In this engaging interview with TechBullion, Viral Patel, a Senior Logistics Analyst, shares her transformative journey from financial services to the logistics industry. Combining her background in finance with a passion for operational efficiency, Patel has positioned herself as a leading innovator in supply chain management. Her expertise spans from financial analysis to warehouse operations, shipping, inventory, and logistics, with a strategic focus on harnessing technology to optimize processes.
During the interview, Viral discusses how AI is reshaping the logistics landscape, enabling advancements in demand forecasting, route optimization, predictive maintenance, and risk management. She notes that while larger companies are at the forefront of AI adoption, smaller firms often face challenges like high costs and limited technical expertise. Patel emphasizes the importance of a data-driven culture and starting with small AI projects to overcome these hurdles.
Viral also highlights the role of automation and AI in enhancing warehouse operations, customer service, and last-mile delivery. She believes that while some jobs may be automated, these technologies will enable employees to focus on strategic initiatives, thus enhancing workforce productivity. Patel underscores the need for upskilling to facilitate a smooth transition toward a more tech-driven industry.
Furthermore, Viral addresses the talent shortage in supply chain management, particularly the opportunities it creates for women to ascend into leadership roles. She offers advice for women to build technical skills, pursue challenging projects, and leverage mentorship and professional networks. As a mentor, she focuses on hands-on experience, leadership development, and fostering connections within the industry.
Patel concludes with a call to action for organizations to embrace technology and foster diversity. By creating inclusive workplaces and prioritizing innovation, companies can drive progress in an increasingly complex global market.
Viral Patel
TechBullion: Viral, you are in an unusual position, both as a woman and a technology leader in the transportation industry. After starting your career in financial services, what led you to the logistics/supply chain field, and more specifically to a Logistics Analyst role?
VP: My transition from financial services to logistics and supply chain was driven by a desire to apply my analytical skills to tangible, operational challenges. During my Master’s in Technology Management, I became fascinated by the complexity and interconnectedness of global supply chains. The field’s dynamic nature and potential for innovation resonated with me. The Logistics Analyst role offered the perfect opportunity to merge my financial expertise with operational insights, enabling me to optimize processes, enhance efficiency, and make data-driven decisions to drive measurable impact.
TechBullion: Your expertise encompasses diverse areas, from Accounts Payable and Receivable, Financial Statements, and Regulatory Compliance to Warehouse Operations, Shipping and Receiving, Inventory, Logistics, and Transportation Management. In all these areas, you lead business analysis, strategic planning, and implementation functions. When you entered the industry more than a decade ago, was the workplace environment receptive to women? How did you carve a career path to a leadership position?
VP: When I joined the logistics industry over a decade ago, it was predominantly male dominated, which came with challenges in gaining acceptance and recognition. However, I tackled these challenges by consistently delivering results and demonstrating expertise. Building a diverse skill set that bridged both financial and operational domains made me a versatile and valuable asset. I sought challenging projects, pursued ongoing education and certifications, and nurtured cross-departmental relationships. Staying ahead of technological advancements also allowed me to introduce innovative solutions, ultimately solidifying my reputation as a thought leader and paving the way to leadership.
TechBullion: Last year, you published an article on IEEE’s Computer Society platform about how AI is revolutionizing supply chain management. Where do you think the industry stands in terms of adopting innovative technologies? How willing are logistics and transportation companies to embrace AI and other tools? For those that are lagging, what are the obstacles?
VP: The logistics and transportation industry has made notable progress in adopting innovative technologies like AI, especially in demand forecasting, route optimization, and predictive maintenance. However, adoption varies significantly across the sector. Larger companies with greater resources are leading the charge, while smaller firms often lag due to constraints.
The willingness to embrace AI is growing as its benefits—such as cost savings, efficiency, and enhanced customer satisfaction—become evident. For companies lagging, common obstacles include:
- High upfront costs of technology adoption
- Limited technical expertise and talent
- Data integration and quality challenges
- Organizational resistance to change
- Data security and privacy concerns.
To address these barriers, businesses need clear AI strategies, targeted talent development, and a commitment to building a data-centric culture. Starting with small, impactful AI projects can help demonstrate value and drive broader adoption.
TechBullion: You’ve stated that predictive analytics is among the most critical ways AI can revolutionize supply chain management. How are you applying predictive analytics in your role, and how do you see it growing? What do you foresee for its future in the industry?
VP: In my role, we apply predictive analytics across several areas:
- Demand forecasting: Leveraging historical data and external variables for precise demand predictions, improving inventory management and resource allocation.
