ATU to Host OSCAR Spring Symposium during National Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week

The event is part of the National Logistics and Supply Chain Skills week which runs from March 27 to April 1. The symposium will run from 9:30 am to 2 pm and will centre around the theme of “Driving Competitiveness through Supply Chains and Operations”.

Attendees of the event will have the opportunity to hear presentations from OSCAR researchers on various projects that they have undertaken, as well as gain insights from two industry leaders. Tom Minnock, Head of Transport at DHL Supply Chain Ireland, will discuss the challenges of managing global supply chains from Ireland. Shane Coss, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Leader at Thermo King, will explore the Industry 4.0 transformation and its impact on supply chain.

Several global events have created immense difficulties for Irish public, private and third sector organisations. Supply chains have struggled as a result of the effects of Brexit and the Coronavirus pandemic. Legacy systems and outdated technologies within supply chains have buckled under pressure. Close to the date at which the United Kingdom left the European Union supply chains for major manufacturers and food retailers faced bottlenecks as a multitude of organisations sought to stockpile goods and materials.

At the same time the coronavirus pandemic placed unique challenges upon existing medical supply chains whereby specialist refrigeration and distribution technologies are required for the timely supply of vaccines. Furthermore, information security threats continue to create new types of challenges within supply chains of goods and services where new technologies are required to protect supply.

All the above factors underpin the need for a new strategic reflection under supply chain of the future. This need coincides with the mandate from the European Commission for the creation of a new type of sustainable design required to serve the needs of European citizens in several key strategic areas (Bauhaus). The supply chain of the future speaks to these specific channels identified by the European Commission and seeks to redress the challenges faced by Ireland as a geographically peripheral Island within the European Union.

The Operations and Supply Chain Research (OSCAR) is a multi-disciplinary programme that focuses on training, developing, and disseminating knowledge in operations and supply chain research, as well as advancing managerial practices through close interactions with industry and government agencies.

The OSCAR Spring Symposium promises to be an insightful event, providing attendees with valuable knowledge and an opportunity to network with professionals in the field. Interested individuals are encouraged to register for the event, which is sure to be a highlight of the National Logistics and Supply Chain Skills week.

The symposium is open to all by registering using this Eventbrite link.