Engineering & Construction
AI and Holistic Strategies Lead Supply Chain Talks at ASCM Conference
Supply chain leaders are shifting focus from technology alone to integrated strategies that balance innovation with operational resilience
Key takeaways
AI and machine learning tools, such as those from Kinaxis, are enabling real-time supply chain visibility and smarter decision-making.
Supply chain resilience requires a holistic approach that balances technology adoption with operational adaptability.
Educational outreach and collaboration with non-supply chain professionals are key to fostering broader innovation in the field.
As global supply chains continue to evolve in response to new challenges, the need for innovation and adaptability has never been more critical. In Part 1 of this discussion, Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), joined Hammer Down host Mike Bush to preview the themes of the upcoming ASCM conference. Eshkenazi outlined the importance of staying ahead of industry trends, discussing the potential impact of new technologies and the evolving role of supply chain professionals.
But what insights did industry leaders share at the conference itself?
In Part 2 of this special Hammer Down episode, we dive deeper into the action, as Mike Bush takes us on-site at the ASCM conference to explore live discussions and trends shaping the future of supply chains.
Key Points:
- Supply Chain Resilience: Building on themes from Part 1, speakers emphasized the critical role of resilience and innovation to withstand future disruptions.
- AI-Driven Solutions: The discussion focused on AI and machine learning technologies like those from Kinaxis, which are helping companies improve visibility and decision-making in real-time.
- Education and Inclusivity: Speakers stressed the need for educational outreach and collaboration, especially with non-supply chain professionals, to broaden perspectives and foster innovation.
The ASCM conference emphasized that the future of global supply chains is one of complexity and unpredictability. However, by embracing innovation—whether through AI-driven platforms, real-time data, or collaborative education—companies can turn these challenges into opportunities. As the stakes for supply chain resilience grow, those who adopt these forward-thinking solutions will find themselves better positioned to thrive in the years ahead.
About the author
Beginning his career by learning how to tell a brand’s story, leveraging marcom to build market share, utilizing PR to get people engaged, and innovating trust-based relationships between products and people, He took on diverse challenges and continually grew. Mike created the first ever SEO practice in Washington DC — generating $10M+ in revenue for 10+ clients. Throughout my career, Mike gained unique experiences such as spearheading marcom for a company after a real-time suicide (incident inspired a Law & Order SVU episode) with minimal negative publicity. And advising a client in PR best practices after an employee had committed a highly publicized terrorist attack in the US. Company was able to maintain all major financial relationships (JPM, BofA, Well Fargo, AmEx, etc.). He worked for a leader in the automotive services industry — building a reputation as nationally recognized expert on road rage (including an appearance on Court TV as a Subject Matter Expert). This included creating media that generated 100M+ impressions.
