What will Quantum Computing Solve?

We have not fully witnessed the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence, but lurking behind the AI hype, there is another groundbreaking technology in development. Quantum computing has the potential to be exponentially faster than the fastest supercomputers today. Quantum mechanics is well beyond my expertise, and I'll let those interested learn from sources more qualified than myself. But I do want to introduce this technology because of the implications it has for supply chain management.

Previously, I introduced the Traveling Salesman and Nurse Scheduling Problem. There are many other problems in operations and supply chain management that cannot be optimized using classical computers. Quantum computers can give us the ability to significantly improve decisions by optimizing these mathematically complex problems.

Quantum computing also has implications in forecasting and predictive analytics. A fundamental goal of supply chain management is matching supply with demand. Both sides of this equation are extremely difficult to predict. Quantum computing, along with AI, could improve upon our current ability to match supply with demand.

Cybersecurity will enter a completely new era. Current cryptography will not be able to withstand the computing power of quantum computers. Security is integral to trade. Trade does not occur when both the material goods and financial transactions cannot be reliably secured. New security measures will be needed to secure supply chains and the financial markets.