Podcast Summary: Building Innovative Supply Chains That Perform Under Pressure

Podcast: Supply Chain Now
Episode: Building Innovative Supply Chains That Perform Under Pressure
Date: December 15, 2025
Host: Scott Ludwin (C)
Guest: Murad Tamoud, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Schneider Electric (A)

Episode Overview

This episode, recorded live at Innovation Summit North America 2025, explores how Schneider Electric is transforming its supply chain to be both innovative and resilient—capable of performing under intense and unpredictable pressure. Host Scott Ludwin speaks with Murad Tamoud, CSCO of Schneider Electric, about the company’s transition from linear to networked supply chains, the increasing role of regionalization, the digital transformation journey, and the enduring importance of people in driving sustainable competitive advantage.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. People at the Heart of Innovation

[00:00 | 21:32] Murad Tamoud frequently emphasizes that, despite digital and AI transformations, people remain central. Talent, expertise, and a culture of growth are what ultimately empower technology to succeed.
- Notable Quote (A, 21:32):
  "At the end of the day, I really believe that we are in a people business... AI or digital would not be there if you don't have the expertise, if you don't have the talents inside the organization that are able to be future ready and prepare those transformations."
- Schneider invests heavily in nurturing and upskilling its workforce.

2. The Evolution of Supply Chains: From Linear to "Supply Webs"

[03:23] The supply chain has evolved from a traditional, linear model to a complex, global "network of networks."
Schneider Electric now views its supply chain as an interconnected ecosystem, from customers back to tier X suppliers.
- Notable Quote (A, 03:23):
  "Today, the way modern supply chains are operating is much more of a network of network... embarking from the customer all the way back to the suppliers of the suppliers."

3. Resilience by Design: The "Power of Two" & Beyond

[05:33] The last five years—including COVID, component shortages, and geopolitical shocks—forced companies to make resilience part of their DNA, not an afterthought.
- Schneider’s "Power of Two" approach: dual sourcing, multiple manufacturing sites for critical products, long-term agreements, and strategic inventory.
- Move from “just in time” to “just in case”: Building buffers to absorb disruptions.
- Notable Quote (A, 05:33):
  "The ability of designing supply chains that are antifragile, that are able to be resilient by structure, by design, is becoming extremely important."

4. Regionalization for Agility and Sovereignty

[07:45 | 09:14] Murad underscores the necessity of regional supply chains—regional rate targets rising from 85% toward 90-95%.
- Local-for-local manufacturing improves responsiveness, agility, and customer service in the face of global disruptions.
- Notable Quote (A, 07:45):
  "Reducing complexity, driving shorter supply chain, making sure that you become more regional for regional…all that gives you that additional agility, that additional resilience that is required in the world of today."
- Example: Most products sold in a region are now produced and sourced there.

5. Industry 4.0, Digital Transformation, and Smart Factories

[10:42 | 12:37] Schneider Electric received international recognition for digitalizing old and new facilities (World Economic Forum "Lighthouse" designations).
- Implementation of IoT, connected machines, data collection, and smart software.
- Success in both greenfield (new) and brownfield (legacy) facilities—with brownfield transformations especially energizing for teams.
- Notable Quote (A, 12:37):
  "We have really built the infrastructure and the backbone of our digital architecture...We see the power that having done all the work... today, what it enables us, if you plug AI on... it's limitless possibilities."

6. AI, Autonomous Planning, and Intelligent Procurement

[12:37 | 17:43] AI emerges as the next frontier, enabled by robust digital architectures:
- Predictive maintenance, quality improvement, demand sensing, customer visibility.
- Autonomous planning and smart procurement as key upcoming initiatives.
- Rapid scenario simulations—tariffs or supply changes analyzed and responded to within 24-48 hours.
- Notable Quote (A, 17:54):
  "Modern supply chain has to be digital... it would not work if you don't augment it through a digital layer...to be able to run scenario planning, to be able to simulate events."

7. Collaboration as a Core Competency

[20:15] Increased strategic collaboration with both suppliers and customers.
- Co-planning, dedicated factories, and close alignment of product roadmaps.
- Supplier and partner engagement goes beyond transactions—integration into strategy and innovation cycles.
- Notable Quote (A, 20:15):
  "It's collaboration with the business, it's collaboration with our customers... much greater levels of integration and collaborative work."

