At the heart of The Prophets’ vision are “The 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes.” What are they? Find out, and see the future yourself. Click here This episode, recorded live at the QAD Midwest Users Conference, brings together voices shaping the future of automotive supply chains. Hosts Jan Griffiths, Terry Onica, and Jim Liegghio sat down with leaders across the supply chain to explore the future of manufacturing, technology, and collaboration.French Williams from Royal Technologies began by sharing how his company approaches automation. Rooted in a culture of “better tomorrow than today,” Royal has built a model where IT and supply chain work hand in hand, co-developing solutions that allow the company to scale and respond to customer needs.Autokiniton’s Andy Amstuz takes the mic next. As VP of IT and president of the Midwest User Group, he explains why user groups matter. The community becomes a lifeline when challenges hit.Autokiniton already puts real-time performance data in front of operators at every work center, proof that frontline visibility drives better decisions.Fresh off his keynote, QAD’s new CEO, Sanjay Brahmawar, outlined his vision for ERP as a “system of action” rather than a “system of record.” He introduced QAD’s Champion AI, designed to reduce mundane work, tackle complex challenges like inventory costs, and accelerate implementations through “Champion Pace.”For Sanjay, culture is as critical as technology. He points to Redzone’s track record — 26% productivity gains, 81% more engagement, and 35% lower attrition — as proof that empowering shop-floor teams changes the game.Andrea Hyska and Jon Smith of Lacks Enterprises brought the conversation down to the plant level, sharing how their IT teams succeed by staying connected to the business. From extending QMS capabilities to implementing shop floor applications, they credit a collaborative culture and hands-on leadership with making automation practical and effective.AIAG’s Fred Coe closes with where data exchange is heading. EDI is not going away, but APIs and Catena-X will complement it, which makes standardization and supplier voices at the table urgent. He reminds listeners that shaping the future requires participation, not waiting for others to decide the direction.By the end of the conference, a clear theme had emerged: culture drives adoption, community accelerates learning, and technology is only effective when people are fully engaged. At this conference, the future of automotive supply chains didn’t feel theoretical; it felt like it was already being built, one conversation at a time.Themes discussed in this episode:The role of company culture in driving collaboration between IT, supply chain, and operationsHow automation helps tier two suppliers like Royal Technologies scale effectively and serve customers betterThe value of peer networks and user groups in supporting manufacturers through industry volatilityWhy empowering frontline workers with real-time production data strengthens decision-making on the shop floorThe shift from ERP as a “system of record” to ERP as a “system of action” under QAD’s Champion AI visionWhy Lacks Enterprises prioritizes teamwork and floor-level engagement to ensure technology projects succeedThe growing importance of APIs and Catena-X in shaping the future of EDI and supply chain data exchangeThe risk suppliers face if they fail to engage in setting industry standards for connectivity and collaborationFeatured guests:Name: French...

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