This edition features a handful of the Most Influential Leaders in Supply Chain that are leading us into a better future
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The 10 Most Influential Leaders in Supply Chain To Watch, 2023.pdf
1. Comprehensive Traits
Understanding the Importance of
Leadership in Supply Chain Niche
Know-How!
How Technology is
Enabling Advancements in the
Supply Chain and
Logis cs Sector
Commitment to Excellence
Paul
The10Most
Influential
Leaders in
Supply Chain To
Watch,2023
Influential
10Most
The
Leaders in
Supply Chain To
Watch,2023
Paul Paquette
President
InXpress Canada
VOL 03 I ISSUE 07 I 2023
2.
3.
4. E
D
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T
O
R
S
N
O
T
E
eadership in the supply chain industry requires a unique set
Lof skills and qualities. Staunch leaders in the supply chain
must be able to navigate the complex and ever-changing
landscape of the industry while ensuring that their teams are
working together effectively to achieve their goals.
A great leader in the supply chain industry must be able to think
strategically and develop a long-term vision for the organization.
This includes understanding the market, identifying new
opportunities, and developing plans to capitalize on them. They
must be able to anticipate future challenges and create plans to
mitigate risk and ensure the continuity of operations.
Effective communication is crucial in the supply chain industry,
where there are often multiple stakeholders involved in complex
processes. Leaders must be able to communicate clearly and
effectively with team members, partners, and customers to ensure
that everyone is on the same page. They must be able to listen
actively and provide feedback in a way that is constructive and
supportive. Leaders in the supply chain industry must be able to
collaborate effectively with others to achieve their goals. This
includes working closely with team members, suppliers, and
customers to ensure that everyone is working together effectively.
They must be able to build strong relationships and maintain open
lines of communication to ensure that everyone is working
towards a common goal.
e Odyssey of
Phenomenal Success
5. The supply chain industry is constantly evolving, and leaders must be able to adapt to new challenges and
changes in the industry. This requires a high level of flexibility and the ability to pivot quickly when
necessary. Leaders must be able to think on their feet and make decisions quickly to keep their organization
moving forward.
In the supply chain industry, even the smallest details can have a significant impact on operations. Leaders
must have a keen eye for detail and be able to identify potential issues before they become major problems.
They must be able to monitor operations closely and make adjustments as necessary to ensure that
everything is running smoothly.
Showcasing the excellence of the resolute leaders in the niche, CIOLook features the enthralling stories of
“The 10 Most Influential Leaders in Supply Chain To Watch, 2023.” Flip through the pages of the edition in
indulge in the odyssey of prolonged excellence.
Have a Delightful Read!
Abhishek Joshi
Abhishek Joshi
The10Most
Influential
Leaders in
Supply Chain To
Watch,2023
Influential
10Most
The
Leaders in
Supply Chain To
Watch,2023
6. C O V E R S T O R Y
Commitment to Excellence
08
7. Comprehensive Traits
Understanding the Importance of
Leadership in Supply Chain Niche
16 24
Allan Diamond
Embracing Change and Shaping the
Future: Allan Diamond's Journey from Manufacturing
Ellen Voie
Empowering Women in Transportation
Careers
Content
20 28
Know-How!
How Technology is Enabling Advancements
in the Supply Chain and Logis cs Sector
9. Brief
Company Name
Tanja Dysli
Chief Supply Chain and
Operations Officer
Virpi Valkama
Executive Assistant
Elyse Glenn
Head of Global
Supply Chain
Communications
Paul Paquette
President
Elyse helps organizations grow by connecting people to their
stories.
Tanja Dysli is Swedish global homeware giant Ikea's Chief
Supply Chain Officer, having joined the company in 2003 as a
Supply Chain Specialist.
Virpi Valkama has been working as an Executive Assistant To
Executive Vice President at Qualcomm for 21 years.
Implementing his three decades of experience with solid
values, Paul Paquette has achieved success by putting people
first in his professional approach.
Ellen Voie
CEO and Founder
Ellen Voie was honored as a Champion of Change for her time
and effort developing innovative ways to help grow and expand
the transportation industry.
Women In Trucking
Association
womenintrucking.org
Schneider Electric
se.com
InXpress
inxpress.com
Allan Diamond
CEO
As a seasoned business executive at the intersection of the
practical and technological, Allan understands workflow pain
points small businesses face.
