In this episode of Supply Chain Unfiltered, Christine Barnhart and Philip Vervloesem of OMP discuss why connected planning is essential in a world shaped by ongoing disruption and technological evolution.
Shifting Landscape and Digital Demands
Philip explains that today’s “poly crisis”—pandemic-driven disruptions and shifting global dynamics—demands faster, decision-centric planning. Businesses expect incremental, self-funding digital transformation, with Generative AI playing a central role. Christine adds that traditional ERP implementations no longer align with the need for speed and adaptability.
Challenges and Evolving Priorities
Key barriers include:
- Unclear digital priorities
- Inconsistent tool adoption
- Balancing sustainability with cost and customer satisfaction
With third-party manufacturing replacing vertical integration, disruptions can quickly cascade through the supply chain.
The Rise of Connected Planning
Philip defines connected planning as a real-time, integrated approach that spans vertically (strategy to operations) and horizontally (across sourcing, manufacturing, distribution, and partners). This “always-on” model replaces outdated monthly S&OP cycles with continuous scenario planning.
Christine calls it “virtual vertical integration,” enabling companies to manage external assets as if they were in-house.
Future Outlook: AI, Talent, and Ecosystems
Looking ahead:
- Agentic AI will automate planning, freeing professionals to focus on strategy.
- Quantum computing could transform optimization in 5–10 years.
- Education must evolve to prepare planners for digitally enabled roles.
OMP’s partnership with Nulogy exemplifies this shift—aiming to simplify multi-enterprise collaboration through low-code APIs and real-time data sync.
Final Advice
Philip urges firms to start AI pilot projects now, invest in governance, and prepare for a more autonomous future.
