Michael Mikitka

As logistics leaders look to future-proof their operations, they face a complex landscape filled with critical decisions ranging from navigating supply chain volatility and shifting customer expectations to evaluating fast-changing automation technologies. Successfully planning, designing and implementing large-scale automation solutions requires specialized expertise that many organizations don’t have in-house. This white paper from Bastian Solutions is designed to help you understand how the right consulting partner can make a meaningful difference in the success of your automation initiatives. It outlines the strategic role integration consultants play in optimizing distribution operations and provides practical guidance on how to assess their capabilities—so you can confidently choose a partner that aligns with your goals and complexity.   Why download this guide? Find the right partner – Learn how to evaluate and choose a consulting partner that fits your goals and complexity. Go beyond the tech – Understand why process-focused strategies, not just automation, drive real results. Know what OEMs and traditional consultants miss – See the value of objective, end-to-end expertise that prioritizes your full operation. Leverage data & design – Explore how advanced analytics and simulation tools lead to smarter decisions. Follow a proven roadmap – Use a four-phase framework to confidently…

At the Gartner Supply Chain Planning Summit in Denver, Scott Luton sat down with Nari Viswanathan, a veteran innovator in the planning and procurement technology space and a key leader at Coupa. The two reconnected after several recent collaborations—including webinars, industry sessions, and conversations in Dallas—and discussed the new realities of supply chain planning and how organizations are embracing technology like never before.   Coupa and Autonomous Spend Management For those less familiar with Coupa, Viswanathan explained the company as the global leader in autonomous spend management—a framework that brings together direct and indirect spending to help organizations manage total spend more intelligently. Direct spend, of course, is where supply chain operations come into focus, making planning, design, and cost optimization central to the value Coupa delivers. Viswanathan leads Coupa’s global supply chain strategy, shaping how the company positions and scales its solutions across the market. After years spent in supply chain planning technology, he now sits at the intersection of procurement, supply chain, and advanced analytics—an area he believes has never been more exciting or more critical.   Old Problems, New Pressures—and a Greater Willingness to Innovate When asked about the biggest challenges facing planners today, Viswanathan emphasized a…