Supply chain management has become an intricate dance of data, where even slight disruptions can ripple across global operations. Companies now depend heavily on real-time insights to maintain agility in an environment defined by volatility.

Managing a fleet of over 300,000 trucks and 11,000 drivers, Penske Logistics has turned to Snowflake Inc.’s advanced AI solutions through a strategic partnership that’s transforming supply chain dynamics.

“We have onboard telematics devices inside our fleet that are generating millions of data points, including things like hard braking, following too closely, fuel consumption and so on,” said Vishwa Ram (pictured, left), vice president of data science and analytics at Penske Logistics. “Getting all of that data in one place and adding it up with other sets of data that we have that are contextual is a huge challenge for us.”

Ram and Tim Long (right), global head of manufacturing, GTM, at Snowflake, spoke with theCUBE’s Rebecca Knight and Dave Vellante at Snowflake Summit, during an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio. They discussed how data is driving innovation in logistics and manufacturing amid global uncertainty. (* Disclosure below.)

Data solves disruptions as supply chain management evolves

In the wake of pandemics, geopolitical conflicts and trade disruptions, manufacturers have come to accept constant volatility. This has strengthened the need for real-time visibility and rapid response. Companies are no longer surprised by disruption — they’re planning for it, and using data as their compass, according to Long.

“We’re accustomed now to disruption being normal, and as a result, organizations seen just how important it is to invest in that visibility element so they can see the disruption as it’s coming, or at least be able to react in real time when it does happen,” he said.

For Penske, this means leveraging predictive analytics to foresee supplier delays and reroute resources before bottlenecks occur. Additionally, the company applies AI in workforce retention. With drivers making up over half of its workforce, driver satisfaction is key.

Penske developed an AI-based program that flags drivers at risk of quitting based on work patterns, route history and behavioral signals. Armed with these insights, frontline managers proactively engage with drivers, often adjusting schedules or simply checking in, Ram added.

Here’s the complete video interview, part of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s coverage of Snowflake Summit:

(* Disclosure: TheCUBE is a paid media partner for Snowflake Summit. Neither Snowflake Inc., the primary sponsor of theCUBE’s event coverage, nor other sponsors have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE