In early November, more than 100 supply chain, logistics, manufacturing, and procurement professionals gathered in Houston, Texas for the 11th annual invite-only Global Supply Chain Leaders Conference, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in today’s post-pandemic landscape.

Following are some highlights of the meeting.

There’s a desire to learn about and drive digital transformation using artificial intelligence. Chief information officers and other supply chain leaders are looking to harness the power of AI to improve operations and provide better information transparency. They’re keen on gaining new insights to make better business decisions and drive greater efficiencies without human intervention. One example is AI’s ability to reduce the number of manual touches typically required for the global transportation of goods.

This is especially important given the wave of labor challenges plaguing the industry. The pandemic resulted in high levels of early retirement, thinning out middle management. The result was a loss of knowledge about numerous “undocumented” processes. The adoption of AI and other technologies is seen as a means of mobilizing existing talent into new and more fulfilling roles. The days of playing telephone tag or e-mail ping pong between operations, partners, suppliers and management, as they struggle to answer the “where is my order” question, are coming to an end.

Data security has to be at the heart of every AI implementation. A key element in one panel led by CIOs centered around the importance of security, access and controls within any organization looking to implement AI.

With most new applications hosted in cloud environments, organizations must be equipped to give employees access to information at any time, from any location. At the same time, it’s the business’s responsibility to ensure they’re accessing company information on secure networks. By implementing advanced technologies and best practices for safety, organizations are poised for more seamless, cost-effective and optimized operations.

Rapid trade growth with Mexico from nearshoring supply chains was a highlight.  Many organizations mentioned their increased focus on nearshoring supply chain realignment, making Mexico the fastest-growing region for U.S. companies when it comes to global trade. The session, which included the Panamanian trade ambassador and the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, discussed why nearshoring is occurring and what has prompted many companies to expand their footprint and trade within Mexico. A majority of the executives at the conference found that it’s much easier to produce and trade goods and services between the U.S. and Mexico, especially after supply chains were confronted with COVID-19 lockdowns. From the perspective of chemical companies operating in the Houston region, for example, the location is perfect to facilitate the movement of goods between the two countries, with dramatically reduced travel time and less drastic time zone differences. Some businesses mentioned that they have doubled their Mexico investments and resource commitments.

From a technology perspective, supply chain communications and AI are important in ensuring that organizations have the infrastructure to expand efficiently and reap nearshoring transportation benefits. This new mindset has become strategically important for many of these companies, and once they have the technology foundation to enhance their trade, grow their business and reduce costs, they do very well.

It’s time to put a spotlight on slave trade issues. The topic of the global slave trade has become a vital societal problem, gaining the attention of supply chain leaders. Reducing the slave trade is a key element of their operating charter.

Presenting organizations included Redeemed, a human and sex trafficking recovery program in North America, and REDM, where everyday professionals can make a difference in the lives of sex trafficking survivors. These organizations are supported by the Global Supply Chain Leaders Conference and its attendees as a way of bringing awareness to a problem that plagues a crucial industry. 

AI is the most important catalyst today in modernizing supply chain and transportation. The technology is cascading through virtually all advanced IT, and organizations have to be ready to implement it — or risk falling behind.

Tim Sensenig is chief executive officer and chairman of TMSfirst.