Timereaction
timereaction.com
Sima Ganwani Ved
Founder
Sima Ganwani Ved is the Founder and Chairwoman of the
Apparel group, an international retailer based in the Middle
East headquartered in the UAE.
Apparel Group
apparelgroupglobal.com
Qualcomm
qualcomm.com
Georgeta Navodarszky
Vice President Supply
Chain Management
Georgeta holds proven leadership skills involving directing,
managing, developing and motivating teams to achieve their
objectives, first-class analytical and problem-solving skills,
dedicated to maintaining high-quality standards.
STORMTECH Performance
Apparel
stormtechperformance.com
IKEA US
Ikea.com
Mariam Saad
Director
As the Director of IT, Technology Services, and Professional
Services Procurement for TELUS, Mariam leads towards an
extensive transformational initiative, as the company seeks to
grow and mature its capabilities.
TELUS
telus.com
Simi Sujith
Managing Partner
Simi supports the relocation needs of expats and their families
throughout the Middle East region and North Africa.
HelpXpat
helpxpat.com
Featured Person
12. I
mplementing his three decades of experience with
solid values, Paul Paquette has achieved success by
putting people first in his professional approach.
As the President of InXpress Canada, Paul has proven
himself to be a visionary leader in the supply chain
industry. His unwavering commitment to the work has
allowed him to drive success within the organization
and its customers.
With his innovative mindset, Paul has led his team to
provide cutting-edge technology solutions that have
revolutionized the shipping industry. It's no surprise
that Paul has been recognized as one of the most
influential leaders in the supply chain industry to watch.
He continues to push the boundaries and envision a
future where InXpress Canada becomes the SME
player in the SME space supporting the economy's
engine.
Persistent Approach
Paul firmly believes in putting people first and
prioritizing culture in any industry he works in. He
starts each day holding himself accountable to his
morals, ethics, and values. This belief system has been
central to his success in the supply chain and logistics
industry, where he has spent 33 years. However,
staying true to his beliefs has come with challenges.
Paul has faced different opinions on people first and
culture, especially in corporate and private industries.
Despite this, he has remained unwavering in his values
and believes that this has allowed him to succeed and
hold his current position.
Paul began his career in the corporate world as a
customer service representative and worked his way up
to become an account executive with the international
division. He then moved to the Canadian division,
managing some of Canada's largest corporations as a
senior sales executive.
After 19 years in the corporate world, Paul ventured
into the franchise industry, becoming a partner/owner
with nine franchise locations across Canada. His
company provided domestic, cross-border, and
international services, including LTL, FTL, white glove,
and specialty services. Paul spent ten years in the
franchise industry before eventually becoming the
president of InXpress Canada.
InXpress Canada operates under the
franchisor/franchise model and has over 38 franchisees
across Canada. It is a technology-driven company
primarily supporting small and medium enterprises
(SMEs) with their shipping and supply chain needs. The
company works with some of the best partners in the
industry, such as DHL, Canpar, and Purolator, allowing
them to offer SMEs the best service and rates.
InXpress Canada also offers its customers a direct
point of contact, eliminating long wait times and 1-800
numbers. Furthermore, they provide customers with a
range of choices, including small parcel domestic or
international shipping, freight services, and
warehousing, making them a trustworthy one-stop
shop for their customers.
Your Promise, Our Business.
InXpress is a company that strongly believes in its
GREAT values: Give Back, Results Driven, Energetic
Fun, All In!, and Targeted Learning. These values define
the company's culture and guide the team's behavior
and decision-making.
Paul understands the
challenges that small
and medium
enterprises (SMEs) face
in the current economic
climate.
13. The Give Back value represents the company's
commitment to making a positive impact in the
communities they serve. InXpress is dedicated to
supporting local charities and nonprofit organizations,
and they encourage their team members to get
involved and give back.
The Results Driven value reflects InXpress's focus on
achieving excellent customer results. The company is
dedicated to providing the best possible service and
helping its clients grow their businesses through
innovative shipping and supply chain solutions.
The Energetic, Fun value represents the company's
commitment to maintaining a positive and enjoyable
work environment. InXpress believes happy employees
are more productive and successful and strive to create
a workplace that encourages collaboration, creativity,
and fun.
The All-In! value reflects the company's commitment to
being fully committed to every task, project, or goal.
InXpress is dedicated to providing exceptional service
and support to its customers, and they believe that
success comes from being fully engaged and committed
to every aspect of its work.
