Tata Advanced Systems Hosts 7th Tata Supply Chain Forum

Published on July 11, 2025

The 7^th Tata Supply Chain Management (SCM) Forum was held on June 26–27, 2025, at Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in Hyderabad. The 1.5-day event brought together supply chain professionals, thought leaders, and industry experts from across the Tata group to exchange best practices, explore strategic innovations, and showcase successful implementations aimed at enhancing supply chain performance and supporting business growth across the Tata ecosystem.

Over 25 supply chain experts from 19 Tata companies attended the event in-person, while more than 30 participants joining virtually, reflecting the Group’s commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, resilience, and technological advancement in supply chain operations.

Day 1: Aerospace Excellence and Operational Resilience

Hosted at TASL’s state-of-the-art aerospace and defence facility in Hyderabad, Day 1 began with a welcome address and strategic insights from Sanjeev Singh, Head, Tata Business Excellence Group (TBExG), and Masood Hussainy, Executive Director, Tata Advanced Systems. Sanjeev outlined the forum’s objectives, emphasising the importance of collaboration and excellence across Tata’s supply chain network. Masood detailed TASL's impressive growth, strategic direction, and significant contributions to global aerostructure manufacturing. He also highlighted Tata's pioneering role in Indian aviation, beginning with JRD Tata, while drawing attention to the inherent liability risks and complexities within global aerostructure supply chains. His engaging interaction with attendees reflected TASL’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and operational excellence.

Participants also heard from Rajendra Ingale, Head - Manufacturing Excellence & DigiTech - CII CFC (Centre of Excellence), who shared insights on various supply chain approaches and best practices.

An immersive tour of TASL’s advanced manufacturing and assembly facilities followed. Participants gained first-hand insights into the production of aerostructures and aeroengines, and TASL’s use of modern technologies, high-precision systems, and global quality and safety standards.

Subsequent technical sessions led by TASL experts delved into the intricacies of managing supply chains in the aerospace industry. The speakers discussed challenges related to certification, compliance, and geopolitical influences, which are particularly critical in defence manufacturing. The sessions emphasised the importance of robust documentation, supplier alignment, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure uninterrupted operations in high-stakes environments.

Another area of focus was agility and resilience in high-variety, low-volume production settings in aerospace manufacturing. TASL shared how it ensures business continuity and responsiveness amid global uncertainties through scenario planning, flexible supplier networks, and proactive risk management.

The day concluded with a session on digital transformation in supply chain. TASL demonstrated its use of Data analytics, Supplier Portal, and cloud platforms to enhance visibility, streamline operations, and enable data-driven decision-making. These innovations are helping TASL build a more agile and intelligent supply chain capable of adapting to evolving market demands.

Day 2: Digitalisation, Disruption and the Road Ahead

Day 2 featured presentations on innovation and digitalisation from external partners such as DHL, bringing global perspectives and industry insights to the discussions.

The company introduced its Innovation Trend Radar, a strategic tool that maps emerging technologies and trends impacting global supply chains. The presentation emphasised the importance of staying ahead of the curve by adopting innovations such as artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, and predictive analytics. The insights into global logistics trends, sustainability, and last-mile optimisation provided valuable context for Tata companies looking to enhance their supply chain capabilities.

The session on accelerated digitalisation explored how digital tools are transforming supply chain operations across industries. Experts from DHL shared examples of automation, real-time data usage, and intelligent systems that improve efficiency and reduce costs. Participants were encouraged to adopt digital maturity models to guide their transformation journeys and align with global best practices.

A panel discussion addressed how Tata companies can navigate global supply chain disruptions. Speakers addressed the multifaceted challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, regulatory changes, and post-pandemic volatility. The conversation highlighted the need for resilient systems, diversified sourcing strategies, and robust supplier collaboration. The importance of multi-tier visibility and agile planning was emphasised as key enablers of supply chain stability.

The forum concluded with a session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in supply chain management. Tata companies presented case studies demonstrating how AI is being used to optimise inventory, forecast demand, detect anomalies, and improve customer service. The use of machine learning for predictive maintenance and intelligent logistics planning was also discussed, illustrating the transformative potential of AI in supply chain operations.

The 7th Tata SCM Forum at TASL marked an important step in Tata group’s pursuit of supply chain excellence. Through shared learnings, expert insights, and digital innovation, the forum enabled participants to reimagine supply chain strategy for a fast-evolving global landscape, reinforcing the Group’s focus on collaboration, resilience, and future readiness.

Participant Reflections