The 2022 ASCM CONNECT Annual Conference is underway in Chicago and around the world!

Supply chain professionals far and wide have come together for the very best in supply chain education.

Keynotes H.R. McMaster and Gary Cohn highlight the interconnectedness of global systems

ASCM CEO Abe Eshkenazi, CSCP, CPA, CAE, kicked off the event with H.R. McMaster, former U.S. National Security Advisor, and Gary Cohn, vice chairman of IBM and former director of the U.S. National Economic Council. During their session, attendees gained unique perspectives about how to operate in today’s complex geopolitical landscape. 

The speakers investigated numerous topics affecting today’s supply chains, including geopolitical issues and the future of global trade; nearshoring, reshoring and onshoring; viable alternatives to oil and gas; sustainability; food security; infrastructure; the economy and inflation; and more. Both Cohn and McMaster agreed that the bottom line is that all of these challenges are interconnected and, therefore, must be solved holistically.

“We often have a myopic focus on one set of problems,” McMaster said. “We try to solve a discrete problem set and, in so doing, create another one. … It’s immensely important to innovate in all of these spaces in parallel.”

Cohn agreed, adding that the obstacles are also opportunities. “We will solve these problems [with] ongoing conversation and by maintaining an open and honest dialogue. … We will solve them quickly when we have no other choice — and we’re getting to the point where we have no other choice.”

The somewhat ominous final word was offered by McMaster: “We’re in for a lot more disruption. We’re in for many more shocks and a series of cascading crises. Buckle in.”

ASCM unveils the top 10 supply chain trends for 2023

Conference attendees got a sneak peek at the most significant supply chain shifts to watch for in the coming months. Based on extensive study by ASCM’s Research, Innovation and Sensing Committee, the findings will enable industry professionals to prepare their networks for what’s on the horizon. 

Matt Talbert, ASCM research senior manager, was joined by Amy Augustine, CSCP, senior director of network supply chain at UScellular; Adam James, CSCP, CLTD, vice president of North America surface transportation at C.H. Robinson; and Ulf Suerig, Ph.D., director of supply chain operations at Abbott. Together, they shared the following top 10 supply chain trends, culled from more than 2,000 pages of research and 125 unique sources:

1. Big data and analytics
2. Digital supply chain
3. Supply chain risk and resilience
4. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
5. Robotics
6. Cybersecurity and safeguarding data
7. Circularity and sustainable supply chains
8. Essential goods supply chains
9. Smart logistics and the internet of things (IOT)
10. Logistics vulnerability

The biggest gain was seen by AI and ML, up six points from 2022. In addition, digital supply chain and sustainability both climbed five points. Big data and analytics held the top spot for another year. And robotics, essential goods, smart logistics and IOT, and logistics vulnerability were all new to the top 10. Learn more about all of ASCM’s exciting research projects and watch for the official 2023 trends announcement.

Attendees discover the brand-new SCOR DS

During a highly interactive Innovation Lab, participants learned how to move the needle on supply chain performance with rapid, dramatic improvements. The new Supply Chain Operations Reference Digital Standard (SCOR DS) is the biggest update to SCOR since its inception and modernizes the framework to include sustainability standards and the digital body of knowledge.

Developed by a diverse group of subject matter experts, the update to the SCOR DS advances supply chains from linear to more asynchronous networks. It’s organized around seven primary management processes:

1. Orchestrate
2. Plan
3. Order
4. Source
5. Transform
6. Fulfill
7. Return

SCOR is the only comprehensive, universally accepted and open-access supply chain standard. It has been used by thousands of public and private organizations around the world to assess and meaningfully advance their supply chains. Find out more about what the SCOR DS can do for you supply chain organization.

Exciting tools and tech in the Expo Hall

In addition to valuable supply chain education, attendees enjoyed talking with exhibitors and exploring the latest product and service innovations in the Expo Hall. It’s a valuable opportunity to stay current with the latest innovations, connect with industry representatives and grow professional contacts. In addition, many participants visited the ASCM Affiliation Center to learn about the latest ASCM member benefits. Check out the offerings.

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