Supply Chain Connect

Sree Mangalampalli, VP of Digital Transformation Solutions at FourKites, discusses how AI and digital twins revolutionize global supply chains. He highlights the struggles with inbound and outbound operations as well as the lack of standard operating procedures due to siloed processes. Sree explains how AI agents enhance orchestration and emphasizes the importance of building trust in AI by starting with high-volume manual tasks. He also shares insights on overcoming integration challenges and scaling pilots into enterprise solutions while looking ahead to future capabilities.

Dr. Bill Bradford, the President of Flip Electronics with four decades in the semiconductor industry, tackles critical trends shaping the future of semiconductors. He reveals how Moore’s Law and geopolitical uncertainties are endangering legacy components. Industries like aerospace and automotive are particularly vulnerable. Bill outlines a proactive playbook for managing obsolescence, emphasizing strategies like BOM scrubs and remanufacturing partnerships. His insights spotlight the urgent need for companies to adapt to the dynamics of an evolving tech landscape.

In this episode of Supply Chain Connect, Dag Calafell, Director of Technology Innovation at MCA Connect, discusses Washington’s AI gamble and why today’s push into AI and semiconductors resembles a new space race. Calafell explains the U.S. goal of domestic semiconductor self‑sufficiency, the impact and risks of government incentives and why outcomes will take years to measure. Visit us online at SupplyChainConnect.com!

Tanzil Uddin, SVP of Content & Partnerships at Manifest, sits down with Supply Chain Connect to preview what attendees can expect at Manifest 2026 in Las Vegas. Uddin discusses the event’s role as a premier supply chain technology showcase, key agenda themes like visibility, AI, risk mitigation and more, plus new features including a dedicated procurement stage, an expanded cold chain pavilion and the exclusive Leadership Suite for CSCOs and CPOs. Uddin also shares practical tips on how attendees can prepare, plan their agendas and maximize networking before and during the show. Visit us online at SupplyChainConnect.com!

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Joanne Friedman, CEO and co-founder of ReilAI, a leader in agentic AI for supply chains, emphasizes the critical need for immediate AI investment. She discusses the pitfalls of delaying adoption, highlights the importance of data governance, and offers strategic insights for justifying AI budgets to finance teams. Dr. Friedman also stresses the need for organizations to integrate AI into their core processes, reinforcing that real value comes from aligning AI initiatives with clear business outcomes.

Ann Marie Jonkman, VP of Global Industry Strategies at Blue Yonder, dives into the transformative role of AI in supply chain management. She reveals how agentic AI enhances real-time decision-making and visibility, enabling businesses to swiftly navigate disruptions. Jonkman discusses the vital convergence of planning and execution, illustrating how AI-driven technologies can bolster resilience and efficiency. Her advice for companies includes prioritizing data accessibility and embracing emerging technologies to thrive in today's volatile landscape.

In this episode of Supply Chain Connect, Guy Courtin, VP of Industry and Global Alliances at Tecsys, reveals the critical role of data in modern supply chain operations. Discover why simply having data is not enough—it's about transforming raw information into actionable intelligence. Courtin unpacks the challenges of data management, from communication barriers to the overwhelming volume of digital information, and shares insights on how organizations can effectively leverage their data. Learn why implementing AI before establishing a solid data foundation is like driving a Ferrari on a dirt road, and gain practical strategies for turning your supply chain data into a competitive advantage. Visit us online at SupplyChainConnect.com!

In this episode of Supply Chain Connect, Jack Carrere, co-founder and CEO of Prokeep, discusses the transformative role of AI and automation in distribution. Carrere explores how technology is reshaping order processing, improving customer service and helping distributors compete in an increasingly digital marketplace. He shares practical insights on implementing AI, overcoming organizational challenges and maintaining critical human relationships while embracing technological innovation. The conversation dives into the future of distribution, highlighting how smart technologies can drive efficiency, speed and customer satisfaction. Visit us online at SupplyChainConnect.com!

Paul Baris, Principal at Efficio, brings decades of expertise in procurement and logistics. He delves into the surprising disconnect between freight demand and rising shipping costs, attributing it to geopolitical factors and port congestion. Baris emphasizes the importance of network optimization and scenario planning for resilience amid tariff uncertainties. He also highlights key signals like tariff exposure and fuel prices that supply chain leaders should monitor to stay ahead in today's unpredictable landscape.

Rosemary Coates, Executive Director of the Reshoring Institute, brings her 25+ years of global supply chain expertise to discuss the shifting landscape of manufacturing. She delves into how tariffs are being weaponized geopolitically, causing economic ripples and planning paralysis for businesses. With insights on why U.S. electronics manufacturing isn't returning and Mexico's rising role in nearshoring, she also touches on the necessity of multi-sourcing in an unpredictable climate, providing crucial advice for executives grappling with these challenges.