The SupplyChainBrain Podcast

Claire Fitton leads ethical trade audits at CEDEX and uncovers shocking truths about supply chain non-compliance in North America. She reveals that human rights violations, forced labor, and environmental breaches are closer to home than many think. The discussion emphasizes the value of SMETA audits and the need for in-person assessments to ensure worker safety. Fitton also stresses the importance of transparent supplier relationships and proactive compliance measures, especially amidst rising risks and climate change impacts affecting supply chains.

Kathy Wengel, Executive Vice President at Johnson & Johnson, shares her insights on integrating sustainability into a massive pharmaceutical supply chain. She discusses the complexities of regulatory compliance and the challenges in achieving environmental sustainability. Wengel dives into how AI and digital innovations are transforming manufacturing processes to enhance sustainability efforts. She also emphasizes the crucial role of cross-functional collaboration and strategic supplier audits in driving compliance and performance within the supply chain.

Can Mexico keep attracting manufacturers in a time of political and economic uncertainty?

The global battery supply chain must be purged of its reliance on forced labor and child labor.

Do shareholders really have the power to influence corporate behavior?

Jeffrey Luft, a Portfolio Development Executive at Siemens Digital Logistics, dives into maximizing ROI from supply chain technology investments. He discusses essential factors for justifying these investments and the importance of cross-departmental collaboration. Luft highlights strategies for identifying technology gaps and emphasizes effective stakeholder involvement, particularly from the Chief Supply Chain Officer and CFO. He also covers the evolution of affordability in tech solutions for smaller businesses, stressing the need for data security in cloud environments.

The future of procurement lies with artificial intelligence — and big changes are coming.

In this discussion, Alexander Chencher, Head of Supply Chain Excellence at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, shares his expertise in transforming supply chains from merely resilient to truly robust. He highlights the importance of proactive strategies to thrive during challenges, illustrated with insights from the COVID-19 pandemic. Chencher emphasizes building trust through data and enhancing communication for adaptability. He also discusses how digital integration can significantly improve supply chain efficiency, making collaboration a key to success.

Magesh Karthik Krishnamurti, a supply chain practice principal at Cognizant, explores how AI is revolutionizing supply chain orchestration. He discusses the evolution from traditional planning to real-time management, emphasizing the role of AI in enhancing decision-making with predictive and prescriptive analytics. Magesh highlights challenges in AI integration, such as data quality and workforce resistance, while showcasing opportunities for efficiency gains in operations and supplier negotiations. The conversation provides a glimpse into a future where AI transforms supply chain management.

The omnichannel has been with us for a long time. But does that mean that retailers are truly “channel-agnostic”?