Finally, the Targeted Learning value represents
InXpress's commitment to ongoing learning and
development. The company believes that continuous
learning is essential for personal and professional
growth, and they provide their team members with
opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Paul says, "My personal two favorites are "G" for Give Back
and "A" for All In. These two define who InXpress is and
what we are all about." Paul's commitment to his
principles of morals, ethics, and values are evident in his
daily life, and he believes these principles should be at
the forefront of every business. This same mindset is
shared by InXpress's head office team and franchisees,
and it translates to their customers, who know that the
company always has their best interests in mind. This
approach has earned InXpress an excellent reputation
with its customers, and Paul believes that without it,
the company would not be as successful as it is today.
14. Paul firmly believes in
putting people first
and prioritizing
culture in any
industry he works in.
He starts each day
holding himself
accountable to his
morals, ethics, and
values.
“
““
“
15. Driving Change
Paul believes their main goal is to assist their customers
in resolving their supply chain difficulties. He
acknowledges that InXpress has a vast network of
knowledgeable franchisees throughout Canada
devoted to providing solutions instead of merely
focusing on transactional sales.
The supply chain industry has undergone significant
disruptions in the past three years. Paul is proud that
his team has showcased their abilities by developing
some of the best solutions to reduce the negative
impact on their customers' businesses. Paul attributes
this achievement to InXpress's exceptional
partnerships worldwide, and he is constantly working
with their executive team to develop the best solutions
for their customers.
Future Ready
InXpress's focus on technology has been a significant
factor in its success, allowing the company to offer its
customers various shipping options and an easy-to-use
platform. The company works closely with its
developers and franchisees to continuously improve its
technology and stay updated with the constantly
evolving supply chain landscape. This commitment to
innovation ensures that InXpress remains at the
forefront of the industry and can provide its customers
with the best possible service.
As someone who has spent over three decades in the
supply chain industry, Paul understands the industry's
challenges and is committed to making a positive
change. His vision is to create a more stable sector with
better service offerings and on-time delivery while
leveraging the latest technology to create a seamless
end-to-end solution. Paul believes that by bringing
together the brightest minds in the industry, they can
work together to develop a perfect supply chain that
meets the needs of today's customers and prepares for
the future. His passion for making a difference in the
industry is evident in his work, and he strives daily.
Paul understands the challenges that small and medium
enterprises (SMEs) face in the current economic
climate. With the rising cost of goods and borrowing
rates, it's become increasingly difficult for these
businesses to manage their cash flow effectively. This is
where InXpress comes in - by offering SMEs a complete
supply chain solution that takes care of everything from
shipping to warehousing, they can free up their time
and resources to focus on growing their businesses.
Paul sees InXpress as a true back-office partner for
SMEs, helping them navigate the supply chain's
complexities and succeed in their respective industries.
Over the Horizon
Paul has ambitious plans for his future with InXpress.
As the current President of InXpress Canada, he
envisions taking on a more senior role within the global
Team. He aims to leverage his and his team's successes
in Canada and replicate them worldwide. He believes
that InXpress Canada has the potential to become a
significant player in the SME space, which he sees as
the engine of the economy. Paul is excited at the
prospect of making a meaningful impact on SMEs and
their success in the future.
Bequeathing Guidance
Paul advises aspiring people venturing into the supply
chain industry to figure out their core values and how
you stay true to them. He says, "Understand how
important culture is over experience. This will allow you to
build a dedicated team that wants to get up every morning
and make an impact. There will also be many ups and
downs (sometimes more downs), but if you stay focused and
true to yourself and keep your mindset positive, this will
drive down to the team, and they will continue to keep
driving the business in a positive mindset.”
"I would like to share a quote that I have lived my whole life
about as this helps me during tough times. In life, there are
things we can control and things we can't control; do not
let the things we can't control, control us,"
Paul concludes.
Paul believes their main goal is to
assist their customers in resolving
their supply chain difficulties.
16.
17.
18. Allan Diamond
Allan Diamond
Allan Diamond
Embracing Change and Shaping the Future: Allan Diamond's Journey
from Manufacturing
n today's rapidly evolving business landscape,
Iembracing change and innovation has become
essential for success. The story of Allan Diamond, a
visionary leader with 25 years of experience in the
manufacturing sector, is a testament to the power of
adaptability and forward-thinking.
Let’s delve into Diamond's journey from recognizing
inefficiencies in traditional communication methods to
becoming a driving force behind the integration of
cutting-edge technologies at Timereaction.
