Tag Archives: plans

WHAT ARE THE FUTURE PLANS FOR THE LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN TERMS OF ENHANCEMENTS AND UPDATES

The library management system has served the needs of patrons and staff well for many years. To continue meeting the evolving needs of library users and take advantage of new technologies, we have outlined an ambitious roadmap for upgrades and new features over the next 5 years.

One key area of focus will be modernizing the user interface and user experience. The current interface remains text-heavy and can be unintuitive for new users. Our goal is to implement a fully responsive design that adapts well to any device like desktops, laptops, tablets and phones. This will improve accessibility. We also plan to incorporate more visual elements like images, animations and intuitive icons to guide users. The navigation will be redesigned to be simpler and more logical. Features like single sign-on and integration with library apps will enhance seamless access.

On the backend, we aim to migrate away from the legacy database structure and code to a modern, scalable and modular architecture built on open standards. This will improve integration capabilities and allow for agile development. Database normalization will optimize performance and the new system will leverage cloud-based services for high availability. APIs will also be exposed to enable other library systems or third-party services to interact with our system.

Enhancing the cataloging workflow remains a top priority. We intend to roll out machine learning and AI-based tools to automate repetitive tasks like metadata extraction, authority control and duplicate detection. This will help reduce manual effort and error rates. There will also be improved support for linked, standardized vocabularies and ontologies. Cataloging processes will leverage these to enrich and connect resources in meaningful ways.

For patrons, one major initiative is improving search and discovery. A next-generation search engine will index all types of content. Features like auto-complete, did-you-mean, spelling correction, semantic search, related terms and personalized recommendations will provide a more intuitive search experience. Users will be able to search across the full text of eBooks, audiobooks as well as metadata. Integrated resource discovery will allow searching across multiple databases through a single search interface for a unified experience.

We aim to put digital content at the forefront by enriching eBook, audiobook and media collections. This includes expanding content via purchases based on user demand and availability. Platform partnerships with major publishers will provide convenient access options. Additional features like bookmarks, annotations, adjustable reading settings and integrated translation capabilities will enhance the eReading experience. An eBook manager will facilitate online and offline access across devices.

Patron services will see upgrades with functionality like customizable accounts, integrated reading lists, personalized saved searches and alerts. A streamlined interlibrary loan system will speed up resource sharing regionally. Mobile apps for key platforms will better serve on-the-go needs of users through innovative features and integration with other library tools.

On the systems management side, improved analytics dashboards will provide data-driven insights into collections, user behavior and service delivery. Automated reports on various KPIs will assist evidence-based decision making. Staff will benefit from unified workflows, enhanced communication channels and integrated room booking/resources reservation systems. Back-end analytics may point to optimization opportunities like under-utilized resources which could see refreshed focus or funding.

Physical spaces and services will be modernized based on current and anticipated patron needs and preferences. A robust maker-space will provide tools and training for creativity, learning and productive use of technology. Meeting spaces can host activities, lectures, tutorials and community gatherings. The library will serve as an anchor institution for enrichment programs which complement academic goals.

Over the next half-decade our goal is to completely revamp infrastructure, transform digital capabilities and elevate user experience through strategic use of emerging technologies. By keeping patrons’ evolving needs and maximizing community impact at the core of strategic planning, the library aims to continue delivering excellent services well into the future. Input from stakeholders at all levels will be valuable to successfully execute this roadmap.

CAN YOU PROVIDE MORE DETAILS ON HOW WIPRO PLANS TO FURTHER AUTOMATE ITS SUPPLY CHAIN USING BLOCKCHAIN AND AI?

Wipro sees enormous potential to leverage emerging technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) to transform its global supply chain operations and drive greater efficiencies. As one of the largest global sourcing companies in the world with a vast network of suppliers, manufacturing partners, shippers and clients, Wipro’s supply chain is tremendously complex with visibility and trust issues across the extended ecosystem.

Blockchain technology is well-suited to address these challenges by creating a distributed, shared immutable record of all supply chain transactions and events on an encrypted digital ledger. Wipro is exploring the development of a private permissioned blockchain network that connects all key entities in its supply chain on a single platform. This would enable instant, direct sharing of information between suppliers, manufacturers, shippers, clients and Wipro in a secure and transparent manner without any intermediaries.

All purchase orders, forecasts, inventory levels, shipment details, payments etc. can be recorded on the blockchain in real-time. This level of visibility and traceability allows Wipro and partners to better coordinate activities, proactively manage risks and disruptions, balance inventories more efficiently and automate manual processes. For example, purchase orders raised by Wipro get automatically transmitted over the blockchain network to suppliers who initiate manufacturing and log finished goods into blockchain-tracked warehouses.

Smart contracts programmed with business logic can then drive automated release of goods to shippers once invoices are paid. Clients have direct access to view shipment details, intervene if needed and release payments which again get recorded on the blockchain. Such a networked system promotes collaborative planning, faster fulfillment of demand swings and builds transparency critical for reducing disputes. The audit trail on the immutable blockchain also strengthens compliance with regulations like counterfeit elimination.

Over time, as transaction data accumulates on the blockchain, Wipro intends to apply advanced AI/ML techniques to gain valuable insights hidden within. Predictive forecasting models can analyze seasonality patterns and order histories to more accurately project client demands. Computer vision coupled with IoT sensor data from factory floors and warehouses would enable remote monitoring of manufacturing and inventory levels in real-time. Anomaly detection algorithms can flag issues at the earliest for quick resolution.

Suppliers identified as underperforming on quality or delivery metrics through predictive analytics may undergo capability building initiatives for continual improvement. Machine learning recommendations systems can also guide tactical sourcing and logistics decisions. For instance, optimal shipping routes and carrier selections based on predictive transit times, risks of delays etc. All these insights when embedded into supply chain processes and systems through automation stands to deliver significant efficiency and savings to Wipro.

Wipro aims to develop such an advanced digital supply network as a competitive differentiator and also shared platform to support clients looking to digitally transform their own supplier ecosystems. Opportunities exist to expand this shared network to encompass other stakeholders as well like freight forwarders, customs authorities etc. Over the next 3-5 years, Wipro will focus on gradually onboarding all strategic suppliers and key functions onto the blockchain network through change management efforts and incentivization. Parallel tech development will refine the system based on early pilots to maximize benefits across domains like sourcing, inventory, manufacturing, logistics and vendor performance management.

Challenges around encouraging voluntary participation across the fragmented global supply base, interoperability between disparate legacy systems and data privacy & governance would need careful attention. Steady progress in core areas like digitization of paper-based workflows, standardization of EDI protocols etc. will support blockchain enablement. Wipro is committed to pursue this ambitious digital supply chain initiative responsibly through an open innovation model involving partners, startups, academicians and clients. If successful, it has the potential to redefine efficiency, trust and collaboration within supply networks worldwide.