Key Takeaways from Manifest Vegas 2023

Osa attended Manifest Vegas this winter and we were thrilled to connect with many members of the supply chain and logistics community. After three productive days of listening, learning, engaging, and networking, we left the event with a number of key takeaways that we recognize will be integral for better supply chain management.

1. Optimized Processes and Productivity

One of the continued trends that our team noticed was a continued big push to improve processes and productivity. Many supply chain partners are still looking for ways to increase visibility and decrease wasted time within their operations. However, the focus has been removed from siloed arms of the logistics operations and has been directed to the entire supply chain. 

Supply chain leaders are utilizing more and more technology, such as unified commerce platforms, that prioritize heightened transparency. Platforms, especially those utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML)  can detect where a product is at any given moment within the supply chain, pinpoint bottlenecks, and forecast for sales peaks, allowing companies to right-size their inventory. Moreover, organizations are guaranteeing better visibility by moving away from legacy data streams like AS-400 to API.

Supply chain leaders are also looking to curb inefficiencies within the four walls of fulfillment centers by gleaning insight into trucks’ arrival times, ensuring that warehouse staff is preoccupied with value-added duties, instead of wasting time standing by for a delivery. Automated systems within the warehouse, such as robotics for picking, and management tools with integrated workflows, can be big assets to businesses trying to streamline their operations. 

Sustainability and environmental impact were also buzzwords at Manifest. Many organizations are looking to electrify final-mile delivery and include driver-assisted systems for middle-mile delivery. 

2. Better Collaboration 

Another big priority for supply chain leaders was a need for collaboration among partners. Osa Vice President of Marketing, Chelsea Mori noted: “Technology vendors and providers, even competitors, need to become more collaborative. Today's retailers and brands require operations that meet their ever-changing needs without the hassle of trying to figure out how things should work. They just need it TO work.” 

To better collaborate, supply chains must invest in technology that enables connectivity. Key factors in this technology include real-time data sharing, so that all supply chain partners can make informed decisions that serve every part of the chain, from planning to exception management. AI and machine learning can also aid in better collaboration by recognizing risks and providing suggestions, allowing users to make quick decisions in conjunction with their partners. 

Visibility, as mentioned above, is also the key to collaboration; a unified view into the entire supply chain that every partner has access to is crucial to creating a well-run optimal supply chain, ensuring that retailers, brands, and end-consumers are satisfied. 

3. Moving Away from Legacy Systems

More and more supply chain leaders are hoping to implement new technologies, instead of relying on homegrown, outdated systems. With the need for optimized processes and better collaboration becoming more critical, robust software to support those requirements is integral. Specifically, industry experts are looking for technology that doesn’t require starting from scratch and reinventing their workflows. 

Companies, from retailers to 3PLs, are looking to adopt tech-agnostic approaches, so they can build a better system without having to waste time retraining their staff. Identifying a platform that plays well with others and can run an entire operation on its own if needed can be a game changer. E-commerce solutions that prioritize building with their partners, allowing them to adopt new tech as they grow, will be the best asset to organizations hoping to shift away from legacy software. 

Overall, cutting-edge and efficient end-to-end supply chain management is the next innovation for logistics companies and leaders. Manifest was a great opportunity to continue learning about these supply chain transformations and was a valuable experience for all of us at Osa who attended. We can’t wait to go back next year, and if you attended, we’d love to hear your key takeaways!