Overcoming Outdated Practices:
With a background in the manufacturing sector dating
back to 1986, Allan understood the limitations of
outdated practices. He realized that traditional
communication methods, such as relying on email and
spreadsheets, were becoming increasingly inefficient in
a world rapidly embracing technology. Determined to
modernize the industry and address its challenges
head-on, Allan took on a leadership role at
Timereaction, where he has been instrumental in
driving innovation and guiding the organization
towards embracing modern solutions.
Harnessing AI and Advanced Technologies:
Allan envisions Timereaction at the forefront of
technological innovation, leveraging AI, machine
learning, and advanced language modeling to create
cutting-edge solutions for the industry. The primary
goal is to develop virtual assistants that not only
streamline processes but also think, communicate, and
interact with users in a manner that mimics human
intelligence.
To achieve this, Allan and Timereaction are focusing on
harnessing the power of AI, machine learning, and
advanced language modeling to transform the industry,
ensuring their solutions remain at the forefront of
technological advancements and deliver maximum
value to clients.
Integration and Transparency Across the Supply
Chain:
Simultaneously, Allan and Timereaction are dedicated
to creating a seamless integration with various supply
chain software, including Enterprise Resource Planning
(ERP), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Quality
Control, and Logistics. By offering comprehensive
integration capabilities, they aim to provide
unparalleled transparency and efficiency across the
supply chain, allowing stakeholders to access a single,
reliable source of truth.
This focus on integration and transparency has been a
driving force behind the success of Timereaction and
has positioned it as a game-changer in the industry,
revolutionizing supply chain management and fostering
a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable industry
for all.
Embracing Change and Hybrid Working Conditions:
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the
significance of adaptability and flexibility in the
business world. Allan Diamond and Timereaction
recognize the importance of embracing hybrid working
conditions and nurturing a culture that promotes
remote collaboration, continuous learning, and
resilience.
By being open to change and adapting to new ways of
working, Allan Diamond and Timereaction have
ensured their organization remains agile, efficient, and
competitive in an ever-evolving business landscape.
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19. In addition to embracing technological
innovation and change, Allan also
understands the importance of forging
partnerships with industry stakeholders
and experts.
“
“
Allan Diamond
CEO
Timereaction
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20. Building Strong Networks and Collaborations:
In addition to embracing technological innovation and
change, Allan also understands the importance of
forging partnerships with industry stakeholders and
experts. By collaborating with others in the industry,
Diamond and Timereaction can identify and address
emerging challenges and opportunities, ensuring their
solutions remain relevant and effective in an ever-
changing market.
These collaborative efforts have played a significant
role in the ongoing success of Timereaction and have
allowed it to remain at the forefront of innovation and
progress in the industry.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
For budding entrepreneurs looking to venture into the
dynamic industry, Allan Diamond offers valuable
insights drawn from his own experiences. The key to
success lies in embracing innovation, adaptability, and
collaboration. Focus on harnessing AI and advanced
technologies, fostering seamless integrations, and
prioritizing transparency and efficiency to revolutionize
supply chain management and create a more efficient,
transparent, and sustainable industry.
Additionally, adapt to hybrid working conditions and
build strong networks with industry stakeholders and
experts to ensure your venture remains agile and
relevant in the ever-evolving business landscape.
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23. Understandingthe
Importance
of Leadershipin
Supply Chain Niche
eadership in the supply chain involves the ability
Lto manage and coordinate the flow of goods and
services from the point of origin to the point of
consumption. It requires a set of skills and
competencies that enable leaders to oversee and
optimize the performance of the supply chain while
ensuring that it operates efficiently and effectively.
Supply chain management is a complex and dynamic
process that involves the movement of goods and
services from suppliers to customers. It requires the
coordination of various stakeholders, such as
manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and logistics
providers, to ensure the smooth flow of goods and
services.
The success of a supply chain depends on various
factors, and one of the most critical factors is
leadership. In this article, we will discuss the
importance of leadership in the supply chain niche.
Vision and Strategy
Leadership is crucial in defining the vision and strategy
of a supply chain. A good leader should have a clear
understanding of the market and the company's goals,
which will enable them to develop a long-term vision
and strategy for the supply chain. A well-defined vision
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21
24. and strategy will help in aligning the various
stakeholders in the supply chain, which will ultimately
lead to increased efficiency and profitability.
