Latest news with #AntonioBoccalandro
Techday NZ
05-08-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Kobelco boosts supply chain resilience with Blue Yonder tech
Kobelco Construction Machinery has implemented Blue Yonder's demand and supply planning capabilities to enhance its production and sales operations and build greater resilience to market fluctuations across its global business. The Japanese construction machinery manufacturer, which has a considerable presence across the Asia-Pacific region, faced persistent challenges within its supply chain, including the need to accelerate decision-making in response to rapidly changing market conditions and to optimise production, sales, and inventory (PSI) management. By introducing Blue Yonder's digital planning solutions, Kobelco Construction Machinery aims to establish a more responsive and robust global production and sales structure. Enhancing global capabilities Kobelco Construction Machinery produces and sells a diverse range of construction and transportation equipment worldwide. The company's commitment to providing customers with reliable products, services, and information was tested by ongoing supply chain disruptions and market volatility. According to the company, it needed a solution that could immediately generate optimised production and supply plans to address fluctuations across its global operations. The implementation of Blue Yonder's planning capabilities is expected to allow Kobelco Construction Machinery to visualise, control, and orchestrate its demand and supply processes throughout its international network of suppliers and manufacturing sites. The system provides support to each site via automatic data collection and distribution and can adjust supply in response to both increases and decreases in production. This enables near real-time, end-to-end collaboration along the supply chain, aiming to improve inventory management and cash flow. Confidence in digital transformation "Blue Yonder's demand and supply planning capabilities have long been trusted by global manufacturers to support their planning operations, giving us confidence that their high level of expertise would drive operational transformation for KCM," said Yoshio Nishida, executive officer, Kobelco Construction Machinery. "Thanks to Blue Yonder, we are building a foundation to support our goal of a global production and sales system that is resilient to demand fluctuations." With Blue Yonder, Kobelco Construction Machinery expects to stage inventory more effectively across its distribution network, thus reducing the risk of stock-outs and the loss of sales opportunities, as well as lowering manufacturing costs. The company also anticipates improvements in return on invested capital, minimised cost-to-serve and cash-to-serve metrics, and maintenance of a high level of customer service. Supplier and technology provider perspectives "We are honoured that KCM selected to digitally transform its planning capabilities with Blue Yonder," said Antonio Boccalandro, president, APAC, Blue Yonder. "Today, excess inventory will worsen cash flow, while insufficient inventory will cause missed business opportunities, so it is essential for manufacturers to develop optimal supply plans. With Blue Yonder, KCM will be able to solve their current challenges and improve planning accuracy across their enterprise and products." Daiju Watanabe, representative director and president, Blue Yonder Japan, added, "We worked closely with KCM to help them realize their goal of strengthening and transforming their global supply chain with Blue Yonder's capabilities. During the implementation, we prioritised the operation and integration of the solution in real-world settings. As a result, KCM can now be more resilient to demand fluctuations and disruptions, enabling them to better meet the needs of their customers." Future direction Kobelco Construction Machinery currently operates production bases in Japan, China, Thailand, and India and continues to expand its international presence. The company has focused on environmental technology, such as equipment with low fuel consumption and noise emissions, while also advancing the use of digital and ICT solutions under its "User Site Principle." Blue Yonder, through its AI-driven supply chain platform, works with over 3,000 manufacturers, logistics providers, and retailers globally, assisting them in managing complex supply chains and business disruptions. Kobelco Construction Machinery's collaboration with Blue Yonder is intended to further enhance the company's ability to respond to global market changes and customer needs effectively.