8. Innovation Focus: Foresight Digital Platform

[15:57] Among the many innovations, Murad highlights the new “Foresight” platform for digital energy/buildings, unlocking further value from AI and IoT across Schneider’s ecosystem.
- Notable Moment: Audience described Schneider’s “Innovation Park” at the Summit as a “supply chain circus” showcasing the breadth of tech advancements.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

On legacy (brownfield) digital transformations:
(A, 14:37) “What I saw happening in our brown fields in our legacy facilities, when they were adopting those transformations, is the level of motivation, the level of engagement you create with the people is just amazing.”
On supply chain complexity:
(A, 17:43) "There is no way to consider that the world will be, you know, simpler and smoother…disruption is part of our daily life."
On digital twins and simulation:
(A, 17:54) “We are today able to take a new communicated tariff and instantly identify what could be the consequences...within 24, 48 hours to understand how it impacts our operations.”
On collaboration:
(A, 20:15) “Collaborating with our suppliers...what is their roadmap, our product roadmaps, how these two are augmenting each other...our inputs helping them to develop the next generation of material or chips...”
On what excites Murad:
(A, 15:57) "If I have to pick one thing (in innovation)—what's coming next with foresight, our digital transformation platform...an opportunity to adopt the AI power, to be able to extract faster value from our processes, all our connected buildings..."

Important Timestamps

[00:00] Opening thoughts: People at the heart of supply chain innovation
[02:27] Murad’s supply chain career journey
[03:23] Transition to “network of networks”
[05:33] Building resilience: "Power of Two" and response strategies
[07:45] Regionalization and supply chain sovereignty
[10:42] Digital transformation, smart factories & Lighthouse designations
[12:37] Impact of digital on legacy vs. new sites
[15:57] Highlighting innovation: Foresight digital platform
[17:43] Agility, digital twins, and scenario readiness
[20:15] Strategic collaboration with partners and suppliers
[21:32] The unchanging importance of people

Conclusion and Takeaways

Resilient, innovative supply chains are not built by technology alone—the foundation is people and collaborative culture.
Schneider Electric’s model:
- Networked, not linear, supply chain design
- Regional manufacturing and sourcing for risk mitigation
- Aggressive adoption of digital/AI—both in brownfield and greenfield
- Deep, strategic partnerships with suppliers and customers
Actionable advice for leaders:
- Focus on talent and collaborative culture
- Invest in digital capability, simulation, scenario-planning
- Build resilience in structure and approach—be ready for the unknown

How to Connect

Murad Tamoud welcomes engagement on LinkedIn for discussions on supply chain, digital transformation, and even photography tips! (A, 22:40)

For the full Innovation Summit North America 2025 coverage, visit Supply Chain Now.

Podcast Summary: Building Innovative Supply Chains That Perform Under Pressure

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. People at the Heart of Innovation

[00:00 | 21:32] Murad Tamoud frequently emphasizes that, despite digital and AI transformations, people remain central. Talent, expertise, and a culture of growth are what ultimately empower technology to succeed.
- Notable Quote (A, 21:32):
  "At the end of the day, I really believe that we are in a people business... AI or digital would not be there if you don't have the expertise, if you don't have the talents inside the organization that are able to be future ready and prepare those transformations."
- Schneider invests heavily in nurturing and upskilling its workforce.

2. The Evolution of Supply Chains: From Linear to "Supply Webs"

[03:23] The supply chain has evolved from a traditional, linear model to a complex, global "network of networks."
Schneider Electric now views its supply chain as an interconnected ecosystem, from customers back to tier X suppliers.
- Notable Quote (A, 03:23):
  "Today, the way modern supply chains are operating is much more of a network of network... embarking from the customer all the way back to the suppliers of the suppliers."

3. Resilience by Design: The "Power of Two" & Beyond

[05:33] The last five years—including COVID, component shortages, and geopolitical shocks—forced companies to make resilience part of their DNA, not an afterthought.
- Schneider’s "Power of Two" approach: dual sourcing, multiple manufacturing sites for critical products, long-term agreements, and strategic inventory.
- Move from “just in time” to “just in case”: Building buffers to absorb disruptions.
- Notable Quote (A, 05:33):
  "The ability of designing supply chains that are antifragile, that are able to be resilient by structure, by design, is becoming extremely important."

4. Regionalization for Agility and Sovereignty

[07:45 | 09:14] Murad underscores the necessity of regional supply chains—regional rate targets rising from 85% toward 90-95%.
- Local-for-local manufacturing improves responsiveness, agility, and customer service in the face of global disruptions.
- Notable Quote (A, 07:45):
  "Reducing complexity, driving shorter supply chain, making sure that you become more regional for regional…all that gives you that additional agility, that additional resilience that is required in the world of today."
- Example: Most products sold in a region are now produced and sourced there.

5. Industry 4.0, Digital Transformation, and Smart Factories

[10:42 | 12:37] Schneider Electric received international recognition for digitalizing old and new facilities (World Economic Forum "Lighthouse" designations).
- Implementation of IoT, connected machines, data collection, and smart software.
- Success in both greenfield (new) and brownfield (legacy) facilities—with brownfield transformations especially energizing for teams.
- Notable Quote (A, 12:37):
  "We have really built the infrastructure and the backbone of our digital architecture...We see the power that having done all the work... today, what it enables us, if you plug AI on... it's limitless possibilities."

