277. How a shared supply chain platform could revolutionize retail with American Eagle Outfitters’ Shekar Natarajan
Retail Gets Real · with Shekar Natarajan · July 19, 2022 · 26 min
Summary
This episode unveils the transformative potential of a shared supply chain platform, dubbed the "internet of packages," as envisioned by American Eagle Outfitters’ Shekar Natarajan. It explores how unifying resources and data across retailers, manufacturers, and logistics providers can revolutionize retail by boosting efficiency, resilience, and sustainability, ultimately optimizing the entire producer-to-consumer journey.
Key takeaways
Retailers should investigate and advocate for open-platform supply chain models to collectively overcome fragmentation and optimize logistics.
Explore opportunities to share underutilized assets like warehouse space or delivery capacity with other businesses to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Invest in robust data analytics and interoperable digital infrastructure to prepare for and participate in more collaborative supply chain ecosystems.
Prioritize building agile and resilient supply chains that can dynamically adapt to disruptions and leverage shared resources.
Evaluate current logistics for opportunities to enhance sustainability through more efficient transportation and warehousing practices.
Shekar Natarajan, Chief Supply Chain Officer of American Eagle Outfitters, joins this episode to discuss the company's supply chain strategy, including its vision for a shared “internet of packages,” how current challenges are impacting the business and what the future of the retail supply chain looks like. Natarajan expands on opportunities in the industry to unify, optimize and improve the outcome for everyone involved by sharing supply chain resources. He explains that, with an open platform model, as demonstrated by the internet, supply chain efforts in every corner of the world could work together for a real, tangible benefit all the way down the producer-to-consumer chain. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Retailers should investigate and advocate for open-platform supply chain models to collectively overcome fragmentation and optimize logistics.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Explore opportunities to share underutilized assets like warehouse space or delivery capacity with other businesses to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Invest in robust data analytics and interoperable digital infrastructure to prepare for and participate in more collaborative supply chain ecosystems.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Prioritize building agile and resilient supply chains that can dynamically adapt to disruptions and leverage shared resources.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Evaluate current logistics for opportunities to enhance sustainability through more efficient transportation and warehousing practices.
