b'ViewpointsThe VA can leverage an ecosystem partner to drive requisitioning through the purchase order creation and maintenance processes. Benefits to the VA include: End-to-end automated system that removes complexity and allows users to manage the acquisition processes on a single, integrated platform Electronic document creation (e.g., goods andservices receipts) Email notifications to buyers and suppliers Single source of the truth in requisitioning and purchase order data and processes Another key ecosystem partner could assist with prebuilt inventory management, warehouse, and distributionultimately generate value by reimagining the way work is features. Some of the key built-in capabilities that willdone, adding AI and automation to everyday tasks, insights, support the VA are: responses, and actions. Intelligent workflows serve as theWarehouse management module enables VA to managecenter of gravity to your supply chain, sitting at the nexus warehouse processes. This module has a wide rangeof five supply chain trends that can power responsiveness of features to support the warehouse facility at anand flexibility. optimal level, at any time. Warehouse management is fully integrated with other business processes, such asTo facilitate a complex ecosystem of integrations, transportation, manufacturing, quality control, purchase,implementation of an enterprise service bus (ESB) is transfer, sales, and returns. necessary for everyday integrations between systems. It canTransportation management lets VA identify the mosthelp safeguard that the system can grow as the business efficient vendor and routing solutions for inbound andrequires. The ecosystem is largely modern and able to outbound orders. For example, you can identify thecommunicate from system to system, with the latest in fastest route or the least expensive rate for a shipment. communication standards supporting secure encrypted connection over web services as well as other integration An integrated enterprise supply chain solution for theand API methods. However, each system is still unique and Department of Veterans Affairs requires a transformativerequires a unique communication process.cognitive dashboard that provides transparency andThe use of an enterprise bus will make system maintenance insight into all areas of its supply chain, shipping, andeasier, and allow for rapidly built, resilient, fault tolerant warehousing operation. Through existing and/or futuredata integrations, to name a few benefits. In cases where an partnerships, the VA can map and create visibility with theenterprise service bus is not applicable to the business need, entire supply chain ecosystem of enterprise applications.direct integrations can be built to support high volume batch Connecting these software solutions to the entire supplyor legacy systems. Additionally, the ESB will allow the VA chain ecosystem will offer business insights, consolidatedto have a single point of integration for the enterprise and enterprise data and analytics reporting, and dashboarding. its external partners to connect to all systems related to the A force multiplier in the form of a cognitive dashboardsupply chain management tools.delivers predictive decision support, intelligence, andThe industry ecosystem of partners is charged with shoring analytics. It is also the underpinning for intelligentup a platform for VA that provides the now need, but also workflows.remains scalable, secure, and dynamic to future needs and Intelligent workflows fuel responsive supply chains. Theycrises. This ecosystem must embrace continuous learning are AI-driven, embrace automation where possible, andand mastery of VA technologies and requisite interfaces to facilitate horizontal integration and adjustments acrossadjacent and supporting systems that enable success across functions, providing 360-degree visibility of the supplythe entire value stream. The ecosystem of partners must be chain and potential disruptions. Intelligent workflows 2022 IBM Center for The Business of Government 81'