ALSC UK Day 2 wrap up

As ALSC UK came to a close on day two, chief content officer, Christopher Ludwig, reflected on a final day packed with insights into keeping up with changing regulations, keeping pace with competitors and keeping the supply chain stable at a time of such disruption.

The discussions included topics from all over the supply chain including, material fulfilment and the use of AI tools in this, synergy within partnerships and using digital twins to virtualise material flow and bring launches together faster than ever before. 

Watch the day two highlights to hear the biggest insights from the conference.

Faster decisions start with better organisation

Opening the day's discussions, Dr Heiko Gierhardt, director of material fulfilment, industrial operations at JLR, outlined how supply chain organisations must be structured to make faster, more informed decisions.

Rather than relying on traditional hierarchies, Gierhardt explained the importance of placing intelligence and responsibility closer to operational teams, enabling decisions to be made where they have the greatest impact. AI can support this process, he argued, but only when deployed in areas where it genuinely improves speed, visibility and operational performance.

Collaboration accelerates supply chain performance

Chris Payne, head of logistics, Europe at Dauch, explored the logistics challenges of bringing together two large global organisations while maintaining customer performance. He highlighted the need to identify operational synergies at speed, supported by rapid information sharing between suppliers, manufacturers and logistics partners.

Throughout the conference, speakers reinforced the idea that competitive advantage increasingly depends on trusted partnerships where information flows quickly and decisions can be made collaboratively across the supply chain.

AI moves from pilot projects to practical applications

Artificial intelligence featured prominently across the day's programme, with several examples showing how AI is beginning to deliver measurable operational improvements.

Johan Lindhal, head of digitalisation and AI, Scania Logistics, demonstrated how AI-powered electronic data interchange (EDI) and generative AI are streamlining logistics processes. One example focused on packaging engineering, where generative AI is helping automate repetitive workflows, allowing engineers to focus on higher-value activities while accelerating project delivery. 

Digital twins transform manufacturing logistics

Ford provided another example of digital transformation in action. Stuart Clark explained how digital twins are being used to simulate material flow, assembly operations and line feeding before production begins. By creating virtual models of logistics processes, Ford can validate manufacturing strategies, optimise plant operations and support faster vehicle launches while reducing implementation risk.

The technology forms part of a wider shift towards virtual planning environments that enable manufacturers to respond more quickly to changing production requirements.

Keeping the UK supply chain competitive

As the conference concluded, the lasting message was that competitiveness will depend on the industry's ability to increase its pace of change.

Alongside investment in AI and digital technologies, speakers emphasised the need for continued collaboration across OEMs, suppliers, logistics providers and government. Infrastructure investment, workforce development and new digital skills will all play an important role in ensuring the UK automotive sector can respond to increasingly complex market conditions.

Watch the day two highlights

Watch the video above for the key moments and insights from the second day of Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain UK 2026.