Business Wire
24-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Chervon Selects Blue Yonder To Elevate Demand Forecasting and Customer Service
NANJING, China & DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--From global tariff concerns to highly volatile demand, manufacturers are facing unprecedented challenges and uncertainty. That's why Chervon, a global leader in power tools and outdoor power equipment, has selected Blue Yonder to transform its planning processes and increase customer satisfaction. Chervon will deploy Blue Yonder's demand and replenishment capabilities, supported by Shanghai Compass Information and Science Co., Ltd., a Blue Yonder partner. Founded in 1993, Chervon designs and manufactures a wide range of tools, including handheld power tools, bench tools and outdoor power equipment. Its products, which include popular brands such as EGO, FLEX and SKIL, are sold in over 100 countries worldwide. With a growing multi-channel sales and distribution network and a constantly changing business landscape, Chervon turned to Blue Yonder to improve its forecasting and increase efficiency across its global operations. With Blue Yonder, Chervon will be able to: Increase forecast accuracy to ensure the right products are available in the right place at the right time. Automate routine planning tasks to increase efficiency and labor productivity. Achieve cross-functional collaboration to improve decision-making across the organization. Dynamically adjust inventory to align with actual demand, minimizing stockouts and overstock while increasing customer satisfaction. With Blue Yonder's cloud-based demand and replenishment capabilities, Chervon will be able to quickly and accurately respond to demand fluctuations and optimize inventory levels. This will allow Chervon to increase customer satisfaction and operational efficiency while also reducing waste and costs across its global network. 'In today's complex, global supply chain environment, speed and precision are crucial for meeting customer expectations and adapting to rapidly changing conditions,' said Antonio Boccalandro, president, APAC, Blue Yonder. 'Our demand and replenishment capabilities will enable Chervon to improve and accelerate decision-making and build a more resilient and efficient supply chain.' About Blue Yonder Blue Yonder is the world leader in end-to-end digital supply chain transformation. With a unified, AI-driven platform and multi-tier network, Blue Yonder empowers businesses to operate sustainably, scale profitably, and delight their customers — all at machine speed. A pioneer in applying AI solutions to the most complicated supply chain challenges, Blue Yonder's modern innovations and unmatched industry expertise help more than 3,000 retailers, manufacturers, and logistics service providers confidently navigate supply chain complexity and disruption. 'Blue Yonder' is a trademark or registered trademark of Blue Yonder Group, Inc. Any trade, product or service name referenced in this document using the name 'Blue Yonder' is a trademark and/or property of Blue Yonder Group, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of the companies with which they are associated.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
AI Helps Future-Proof Supply Chains In Australia And New Zealand, New Report Shows
Press Release – Blue Yonder Businesses are no longer relying on outdated systems or reacting to problems after they happen, said Antonio Boccalandro, president for APAC at Blue Yonder. They are now investing in technologies that allow them to predict issues, respond quickly, … A growing number of businesses in Australia and New Zealand are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to make their supply chains smarter, faster, and more resilient, according to a new report by research firm IDC, commissioned by supply chain technology leader Blue Yonder. The report, AI-Driven Orchestration for the Modern Supply Chain, surveyed hundreds of supply chain leaders across the Asia-Pacific region. It found that organisations in Australia and New Zealand are rapidly embracing AI and automation to deal with challenges such as supply disruptions, rising customer expectations, and global market complexity. 'Businesses are no longer relying on outdated systems or reacting to problems after they happen,' said Antonio Boccalandro, president for APAC at Blue Yonder. 'They are now investing in technologies that allow them to predict issues, respond quickly, and stay competitive.' Smarter Strategies for a Tougher Environment Key areas of focus for businesses in the region include: Expanding and diversifying suppliers to reduce risks (a strategy known as multi-shoring) Strengthening cybersecurity to protect digital operations Speeding up product development and delivery Improving customer responsiveness and service The report also highlights growing interest in using generative AI — the same type of AI behind tools like ChatGPT — to improve warehouse operations, employee productivity, and supply chain design. One example cited in the report is Silk Logistics, an Australian company that has successfully used automation to upgrade its warehouse systems and improve customer service. Tech-Driven Resilience Across the Region The IDC report found that nearly all surveyed businesses in Asia-Pacific identified visibility and agility as top priorities — in other words, knowing what's happening in their supply chain and being able to act quickly. In countries across Southeast Asia, organisations are also adopting technologies like cloud computing and robotics to reduce environmental impact and improve coordination. Stephanie Krishnan, associate vice president at IDC Asia/Pacific, said that successful businesses are moving away from siloed systems and toward connected platforms that allow them to make better decisions in real time. 'Unifying data and building collaborative digital networks will be the key to staying competitive in the years ahead,' Krishnan said. Looking Ahead The report arrives at a time when businesses globally are grappling with supply chain volatility, economic uncertainty, and calls for greater sustainability. It suggests that those willing to invest in intelligent, integrated technologies will be better equipped to weather future disruptions. The full report findings were presented during a webinar featuring IDC and Blue Yonder, where experts discussed the future of supply chains in the Asia-Pacific region.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
AI Helps Future-Proof Supply Chains In Australia And New Zealand, New Report Shows
A growing number of businesses in Australia and New Zealand are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to make their supply chains smarter, faster, and more resilient, according to a new report by research firm IDC, commissioned by supply chain technology leader Blue Yonder. The report, AI-Driven Orchestration for the Modern Supply Chain, surveyed hundreds of supply chain leaders across the Asia-Pacific region. It found that organisations in Australia and New Zealand are rapidly embracing AI and automation to deal with challenges such as supply disruptions, rising customer expectations, and global market complexity. 'Businesses are no longer relying on outdated systems or reacting to problems after they happen,' said Antonio Boccalandro, president for APAC at Blue Yonder. 'They are now investing in technologies that allow them to predict issues, respond quickly, and stay competitive.' Key areas of focus for businesses in the region include: Expanding and diversifying suppliers to reduce risks (a strategy known as multi-shoring) Strengthening cybersecurity to protect digital operations Speeding up product development and delivery Improving customer responsiveness and service The report also highlights growing interest in using generative AI — the same type of AI behind tools like ChatGPT — to improve warehouse operations, employee productivity, and supply chain design. One example cited in the report is Silk Logistics, an Australian company that has successfully used automation to upgrade its warehouse systems and improve customer service. Tech-Driven Resilience Across the Region The IDC report found that nearly all surveyed businesses in Asia-Pacific identified visibility and agility as top priorities — in other words, knowing what's happening in their supply chain and being able to act quickly. In countries across Southeast Asia, organisations are also adopting technologies like cloud computing and robotics to reduce environmental impact and improve coordination. Stephanie Krishnan, associate vice president at IDC Asia/Pacific, said that successful businesses are moving away from siloed systems and toward connected platforms that allow them to make better decisions in real time. 'Unifying data and building collaborative digital networks will be the key to staying competitive in the years ahead,' Krishnan said. Looking Ahead The report arrives at a time when businesses globally are grappling with supply chain volatility, economic uncertainty, and calls for greater sustainability. It suggests that those willing to invest in intelligent, integrated technologies will be better equipped to weather future disruptions. The full report findings were presented during a webinar featuring IDC and Blue Yonder, where experts discussed the future of supply chains in the Asia-Pacific region.
