Bristlecone's Ramji Mani and Jennifer Chew on Why AI Won't Fix Broken Processes

Sep 25, 2025

Join supply chain experts Jennifer Chew and Ramji Mani from Bristlecone as they explore the crucial link between optimized processes and technology in supply chains. They reveal how AI cannot fix broken processes and stress the importance of addressing poor data before automation can take effect. Their insights on aligning KPIs with value-driven roadmaps provide a fresh perspective on making impactful changes. With practical advice on navigating tariffs and adopting emerging technologies, listeners will walk away with transformative ideas for their supply chains.

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ANECDOTE

Backlog Exposed Missing Inventory

A prospect had a billion-dollar backlog because suppliers failed to deliver parts on time.
Quick backlog and order profiling revealed the true stock and fulfillment issues.

ADVICE

Manage Change Capacity Deliberately

Invest in change management and repeatedly communicate the why of change.
Remove excess change initiatives so employees have capacity to adopt new ways of working.

INSIGHT

AI Drives New Planning Use Cases

New supply chain tech focuses on AI-led planning, self-healing chains, and warehouse assistants.
Planners still resist full automation; accept gradual adoption and exception-driven workflows.

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Meet Ramji Mani & Jennifer Chew of Bristlecone

Supply chain leaders Ramji Mani, VP of Digital Supply Chain Ecosystem & Executive Board and Jennifer Chew, VP of Solution & Consulting at Bristlecone, bring decades of transformation experience to Manufacturing the Future. "You need to fix your processes to make sure that the processes can support what the business needs and that gets translated into technology," says Mani, highlighting a truth many organizations overlook in their digital transformation journeys.

Bristlecone tackles complex supply chain challenges across diverse industries, from helping a Canadian blood organization deliver life-saving products to ensuring pizza companies have doors ready at every outlet at the cheapest price. Their consultants work at the intersection of people, process, data, and technology to deliver value however clients define it, whether through bottom-line improvements, customer service excellence, or operational efficiency.

Founded in 1998 and headquartered in San Jose, California, Bristlecone emerged with a mission to be the best partner of choice for supply chain transformation. With over 300 completed engagements across more than 20 industry verticals, the company has built expertise in process optimization, change management, and risk resilience while partnering with major solution providers to deliver integrated supply chain, procurement, and analytics solutions.

In This Episode

In this episode, Ramji and Jennifer debunk persistent supply chain myths, from the belief that AI will solve everything to the assumption that existing data quality is sufficient for transformation. They share practical insights on managing tariff challenges, implementing successful AI solutions, diagnosing supply chain red flags, and balancing sustainability initiatives with business objectives while emphasizing the critical importance of change management in achieving lasting transformation success.

Topics

Debunking the myth that AI will solve all supply chain problems without proper process foundation and human oversight.
Understanding why most companies overestimate their data quality and how poor data undermines transformation initiatives completely.
Recognizing that technology implementation alone cannot fix supply chain problems without addressing underlying business processes first.
Building value-centric roadmaps with measurable KPIs to guide supply chain transformation investments and prioritization decisions.
Managing supply chain disruptions from tariffs through strategic sourcing, scenario planning, and network optimization initiatives.
Identifying supply chain red flags through comprehensive analysis that reveals hidden problems behind seemingly positive metrics.
Implementing AI solutions successfully by moving beyond pilot paralysis toward scaled, integrated business transformation approaches.
Balancing sustainability initiatives with productivity and profitability goals across different industries and regulatory environments.
Navigating organizational change resistance through effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and capacity management during transformations.
Developing supply chain talent for the future workforce while adapting to AI-enhanced tools and changing skill requirements.

Get in touch with Jennifer Chew:

Get in touch with Ramji Mani:

Get in touch with your host, Kerrie Jordan:

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