09 Jul 2025
by Andrew Lambert

Revolutionising Trade with Smart Supply Chains

Introduction: A New Era for Global Trade 

As international trade evolves in response to climate imperatives, cybersecurity threats, and operational inefficiencies, the VISION project emerges as a transformative force. Standing for Virtual Integrated Supply-chain Improvement with Optimised Networking, VISION is a pioneering initiative designed to future-proof supply chains in the construction, mining, aerospace, and warehousing sectors. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like Digital Twins, Augmented Reality (AR), and Ultra-Wideband (UWB), VISION is reshaping how industries manage logistics, compliance, and sustainability. 

Technologies Powering the Transformation 

At the heart of VISION is a powerful suite of technologies that enable real-time, intelligent supply chain management: 

  • Digital Twins: These virtual replicas of physical assets provide dynamic, real-time monitoring, allowing for better decision-making and predictive maintenance. 
  • Augmented Reality (AR): AR enhances operational workflows by offering visual guidance, reducing errors, and improving training and productivity. 
  • Ultra-Wideband (UWB): UWB technology enables precise asset tracking, which is critical for inventory accuracy and loss prevention. 
  • AI-Driven Analytics: Artificial intelligence supports predictive insights, disruption management, and continuous process optimisation. 
  • Cybersecurity Framework: A robust security infrastructure ensures data integrity and privacy, addressing growing concerns around cyber threats in global trade. 

Together, these technologies create a connected, transparent, and responsive supply chain ecosystem. 

Industry-Specific Applications 

VISION’s modular and scalable design allows it to be tailored to the unique needs of different sectors: 

  • Aerospace: Enhances traceability and regulatory compliance, reducing the risk of counterfeit parts and improving safety. 
  • Construction: Enables efficient material tracking, reduces waste, and boosts on-site productivity through real-time data. 
  • Mining: Optimises operations, lowers operational and capital expenditures, and significantly reduces environmental impact. 
  • Warehousing: Improves inventory accuracy, streamlines loading processes, and enhances overall logistics efficiency. 

These applications demonstrate VISION’s potential to deliver tangible benefits across the supply chain spectrum. 

Global Collaboration and Strategic Potential 

Led by EMS and supported by partners from South Korea, Spain, and Turkey, VISION exemplifies the power of international collaboration in driving innovation. The project is actively seeking partnerships to: 

  • Deploy VISION solutions for operational efficiency 
  • Collaborate on real-time data integration and analytics 
  • Co-develop AR and Digital Twin applications 
  • Explore commercial models such as SaaS or licensing 
  • Align with ESG and sustainability goals using VISION’s capabilities 

This collaborative approach ensures that VISION remains adaptable and scalable across global markets. 

Conclusion: Future-Proofing International Trade 

VISION is not just a technological upgrade—it’s a strategic framework for building resilient, sustainable, and secure global supply chains. By addressing fragmentation and inefficiency with smart, connected systems, VISION sets a new benchmark for supply chain excellence. As industries face increasing pressure to adapt to environmental, regulatory, and technological shifts, initiatives like VISION will be essential in shaping the future of international trade. 

techUK International Policy and Trade Programme activities

techUK supports members with their international trade plans and aspirations. We help members to understand market opportunities, tackle market access barriers, and build partnerships in their target market. Visit the programme page here.

 

 

Upcoming events

17 – 18 September 2025

techUK Delegation to the WTO Public Forum 2025

Geneva, Switzerland
23 – 25 September 2025

techUK Delegation to Washington DC 2025

Washington DC, USA

Latest news and insights 

Learn more and get involved

 

International Policy and Trade updates

Sign-up to get the latest updates and opportunities from our International Policy and Trade programme.

 

Here are the five reasons to join the International Policy and Trade Programme

Download

Join techUK groups

techUK members can get involved in our work by joining our groups, and stay up to date with the latest meetings and opportunities in the programme.

Learn more

Become a techUK member

Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.

Learn more

Meet the team 

Sabina Ciofu

Sabina Ciofu

Associate Director – International, techUK

Daniel Clarke

Daniel Clarke

Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK

Theophile Maiziere

Theophile Maiziere

Policy Manager - EU, techUK

Lewis Walmesley-Browne

Lewis Walmesley-Browne

Head of Market Access and Consumer Tech, techUK

Tess Newton

Team Assistant, Policy and Public Affairs, techUK

 

Authors

Andrew Lambert

Andrew Lambert

CEO, EMS

Andrew Lambert CEng FIET MIoD is the Founder and CEO of Electronic Media Services Ltd (EMS) and Founder and COO of Fibre Ltd.  

Andrew is a Chartered Engineer and an experienced board-level executive with a proven record of developing new technology to solve business problems with extensive practical experience of working in Europe and Asia. 

In 1995 he founded EMS, a Technology Consultancy and Telecoms Company, which manufactures, the award-winning i-MO® 4G/5G WAN router appliances and associated Optibond® Software Defined Networking (SDN) cloud management software.  

Andrew is a Founder of Fibre Ltd a telecoms company that installs full-fibre broadband to new housing developments.  

He is passionate about supporting innovative SMEs and International Trade and recently retired from the boards of the Enterprise M3 LEP and the China Britain Business Council. He is Chair the IoD London International Trade SIG, Vice-Chair of the techUK UK-China Tech Forum and a member of the UK5G International Trade and SME/LEP Working Groups. 

Andrew Lambert | LinkedIn

Read lessmore