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PTC Supply Chain Event: Building Resilient, Agile, and AI-Ready Networks

The Pittsburgh Technology Council, in partnership with ASCM Pittsburgh Forum, hosted an in-depth panel on emerging supply chain trends in manufacturing.The Pittsburgh Technology Council, in partnership with ASCM Pittsburgh Forum, hosted an in-depth panel on emerging supply chain trends in manufacturing. Moderated by Angela Thiel, CPIM, President, ASCM Pittsburgh Forum and Purchasing Manager, Innomotics,  the event featured three seasoned supply chain leaders: 

  • Oda Bolden, Director, Supply Chain, Bayer 

  • Emily Ondras, CSM, PMP, Global Procurement Manager, Kurt J. Lesker Company 

  • Nellie Zuba, Director, Supply Chain, Cadence 

The discussion provided actionable insights on navigating workforce shortages, leveraging AI, and strengthening supplier partnerships. 

Key Themes and Takeaways 

1. Workforce is the Core Asset 

  • Panelists stressed that supply chains succeed or fail on the strength of their people. 

  • Companies are focusing on upskilling and cross-training employees to handle more strategic, tech-enabled roles as automation and AI take on repetitive tasks. 

  • Building development paths for talent and engaging local schools and professional associations (like ASCM and ISM) are critical to sustaining the workforce pipeline. 

2. AI and Automation Free Up Human Creativity 

  • AI is being used to handle transactional tasks, such as generating purchase orders, reviewing contracts, and translating technical documents, freeing teams to focus on strategic problem-solving and supplier relationships. 

  • Organizations are moving from a “start big” to “start small, scale smart” approach—deploying AI in controlled ways that enhance, rather than replace, human decision-making. 

  • Security and IT collaboration are essential when integrating AI, especially for manufacturers handling government and regulated products. 

3. Collaboration and Supplier Partnerships Drive Resilience 

  • Shorter, more transparent supply chains remain a top priority. Panelists highlighted the need to partner beyond the sales team—connecting with suppliers’ operations, engineering, and quality teams to truly understand their capabilities and risks. 

  • Face-to-face engagement—supplier visits, open forums, and even local “supplier days”—helps build trust and uncover hidden opportunities for cost, quality, and innovation improvements. 

4. Strengthening the Pittsburgh Manufacturing Ecosystem 

  • Regional collaboration is a competitive advantage. Sharing best practices, hosting joint supplier workshops, and even cross-company trainings can raise the overall resilience of the region’s manufacturing base. 

  • Emphasizing human connection—both within companies and across the supply chain—remains a differentiator in an increasingly digital environment.