Session 4 at the CargoNXT conference delved into the next-generation supply chain, highlighting the integration of AI, automation, and innovative technologies. Industry leaders discussed transformative warehousing solutions and air cargo advancements shaping the future of logistics and supply chain management.
At the CargoNXT conference organised by Cargo Insights, Session 4 focused on the future of supply chain transformation, showcasing AI, automation, and innovative technologies. Moderated by Mohit Jauhari, Head SCM, Shriram Pistons & Rings, the session featured insights from industry leaders like Keku Bomi Gazder, MD & CEO, Aviapro Logistic Services, Vikramjit Singh Ahluwalia, MD, Air Logistics Group, and Dr. Vandana Singh, Director, Global Corporate Key Account Management for Asia Pacific, Saudia Cargo. Together, they explored advanced warehousing solutions and air cargo technologies shaping the next-generation supply chain.
Airlines driving tech and sustainability
“The focus is on airlines leveraging advanced technologies, real-time tracking, and sustainability to lead this transformation. The supply chain is evolving rapidly, driven by technology, rising customer expectations, and sustainability. Airlines, traditionally central to logistics, are adapting to demographic shifts and regional variations like in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. GST has also spurred new logistics hubs, improving efficiency.
Automation and AI are enhancing operations, while blockchain provides transparency and trust. IoT and smart sensors ensure real-time tracking, especially for sensitive goods. Sustainability remains a key focus, with investments in fuel-efficient aircraft and SAF.
At Saudia Cargo, we’ve partnered with Lilium to purchase 100 electric vertical take-off and landing jets, revolutionising transportation by 2026. This transformation underscores the importance of collaboration across airlines and logistics.”
~ Dr. Vandana Singh, Director, Global Corporate Key Account Management, Asia Pacific, Saudia Cargo
Next-gen supply chains: Connect, Communicate, Collaborate
“Key pillars will drive the transformation of Next-gen supply chains, starting with big data and predictive analytics, alongside collaboration across the supply chain. AI and machine learning will guide us toward a ‘one world, one network’ model where boundaries between companies blur.
Collaboration will be essential, similar to platforms like Ola and Uber. Aggregators could emerge, aligning multiple companies under one network offering top-notch logistics services. Everything will be interconnected, from supplier to customer, using my 3C approach—Connect, Communicate, and Collaborate. Real-time connectivity will drive transformations, and IT-driven companies will thrive.”
~ Mohit Jauhari, Head SCM, Shriram Pistons & Rings
Embracing tech: Drones, AI, and big cargo
“On a lighter note, I’m not too taken with the term ‘artificial intelligence.’ What concerns me more is ‘natural stupidity.’ Once we overcome that, AI will take care of itself.
There are three key points I want to highlight. First, we need seamless interconnectivity among systems across stakeholders. One of our biggest challenges is ensuring effective communication between systems, as we’re often speaking different languages on outdated platforms. For example, we’re using Python, which I initially thought was a snake—this shows how fast technology evolves.
In my view, disruption is a positive force. It drives the industry forward, preventing us from becoming repetitive, which is far worse than disruption. For instance, pizza deliveries by drones in Gurgaon are happening now, not in the future. The real question is how this impacts larger cargo.
When I refer to big cargo, I mean shipments over 500 kilograms and distances of 500 kilometers. This will be a game-changer. The challenge isn’t just technology; it’s batteries. The weight of the battery limits the payload, and reducing battery weight while maximizing payload is the race we’re in.
Regulations are another issue. While Amazon can deliver by drone in the U.S., in India, strict regulations and no-fly zones, especially in Delhi-NCR, make this difficult. However, regulators are optimistic and willing to collaborate to push these boundaries.
As the air freight industry, it’s up to us to embrace these technologies for the future.”
~ Keku Bomi Gazder, MD & CEO, Aviapro Logistic Services
Customer-centricity: The key to growth and loyalty
“One recurring theme we must keep in mind when discussing logistics and supply chains is customer-centricity. As consumers, we’ve all become increasingly impatient. Think about how we order online—even those of us who are 25 or 30 demand instant updates and precise tracking. Now imagine Gen Z, who have grown up with this—they’re even more impatient.
Companies that recognise and respond to this demand for customer-centricity will grow. It’s no longer acceptable to tell a customer their product will be delivered in a certain number of days without alternatives. If you can’t meet their expectations, you risk losing not just one transaction but years of business.
