Watch: Patrick Bauer on data‑driven flexibility in IAC’s global supply chain
On the Red Sofa, Patrick Bauer, vice‑president of supply chain at IAC Group, shares how the tier-1 is integrating external data, LLP feeds and shopfloor analytics to predict demand, plan scenarios and shorten lead times while controlling cost and risk.
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On the Red Sofa at the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global Conference, Patrick Bauer, vice-president of supply chain at IAC Group, revealed how the tier-one is weaving partner data, advanced analytics and AI pilots into a more resilient, responsive supply chain.
Data integration beyond internal systems
IAC is now linking its ERP and shopfloor analytics with external systems (LLP TMS, brokerage, customs) to make more holistic decisions. Using a “customer demand waterfall” tool, IAC aligns operational levers with financial models, enabling what-if simulations of volume swings, cost impacts and release strategies.
Speaking about what IAC Group have done over the past year, Bauer said a lot of the changes have been based around bringing internal developments into the wider supply chain and integrating them. “How do we take the data that we have internally and be able to display it as decision-making tools for our plants and our organisation? This is probably the first year where we've actually reached out beyond IAC Group and linked in with other systems, other providers and other data in order to enhance decision-making," he said.
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An example of utilising this growth has been in dealing with the US tariffs. “We talked about tariffs and we'll continue to talk about tariffs, and we've been able to work with our broker, our solicitation group, our own system and be able to display data that says what the impact is on IAC based on the additional tariffs that that we've had," he said.
"The difference is now we're integrating with other suppliers, other systems and other tools, rather than being more internally focused on that data."
Agile transport and risk management
With increasing ocean volumes and longer transit times, the company refreshes assumptions every two months, exploring “fast-boat” lanes and alternative routes to reduce inflexibility. It also has AI and predictive tools in pilot stage. Bauer said his team leads the company’s M365 Copilot pilot program and works with Georgia Tech to experiment with predictive scheduling, KPI monitoring and dynamic adjustments. IAC emphasises transparency, accurate timeliness of data, scalability and flexibility from carriers and suppliers to respond to volatility.