Leaders in the supply chain niche must have a strategic
mindset to develop long-term plans and visions for the
supply chain. They must be able to analyze the market,
assess risks and opportunities, and develop strategies
to achieve their goals.
Coordination and Collaboration
Effective leadership is necessary for the coordination
and collaboration of all stakeholders involved in the
supply chain. The leader should be able to build strong
relationships with suppliers, manufacturers,
distributors, and retailers, and facilitate communication
among them. This will help in identifying and addressing
any bottlenecks in the supply chain and improving the
overall efficiency of the system.
Supply chain management is an ever-changing field, and
leaders must be flexible and adaptable to changes in the
industry, market, and technology. They must be able to
pivot quickly and make strategic decisions based on
new information.
Risk Management
The supply chain is exposed to various risks, such as
disruptions in the supply of raw materials, natural
disasters, and geopolitical risks. A good leader should
be able to identify and manage these risks effectively.
They should develop contingency plans and establish
procedures to mitigate the impact of any disruptions in
the supply chain.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement
Leadership is critical in promoting innovation and
continuous improvement in the supply chain. A good
leader should be able to identify areas that require
improvement and encourage innovation to enhance
efficiency and reduce costs. They should also be open
to new ideas and technologies that can improve the
supply chain's overall performance.
Effective communication is essential in the supply chain
to ensure that all stakeholders are on the same page.
Leaders must be able to communicate clearly, both
orally and in writing, and be able to explain complex
ideas in simple terms.
Talent Management
The success of a supply chain depends on the skills and
expertise of the people involved in it. A good leader
should be able to identify and develop talent within the
supply chain. They should also be able to create a
culture of learning and development to enhance the
skills and capabilities of the workforce.
Analytical Skills
Supply chain management requires extensive data
analysis to make informed decisions. Leaders must be
skilled in analyzing data and interpreting trends to
identify opportunities for improvement.
Effective supply chain leaders must be able to think
strategically, considering the big picture and long-term
goals of the organization. They need to be able to
anticipate future trends and adapt to changes in the
market, while ensuring that the supply chain remains
aligned with overall business objectives.
Continuous Learning
Leaders in the supply chain niche must be committed to
continuous learning and development. They must stay
up-to-date with industry trends, technology, and best
practices to remain competitive and deliver value to
their stakeholders.
In conclusion, leadership is critical in the supply chain
niche. Effective leadership can help in defining the
vision and strategy of the supply chain, coordinating
and collaborating among stakeholders, managing risks,
promoting innovation and continuous improvement,
and managing talent.
A good leader should have a clear understanding of the
supply chain's dynamics and be able to build strong
relationships with all stakeholders involved. With
effective leadership, a supply chain can become a
competitive advantage for a company and enable it to
achieve its goals.
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25.
26. Voie
Empowering Women
in Transportation Careers
n 2007, Ellen Voie recognized a significant gap in
Ithe transportation industry: the lack of support for
women pursuing careers in this field. As a result, she
founded the non-profit organization Women In
Trucking Association, Inc. (WIT) with the mission to
create awareness of career opportunities for women
and to mentor and assist them as they become more
successful in their roles.
WIT is committed to fostering an environment of
inclusion and diversity, which is why the organization is
not limited to women only. In fact, 15 percent of WIT's
members are men who share the association's goals
and values.
Ellen Voie, the founder of WIT, has been involved in the
transportation industry for over 40 years. She started
her career in trucking after earning her diploma in
Traffic and Transportation Management in 1980. She
worked as a Traffic Manager for a steel fabricating plant
before starting her family. Afterward, she became a
freelance transportation consultant to carriers in
Wisconsin, ensuring they remained legally compliant
through licensing and permitting their trucks for over
16 years.
The following interview highlights Ellen's commitment to
empowering women in transportation careers, and how her
efforts have significantly impacted the industry's diversity
and inclusivity.
The Women In
Trucking Association
is a virtual workplace.
We hire associates
who are
self-motivated and
can work
independently.
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27. Ellen Voie
CEO and Founder
Women In Trucking
Association, Inc
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28. Brief our audience about your journey as a
dynamic leader until your current position at
your company. What challenges have you had
to overcome to reach where you are today?
My career in the transportation industry
began when I was working at a steel
fabrication facility in the drafting depart-
ment. I was offered a position in the
shipping department and advanced into
the role of traffic manager after complet-
ing my diploma in traffic and transporta-
tion Management.
