10-25-2024
The Daniels School of Business’ global supply chain management program provides students with the opportunity to attend the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) EDGE Conference. One of the most anticipated annual events in the global supply chain industry, it brings together thought leaders, innovators and industry professionals to discuss emerging trends and challenges in logistics, technology and operations.
Kshitija Sulakhe, left, and Isha Khanna were among the dozen Daniels School global supply chain management master’s students to attend the 2024 CSCMP EDGE conference in Nashville, Tennessee.
In 2024, the school sent 12 students, including Kshitija Sulakhe and Isha Khanna, who attended along with Amy David, the academic director of the Global Supply Chain Management master’s program.
Khanna and Sulakhe learned about cutting-edge innovations in automation and held conversations with proverbial rockstars in the industry like Lior Ron. In addition to the seminars and one-on-one chats, they attended networking luncheons where they made connections in the regions they were targeting for jobs after graduation.
At the session Sulakhe attended featuring Ron, CEO of Uber Freight, an app for long-haul truck drivers, she learned about the growing role of automation in improving logistics.
“One of the most exciting things was hearing about Uber Freight’s partnership with Waabi, which uses radar and LiDAR technologies to track and navigate autonomous trucks. They're currently testing it between Dallas and Houston,” Sulakhe shares. “Lior Ron explained how this tech is helping address challenges like lead times while increasing supply chain visibility.”
The session gave her a deeper understanding of how automation will shape the future of logistics, particularly in long-haul transportation. After the session, Kshitija approached Ron to ask more about Uber Freight’s partnership with Waabi.
“He was very open and explained that they are currently in the implementation phase. It was something I couldn’t find elsewhere, and hearing it directly from him about the challenges they are tracking was phenomenal,” she says. Sulakhe appreciated his willingness to engage with a student.
Artificial intelligence (AI) in supply chain was a prominent focus at the EDGE Conference. Khanna attended sessions that showcased how companies are using AI to increase real-time visibility and optimize supply chain performance across industries. AI is helping people process massive amounts of data, predict potential disruptions and enhance decision-making.
In a session on Coca-Cola’s collaboration with FourKites, she gained insights into how AI-driven platforms are providing companies with a competitive edge. “Adam Levett from FourKites explained how their AI technology predicts issues before they occur, preventing disruptions and ensuring deliveries stay on track,” she shares.
Having interned at PepsiCo, she found it fascinating to see how two major competitors are leveraging AI to enhance their logistics networks.
Additionally, Khanna engaged in a conversation with a Hitachi researcher who discussed AI’s role in sensorless monitoring for supply chains. “It was fascinating to learn how they use AI to track factors like corrosion in shipments and prevent damage before it occurs,” Khanna recalls.
Reflecting on the conference, Khanna adds, “It wasn’t just about today’s innovations, but where the industry is heading in the next 10 to 15 years. Getting hands-on with AI will be crucial for anyone entering this field.”
While the sessions at the EDGE Conference provided valuable insights, the networking opportunities and alumni engagement were just as impactful. Purdue students had the chance to connect directly with industry professionals, alumni and recruiters, forming relationships that could shape their future careers.
One of the standout moments for Sulakhe was during lunch, where tables were organized by geographic region. “The seating arrangement by location was brilliant — it allowed me to sit with professionals from Atlanta, which is where I’m exploring job opportunities,” she says. “It made it easy to connect, share insights and learn about the industry in a specific region.”
The event also offered students the chance to engage with Purdue alumni who are thriving in their fields. Khanna made a meaningful connection with Hong Young Kim, an alumnus now working at Akzo Nobel Coatings, Inc..
“We talked for over 30 minutes about his career path and the challenges he faced during his job search. He emphasized the importance of soft skills, particularly communication and networking, which is something I’ve really focused on during my internship,” Khanna says.
“It was amazing to meet people who graduated in the early '90s — before some of us were even born! Hearing about their career journeys and the market back then was eye-opening,” Khanna says.
These interactions not only provided valuable career advice but also reinforced the power of building meaningful connections within the Purdue community and beyond.
Both Sulakhe and Khanna are set to graduate in December 2024, and their experiences at the EDGE Conference have only solidified their supply chain management career paths.
For Sulakhe, the conference reinforced her interest in procurement and sourcing. “I have six years of experience in procurement, and this conference gave me the tools and connections to further advance my career in this field,” she says.
Khanna, who also has experience in procurement, echoed similar sentiments. “The conference helped me solidify my goal to work in procurement and sourcing, especially in the Texas region, where I’m looking for opportunities,” she says.
For Purdue students, attending the EDGE Conference was not just about understanding the future of supply chains — it was about becoming a part of that future.
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