In a rapidly shifting tech landscape, PepsiCo Labs is helping redefine supply chain innovation. Speaking on the Thoughts and Coffee series, Anna Farberov, General Manager at PepsiCo Labs, shared strategies for integrating startup agility with corporate scale, highlighting practical ways to adopt technologies like generative AI without falling into “pilot purgatory.”
A key insight: digital transformation is less about tech, more about people. Farberov emphasized that lasting change hinges on adoption, training and stakeholder alignment.
As sustainability climbs to the top of supply chain priorities, aligning transformation with environmental goals is increasingly critical.
Digital product passports – QR-code-based tools – track product origin and lifecycle, offering benefits from anti-counterfeiting to better inventory management. More than compliance, they open a direct line between brand and consumer, enabling storytelling and data transparency.
To avoid innovation stalling in small-scale tests, Farberov shared a roadmap:
- Start with a clear business problem.
- Define success KPIs early.
- Prioritize focus and select the right tech partners.
- Plan for scalability from the outset.
Bridging the startup-corporate divide means setting expectations, aligning timelines and staying flexible. Farberov encouraged startups to engage with PepsiCo Labs via their website or LinkedIn to learn about open innovation challenges.
As the pace of technology accelerates, successful supply chain innovation demands both strategic planning and an adaptive mindset.
