GenAI is a game-changer for procurement.
It has the potential to redefine procurement’s entire operating model and significantly accelerate the function’s efficiency.
To a Chief Procurement Officer, saving both time and money is like music to their ears. However, that’s not to say that GenAI has all the answers and doesn’t come without challenges.
In this exclusive article, Suyash Deo, Functional SME Data Analytics and AI at Softweb Solutions, tells us more about how GenAI and conversational AI represent revolutionary advancements in technology, poised to transform traditional supply chain operations.
Would you be able to give me a brief introduction to your role and the company you work for?
Suyash Deo: “I serve as a Functional SME in AI and Data Analytics at Softweb Solutions. With 13 years at Softweb, I’ve managed key accounts in supply chain and manufacturing, driving their digital transformation.
“Softweb Solutions, an Avnet company, is a global system integrator headquartered in Dallas, with offices in Chicago and a development unit in India. For over two decades, we’ve been bridging technology gaps in digital supply chains through data and AI-driven strategies. We’re closely aligned with Hyperscalers like Microsoft and AWS, and enterprise platforms like Salesforce and SAP.”
ASCM CONNECT 2024
What is the value of events like ASCM CONNECT 2024: North America? How important is this conference in the supply chain calendar?
Suyash Deo: “ASCM CONNECT 2024 stands out as a premier event, offering a unique platform for professionals in the supply chain industry to collaborate and connect. While we attend many industry events, the networking opportunities at ASCM CONNECT are truly unmatched.”
What are the biggest takeaways from this year’s ASCM CONNECT for you?
Suyash Deo: “At Softweb, we had the opportunity to showcase our Generative AI framework, Needle, along with our AI agent capabilities. The response from the audience was overwhelmingly positive, particularly in seeing how AI agents can revolutionize traditional operations. Additionally, the event offered valuable networking opportunities and insights from industry experts, making it a highly enriching experience for us.”
Global supply chain
How would you describe where the supply chain space finds itself today?
Suyash Deo: “The supply chain sector has undoubtedly been among the hardest hit by recent global disruptions. These challenges have exposed vulnerabilities and push the industry to rethink its approach.
“We’re now moving away from the traditional, linear supply chains toward more interconnected, technology-driven networks. There’s a strong shift towards data-driven strategies and an ‘AI-first’ mindset, which is rapidly becoming the norm in organisations aiming to future-proof their operations. The focus has shifted to creating smarter, more resilient supply chains that are better equipped to handle the uncertainties of today’s global landscape. This evolution is what we’re now considering the ‘new normal’ for supply chains.”
Digital transformation
Where are generative and conversational AI having the biggest impact in the supply chain? What types of supply chain and procurement decisions are now possible, or much easier to make, with the rise of AI and LLMs? How does this compare to just a couple of years ago?
Suyash Deo: “At ASCM Connect, we showcased our GenAI Framework, Needle. This cutting-edge tool integrates with multiple data sources and enterprise systems through its AI agent. During the demo, we illustrated how Needle can generate a Bill of Materials (BOM) from natural chat conversations with clients. It captures key information—whether it’s an image, web link, or text—and uses that data to determine specific requirements for electronic boards and parts. Additionally, Needle can recommend alternative parts for aging inventory, create new opportunities in Salesforce, notify account managers, and validate parts availability.
“This AI-driven approach has optimised the traditional procurement process by over 40% and significantly improved customer experience. Looking back a few years, procurement involved a cumbersome chain of emails and forms, extensive data exchanges, and a high level of human dependency, all of which increased the risk of errors. Needle modernises and streamlines these processes, delivering greater efficiency and accuracy.”
What should CSCOs out there do first? What needs to be considered before starting the gen AI journey?
Suyash Deo: “GenAI technology has the potential to unlock numerous opportunities and create significant value for organisations when implemented effectively. However, we’ve noticed that many clients begin with proofs of concept (POCs). This is before then abandoning full-scale implementation due to inadequate planning.
“In our Data 360 program, we address this challenge by starting with a thorough data readiness assessment and mapping out all overlapping workflows. While we always adhere to a well-defined AI strategy, our approach ensures that it is tailored to fit each client’s existing ecosystem and use cases.”