This training allowed me to work as a
transportation consultant for eighteen
years while I raised my two children.
During that time, I also completed my
master’s degree at the University of
Wisconsin in Stevens Point, which
included writing my thesis on, "The
Complex Identities of Women Married
to Professional Drivers.”
I was hired as the Executive Director of
a trucking image program called
Trucker Buddy International, where I
led the organization for six years. In
2006, I was hired by a large Midwest
trucking company to lead corporate-
level initiatives to attract and retain
non-traditional drivers, which included
women. Upon further research, I
realized the industry wasn’t especially
accommodating women as drivers,
technicians, or leaders.
During this time, I was working on
earning my private pilot’s license, and I
belonged to a women’s aviation associa-
tion. I felt the trucking industry needed
something similar, so I started the Women
In Trucking Association, Inc. in March of
2007.
The biggest challenge in creating a new
organization is in establishing credibility. First
we had to make the industry understand the
need for more women in trucking, which meant
sharing information on what women bring in
regard to safety, leadership and net profits.
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29. Enlighten us on how you have been impacting the
dynamic industry through your expertise in the
market.
In starting a non-profit association to create a more
gender diverse supply chain, we needed to be a
resource to provide value to our members. This means
we had to have data! At first, that was difficult because
companies didn’t separate their employees by gender,
age, or ethnicity. I repeatedly asked for information
related to gender, but it just wasn’t available. Finally,
some companies started benchmarking to see what
percentage of their driving fleet (and staff) was female.
Once we had data, we were able to share the advan-
tages of hiring women, such as the fact that women are
more risk averse and make decisions differently than
men. We also learned that a more diverse workforce is
also a more profitable one. By using real numbers to
motivate the industry to hire women, we were able to
create a forward movement for gender diversity.
Describe in detail the values and culture that drives
your organization.
The Women In Trucking Association is a virtual work-
place. We hire associates who are self-motivated and
can work independently. We don’t track hours worked,
but measure output instead. This means we are free to
take days off to accommodate our families and personal
lives, which creates a better work culture.
Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in
almost every sector. How are you advancing towards
technological innovations to make your solutions
resourceful?
As a virtual organization, we rely on technology to stay
connected. Our team meets regularly, and staff con-
nects with leadership and the board on a consistent
basis. We use a virtual platform so we can see each
other during meetings, which is as close as we can get
when our distance is the norm.
When the pandemic created travel restrictions, we
changed our conference into a virtual event through
the use of technology. Although we have returned to an
in-person event, we continue to offer a virtual option
for anyone who might not have the flexibility to travel.
What, according to you, could be the next significant
change in your sector? How is your company prepar-
ing to be a part of that change?
Although we represent all women in the trucking
industry, a large portion of our members are profes-
sional drivers. The race to design and implement an
autonomous vehicle is significant, and there are truck
manufacturers who have driverless trucks on the road.
However, these vehicles are rare and won’t be a
common occurrence in the near future. Without
someone behind the wheel, disruptions such as a blown
tire, construction zones, or inclement weather could
create a more hazardous vehicle. However, the atten-
tion these vehicles are getting gives potential drivers
the impression that the job will be eliminated. This is
not the case, as there will always be the need for some
type of operator in the cab of the truck.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run,
and what are your future goals for the organization?
For me personally, my role has recently changed from
CEO to Founder as my successor takes over the
organization. However, I will remain involved as a
speaker, writer, and industry expert due to my 44 years
in the trucking industry.
What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs
who aspire to venture into the dynamic industry?
My advice to anyone considering a career in transpor-
tation is to look at all the options and ask a lot of
questions. Do your homework to find the right role that
works best for you. From driver to technician to safety
director, dispatcher, or CEO, there are many career
opportunities for anyone looking at an industry that is
vibrant and sustainable and cannot be outsourced.
If you have any other additional details which we
might have missed out on or that you want to highlight
in the profile, please feel free to share them.
We have an annual conference each November and
anticipate nearly 3,000 attendees this year. We grew
from 800 in 2021 to 1,750 in 2022, so this coming year
should be record-setting!
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31. How Technology is
Enabling Advancements
in the Supply Chain and
Logistics Sector?
T
he impact of technology on the logistics and supply chain
niche has been significant, revolutionizing the way
businesses manage their supply chains and operate their
logistics operations. Technology has enabled advancements in
areas such as automation, real-time tracking, and predictive
analytics, resulting in increased efficiency, lower costs, and
improved customer experiences.
