Even in Automation, Managers Remain Central: o9 Solutions CEO Explains
In a rapidly evolving world of AI-driven supply chain management, companies must navigate complex global challenges while ensuring seamless decision-making and operational efficiency. o9 Solutions, a US-based AI-powered platform, is revolutionizing supply-chain planning and forecasting for international enterprises such as PepsiCo, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Marks & Spencer, and Marelli.
With a valuation of over $3.7 billion, o9 Solutions operates in India through offices in Bengaluru and Coimbatore, employing nearly 2,000 professionals. During the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Chakri Gottemukkala, Co-founder & CEO of o9 Solutions, discussed how AI is reshaping supply-chain decision-making while emphasizing the continued importance of managers. V Aiotechnical.com brings you key insights from the conversation.
Addressing Key Supply-Chain Challenges
Solving Value Leakage and External Volatility
One of the biggest issues in supply chain management is value leakage, which occurs when siloed functions, fragmented planning horizons, and outdated technologies prevent companies from making synchronized decisions at the required speed. This leads to inefficiencies, reactive processes, and lost revenue opportunities.
Another major challenge is external volatility. Companies must respond to disruptions caused by:
- Geopolitical conflicts
- Climate change impacts
- Supply chain shocks
- Shifting consumer demands
The increasing complexity of multi-tier supplier networks and sustainability pressures further complicates operations. Businesses must integrate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics into their strategies while ensuring efficiency and profitability.
How o9 Solutions Supports Decision-Making
The Role of AI in Enhancing Business Planning
o9 Solutions has developed the o9 Digital Brain, an AI-powered platform that optimizes enterprise planning and decision-making. At its core is the Enterprise Knowledge Graph (EKG), a digital twin of an organization’s value chain.
The EKG integrates data from various sources, including:
- ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems
- IoT (Internet of Things) devices
- External market intelligence
- Spreadsheets and operational reports
By leveraging these inputs, the o9 Digital Brain enables companies to:
- Predict risks
- Identify opportunities
- Optimize demand and supply synchronization
- Make real-time, data-driven decisions
The Technology Behind o9’s AI-Driven Solutions
Scalability, Flexibility, and Seamless Integration
o9 Solutions’ platform is built on advanced AI and machine learning technologies, providing:
- Predictive analytics for accurate forecasting
- Prescriptive analytics for optimized decision-making
- Real-time scenario simulations
It seamlessly integrates with ERP systems like SAP and Oracle, while supporting major cloud providers such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. o9’s modular approach ensures businesses can adopt AI capabilities at their own pace, minimizing disruption while maximizing long-term flexibility.
Why Integrating Supply and Demand Decisions Matters
Many enterprises struggle to align supply-side and demand-side decisions due to traditional business structures. However, o9 Solutions enables organizations to create a unified operational framework, leading to:
- Improved planning accuracy
- Reduced inventory waste
- Optimized logistics and production
- Enhanced customer satisfaction
By integrating supply and demand, businesses can identify risks sooner, simulate response strategies, and ensure products reach the right markets efficiently. This also contributes to sustainability efforts by reducing excess production and minimizing environmental impact.
The Role of Managers in an AI-Driven World
Despite automation streamlining business planning, managers remain indispensable in ensuring strategic oversight. Their roles evolve to focus on:
- Guiding high-level strategies
- Managing exceptional situations that require human judgment
- Driving adoption of AI technologies
- Fostering collaboration across departments
As AI platforms like o9 Digital Brain provide data-driven insights, managers translate these insights into actionable business strategies. At V Aiotechnical.com, we recognize how AI is not replacing leadership but rather empowering decision-makers with real-time intelligence.
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Future Growth and Innovations at o9 Solutions
Over the next five years, o9 Solutions aims to expand its global client base and enter new industries while continuing to lead the digital transformation of enterprise planning. Key focus areas include:
- Generative AI and agentic AI for enhanced automation
- Sustainability-driven supply chain optimization
- Touchless planning for greater efficiency
- Revenue growth management (RGM) and multi-tier visibility (SRM)
As supply chains become more complex and dynamic, o9 Solutions remains committed to delivering AI-driven solutions that help businesses navigate uncertainties and drive growth.