CONNECT WITH US

FFG, university team up to launch smart supply chains initiative

Chloe Liao, Taichung; Adam Hwang, DIGITIMES Asia

Machine tool maker Fair Friend Group (FFG) and Tunghai University's Industrial Smart-Transformation Center (ISTC) have jointly launched an initiative seeking to turn Taiwan into a global hub of smart supply chains, according to ISTC CEO Huang Chi-yuan.

Global supply chains are being reshuffled in the wake of the US-China trade tensions and coronavirus pandemic, Huang said.

Taiwan, with its comprehensive IT supply chains, excellent medical services, strong manufacturing capabilities, and geographical proximity to China, India and Southeast Asia, stands a good chance of becoming a global hub of smart supply chains, Huang noted.

Different from smart manufacturing, smart supply chains link supply chain makers around the world, Huang indicated. The Re!Chain initiative aims to create a global management and coordinating center in Taiwan to link manufacturing resources around the world using cloud computing, AI, big data and IoT technologies, Huang explained.

Re!Chain will also seek to help Taiwanese industries transform toward smart operations and establish international links through cross-region and cross-domain alliances, Huang noted.

Re!Chain has several strategic and technological partners, including WPG Holdings, Teco Electric & Machinery, ShareHope Medicine, Ernst & Young Taiwan, Merry Electronics, CRIS, Fusion$360, and United Financial Intelligence.