Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have brought a wave of optimism in various sectors, particularly in supply chain operations. AI has become a crucial element in enhancing reliability, resilience, and sustainability within the industry. This transformation has led to an increased need for upskilling supply chain professionals, making AI expertise a vital requirement for the future workforce. Sidra Tufail, who has extensive experience in supply chain operations across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, addresses these advancements and their implications. She has worked in over 15 countries, including the USA, Canada, and several others, and has held senior roles at Fortune 500 companies such as Unilever and Philip Morris.
Recently, she has also started mentoring AI startups focused on healthcare and supply chain services. Tufail notes that AI has notably enhanced agility and resilience in supply chain operations globally, particularly during crises like climate change, COVID-19, and logistical disruptions. She participated in a recent roundtable with executives from Microsoft, Duracell, and General Mills, underscoring the importance of challenging traditional practices and emphasizing workforce upskilling. In 2024, investments in AI startups surpassed $110 billion, reflecting a 60% increase from the previous year. This growth highlights how swiftly organizations are embracing AI to transform essential functions, including demand forecasting and risk management.
The supply chain sector is also recovering, with digitization and a reassessment of inbound and outbound processes adding resilience in conjunction with AI and sustainability efforts. Tufail notes that companies effectively integrating AI resources are not just improving efficiency but are also enhancing their long-term resilience against future disruptions. She stresses that organizational leadership and change management are critical for implementing AI-driven strategies. According to Tufail, the challenges and opportunities organizations face often arise from both internal and external factors. Understanding external influences like AI is essential, but managing the internal environment through upskilling and change management is equally important.
She collaborates with the Columbia University Supply Chain Innovation Network, engaging in discussions on global supply chain challenges and the necessary skills for the future workforce. Currently, Tufail serves as the Director of Supply Chain Integration at Philip Morris International in Connecticut, USA. Since 2017, she has directed operations across the Americas and globally, spearheading AI adoption in demand planning and fulfillment for both B2B and direct-to-consumer channels. She reports to PMI’s Vice President of Operations and is a member of the Americas Executive Leadership Team and the Global Supply Chain Leadership Team. Moreover, she actively participates in industry discussions, contributing to initiatives like Columbia University’s Supply Chain Innovation Network and international conferences organized by Reuters and Executive Platforms.