Adebola Ibikunle Shares Insights on Key Trends Shaping Future of Global Supply Chain Management

Adebola Ibikunle is a certified Project Manager (PMP) with extensive experience in global supply chain and engineering. Her expertise spans various sectors, including engineering, procurement, construction management, and automotive manufacturing. With an educational background that includes studies at the University of Houston and C.T. Bauer College of Business, Ibikunle is skilled in managing, coordinating, and streamlining major contracts and financial functions for some of the world’s largest brands. She is a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). With an unmatched passion for supply chain sustainability and collaboration with suppliers to reduce emissions, she shares valuable insights on key trends that shape the future of global supply chain management.

Tell us about your background and how you ventured into Global Supply Chain and Engineering.

As a chemical engineer, I began my career as a design engineer in an oil and gas engineering firm focused on EPCM projects. My role within the organisation evolved into project management, where I managed million-dollar projects. As a project manager, I experienced recurring delays in some project completion, primarily due to inefficiencies in the supply chain. This challenge sparked a strong interest in understanding and optimising supply chain dynamics. Driven by the desire to address these issues and improve project outcomes, I pursued opportunities in the global supply chain industry, leveraging my engineering expertise to bring innovative solutions and enhance operational efficiency.

How can we optimize the global supply chain to improve efficiency and reduce costs?

Implementing advanced analytics tools to gain real-time visibility across the supply chain will enable the optimisation of our global supply chain, and improve efficiency while reducing costs. This enables data-driven decision-making, improves demand forecasting, and allows for proactive management of potential disruptions. In addition, strengthening relationships with key suppliers through strategic sourcing is also essential. It involves fostering collaboration and engaging in long-term partnerships, negotiating better terms, reducing lead times, and ensuring a reliable supply of quality materials. This will create a more agile, cost-effective, and resilient global supply chain that supports the company’s overall business objectives.

What are the key trends and technologies shaping the future of global supply chain management?

The adoption of advanced technologies such as IoT, AI, and machine learning is revolutionising supply chain management and has been on the rise. These technologies enable real-time monitoring in manufacturing, predictive analytics for better forecasting & planning, and automation of manufacturing & ERP systems, which improve decision-making, enhance efficiency, and reduce costs.

Some additional key trends include sustainability, Circular Supply Chains, and Advanced Robotics and Automation. By staying ahead of these trends and integrating these technologies, companies can create more efficient, responsive, and sustainable supply chains that are well-positioned for future challenges.

What strategies can we implement to mitigate risks and disruptions in our global supply chain?

To effectively mitigate risks and disruptions in our global supply chain, I would recommend Scenario Planning and Risk Assessment, Supply Chain Visibility and Real-Time Monitoring, Nearshoring and Dual Sourcing, Inventory Buffering and Safety Stock, and Flexible Logistics and Transportation Strategies.

In Scenario Planning and Risk Assessment, regularly conducting risk assessments and scenario planning exercises to identify potential vulnerabilities in our supply chain is a proactive approach that allows us to develop contingency plans and prepare for various risk scenarios, from supply shortages to transportation disruptions.

These strategies would build a more resilient global supply chain that is better equipped to withstand disruptions and continue delivering value to our customers.

How can we adapt our supply chain strategy to meet the changing demands and expectations of customers in different regions?

Regional Customisation and Flexibility is one of the most important steps to meeting the changing demands and expectations of customers in different regions. This includes adjusting product offerings, packaging, and delivery options to align with local market demands and cultural preferences. Furthermore, localised sourcing and Manufacturing are equally essential.

Wherever possible, materials and manufacturing products should be closer to key markets. Localised production reduces lead times, lowers transportation costs, and allows us to respond more quickly to regional demand fluctuations. It also demonstrates our commitment to supporting local economies and sustainability.

Other strategies include Agile Inventory Management, Enhanced Supply Chain Visibility, Customer-Centric Logistics, Collaboration with Regional Teams, and Continuous Improvement and Feedback Loops.