Navigating Supply Chain Challenges: Strategies for Resilience in Uncertain Times

How do you navigate supply chain planning in a world that’s constantly evolving? A recent publication by Anaplan’s E.J. Tavella, who serves as the senior vice president of supply chain, sheds light on the importance of agile, extensive planning.

One of the primary hurdles for supply chain professionals today is effectively linking their decisions to broader business operations. According to Tavella, once organizations decipher demand and supply signals, they must integrate that data with factors like labor in factories and warehouses, financial implications, and marketing strategies. “Connecting those dots can be quite challenging,” he notes.

Many companies still struggle with departmental silos that hinder collaboration. to create a seamless end-to-end supply chain—from strategy formulation to execution—businesses need to think beyond their immediate environment. The most accomplished firms are those that engage with various suppliers upstream and customers downstream. This holistic approach allows them to grasp how external elements like tariffs can influence their operations.

The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming this landscape by enabling businesses to aggregate data from across different sectors. These advanced models can analyze product origins while integrating insights from government databases and other external resources.

Another meaningful challenge in today’s supply chain management is the necessity for rapid replanning due to market fluctuations and unexpected disruptions. Companies must not only respond quickly but also consider long-term strategies regarding product variety, production capacity, and location choices.

Tavella emphasizes how AI can facilitate the exploration of various “what-if” scenarios, equipping businesses with diverse strategies for real-world events. Additionally, agentic AI holds promise for automating specific processes once decisions are finalized.