- Route optimization: Using predictive models to determine optimal delivery routes, considering traffic, weather, and delivery windows.
- Predictive maintenance: Anticipating equipment and vehicle maintenance needs to minimize downtime and extend asset lifespans.
The scope of predictive analytics will continue to grow, influencing:
- Risk management: Anticipating supply chain disruptions and proposing mitigation strategies.
- Dynamic pricing: Adjusting pricing in real-time based on demand and market conditions.
- Supplier performance: Forecasting supplier reliability to optimize sourcing decisions.
As data collection improves and AI models become more sophisticated, predictive analytics will enable increasingly accurate insights and automate complex decision-making processes, fostering resilient and efficient supply chains.
TechBullion: What are other ways logistics and transportation companies can benefit from AI and automation? Will these benefits trickle down to consumers? Will these implementations impact human jobs, or enable better workforce utilization?
VP: AI and automation offer numerous benefits to logistics and transportation companies, including:
- Warehouse automation: Robots and AI streamline picking, packing, and inventory management.
- Autonomous vehicles: Self-driving trucks enhance long-haul efficiency.
- Customer service optimization: Chatbots and virtual assistants improve communication.
- Fraud detection: AI helps identify and prevent fraudulent activities.
- Last-mile delivery: Drones and autonomous vehicles enable faster, cost-effective local deliveries.
Consumers will benefit from faster delivery times, reduced costs, and improved service. While some jobs may be automated, these technologies allow employees to focus on strategic, high-value tasks. By reskilling and upskilling the workforce, companies can ensure smooth transitions and leverage human potential alongside automation.
TechBullion: The field of international logistics seems ripe for AI’s capabilities. What changes are advanced technologies bringing to the industry?
VP: Advanced technologies like AI are revolutionizing international logistics by enabling:
- Customs optimization: Automating documentation and predicting potential delays.
- Global supply chain visibility: Internet of Things (IoT) and tracking systems provide real-time insights.
- Dynamic route planning: AI quickly adjusts to disruptions, such as geopolitical events.
- Language translation: Natural Language Processing (NLP) bridges communication gaps in diverse regions.
- Regulatory compliance: Automated systems ensure adherence to complex regulations.
- Predictive pricing: Analytics offer accurate pricing based on market trends.
These innovations are enhancing efficiency, transparency, and adaptability, positioning international logistics to better handle global complexities.
TechBullion: How is the transportation industry addressing the competitive market for tech talent to stay ahead with emerging tools?
VP: To attract and retain tech talent, the industry is implementing strategies like such as university partnerships, in which businesses collaborate with institutions to create talent pipelines, and focusing on innovation. Highlighting the industry’s technological advancements broadens its appeal to tech professionals.
The transportation industry is also recognizing the need to offer competitive compensation that is on par with leading tech sectors. Attracting talented individuals also requires us to provide continuous education, training, and professional development opportunities, as well flexible work options, such as enabling remote work and adaptable schedules. Finally, we must emphasize the impact of the industry by showcasing the global significance of logistics technology. These efforts create an appealing ecosystem for skilled professionals to drive technological progress in the transportation sector.
TechBullion: Does the talent gap in supply chain management create new opportunities for women to ascend to leadership roles? What guidance do you have for women in this field? How do you mentor and train women?
VP: The talent gap in supply chain management opens significant opportunities for women to excel and lead. My advice to women is to build technical skills, particularly in data analytics and emerging tech, network within the industry, and seek mentors. Women must take on challenging projects to demonstrate competence, and stay informed about industry advancements and trends. Challenges like gender bias and work-life balance persist, but they can be overcome by building confidence and advocating for one’s contributions, and joining companies with strong diversity initiatives. I also advise leveraging professional organizations for support and resources. In mentoring women, I focus on providing hands-on experience, encouraging leadership roles, and connecting them with successful peers for guidance and inspiration.
TechBullion: What is your message to supply chain organizations about embracing technology and recruiting women for critical roles?
VP: Embracing technology and fostering diversity are vital for success. Organizations should develop clear tech adoption strategies aligned with goals, and promote a culture of innovation and continuous learning. It is critical to implement targeted recruitment and development initiatives for women, and ensure equal opportunities for leadership roles. Building an inclusive workplace culture that values diverse perspectives will ultimately benefit the entire workforce. Combining cutting-edge technology with workforce diversity will empower supply chain organizations to thrive in a competitive, globalized environment.
