How do you see the role of supply chain management and supply chain operations changing in the next three years?

This is a great question! In the next three years, I see supply chain management and operations evolving dramatically, driven by technology and new work methodologies. Having worked across procurement, supply chain, and project management, I’ve seen how rapidly these areas are transforming. Here are the key changes I anticipate:

Increased Automation and AI/ML Integration:
Supply chains are becoming smarter, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) will play an even bigger role. These technologies will help automate decision-making, optimize inventory management, and improve forecasting accuracy. For example, using ML algorithms, supply chains can predict demand spikes, minimize overstocking, and reduce costs—all with real-time data. AI-driven procurement will speed up sourcing decisions, and autonomous negotiation tools could be the next big thing.

Data-Driven Decision Making:
Data will become the lifeblood of supply chain operations. Beyond tracking and tracing, data will be analyzed at every stage to drive decisions. Supply chain visibility will improve significantly, allowing teams to react faster to disruptions (which are inevitable, as we’ve learned from recent global events). From procurement compliance to end-to-end visibility, supply chains will rely heavily on analytics to streamline processes and ensure compliance across the board.

New Ways of Working – Agile and Collaborative Models:
With the rise of Agile methodologies in project management, the same principles will be applied to supply chains. Agile enables faster responses to changes in demand or supply. In the future, we’ll see more cross-functional teams within organizations—procurement, IT, finance, and logistics teams working hand-in-hand. This breaks down silos and improves operational agility. At the same time, remote collaboration tools will play a crucial role in managing geographically dispersed teams, enabling smoother operations despite global distances.

Sustainability and Resilience Focus:
As companies face increasing pressure to become sustainable, supply chains will need to adapt by integrating environmentally-friendly practices. But it’s not just about being green—it’s also about building resilience. The use of AI-powered risk management tools will allow companies to assess and mitigate risks faster, making supply chains more robust and adaptive.

Digital Transformation and Procurement Technologies:
We’re witnessing a massive digital shift in procurement. E-procurement platforms, contract management tools, and supplier relationship management systems will become even more sophisticated, allowing companies to drive cost savings and operational efficiency. I've personally overseen projects where these digital tools have delivered millions in cost savings, as seen with Grupo Bimbo, where tech adoption was key to driving innovation and efficiency.

In short, AI, automation, and Agile will reshape supply chains, creating more resilient, data-driven, and collaborative operations. Staying ahead of these trends will be crucial for supply chain professionals in the coming years. It’s an exciting time for the industry!

The need for speed with the expansion of AI and overall thirst for operational efficiency will only continue to exacerbate the resources of the supply chain operations. Organizations are still trying to recover from the pandemic. Inventory for critical parts is still below pre pandemic rate. Management of supply chain and timely availability of resources/inventory should be a critical component of organization's three years plan.