events and seminars organised for 2019. In particular, in sponsoring the events this year, we look forward to promoting in particular Rosslare Europort as the gateway port to Europe and the UK.”
Jarlath Sweeney, Group Editor/Director, Fleet Transport Magazine added: “Digitalisation is networking in a more sophisticated way through connectivity, 5G transmissions and hardware meeting ongoing software developments. The IEA is providing a platform or medium for all this technology to be presented, discovered and discussed by attendees at the event in Dundalk which as usual with these events will feature prominently in Fleet Transport and Handling Network magazines.”