Valerie Tardif

Special Guest Blog Post written by Dr. Johannes Hangl with e2open   AI is no longer an experiment in global trade compliance. It’s already being applied in product classification, document-to-declaration workflows, risk targeting, and sanctions screening. At the same time, regulators and customs authorities are adopting AI themselves. This is raising expectations for data quality, transparency, and governance across the entire trade ecosystem. With the EU AI Act set to apply from August 2026, companies that have not yet implemented human-in-the-loop controls, drift monitoring, and defensible audit trails are running out of time to close the gap.   Where AI is already adding real value today: HS and ECN classification   Product classification has become one of the most practical AI use cases. Modern tools can now suggest harmonized system (HS/ HTS) and export control (ECCN) codes, explain the rationale, and attach confidence scores and audit metadata to each decision. This direction mirrors what customs authorities are doing. Administrations such as German Customs have discussed using machine learning to improve targeting and risk detection. It appears both sides of the border are moving toward data-driven decision support. AI does not remove accountability. It changes how accountability is exercised.   Practical…

Written by Karin Bursa, Founder and CEO of NIRAKIO and Supply Chain Now Host If you know me, you know I’m a supply chain nerd. I love talking about it, thinking about what’s next, and sharing success stories to inspire others who may feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start. So, when I stepped into the moderator’s chair for our recent Supply Chain Now livestream, I knew we were in for a powerful conversation. Five extraordinary women — each leading global supply chains at some of the world’s most iconic brands — came together to share how they are navigating disruption, embracing innovation, and shaping the future of supply chain leadership. As a fellow Woman in Supply Chain for over 30 years, I had to resist acting like a true ‘Fan Girl’ — I could have talked with them for hours. The world we live in is the “Never Normal.” Volatility is constant. Technology is advancing faster than our operating models. Yet, what struck me most during our panel was the optimism and resilience each leader displayed. These women are proof that even in the face of complexity, supply chains can be transformed into engines of business growth, agility, and…