Roger Walterhouse

Special Guest Blog Post written by Karin Bursa, Founder and CEO of NIRAKIO and Supply Chain Now Host   Artificial intelligence is no longer a “what if” in supply chain — it is here. In fact, Gartner predicts that 50% of cross-functional supply chain management solutions will use intelligent agents to autonomously execute decisions in the ecosystem by 2030. But how do leaders move from hype to real impact? During our recent Supply Chain Now Power Panel, I asked five senior executives to share where they see AI making the biggest impact. Their answers revealed not just excitement, but a roadmap for how supply chains can evolve. Here is how they responded, in their own words. Q: Where do you see AI making the greatest impact in your supply chain? Eliza Simeonova – VP Global Supply, Mars Pet Nutrition “AI forces operational discipline. Clean data is no longer optional. The system itself demands it. I also see AI shaping supply chain synchronization — aligning suppliers, factories, warehouses, and customers in new ways.” Whitney Shlesinger – VP Global Planning & Logistics, McCormick “For me, it’s about people. Employees want to move beyond non-value-added work. AI allows us to free them up…

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…