6. AI, Autonomous Planning, and Intelligent Procurement

[12:37 | 17:43] AI emerges as the next frontier, enabled by robust digital architectures:
- Predictive maintenance, quality improvement, demand sensing, customer visibility.
- Autonomous planning and smart procurement as key upcoming initiatives.
- Rapid scenario simulations—tariffs or supply changes analyzed and responded to within 24-48 hours.
- Notable Quote (A, 17:54):
  "Modern supply chain has to be digital... it would not work if you don't augment it through a digital layer...to be able to run scenario planning, to be able to simulate events."

7. Collaboration as a Core Competency

[20:15] Increased strategic collaboration with both suppliers and customers.
- Co-planning, dedicated factories, and close alignment of product roadmaps.
- Supplier and partner engagement goes beyond transactions—integration into strategy and innovation cycles.
- Notable Quote (A, 20:15):
  "It's collaboration with the business, it's collaboration with our customers... much greater levels of integration and collaborative work."

8. Innovation Focus: Foresight Digital Platform

[15:57] Among the many innovations, Murad highlights the new “Foresight” platform for digital energy/buildings, unlocking further value from AI and IoT across Schneider’s ecosystem.
- Notable Moment: Audience described Schneider’s “Innovation Park” at the Summit as a “supply chain circus” showcasing the breadth of tech advancements.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

On legacy (brownfield) digital transformations:
(A, 14:37) “What I saw happening in our brown fields in our legacy facilities, when they were adopting those transformations, is the level of motivation, the level of engagement you create with the people is just amazing.”
On supply chain complexity:
(A, 17:43) "There is no way to consider that the world will be, you know, simpler and smoother…disruption is part of our daily life."
On digital twins and simulation:
(A, 17:54) “We are today able to take a new communicated tariff and instantly identify what could be the consequences...within 24, 48 hours to understand how it impacts our operations.”
On collaboration:
(A, 20:15) “Collaborating with our suppliers...what is their roadmap, our product roadmaps, how these two are augmenting each other...our inputs helping them to develop the next generation of material or chips...”
On what excites Murad:
(A, 15:57) "If I have to pick one thing (in innovation)—what's coming next with foresight, our digital transformation platform...an opportunity to adopt the AI power, to be able to extract faster value from our processes, all our connected buildings..."

Important Timestamps

[00:00] Opening thoughts: People at the heart of supply chain innovation
[02:27] Murad’s supply chain career journey
[03:23] Transition to “network of networks”
[05:33] Building resilience: "Power of Two" and response strategies
[07:45] Regionalization and supply chain sovereignty
[10:42] Digital transformation, smart factories & Lighthouse designations
[12:37] Impact of digital on legacy vs. new sites
[15:57] Highlighting innovation: Foresight digital platform
[17:43] Agility, digital twins, and scenario readiness
[20:15] Strategic collaboration with partners and suppliers
[21:32] The unchanging importance of people

Conclusion and Takeaways

Resilient, innovative supply chains are not built by technology alone—the foundation is people and collaborative culture.
Schneider Electric’s model:
- Networked, not linear, supply chain design
- Regional manufacturing and sourcing for risk mitigation
- Aggressive adoption of digital/AI—both in brownfield and greenfield
- Deep, strategic partnerships with suppliers and customers
Actionable advice for leaders:
- Focus on talent and collaborative culture
- Invest in digital capability, simulation, scenario-planning
- Build resilience in structure and approach—be ready for the unknown

How to Connect

Murad Tamoud welcomes engagement on LinkedIn for discussions on supply chain, digital transformation, and even photography tips! (A, 22:40)

For the full Innovation Summit North America 2025 coverage, visit Supply Chain Now.

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Building Innovative Supply Chains That Perform Under Pressure

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Summary

Podcast Summary: Building Innovative Supply Chains That Perform Under Pressure

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. People at the Heart of Innovation

2. The Evolution of Supply Chains: From Linear to "Supply Webs"

3. Resilience by Design: The "Power of Two" & Beyond

4. Regionalization for Agility and Sovereignty

5. Industry 4.0, Digital Transformation, and Smart Factories

6. AI, Autonomous Planning, and Intelligent Procurement

7. Collaboration as a Core Competency

8. Innovation Focus: Foresight Digital Platform

Memorable Moments & Quotes

Important Timestamps

Conclusion and Takeaways

How to Connect

Summary

Podcast Summary: Building Innovative Supply Chains That Perform Under Pressure

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. People at the Heart of Innovation

2. The Evolution of Supply Chains: From Linear to "Supply Webs"

3. Resilience by Design: The "Power of Two" & Beyond

4. Regionalization for Agility and Sovereignty

5. Industry 4.0, Digital Transformation, and Smart Factories

6. AI, Autonomous Planning, and Intelligent Procurement

7. Collaboration as a Core Competency

8. Innovation Focus: Foresight Digital Platform

Memorable Moments & Quotes

Important Timestamps

Conclusion and Takeaways

How to Connect