With over 35 years of experience in logistics and supply chain management, Debasish Mukherjee has worked with leading companies like TNT, Allied Group, Crown Relocations, and Cost-Wise Supply Chain. Currently, he serves as a consultant and visiting faculty at top business schools, shaping the next generation of supply chain professionals. In this interview, Debasish shares his perspectives on industry trends, the impact of technology, and the future of supply chain leadership.
How did you get into your current role (your prior background, experience, etc.)?
My professional career spans 35 years, with the first 28 years spent in the industry working with logistics companies like TNT, Allied Group, Crown Relocations, and Cost-Wise Supply Chain. I have also been a consultant for the state government and a leading port in India.
What is your current role and responsibilities?
For the past seven years, I have been engaged as a visiting faculty member and consultant at premier business schools such as Symbiosis, Narsee Monjee, Gitam University, and Emeritus. My primary responsibility is delivering lectures on Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Logistics Management, and International Business. I also mentor students and facilitate connections between institutions and industries for industrial visits and workshops.
How does a typical workday look for you? What time do you wake up? And do you have any morning routine?
My schedule depends on the requirements of a particular institute. I typically wake up around 6 a.m. A typical workday involves delivering lectures at universities or colleges. Occasionally, I participate in workshops, seminars, and faculty/management development programs (FDP/MDP) as a speaker or panel member.
What are the biggest challenges you face on a day-to-day basis in your current position? And how have you addressed them?
There are no significant challenges. Each institute has its own systems and processes, and I make minor adjustments as needed.
We all know how technology is impacting supply chain management. What piece of software or tools are you most excited about right now? And particularly one which you are implementing or testing.
I am no longer part of the corporate world, but I often share insights from my career journey – from a time when technology was minimal to an era where innovations like robotics, AI, IoT, and warehouse/inventory management software are transforming supply chains.
What is your take on AI? Is Gen AI or AI already changing your supply chain day-to-day functions? If yes, how?
Though I am not currently working in the corporate sector, I stay engaged with industry experts through platforms like the Chamber of Commerce and the Logistics Sector Skill Council. AI is undoubtedly playing a crucial role in creating agile and sustainable supply chains by enabling predictive analytics and improving forecasting.
How do you prioritize sustainability and ethical practices within your supply chain operations?
During my time in the logistics industry, I worked in environments that prioritized reducing carbon emissions through vehicle maintenance. Ethical practices included transparency and fair treatment of suppliers, shipping lines, and freight forwarders.
Given all the changes happening, what do you think are the most important skills for supply chain executives? And how do you develop them?
Adapting to the latest technology is a priority. The COVID-19 experience highlighted the importance of working with local suppliers. Quality issues can sometimes affect services, so executives across transportation, warehousing, and customer service must maintain firm control over suppliers.
In your opinion, what are the key trends that will impact the supply chain profession in 2025?
– Cost control through the adoption of the right technology.
– A stronger focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors.
– Improved risk management techniques.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to study or work in supply chain management?
– Ensure you are genuinely interested in and understand the importance of SCM in business.
– Obtain a degree in Supply Chain Management from a reputable institute.
– Work as an apprentice for at least one year to gain an understanding of core components such as coordination and integration (internal and external), logistics management, and supplier selection/control.
Debasish Mukherjee, a consultant, trainer, and faculty specializing in Supply Chain and Logistics Management, shares these insights from his extensive career. With over three decades of experience, Debasish now focuses on mentoring and training future supply chain professionals. You can connect with him via LinkedIn, his Chain.NET profile, or reach out directly at +9177027033. Follow him on Twitter at @debagemini.
