Welcome to Supply Chain Unfiltered, where we provide a candid look at the challenges that supply chain professionals face, and bring in forward thinkers and innovators to share their insights on the strategies, technologies, and collaborative efforts shaping the future of supply chain.
Unlocking New Routes in the Modern Supply Chain
In this episode, host Christine Barnhart sits down with Conrad Mandala, Executive Vice President at Kinaxis, to explore how manufacturers can adapt to today’s dynamic market by expanding beyond traditional distribution models. Conrad shares insights on building flexible, diversified supply networks, breaking down data silos for greater visibility, and leveraging strategic partnerships to access alternative channels.
In this episode, we cover:
- Overreliance on Traditional Distribution Models: Many manufacturers still depend on a limited number of distributors or retailers, which creates bottlenecks and exposes them to disruption. This segment will explore the importance of diversification in route-to-market strategies and how to evaluate emerging channels for scalability and risk mitigation.
- Inflexible Supply Networks and Missed Market Opportunities: Legacy supply chain structures often lack the agility to capitalize on new market demands—especially in niche or fast-growing regions. We’ll discuss how building modular, adaptive supply networks can enable quicker response times and reduce go-to-market friction.
- Data Silos Blocking Cross-Channel Visibility: Without unified data across traditional and alternative channels, decision-makers are blind to performance metrics and customer behavior. This section will focus on the need for integrated systems and how real-time visibility supports smarter routing decisions.
- Reframing Partners as Ecosystem Enablers: Too many businesses treat partners—whether 3PLs, marketplaces, or micro-fulfillment centers—as one-off vendors rather than strategic collaborators. We’ll highlight examples of how strong ecosystem partnerships can unlock faster, more flexible, and customer-centric delivery models.
Tune in for an engaging conversation that sheds light on integrating the planning process across internal functions and external partners.
Conrad Mandala
Executive Vice President | Kinaxis
Conrad Mandala is Executive Vice President of GTM and Strategic Operations at Kinaxis, bringing over 30 years of leadership in sales, partnerships, and digital transformation. His career spans senior roles at Xerox, SAP, OpenText, and Deloitte, where he led high-performing teams across direct and indirect channels. At Kinaxis, Conrad drives global go-to-market strategy and partner ecosystems, helping manufacturers build resilient, AI-powered supply chains.
Christine Barnhart
Chief Industry & Ecosystem Officer |
Nulogy
As Nulogy’s Chief Industry and Ecosystem Officer, Christine leverages her thought leadership and domain expertise to play a pivotal role in the way Nulogy speaks to the market and delivers customer value. Under Christine’s guidance, Nulogy continues to shape and educate the market around the emerging space of Multi-Enterprise Collaboration.
