126 in real time and handling complex tasks with AI-driven insights. Integrated with Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Teams Copilot helps inventory managers by providing forecasts, alerts and recommendations based on demand and supply constraints.” Two software companies leveraging Copilot to enhance their supply chain planning solutions are Blue Yonder and o9 Solutions. “They are using Copilot Studio to build custom workflows and industry-specific copilots tailored to address unique business processes and challenges,” says Sircar. “Blue Yonder is developing a copilot on Azure OpenAI for demand planning, which helps forecast demand accurately by analysing historical data and market trends. While o9 Solutions is empowering supply chain operations by integrating generative AI capabilities for faster decision-making and optimised planning. This includes enhancing digital assistant workflows through an agent framework utilising Azure OpenAI Service’s chat-completion and code-generation features to enable intelligent automation within ERP operations.” Meanwhile, global consumer goods company Unilever leveraged AI and cloud technology to enhance real-time risk sensing and mitigation across its supply chain. By integrating data across procurement, R&D, manufacturing and logistics, Unilever can predict and respond to risks proactively. A resilience framework prioritises material risks, using predictive analytics and scorecards to focus on highdemand products. This approach shifts investment from reactive problem-solving to prevention, improving supply chain resilience while reducing costs and enhancing efficiency. In addition to generative AI and Microsoft copilots, manufacturers are using digital twin technology to enhance supply chain operations. “Digital twins and control towers are transformative tools for ensuring seamless and sustainable supply chain operations in manufacturing,” says Sircar. “Digital twins create virtual replicas of supply chains, enabling real-time simulations to predict disruptions, optimise processes and reduce waste. By leveraging predictive analytics, they help manufacturers to forecast potential issues and make informed decisions, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Control towers complement this by providing end-to-end visibility, enabling quick responses to supply chain changes and fostering collaboration with real-time data. “Together, these technologies improve resource utilisation, track and reduce carbon footprints, and ensure ethical sourcing. By adopting them, manufacturers can build resilient, adaptable, and sustainable supply chains that meet modern demands effectively.” Read the extended version of the article at: www.technologyrecord.com FEATURE Unilever has improved its supply chain resilience by leveraging AI and cloud technology in its manufacturing operations Photo: Unilever
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