SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Another application for AI would be to react and respond to supplychain disruption. The usual focus is on developing and qualifying supply options, Walters explained, in a way that offers mutually beneficial cost savings to both producer and customer. AI can also shine in crisis management when a long list of options can be refined quickly.
Charise Kahre, global tolling director for Momentive, noted that the expression‘ in region for region’ is a big buzz phrase these days, but stressed that“ a comprehensive understanding of the entire supply chain is essential.” She spoke on the panel that addressed building regional supplier networks.
“ I can usually find a local manufacturer or blender, but where is the raw material coming from?” Kahre asked.“ Wherever that is, the supply chain is still that long.” Economics take precedence, she added.“ What is the full cost to have the local source? If it’ s too much, then the contract gets cancelled.”
“ Localisation of supply is not just a matter of‘ made here for here,” said Amanda McCraw, contract manufacturing manager for BASF, who was also on the regional supplier networks panel.“ The most important thing is to remove risk. In that light, maybe an import is best if it’ s most reliable.”
Even so, there are often multiple factors in any supply decision, she added.“ If the customer says I need local supply or you can’ t have the contract, that drives custom manufacturing. Sometimes we do it because the customer demands it.”
Afton Chemical has been successful with customer-driven supply decisions, said Scott Turner, global toll manufacturing manager. That includes the REACH region of Europe.“ Still, at the end of the day cost is king. It has to make economic sense for us.”
Career considerations
Making sense of career planning was the focus of a compelling morning panel. One of the most important aspects is managing expectations.“ I realised by my thirties that it was impossible to achieve a‘ perfect’ balance between professional and personal life. The key is to be flexible,” said Kylie Wittl, co-founder and director of operations at Women in Chemicals.
That is not to say that the professional and personal worlds are in opposition.“ Align your professional goals with your personal goals,” cautioned Alan Dyke, vice president of business development at FAR Chemical.“ If you don’ t know what your own goals are, then you’ re just working for someone else’ s goals.”
Dyke also reiterated the importance of managing expectations, adding that“ managing your expectations of others is just as important as managing your own expectations.” Each informs the other. Extending that logic to collaboration, he noted that“ an important form of support is unbiased insight. That helps you stress test your decisions. Some of the worst decisions are the ones made in a vacuum.” ●
62 SPECIALITY CHEMICALS MAGAZINE ESTABLISHED 1981