Innovation was the keyword of the day at o9’s executive aim10x event. On the 4th of June in Amsterdam, software company o9 Solutions ran its summit for procurement leaders and experts, many of whom are finding themselves at a crossroads as technology and supply chains evolve.
The aim of the event was to enable procurement leaders to discuss how to adapt at a time when supply chains are becoming more interconnected, and how to navigate changes in operating conditions. These vital conversations included forecasting, supplier collaboration, and inventory management – among many other timely topics.
o9’s APEX
The summit also aimed to highlight the importance of AI-native agentic systems and how companies must move past legacy operating models. During the opening keynote sessions, led by Chakri Gottemukkala, o9’s Co-Founder, CEO, and Chairman, APEX – o9’s AI operating model – was previewed. APEX uses what o9 calls ‘neuro-symbolic AI’ to solve issues with enterprise decision-making and change management challenges.
The o9 team then demonstrated the power of AI-driven capabilities, which Gottemukkala combined with real-life success stories from across many years of supply chain innovation. He dived into discussing case studies, the real technology behind APEX, and the pillars that make up what it stands for (Agile, Adaptive, Autonomous, Planning, and Execution).
AI that goes “well beyond the AI of language”
Later, the conversation shifted to why LLMs alone are no longer enough. Dr. Ashwin Rao, Executive Vice President, Next-Gen AI and Technology at o9 Solutions, explained why neuro-symbolic AI is essential because it goes the extra mile. “Language is not complete cognition,” he said. “LLMs are powerful, but we need AI that goes well beyond the AI of language. That’s the AI of mathematics, structure, and domain knowledge.”
Further explanations of neuro-symbolic AI and demonstrations followed. Alongside this, three retailers each told their stories of how they moved past disconnected operating models. JD Sports, Canyon Bicycles, and Adidas all dug into their stories and how they approached sustainable planning transformations. Read all the details of their stories here.
Inspiring transformations
aim10x also highlighted four transformation lessons across the event. These came from Marelli, RHI Magnesita, Garrett Motion, and Teleflex, all of whom outlined their own transformation stories. During these transformations, all four business arrived at similar conclusions: that integrated planning is a cultural shift before it’s a technical one, and that the organisations which thrive ensure they have the internal capability to keep improving. Read the lessons learned from their transformations here.
Throughout the talks, breakout sessions, demonstrations, and networking, three themes ran through everything at aim10x:
- That integrated visibility is a company initiative, not a function.
- That data quality is an ongoing discipline.
- And that the implementation is not the transformation.
With everything that happened during this fascinating event, what’s interesting is that aim10x Europe was only the preview. When o9 hosts its Americas event on the 23rd of September, its vision will truly take shape. Register to join in the conversation here.
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