For the President of Kinaxis (APAC), speed is not the most essential factor in shipping and logistics

What are the biggest challenges in the shipping and logistics industry today?

The industry faces a growing number of disruptions, from natural disasters and geopolitical conflicts to port congestion. These challenges often lead to costly delays, making it harder to meet on-time delivery commitments, especially without real-time visibility. Many logistics providers still manage operations manually or rely on legacy systems, so they can’t respond quickly when issues arise. This inefficiency impacts service levels and customer satisfaction.

Customer expectations are also evolving. The rise of e-commerce has set a new standard for speed and transparency, now expected in both consumer and B2B sectors. Rising costs add another layer of complexity — materials, labour, and shipping fees continue to increase, squeezing profit margins.

To compound this, there is mounting pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Regulatory bodies and consumers demand greener supply chains, pushing companies to invest in sustainable practices. 

Kinaxis addresses these issues by optimising the entire order lifecycle, enabling companies to consistently meet rising customer expectations, control costs, and lower their environmental footprint.

How is Kinaxis prioritising sustainability within supply chain management?

At Kinaxis, sustainability is embedded directly into our Maestro platform. Our Sustainable Supply Chain solution blends emissions data with economic and service indicators, allowing customers to balance environmental goals alongside business objectives. This means companies can assess the carbon impact of their logistics decisions and optimise accordingly.

In 2023, we achieved carbon neutrality for our greenhouse gas emissions, a milestone we’re proud of as we continue supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By helping companies reduce waste and improve efficiencies, Kinaxis enables supply chains to operate with a lighter footprint.

How does Kinaxis use technology to enhance operations and improve customer experience?

Our Maestro platform is unique in its approach to supply chain orchestration. It’s AI-powered, allowing us to integrate data from various sources into a single source of truth. This structure offers a holistic view across the supply chain, from long-term strategic planning to last-mile delivery. The platform’s intelligence engine delivers real-time insights and predictions, enabling fast, accurate decisions from any device.

Maestro’s three-layer design is key. It begins with a data fabric consolidating internal and external information, followed by an intelligence engine that adapts and learns with each interaction. Lastly, the platform’s interface provides straightforward, actionable insights that supply chain leaders can trust, making their decision-making process smoother and more effective.

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How have recent global disruptions influenced Kinaxis’ strategy?

Global disruptions reinforce the need for adaptable solutions. At Kinaxis, we equip companies to plan for anything by running multiple scenarios simultaneously, allowing them to assess risks and adapt strategies swiftly. Our AI technologies further support teams by automating routine responses, freeing them to focus on complex challenges when unexpected events arise.

In today’s landscape, agility is a must. With Kinaxis, companies can anticipate and respond to disruptions more resiliently, helping them maintain continuity and customer satisfaction, even in challenging conditions.

How is Kinaxis attracting and retaining talent, particularly in an AI-driven industry?

There’s a lot of curiosity — and apprehension — around AI and its implications for talent. We view AI as a supportive tool that complements human expertise rather than replacing it. At Kinaxis, we take a people-first approach to AI in supply chain management, ensuring that we have advanced technology and the right people to make the most of it.

Building a resilient supply chain requires both skilled individuals and intelligent tools. By combining these, Kinaxis remains committed to supporting a work environment that values human creativity and problem-solving, making our teams central to driving more intelligent supply chains.

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What misconceptions about logistics would you like to address?

A common misconception is that logistics is simply about shipping and tracking. In reality, it involves a complex network of activities — from inventory management to warehousing and multi-leg transport across various regions and parties. Effective logistics requires coordination across all these areas to ensure products are delivered in suitable condition and on time.

There’s also a mistaken belief that speed is the most crucial factor, but factors like cost, reliability, and sustainability often carry equal weight. Companies must balance these considerations, particularly as customer preferences evolve, and environmental concerns grow. Embracing a holistic view that integrates planning and logistics is crucial for building resilience in today’s fast-paced market.

What innovations or trends are you most excited about for the future of logistics?

I’m particularly excited about AI, machine learning, and supply chain orchestration possibilities. These technologies enable companies to streamline and synchronise planning with execution, making operations more transparent and responsive. As these systems continuously learn and adapt, the potential for autonomous and sustainable supply chains is vast.

Through Kinaxis’ AI-infused Maestro platform, we enable companies to connect data, automate routine tasks, and align people and processes. This approach helps businesses improve operational efficiency and anticipate and shape the future of logistics for better outcomes and sustainability.