Collaboration in the supply chain is increasingly reliant on data-sharing and transparency, as highlighted during the recent Mount Visibility track at the inNOWvate Supply Chain Event in Amsterdam. Industry leaders such as Celonis, Uber Freight, Streamliner, Optilogic, Loftware, and Trusty discussed their methodologies and technologies aimed at enhancing collaboration. The overarching message was clear: improved visibility across all levels of the supply chain can significantly boost performance.
Kris van Ransbeek, co-founder of Streamliner, opened the session with a thought-provoking reference to Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens, drawing a parallel between humanity’s historical ability to cooperate and the current disconnection within modern supply chains. Addressing the audience, he pointed out the frequent disarray in supply chain operations, exemplified by a warehouse learning about container arrivals only after they dock. According to Van Ransbeek, this chaotic planning is a perception issue stemming from late information sharing. He argued that just as social media has transformed interpersonal communication, so too should supply chain partners share information in real-time to enhance collaboration.
Supporting Van Ransbeek’s perspective, research from Loftware found that a staggering 84% of respondents believe in the value of participating in a data-sharing ecosystem. This ecosystem not only secures compliance and goods traceability but also fosters a collaborative atmosphere that can mitigate costs and improve operational efficiency. Nigel Street, Senior Vice President of Sales at Loftware, emphasized the foundational role of accurate product labeling in enabling this collaboration. Effective labelling not only allows partners to trace goods but also directly supports goods receipt processes in warehouses, reducing costly errors associated with mislabelled products.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is another game changer in facilitating collaboration. Guy Roijen, Sales Director at Uber Freight, illustrated his platform’s AI capabilities, which can negotiate shipment prices with multiple carriers simultaneously, streamlining parts of the logistics process that have traditionally required manual effort. The soon-to-be-launched AI Insights feature will enhance this further by allowing users to rapidly inquire about shipment statuses via a generative AI-powered chatbot.
Celonis is capitalising on machine learning and generative AI to create a ‘digital twin’ of business operations, as explained by Maarten van der Borden, Customer Transformation Director. This technology analyses transactions in real time to identify patterns and deviations from standard processes, enabling firms to react proactively rather than reactively. The platform optimises inventory management by checking stock levels across locations before authorising orders from suppliers, showcasing a direct application of AI in reducing costs and enhancing efficiency.
However, the risks associated with inadequate oversight remain significant. Trusty’s co-founder, Daniel Bermejo, cited the case of John Deere, which faced a $10 million settlement due to compliance lapses. This incident underscores the critical need for consistent auditing of suppliers, particularly given that many companies often scrutinise only a fraction of their supplier base. The impending EU regulations necessitate thorough screening throughout supply chains, prompting companies to adopt simplified assessment methods driven by AI that support compliance and operational integrity.
As organisations strive for transparency and risk mitigation, the strategic redesign of supply chains comes into play. Neeru Bhopal, Senior Product Manager at Optilogic, highlighted that businesses are facing profound decisions regarding offshoring versus nearshoring, further complicated by tactical issues such as optimal inventory strategies. Optilogic’s Lumina Tariff Optimizer exemplifies how software tools can provide quick answers to complex supply chain questions, assisting companies in adapting to dynamic tariff environments and ultimately enabling informed strategic decisions.
The discussions at the inNOWvate Supply Chain Event reaffirm the necessity for robust visibility and collaboration in today’s complex supply chains. As companies embrace advanced technologies and data-sharing frameworks, the potential for enhanced performance, reduced compliance risks, and more agile operations becomes increasingly attainable.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
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