Techday NZ
15-05-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
ANZ firms boost AI investment to future-proof supply chains
A new IDC InfoBrief sponsored by Blue Yonder has found that organisations in Australia and New Zealand are increasing investment in artificial intelligence (AI) supply chain technologies to strengthen resilience, increase productivity, and address changing customer expectations. The report, titled "AI-Driven Orchestration for the Modern Supply Chain", is based on a survey conducted by IDC of 742 business leaders across the manufacturing, retail, logistics, transportation, wholesale, and distribution sectors throughout the Asia/Pacific region. The findings point to a proactive adoption of technology in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), with companies seeking to mitigate legacy challenges and enhance overall supply chain visibility through automation, predictive analytics, and intelligent warehousing. According to the survey, 99.5% of supply chain leaders across the entire Asia/Pacific region consider visibility a primary priority, while 99.7% see agility in responding to disruptions as essential. The research indicates that AI and advanced technologies are playing a pivotal role, enabling organisations to make faster decisions, foster stronger supplier collaboration, and develop more adaptable logistics strategies. In terms of strategic priorities for the coming three years, ANZ respondents identified the following focus areas: multi-shoring strategies to diversify supply bases and reduce risks, cybersecurity resilience to safeguard increasingly digital supply chain environments, accelerated product innovation for quicker delivery to market, and improved consumer focus to raise satisfaction and responsiveness. Warehouse and inventory management emerged as the principal area for generative AI applications in ANZ, followed by enhancements in worker productivity, procurement processes, and broader supply chain design. The report details real-world examples, such as Silk Logistics' adoption of warehouse automation, to illustrate how local companies are achieving operational improvements and enhancing customer service through the use of AI-driven tools. Antonio Boccalandro, President, APAC at Blue Yonder, commented on the findings: "ANZ businesses are responding to a new era of supply chain complexity by leaning into AI-driven orchestration. They are building smarter, more connected ecosystems that can see, analyze, decide, and act in real time. As the region is beset by economic and logistical challenges, this innovation will be critical to ensure business continuity and success." The study also contrasts the approach in ANZ with broader developments across Southeast Asia, where digital connectivity and sustainability are at the forefront. Organisations in these regions are increasingly utilising cloud-based collaboration platforms, robotics, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices to tackle fragmentation in supply chains, limit environmental footprints, and remain agile amid rapid market changes. The IDC InfoBrief reveals that 47% of Asia/Pacific supply chain organisations are already seeing reduced time from data collection to decision-making thanks to AI applications, and 35% are using digital ecosystems to improve collaboration with suppliers. The research points to a regional movement towards predictive technologies forming the backbone of procurement, logistics, fulfilment, and customer engagement functions. The report highlights orchestration—defined as the integration of data, systems, and processes across internal and external stakeholders—as a crucial strategy for contemporary supply chains. This approach aims to eliminate silos and manual interventions, supporting quicker responses, cost reductions, and more environmentally sustainable operations. Stephanie Krishnan, Associate Vice President, IDC Asia/Pacific, commented: "Organisations across Asia/Pacific must adopt scalable AI solutions, cloud platforms, and collaborative ecosystems to future-proof their supply chains. Those who can unify their data and orchestrate their networks in real-time will lead in performance, resilience, and innovation." The survey underpinning these findings included business leaders from industries most affected by supply chain complexity and transformation, reflecting the region's urgent focus on digital enablement as global supply chain challenges persist.