Customer-centricity must be a key part of any company’s vision or mission. Only those who go the extra mile to delight customers will succeed.”
~ Mohit Jauhari, Head SCM, Shriram Pistons & Ring
Tech transformation: Evolving jobs, better future
“Technology has brought tremendous ease to people’s lives—today, you can connect, shop, and make video calls globally with just your phone. Communication costs have drastically reduced, and AI is a welcome development.
Thirty years ago, we faced challenges in gathering data and market intelligence. Now, we have concrete data that allows us to direct manpower efficiently, leading to increased productivity. In our company, we’ve implemented a system called ‘Magic,’ which automatically processes customer emails and bookings, freeing up our staff to focus on more value-added tasks. Jobs aren’t disappearing; they’re evolving into more interesting roles.
People will need to upgrade their skills, but this brings new job opportunities that didn’t exist before. Airlines now use solid data to decide routes and predict profitability. It’s a welcome shift, and I believe the world is heading toward a better future.”
Data-driven success: Embrace change and collaborate
Mohit Jauhari:
“The key takeaway is that, despite unpredictability and disruption, big data will be critical in predicting future trends. Data analytics is the key moving forward.
People should not fear what this means for their professions; it’s about adapting and adopting new technology. Those who do will survive and thrive, while those who don’t face inevitable consequences. However, human intelligence will always be necessary to guide these advancements.
Why? Because technology needs human input to work effectively. Think of it like a rally car race: the IT guy is the driver, skilled and fast, but the co-driver—the seasoned hand—provides critical insights needed to avoid obstacles and succeed. Similarly, older generations and Gen Z must collaborate to push companies forward. The younger generation is not a threat; they are an asset if guided correctly.
Companies that recognise this will thrive, while those that view the new generation as competition will fall behind. It’s all about embracing collaboration between experience and innovation.”
Dr. Vandana Singh:
“I completely agree with everything that has been said. There are no downsides when we combine human intelligence with artificial intelligence; it’s the only way forward for us as an industry. Healthy competition and disruptions in airlines are necessary for growth, helping us determine how to move forward.
Customer centricity is crucial. Customer expectations are constantly evolving, and we need to adapt by offering tailored solutions. In the airline industry, we analyse data to identify where we can maximise our strengths, and that’s where we focus our efforts.
Sustainability is a collective effort, and airlines are working hard to contribute toward creating a greener, more climate-friendly future.”
AI and data: Powering e-commerce success
Mohit Jauhari:
“I’d like to read out the names of a few companies: Dell, Apple, Gap, Samsung, Amazon, and Ikea. Do you notice anything common among these companies? E-commerce, perhaps? Yes, but more importantly, they all use AI and ML. They leverage data analytics, predict customer behaviour, and are connected end-to-end with their supply chains or customer partners. They employ demand forecasting, using past data to predict customer demand. It’s no wonder they are world leaders in their domains.
For example, Gap, with 3,000 stores globally and 500,000 SKUs, handles 1 million items per day. Ikea, with 450 stores, ensures 9,500 items are available to customers as per the best possible lead time. They do this by utilising enormous amounts of data to predict customer needs.
Just imagine when Dr. Pushpendra Singh starts ordering from Blinkit. Blinkit already knows what he is going to order with 98% accuracy, enabling them to make deliveries in 15 to 20 minutes by predicting what you’ll order and eliminating items you won’t need that day.”
Blurb: Blinkit predicts your order with 98% accuracy, enabling deliveries within 15 to 20 minutes by eliminating unnecessary items
Vikramjit Singh Ahluwalia:
“Artificial intelligence is deeply integrated into our lives today. Take Facebook, for example. If you click on one specific thing, you’ll start seeing that item repeatedly every time you log in. They are already tracking your preferences, shaping what you want to buy.
So, AI is there. The real question is how strongly we want to use it as a tool for our benefit instead of becoming its slave. Technology is something great. It’s like the times when saints and philosophers envisioned visiting the moon—today, we’ve achieved that through technology. So, I welcome it with open arms.”
Blurb: Artificial intelligence is already shaping our daily lives, like how Facebook tracks our clicks to show targeted content. The key is using AI as a tool for our benefit rather than letting it control us.
