Driving Supply Chain Transformation with Technology & Collaboration

By: Anjali Mandalkar, Director Business Transformation, Tetra Pak

Anjali is an accomplished business transformation leader with 18 years of experience in supply chain and freight forwarding. Specializing in global logistics and operational efficiency, she excels in driving strategic solutions, leading teams through change, and fostering innovation to shape the future of supply chain management.

In an insightful interaction with Women Entrepreneurs Review Magazine, Anjali shared her insights on navigating the balance between short-term efficiency and long-term transformation in supply chains. She explored the evolving role of collaboration among key partners and the integration of emerging technologies to enhance sustainability and operational decision-making.

How do you see the balance between short-term efficiency gains and long-term strategic transformation?

In today’s dynamic market, short-term gains are stepping stones to long-term goals. Resilience and sustainability demand a focus on strategic objectives, achieved through incremental changes in daily operations. For example, in a global VUCA environment, manufacturing industries face supply chain vulnerabilities. To address this, we should reduce dependency on specific countries by fostering local vendor ecosystems near manufacturing units. This approach delivers short-term benefits like cost reduction and process optimization, while supporting long-term goals like reduced carbon emissions from logistics and enhanced operational control through interconnected systems. Such strategies balance immediate needs with sustainable growth, ensuring adaptability and resilience in an uncertain world.

How do you approach the challenge of integrating emerging technologies (e.g., AI, IoT, blockchain) into existing supply chain structures without disrupting ongoing operations?

Implementing technology while reducing costs without disrupting operations is certainly challenging. However, I believe that technology requires investment because it delivers long-term benefits to organizations. For example, IoT devices offer real-time tracking and visibility for shipments, meeting customer expectations for on-demand updates. Additionally, many organizations are now adopting SAP's

APO (Advanced Planning and Optimization) suite. APO is a powerful supply chain management tool that supports production planning, demand forecasting, and inventory optimization. It enables businesses to implement best practices, adapt to market shifts, and maintain a competitive edge. The initial costs are justified by the improved efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness these technologies provide in the long run. But yes, it should be implemented gradually to ensure consistency in operations.

How do you envision the role of collaboration between manufacturers, suppliers, and logistics partners evolving? What new models of collaboration are emerging in the industry?

As supply chain disruptions grow more complex, collaboration among manufacturers, suppliers, and logistics partners is evolving toward greater integration, transparency, and agility. This deeper collaboration enables organizations to establish synergy forums, which provide comprehensive, end-to- end supply chain solutions under one roof. Such forums allow for a sharper focus on inventory management, demand fluctuations, and overall supply chain efficiency. By coordinating efforts, companies can optimize transportation routes and schedules, lowering costs and reducing environmental impact. Enhanced collaboration also accelerates order fulfillment, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty. Furthermore, trusted networks formed through this collaboration facilitate early risk detection and faster response times, making the supply chain more resilient and reliable in the face of disruptions.

How do you evaluate and implement 'smart' logistics strategies that go beyond mere cost reduction to add real, sustainable value to the business?

Smart Logistics is trending word now a day. To implement "smart" logistics strategies beyond cost reduction, organizations should prioritize agility, sustainability, and technological innovation. A key step is assessing the logistics ecosystem to pinpoint optimization opportunities using a cloud-based platform. This platform as a part of smart logistics can manage the entire lifecycle of transportation, from procurement and shipment planning to execution, tracking, and financial settlement. Additionally, sustainable practices can be integrated, such as eco-friendly and reusable packaging, electric or biofuel vehicles, milk run/consolidated transportation, and fuel-efficient routing. These
measures not only minimize environmental impact but also enhance long-term value and operational efficiency.

How will the next- generation supply chain management tools change the way businesses make operational decisions?

Yes, we are already in process of applying Next-generation supply chain management tools that will transform operations by utilizing real-time data, predictive analytics, and advanced risk mitigation. Powered by AI, machine learning, IoT and APO, these tools provide instant visibility across the supply chain, enabling faster and more accurate data-driven decisions. Predictive analytics will help forecast demand shifts, potential disruptions, and capacity issues, allowing for proactive adjustments. Additionally, these tools enhance risk management by identifying vulnerabilities early and offering insights to address them before they escalate. This leads to more resilient and agile supply chain operations, positioning companies to respond swiftly to changes and challenges.