Growth, efficiency, and automation aren't just trends. They are imperatives. In today's turbulent business climate, the most successful companies are leveraging supply chain technologies to drive operational agility, reduce costs, and scale sustainably. This webinar, hosted by Concord and Waypost Advisors, spotlighted key strategies, real-world examples, and emerging innovations that are redefining supply chain management.
Did you miss the session? We've got you. Here's your essential recap of the discussion featuring supply chain experts from Schreiber Foods, Data Driven Supply Chain, and Waypost Advisors.
Meet the Panel:
Whether it's navigating complex global logistics or improving warehouse efficiency, technology is no longer optional. It's the lever that unlocks scale and resilience. From automated storage systems to predictive AI, our panelists emphasized that the real opportunity lies in integrating the right tech with clear business goals.
"We want high touch on a small number of exceptions not on every transaction." —SriRaj Kantamneni
Automation isn't about replacing people. It's about unlocking their potential. Companies that successfully deploy technology are doing so to free up their workforce for higher-value tasks, reduce operational bottlenecks, and streamline execution from procurement through delivery.
Forward-thinking companies aren't just automating—they're redefining how work gets done.
Whether it's digitally orchestrated inventory systems or AI-supported customer service platforms, operational excellence is increasingly tied to tech-savviness.
"I always say, if your operations aren't guided by data today, you're already behind," said Ralph Asher. "The companies that win are the ones that adapt faster and smarter."
Firms that can dynamically route inventory, rapidly simulate fulfillment scenarios, or proactively mitigate disruptions gain a real edge especially in uncertain markets.
Brad Ferstan shared a compelling case study involving a client aiming to shrink their distribution footprint without sacrificing throughput. With data-led planning and a little creativity, they packed a 210,000 sq ft warehouse into just 170,000 sq ft despite an oddly shaped floor plan. The key? Intelligent automation.
Here are the three key types of intelligent automation:
"We leveraged automation not to replace labor but to reallocate human capital to higher-value tasks." —Brad Ferstan
The project also revealed how automation can be a space-saver. Complex warehouse layouts often result in dead zones—areas that are hard to access or inefficient to stock. AMRs and multi-dimensional ASRS systems allowed the team to maximize every square foot, even in a pentagon-shaped warehouse.
And when asked about the most intriguing innovation at the recent ProMat show, Brad highlighted:
"You don’t need a mega budget to innovate," Brad added. "These systems let smaller companies act big."
Ralph Asher broke down supply chain analytics into a simple, powerful framework:
His team recently helped a national auto parts distributor redesign their network by:
The result was increased savings and improved service. The customer's ability to manage fast-moving SKUs enhanced, and warehouse congestion decreased. What drove the transformation? Not perfection in the data, but actionable insights informed by usable information.
“You don't ship money. You ship products. Understand movement at the SKU level." —Ralph Asher
Schreiber Foods didn’t just adopt new tech, they built it. Sri introduced two game-changing tools:
"The real advantage is that we built these tools with our own people in mind," SriRaj explained. "So, we knew exactly what would drive value from day one."
With The Hive running in every country they operate in and Palantir layering intelligence above it, Schreiber Foods can move from exception management to proactive optimization.
"Palantir lets us go from reactive to predictive. Eventually, the system will suggest actions. Humans will just approve them." —SriRaj Kantamneni
Their approach reflects a growing trend—companies developing composable architectures that combine best-in-class tools via seamless integrations.
In a composable ecosystem, companies can build a flexible, scalable digital supply chain by integrating modules that serve specialized purposes—from transportation visibility tools to AI-powered demand forecasting engines. This modularity also de-risks innovation by allowing for fast replacement or upgrades of specific tools without reengineering the entire stack.
"The key is interoperability," said SriRaj. "Your systems should talk to each other without friction. That’s when real agility shows up."
All panelists agreed: the best tech stack means nothing without clean, structured data.
What You Need:
Don’t wait for perfect data. Instead:
"You don’t need perfect data to start. You need usable data and a willingness to iterate." —Ralph Asher
How should companies assess value? Use a three-pronged model:
"Risk is table stakes. Growth is the real driver of tech investment." —SriRaj Kantamneni
Don’t forget to measure value post-implementation. Too many businesses focus on theoretical ROI. Build continuous feedback loops to understand if reality matched projections—and improve future initiatives.
Companies that instill a post-mortem habit—measuring whether initiatives delivered on their promised ROI—are often more successful in iterating smarter, faster. And even more powerful? Conducting a pre-mortem, identifying what could go wrong before projects begin.
"If we learn something didn't go as planned, that's not failure—that’s insight," said Emily LeVasseur.
Here are four tips for small and mid-sized businesses:
"Ask a forklift driver what they do 20 times a day. That’s where automation begins." —Brad Ferstan
Don’t overlook timing. If you’re already replacing racking or forklifts, consider investing just a bit more to level up with automation.
New technology doesn’t work without alignment. Our panel emphasized:
"It’s about building momentum from the inside out," said Emily. "If your people aren’t aligned, the tech won’t stick."
Fear of messy data? Start anyway. Have limited budget? Try modular tools. Don’t know where to begin? Map one process.
Every journey starts with a problem statement and ends with measurable improvement.
The key takeaway? Supply chain technology is no longer a back-office tool—it's a growth engine. By embracing automation, analytics, and composable architectures, businesses can:
Additionally, tools like Schreiber's Hive and Palantir's Ontology Platform show that customized, integrated solutions can yield outsized results—even for complex, global operations.
Smaller firms also have more access than ever before. With Robotics-as-a-Service, open-source analytics, and modular cloud platforms, the barriers to entry are lower, and the ROI is higher.
If you're looking to modernize your supply chain with automation and AI-driven intelligence, here are three actions you can take today:
The supply chain is now a strategic differentiator. As global volatility persists and customer expectations continue to rise, companies that automate, predict, and optimize will remain ahead.
Technologies such as robotics, advanced analytics, and real-time platforms are evolving rapidly. Those who invest now build the resilience and flexibility needed for long-term success.
Ready to unlock the full potential of your supply chain? Contact us today!
Not sure on your next step? We'd love to hear about your business challenges. No pitch. No strings attached.
