Last week in Austin, ASCM CONNECT 2024: North America brought together supply chain professionals from around the world for three days of insightful keynotes, educational breakout sessions, valuable networking and a vibrant expo. The conference reinforced the importance of supply chains — highlighting their impact on nearly every aspect of our lives — while showcasing inspiring industry advancements.
The event kicked off with a keynote from Arianna Huffington, renowned author and business leader. She shared the concept of "micro-steps" to achieve greater wellness and wisdom. A micro-step is a small, achievable task that contributes to a larger goal. It's a way to break down a complex endeavor into manageable pieces. Specifically, Huffington suggested the following 4 strategies:
1. Embrace downtime. “Downtime is not a bug; it’s a feature,” she said. “Periods of rest, relaxation and leisure give our bodies and minds time to recharge. Downtime is what makes us most productive and most successful.”
2. Turn off all notifications. Take addictive apps off your home screen; use them when you want to, but don’t let them come to you. Creating these kinds of boundaries makes it easier for you to stay focused and on the right track.
3. Separate your working day from your sleep. Huffington advised selecting one micro-step you can take as a transition to sleep, such as a warm shower, listening to soothing music or reading a book.
4. Create a personal reset. Stress may be inescapable, but cumulative stress can be avoided. Create your own, individualized reset: images of your family or a pet, a piece of music you enjoy, or inspirational quotes. Then, whenever you feel stress building, you can turn to your reset.
“Anything that tries to be ‘always on’ will eventually burn out,” she stated. “To be sustainably productive and effective, we need to take care of ourselves.”
Personalizing Customer Strategy in the Age of AI
On day two, attendees heard from keynote David C. Edelman, a marketing expert and senior lecturer at the Harvard Business School, about personalizing customer strategy with AI. He emphasized the importance of harnessing the power of data to create tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of individual customers.
Edelman argued that personalization is about unlocking, augmenting and integrating scattered data across the supply chain ecosystem. By analyzing this data using AI, supply chain organizations can gain valuable insights and make more data-driven decisions.
While acknowledging the risks associated with AI, such as security and privacy concerns, Edelman emphasized that they should not be used as an excuse to avoid adopting AI technology. “Don’t downplay the risks, but don’t get frozen either,” he said, “as that’s a strategic risk in and of itself.”
He also stressed the importance of delivering value to customers rather than simply manipulating them, emphasizing the need to take their perspective and understand their needs.
Edelman concluded by emphasizing that AI democratizes data, which empowers individuals on the front lines. “AI doesn’t have to be from the center; it doesn’t require a holistic technology overhaul,” Edelman explained. “Rather, individuals can experiment and innovate.”
Guenther Steiner on Innovation, Risk and Leadership in Motorsport
Guenther Steiner, a renowned figure in the world of Formula 1, took part in a captivating fireside chat with ASCM CEO Abe Eshkenazi on day three of ASCM CONNECT. He discussed the highly competitive and ever-evolving nature of F1, emphasizing that relying on traditional methods is no longer sufficient to stay competitive. To succeed, teams must embrace the latest tech and be willing to take calculated risks.
To achieve these goals, Steiner emphasized the need for open and honest communication with team members. “The best way to convince people of a new idea is to explain it to them openly, honestly and fairly to bring them on board,” he noted.
He also emphasized the importance of setting expectations and prioritizing time management in the fast-paced world of motorsport, as well as keeping a focus on addressing challenges proactively.
Further, he explained that effective leadership involves asking strategic questions and supporting team members by giving them ownership of their work — especially those who are truly passionate about what they do. This, in turn, leads to more valuable contributions, greater development and improved performance. “When things go right, it’s easy to be the boss,” he admitted. “It’s a lot easier to lead the team that wins the championship than the one that comes in last.”
ASCM Honors the Best of Supply Chain
The annual ASCM Awards of Excellence recognize outstanding contributions to supply chain management, honoring corporations and individuals who demonstrate exceptional performance, innovation and dedication to advancing the industry.
For the corporate awards, Infineon was first celebrated for a supply chain transformation based on ASCM principles. Next, Blue Ocean Corporation was recognized for its commitment to empowering professionals around the world through ASCM education. And CHEP received an award for its pioneering sustainability solutions.
ASCM also recognized three individuals for their exceptional contributions to the supply chain field. First, Kinaxis thought leader Polly Mitchell-Guthrie was honored for driving innovation and digital transformation. Then, Jason Tham of Nulogy was recognized for his leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion. Finally, Electra’s Kimberley Duarte, CSCP, was honored for building and scaling an entire supply chain function from scratch using ASCM principles.
The Awards of Excellence program will open for 2025 entries next spring. Learn more at ascm.org/awards.
A Hub of Supply Chain Excellence
The dynamic Innovation Hub was a highlight of ASCM CONNECT, offering attendees a glimpse into the exciting innovations shaping the industry. From ASCM’s valued exhibitors, people discovered the latest strategies and tools, advancements in logistics management and traceability solutions, and insights into how to improve efficiency and visibility throughout the supply chain.
Plus, the Innovation Hub showcased the world of digital innovation and artificial intelligence, demonstrating how these technologies are transforming the supply chain landscape. Attendees experienced the future of automation and robotics, witnessing firsthand how these advancements are driving efficiency and productivity.
For a little fun with their learning, many participants also took part in the famous Beer Distribution Game, a unique opportunity to take on the dreaded bullwhip effect. And speaking of fun, ASCM was proud to partner with the Austin Humane Society for a heartwarming moment for some playtime with adorable — and adoptable — dogs and puppies. From cutting-edge exhibitors to inspiring and interactive activities, the Innovation Hub provided a memorable experience for all.
F1 Simulator Thrills Attendees
Also in the Innovation Hub, attendees had an exciting opportunity to step into the world of Formula 1 racing in an ultramodern F1 simulator. This exclusive experience was a highlight of the conference, drawing in seasoned racing enthusiasts or attendees who were simply curious to try something new. Everyone had a blast testing their racing skills, feeling the adrenaline rush and experiencing the thrill of Formula 1 firsthand!
