The platform imperative: building resilience through digital networks
A clear consensus emerged around the value of integrated digital platforms. The panel explored whether companies should build their own systems or rely on market leaders like Transporeon—and the answer, overwhelmingly, leaned towards platforms that are purpose-built for logistics.
These platforms act as a connective tissue across operations, enabling rapid communication, resource allocation and access to real-time data. When disruptions hit—and they will—such infrastructure is essential for a fast, coordinated response.
Some organisations blend platforms with internal tools for flexibility, while others avoid in-house solutions altogether, believing in standardisation for consistency and scale. Either way, digital platforms are the common denominator in building supply chain resilience.
Proactive planning: tackling disruption before it hits
The phrase ‘disruption is the new normal’ resonated throughout the session. From tariffs to trade tensions, volatility is now expected. This demands more than reactive fixes—it calls for proactive, always-on planning.
Real-time visibility tools, like those in the Visibility Hub, are now central to navigating dynamic conditions. Panelists also discussed the power of global data platforms—a significant leap from older regional silos—enabling faster analytics and more agile decision-making.
Add to that strategic partnerships with carriers and you have a powerful formula for resilience that’s built on collaboration, not isolation.
The AI frontier: turning potential into performance
Only a quarter of the session’s audience had adopted AI, yet the enthusiasm for its potential was unmistakable. From demand forecasting to marine logistics optimisation and even internal process automation, AI is slowly but surely making its way into supply chains.
However, a recurring theme was the challenge of scaling—proof-of-concepts are one thing, but embedding AI at an organisational level is a different game entirely. The key? High-quality data. Without it, AI is just a clever theory.
The power of collaboration: connected systems and smarter supply chains
Supply chain collaboration isn't just a buzzword—it’s a capability. The panel shared real-life challenges and wins, particularly in using platforms for outbound logistics and extending that same visibility upstream into inbound processes.
Integration is key. Market-leading platforms help companies avoid a tangle of one-to-one connections by offering seamless, standardised interfaces across partners, carriers and systems.
Another standout point? The customer experience (CX). As customers juggle multiple orders and vendors, the ability to deliver reliable, relevant and timely data becomes a critical differentiator.
Looking ahead: digital transformation and the bottom line
The discussion also covered electronic consignment notes (eCMR)—a tool for increased visibility and efficiency that, at present, only 18% of the audience had adopted. The panel agreed: industry-standard, interoperable solutions are the key to accelerating adoption and avoiding further fragmentation.
As we look further into 2025 and beyond, the top priorities are clear: data quality, sustainability and cost reduction. Digital platforms are seen not just as enablers but as prerequisites for true productivity improvements.
A compelling takeaway was the concept of logistics commercial excellence—a shift away from pure cost-cutting to a broader view that balances margin improvement, service quality and sustainable performance. One particularly ambitious goal that was discussed was to tie every supply chain cost to individual orders to allow for smarter, more profitable decisions at scale.
Final thoughts: resilience reimagined
The Masterclass wrapped up with a Q&A that reinforced a core truth: the complexity of modern supply chains isn’t going away—but neither is our ability to navigate it. With the right tools, partnerships and mindset, digital transformation isn’t just possible, it’s also powerful.