Technology is revolutionizing the supply chain and logistics sector,
enabling advancements that were previously impossible. From
real-time tracking of shipments to predictive analytics that help
optimize routes and reduce costs, technology is changing the way
goods and services are delivered around the world. In this article,
we will explore how technology is enabling advancements in the
supply chain and logistics sector.
Real-time tracking of shipments
One of the biggest advancements enabled by technology is the
real-time tracking of shipments. With GPS-enabled devices and
sensors, companies can now track their shipments in real time,
giving them complete visibility into their supply chain. This allows
companies to identify potential issues and respond quickly to
delays or disruptions, improving the overall efficiency of the
supply chain.
Automation
Technology is also enabling advancements in automation, allowing
companies to automate many of the manual processes involved in
the supply chain. For example, autonomous vehicles and drones
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32. can now be used to transport goods, reducing the need
for human intervention and improving efficiency. In
addition, robotic process automation (RPA) can be used
to automate repetitive tasks, such as data entry, freeing
up employees to focus on higher-value tasks.
Technology has enabled the automation of many
processes involved in the logistics and supply chain
niche, such as picking and packing, inventory
management, and shipping. This has resulted in
improved speed and accuracy, lower costs, and reduced
errors. Automated systems such as conveyor belts,
automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and autonomous
robots have made it possible to handle high volumes of
goods with minimal human intervention.
Blockchain
Blockchain technology is also transforming the supply
chain and logistics sector. By providing a secure,
decentralized ledger, blockchain allows companies to
track their shipments and transactions with greater
transparency and accountability. This can help reduce
fraud and improve trust among supply chain partners,
ultimately improving the efficiency and effectiveness of
the supply chain.
Blockchain technology has emerged as a potential
game-changer in the logistics and supply chain niche.
Blockchain can enable secure, transparent, and tamper-
proof tracking of goods and transactions throughout
the supply chain. This can help reduce fraud, improve
traceability, and increase trust among supply chain
partners. Blockchain can also improve the efficiency of
international trade by reducing paperwork and
speeding up customs clearance.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Finally, artificial intelligence (AI) is also enabling
advancements in the supply chain and logistics sector.
By using AI-powered algorithms to analyze data,
companies can identify patterns and trends that would
be difficult for humans to detect. This can help improve
forecasting accuracy, optimize routes, and reduce costs.
Technology enables significant advancements in the
supply chain and logistics sector. Real-time tracking of
shipments, predictive analytics, automation,
blockchain, and artificial intelligence are all helping to
improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the supply
chain. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect
to see even more advancements in the years to come.
Advancements in AI have enabled businesses to use
machine learning algorithms to analyze vast amounts of
data and identify patterns and trends. This can help
businesses optimize their supply chain operations,
including identifying the most efficient shipping routes,
forecasting demand, and reducing the risk of stockouts.
AI can also be used to improve customer experiences
by providing personalized recommendations and
optimizing delivery times.
Real-time tracking
Technology has made it possible to track shipments and
inventory in real-time using GPS-enabled devices,
sensors, and RFID tags. This has resulted in improved
visibility, allowing businesses to identify potential
issues and respond quickly to delays or disruptions.
Real-time tracking has also enabled more accurate
forecasting and demand planning, resulting in better
inventory management and reduced waste.
Predictive analytics
Advancements in technology have enabled predictive
analytics to be used in the logistics and supply chain
niche. By analyzing data from various sources, such as
weather forecasts, traffic patterns, and historical sales
data, predictive analytics can help businesses optimize
their supply chain operations. This includes identifying
the most efficient shipping routes, forecasting demand,
and reducing the risk of stockouts.
Another key advancement enabled by technology is
predictive analytics. By analyzing historical data and
using machine learning algorithms, companies can now
predict demand patterns and optimize routes to reduce
costs and improve efficiency. This allows companies to
make data-driven decisions and ensure that they are
always operating at peak efficiency.
In conclusion, technology has had a significant impact
on the logistics and supply chain niche, enabling
advancements in automation, real-time tracking,
predictive analytics, blockchain, and AI. Businesses that
adopt these technologies can improve efficiency,
reduce costs, and provide better customer experiences,
ultimately gaining a competitive advantage in the
marketplace. As technology continues to evolve, we can
expect to see even more advancements in the logistics
and supply chain niche in the future.
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