Biggest challenges
What are the biggest challenges or hesitations you’re seeing companies have around AI? What should organisations look for in technology to hedge against these concerns?
Suyash Deo: “During our workshops, we encounter various concerns from stakeholders. This is much like the apprehensions someone might have when riding a jet ski for the first time.
“However, one common worry is, ‘We do not want to share our data with the LLM.’
- To address this, we implement our Needle framework directly within the client’s cloud environment.
- This setup ensures that clients maintain full control over their data sources, user interactions with the AI model, and the resources it generates.
“Additionally, we provide a comprehensive overview of the GenAI thread landscape from an enterprise perspective and explain how Needle integrates within it. We can also discuss specific cases in detail to address any further concerns.”
What are the underlying issues in how companies are currently storing and looking at their supply chain data? Why is this a problem and how can they overcome those challenges with generative AI and knowledge graphs?
Suyash Deo: “We frequently encounter this question during our workshops. As I mentioned earlier, GenAI or even traditional AI should come later in the process. The first and most critical step is building a solid data foundation.
“Many systems operate in silos, a number of applications run on local servers, and it’s not uncommon to find data managed through XLS and CSV files. This fragmented setup makes it difficult to ensure data availability for successful AI implementation.
“We always recommend focusing on strengthening the foundational data layer first. Once that’s in place, companies gain the flexibility to fully explore and leverage the true potential of AI.”
Future
Are there any exciting projects that you’re currently working on or any past ones that you’re proud of that you’d like to highlight?
Suyash Deo: “We’re involved in some exciting projects, especially in the areas of AI, data analytics, and digital transformation. Let me share two examples.
“Recently, we partnered with a leading supply chain company to develop a robust solution called POLAR. It’s a cloud-based web platform specifically designed to manage supply chain operations across different business units in the Asia-Pacific region. POLAR includes modules for planning, operations, logistics, reporting, and analytics, all customised to meet the needs of various roles within each unit.”
Challenges:
“They were facing numerous challenges managing their complex supply chain operations across diverse business units in the Asia-Pacific region. These includes Slow SAP data retrieval, which hindered real-time decision-making, forecasting future operations was also challenging due to the difficulty in analysing historical trends effectively.
Solution
“Our developed web platform designed specifically to manage supply chain operations across diverse business units in the Asia-Pacific region. Built leveraging Azure services, it offers robust features, including modules for planning, operations, logistics, reporting, and analytics.
“This resulted into greater impact in form of;
- Improved Operational Efficiency: Automated processes, reducing time and effort in managing supply chain operations.
- Enhanced Data Accuracy: Eliminated manual errors, resulting in more accurate reporting and decision-making.
- Faster Decision-Making: Real-time SAP access and historical comparisons enabled quicker, informed decisions.
- Seamless Integration: Integration with SAP and third-party systems optimized the entire supply chain.
- Future Scalability: The cloud-based platform supports long-term growth and adaptability for the business.
Project FSP
“We have also built Full-Service Portal (FSP) to streamline their product service and ordering for end client.
“Portal also covered critical modules, including product listing, order processing, and BOM (Bill of Materials) management, to enhance operational efficiency across regions.
Key Features:
- Product Listing and Search: A robust system for listing products with extensive search and filter options, enabling users to find products efficiently.
- Quoting System: FSP introduced a quoting module that allowed users to request quotes through multiple channels, track quote progress, and place orders based on quoted products.
- BOM (Bill of Materials) Management: The BOM module enabled users to create BOMs through various options, track product availability and pricing, and manage quotes and orders for BOM products seamlessly.
Results and Impact
- Improved Efficiency: The system streamlined product listings, order management, and quoting processes, improving response times and customer satisfaction.
- Global Reach: The platform’s capabilities supported FSP’s operations across the Americas, APAC, and EMEA, enhancing its global presence.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Customers could easily navigate through product listings, request quotes, and track orders, leading to a better user experience.
- BOM Optimisation: The BOM management feature enabled more accurate tracking of product availability and pricing, reducing delays in production and order fulfilment.
“This solution helped FSP rapidly respond to market changes, ensuring greater flexibility and operational agility across its global footprint.”
- AI in Supply Chain
