Smarter Supply Chains: Digital Innovation for Cost, Efficiency & Carbon
Monday 20 April | 12.30 pm (lunch and registration) 1 pm start to 4 pm Northumbria University, Sandyford Building Room 405
About the Event
Supply chain disruption, rising operational costs, and growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions are challenges felt across every sector — from manufacturing and retail to healthcare, logistics, construction, and the public sector.
Yet for many organisations, the tools to address these pressures can feel complex, costly, or out of reach.
This exclusive event, hosted by Northumbria University's Centre for Digital Supply Chain Excellence (CDSCE), brings together supply chain professionals, operations managers, procurement specialists, and business leaders from across the public and private sectors to explore how digital innovation is delivering measurable, real-world results for organisations across the North of England and beyond.
Whether you are taking your first steps in digital transformation or looking to accelerate progress already underway, this event offers practical insight, real-world evidence, and direct access to world-class supply chain research expertise.
What's On
Digital Twin Technology: A Live Showcase
The CDSCE — one of only four UK centres to receive R&D funding from the Digital Catapult — will open its state-of-the-art testbed to demonstrate how digital twin technology is transforming supply chain performance across sectors. See first-hand how the solution addresses three critical challenges:
- Inventory optimisation — reducing overstock, shortages, and procurement waste
- Supply and demand forecasting — improving accuracy and responsiveness across supply networks
- Carbon footprint measurement — automatically calculating Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions to support net zero reporting and compliance
Industry Case Study: Real Results, Tangible Savings
Hear findings from a live industry collaboration in which a local SME partnered with the CDSCE to tackle inconsistent, duplicated, and mislabelled spare parts data. Using AI-driven tools applied to automotive spare parts inventory management, the project identified annual savings of £132,000 in procurement ordering — demonstrating the value digital innovation can deliver regardless of sector or organisation size.
Data Sharing, Trust & Legal Considerations
Smarter supply chains depend on data collaboration — but knowing how to share data safely and confidently remains one of the biggest barriers for organisations of all kinds. Legal experts from Womble Bond Dickinson, who collaborated with the CDSCE on the development of the testbed, will provide practical guidance on data sharing frameworks, trust, and security, helping your organisation work across its supply network with confidence.
Networking
Connect with supply chain professionals, procurement and operations specialists, academic researchers, and technology innovators from a wide range of sectors — all focused on building more resilient, efficient, and sustainable supply chains.
Who Should Attend?
This event is relevant to anyone with responsibility for supply chain, procurement, operations, or sustainability across any sector, including:
- Manufacturing and engineering
- Retail and wholesale distribution
- Healthcare and life sciences
- Logistics and transport
- Construction and infrastructure
- Local government and public sector organisations
- Energy and utilities
You do not need to be a technology expert. If supply chain performance, cost efficiency, or carbon reduction matters to your organisation, this event is for you.
Why Attend?
- Discover how digital twin technology can be applied to your organisation's specific challenges
- Access evidence-based insight from one of the North of England's leading supply chain research centres
- Gain practical guidance on data sharing, trust, and legal considerations
- Connect with peers, academics, and innovators across a wide range of industries and sectors
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