Page 12 - Logistics News - September - October 2021
P. 12
O P I N ION
Social media in supply chains –
ti me to hit the ‘like’ butt on?
By Arno Meyer, arnom@richfi eld.ac.za and Aveshin Reddy,
aveshinr@richfi eld.ac.za of Richfi eld Graduate Insti tute of Technology
There’s no doubt that social media has changed the world since its mainstream adoption into
society, considerably impacting a business’s reputation, sales and even survival.
ave Willis was quoted saying, “Do not increasingly embracing the platform as a tool to
use social media to impress people, use extend their online presence and generate new
Dit to impact people.” This bold statement revenue streams.
encapsulates the exponential growth of the social
media phenomenon. Social media is described as online applications
and technologies that enable participation, creating
Historically, businesses implemented regulations relationships, sharing information and collaboration
prohibiting employees from accessing social media amongst a community of users. Similarly, supply
platforms while at work. However, over the last few chain management relies on the internet and IT
years, to keep ahead of the competition in today’s innovations to create virtual communities and
market, this belief has shifted to the contrary. networks to collaborate between supply chain
Instead of avoiding social media, businesses are partners.
L O GI S T I CS NEWS
10 SEP T E MB E R/O CT O B E R 2021 www .l o g ist i csn e w s .c o .z a
