In today's complex, modern global supply chains, companies must stay ahead of the game, much like chess masters anticipating multiple moves in advance. On this week’s episode, Cascades’ Xavier Duprat draws a compelling parallel between supply chain management and the game of chess, emphasizing the critical importance of strategic, synchronized planning and the transformative role of AI as a powerful ally in overcoming the daunting challenges of today's supply chains. Together, we dive into valuable lessons for any organization seeking to future-proof its supply chain through innovative strategies and technologies, much like a chess grandmaster anticipating and outmaneuvering the competition.

Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.

Guest: Xavier Duprat, Cascades

Xavier Duprat is currently Vice President of Supply Chain Planning & Fulfillment at Cascades Tissue Group, one of Cascades' three divisions. Over his 16-year career at Cascades, he’s taken on various supply chain roles, dedicated to building effective teams, mentoring emerging leaders, and integrating new technologies to streamline operations, enhance customer experience and improve business results.

Driven by curiosity and a passion for thinking outside the box, he aims to stay attuned to the interests of people around him, ensuring they attract and retain top talent. Xavier believes in keeping life exciting and meaningful, which translates into his work as he strives to create an engaging and innovative environment for his teams.

Host: Richard Howells, SAP

Richard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.

Host: Nicole Smythe, SAP

Nicole Smythe is a marketer, blogger, and podcaster in the Digital Supply Chain and ERP space at SAP. With a Master’s degree in Global Supply Chain Management and various field experiences, she hopes to bring a fresh, new perspective to the space with her active marketing contributions, focusing on topics like market trends, emerging technology, and the next generation of workers.  

Useful Links:

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Learn more about the power of synchronized planning and AI & how to bring out your best.  

• SAP Supply Chain Management
• SAP Insights: Supply Chain
• Webinar: Benefits & Challenges of Bringing More Data to the Demand Planning Process
• Whitepaper: The Business Value of SAP Digital Supply Chain Solutions with SAP S/4HANA Cloud
• The Customer Perspective: How Cascades and SAP prioritize supply chain sustainability

Follow Us on Social Media

• Xavier Duprat: LinkedIn
• Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X
• Nicole Smythe: LinkedIn, X
• SAP Digital Supply Chain: LinkedIn, X

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