On June 5, 2025, the UWEBC hosted a Supply Chain Peer Group event that brought together professionals from member companies to discuss the power of digital transformation. Led by UWEBC Supply Chain Practice Director Jenny Patzlaff, this session focused on how supply chain teams are using technology to thrive in today’s toughest challenges.
The event kicked off with a member spotlight presentation from Plexus Corporation. Participants heard from Ryan Veleke, the VP of Artificial Intelligence and Decision Technologies at Plexus Corporation, and Dan Vanden Brink, Partner at Decision Spot. Both speakers showcased how AI and machine learning can improve supply chain planning.
Dan discussed his background in applying data science to address the challenges faced by his team. He explained how Decision Spot’s collaboration with Plexus played a pivotal role in overcoming lead time issues during the pandemic. By leveraging historical supplier data and categorizing components based on behavior, Decision Spot developed predictive models that enhanced forecasting and enabled more strategic planning. Dan also emphasized to participants the importance of building a solid data foundation, embracing agile development, and establishing processes that empower AI to deliver measurable business value.
“Focus on problem identification and not on tools. Adopt the relevant technology for the relevant problems” – Endries International Incorporated Event Participant
Ryan then discussed real-world issues he and his team have faced at Plexus. For example, he shared how long semiconductor lead times have caused inventory spikes, creating the need for data-driven overrides to supplier estimates to reduce volatility and improve accuracy. Plexus reduced lead times and inventory by creating a centralized lead time management system and applying machine learning with guardrails. Ryan also explained that Plexus is expanding its usage of AI across the company through new tools, hackathons, and training.
“I appreciated Plexus’ higher‑level strategy planning for AI and how to use different tools for use‑cases.” — Promega Event Participant
Following Dan and Ryan’s presentation, participants heard another member spotlight featuring Kristin Zellner from Amcor. Kristin is a Customer Process Excellence Manager and gave the audience new perspectives on digital transformation. She shared that her team is driving progress with a tight, cross-functional partnership with supply chain and customer service professionals. With Amcor’s digital transformation journey starting roughly five years ago, Kristin explained that they knew this was important to leverage technology and simplify the way that their team worked.
Additionally, Kristin outlined how Amcor’s team tackled change by focusing on employee engagement, building process ownership, and staying flexible with new technology. One example she shared was their roadmap to streamline customer order entry using intelligent document processing and automation. They were able to turn this process into a touchless transaction. With digital transformation, Kristin emphasized the importance of having support from leadership, setting clear KPIs, and learning from failure. She encouraged everyone to remember that digital transformation doesn’t require perfection immediately, and that it’s okay to start from whatever point your company is at.
The event concluded with breakout discussions, where attendees connected to further share ideas around digital transformation use cases, governance, and risk management. These breakout discussions allowed participants to learn from other leading companies and gain new insights to share with their teams.
“I am going to work with my team on identifying what they struggle with daily and identifying non-value add tasks that we can work on eliminating.”
– Spectrum Brands Event Participant
UWEBC members can view the full event recording and download slides from the event here.
Published July 2, 2025
Dylan Kopf, Marketing Student Assistant