What are the latest trends in operations management, supply chain management and operations research?

Aside from "big data", topics on health care are getting more popular.

RFID in logistics: http://www.impinj.com/blog/leading-businesses-improve-operations-with-rfid-in-logistics/

1. Supply chain finance and unscaled network 2. Software-definded supply chain caused by the expansion of some revolutionary technology，such as 3D printing, intelligent robotic , open source patent

The current trend in Supply Chain Management can be summed up with the simple phrase " The Right product, in the Right place at the Right time". Amazon and Walmart continue to work on the systems and distribution to drive the "Right Time" to as close to immediate as possible, putting immense pressure on the competition. As consumers experience these improvements they will naturally buy from those that supply it. Food continues to be the area that multiple companies are attempting to supply quickly, efficiently and directly to the consumers address. Currently of the $680 Billion spent yearly on food (not including purchasing from restaurants) less than $22 Billion is delivered directly to the home.

I believe "Big Data" is a very hot topic in logistics/scm/OR world. But most of news/industry publications cover only Big Data software and its potential. There is not much from theoretical perspective.

The use of information and technology in building smarter and scalable operations is definitely big in operations research. This is visible in the amount of time,money and research being invested in automation,scalability,smart technology,big data and analytics etc.

Day be day latest trends keeps changing the entire world. I would like to share few those latest trends in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management and Research. Agile - The New Lean: Agile methodology is an alternative to traditional project management, typically used in software development. It helps teams respond to unpredictability through incremental, iterative work cadences, known as sprints. Agile methodologies are an alternative to waterfall, or traditional sequential development.Considering individualization and growing complexity, the lean concept is, however, no longer sufficient. Now and in the future, processes in the supply chain must rather be agile or, more clearly, flexible and interactive, ensuring high-quality delivery results. To expand upon Agile in the supply chain management model, agile supply chain management stands for the ability to cope with unforeseen events through the use of lightning-fast decision making. The implementation of this management approach requires more than just the commitment of those involved. An additional technological component is essential and enables people to deal with the unplannable.Achieving agile leadership skills is actually more of a process than a supply chain trend.2. Supply Chains will Look to Go Digital:Digital technology is disrupting traditional operations and now every business is a digital business. The impact on supply chain management is particularly great. Businesses cannot unlock the full potential of digital without reinventing their supply chain strategy.Many companies understand the elemental nature of these changes and are already working to introduce digital technology into their operations. However, simply adding digital technology is not the answer.This approach overlooks the fundamental difference between traditional supply chains that have been “digitally enhanced” and truly integrated, re-invented supply chains whose DNA is fundamentally digital.For digital technology to create significant improvement in business outcomes, businesses need to: Reinvent their supply chain strategy Re imagine supply chain as a digital supply network (DSN) that unites not just physical flows but also talent, information and finance. This new breed of supply chain is more connected, intelligent, scalable and rapid than traditional supply chain management. In a metaphorical sense, the DSN enables people and data—as well as materials, products and supplies—to travel together across the extended enterprise. This is vastly different from digitally enhanced supply chains which (because they are never stronger than their weakest links) have less potential to help companies: Develop new synergies Relate more fully to customers Rapidly reach new markets and quickly build and scale new offerings In today’s global and connected economy, digital supply chains are the on-ramp to innovation and success. And if you want to be among the winners, you need to get on the highway and go fast. Start today by re-imagining your supply chain. Develop digital strategies that allow you to proactively evolve ahead of the competition. Employ comprehensive solutions that support the entire source-to-settle process and create value for all parties involved in it.

Technology is empowering all these sectors to creat possibilities that may have seemed impossible a few years ago.How Is IoT Disruption Solving Logistic Complexities?http://www.osplabs.com/insights/the-logistic-reality-of-tomorrow/http://www.osplabs.com/insights/iot-disruption/http://cerasis.com/2015/01/14/future-of-logistics/Hope it’s a good read!

Innovation in strategic consulting and supply chain and look out for sources who are doing innovation, green projects.