Transforming Manufacturing and Supply Chain: Key Insights from TiEcon 2025
At TiEcon 2025, industry experts gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of manufacturing and supply chain. The sessions highlighted how new technologies are reshaping production, procurement, operations, and supply chains across industries. Below are key takeaways from four important discussions featuring leaders from different sectors.
The Rise of the Synthetic Workforce
In a session led by Sandeep Gupta, Senior Vice President at Avathon, and Claudia Chandra, Chief Product Officer at Honeywell Connected Industrials, the focus was on the “synthetic workforce.” This concept refers to technology-driven systems that handle repetitive tasks, allowing human workers to concentrate on more complex and creative work.
- Synthetic workforce helps improve efficiency in manufacturing and supply chains.
- Workers need new skills like digital literacy and problem-solving.
- Ethical concerns include job displacement and privacy, which require careful management.
Sandeep Gupta and Claudia Chandra emphasized that technology is not just a tool but a major force transforming industries today.
Watch the full session video here to learn more about rise of the Synthetic Workforce
Clorox’s Digital Transformation in Procurement
The session with Kim Kuesel – VP of Sales, Avathon, Suzette Skulan – Strategic Project Manager, The Clorox Company and, Ashish Gupta – Procurement Excellence, The Clorox Company, shared how Clorox has transformed its procurement process into a strategic innovation partner.
Key points included:
- Procurement shifted from cost-cutting to enabling innovation.
- The traditional Request for Proposal (RFP) is now a “Request for Partnership.”
- AI helps Clorox gain real-time consumer insights by analyzing social media and search data.
- Trust remains central to Clorox’s brand while pursuing innovation.
Ashish Gupta used a simple metaphor for AI adoption: “AI is like a storm, you can stay inside or go out with an umbrella,” emphasizing careful but proactive use of new technology.
See the entire discussion and learn
Keynote: Developing Next-Generation Operations in Biopharma: Gilead’s Approach to Integrating Industry 4.0 into Operations
Joydeep Ganguly, Senior VP at Gilead Sciences, spoke about integrating advanced technology into biopharmaceutical manufacturing and research.
Highlights of Gilead’s approach:
- Industry 4.0 technologies help improve drug discovery, manufacturing, and supply chain.
- Gilead focuses on HIV, oncology, and inflammation therapies.
- The company follows a “perpetual pilot” mindset, continuously testing and improving new technology.
- The goal is to make processes faster, safer, and more efficient.
Joydeep Ganguly, noted that innovation is a responsibility for everyone at Gilead.
Semiconductor Supply Chain: From Silicon to Shelf
A panel moderated by Yash Hemaraj featured experts Nihaar Mahatme (NXP Semiconductors), Sujit Sharan (Intel Corporation), and Venkatesh Srinivasan (Diamond Foundry) discussing the semiconductor supply chain.
They addressed:
- The impact of global economic trends and trade challenges on supply chains.
- Advances in semiconductor manufacturing, such as digital validation and large-scale packaging.
- The need for local supply chains alongside global operations.
- Opportunities for startups to innovate and stay competitive.
Nihaar Mahatme advised companies to focus on unique innovations to overcome trade barriers.
watch
Watch the full discussion here
Conclusion
The TiEcon 2025 sessions showed how industries are adapting manufacturing and supply chain practices by embracing new technologies and innovative approaches. From the synthetic workforce to digital procurement, advanced biopharma operations, and intelligent semiconductor supply chains, the future is about combining technology with human insight.
To explore these discussions in more detail and learn how these trends could impact your business, watch the full videos of these TiEcon 2025 sessions