Supply Chain Technology and Systems

Course Description

This advanced-level course, "Supply Chain Technology and Systems," offered by MITx, is an essential component of the MicroMasters® Program in Supply Chain Management. It delves into the technological aspects of supply chain management, focusing on fundamental concepts, core systems, and data analysis. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of how technology is integrated into supply chain operations, emphasizing the principles that remain constant despite rapidly evolving software and hardware.

What Students Will Learn

• Fundamental IT concepts and their application in supply chain management
• Overview of major supply chain software systems (ERP, WMS, TMS)
• Data modeling, UML, and relational databases
• Internet technologies, including XML, web services, and service-oriented architectures
• Project management and software processes in supply chain contexts
• Software selection, upgrade, and implementation strategies
• Data analysis techniques, including visualization and big data analysis

Prerequisites

While not strictly required, it is recommended that students have completed the following courses:

• CTL.SC0x Supply Chain Analytics
• CTL.SC1x Supply Chain Fundamentals
• CTL.SC2x Supply Chain Design
• CTL.SC3x Supply Chain Dynamics

No prior programming experience is required for this course.

Course Content

• IT fundamentals and project management
• Data modeling and UML
• Relational databases and SQL
• Internet technologies (XML, web services, service-oriented architectures)
• ERP, WMS, and TMS systems
• Software selection and implementation processes
• Data visualization techniques
• Big data analysis in supply chain management

Who This Course Is For

• Supply chain professionals looking to enhance their technological skills
• IT professionals interested in specializing in supply chain systems
• Business managers seeking to understand the intersection of technology and supply chain management
• Students pursuing a career in supply chain management or logistics
• Professionals involved in software selection and implementation for supply chain operations

Real-World Application of Skills

The skills acquired in this course are directly applicable to real-world supply chain operations. Learners will be able to:

• Make informed decisions about supply chain software selection and implementation
• Effectively manage technology-driven projects in supply chain environments
• Analyze and interpret large datasets to drive supply chain efficiencies
• Understand and leverage emerging technologies in supply chain operations
• Bridge the gap between IT and supply chain management teams
• Optimize supply chain processes through better utilization of technology
• Contribute to the digital transformation of supply chain operations in their organizations

By mastering these skills, learners will be well-positioned to drive innovation and efficiency in modern, technology-driven supply chains across various industries.