Ayush Goyal

Navigating Global Supply Chain Complexities

Aniket Bose

Chief Supply Chain Officer,

DaMENSCH

I n a world where supply chain management is a delicate dance, technology emerges as the catalyst for transformation. The apparel industry, known for its love-hate relationship with technology innovation, stands poised on the precipice of change. It is in this landscape that Aniket Bose, an esteemed visionary, steps into the spotlight as the Chief Supply Chain Officer at DaMENSCH Apparel Pvt Ltd.
Aniket believes that AI and blockchain are two solutions that can have tremendous applications in the industry. Guided by past experiences, he understands that success lies not only in solving problems but also in crafting a well-defined implementation and adoption plan. A lot of technologies fail not because they are bad ideas, but because they are not backed by a good implementation plan,” says Aniket. As he looks ahead, his optimism for the future adoption of these technologies within the apparel industry remains steadfast.
TradeFlock immersed itself in a detailed conversation with Aniket to learn more about his strategies, insights, strengths, and plans. 

Throughout your career, what key insights and learnings have paved the way for your current position?

In my 12+ year career, I’ve gathered invaluable insights that have shaped my journey. Some of them are metrics, people, business objectives, and visibility. Metrics are crucial for driving improvement and focus. By assigning numerical values to KPIs and tracking progress, we ensure continuous growth and targeted attention where needed. On the other hand, people are the heart of any organisation and way more important than any metrics. Building relationships, fostering a supportive environment, and empowering individuals are vital for success. However, true leaders must prioritise broader business objectives over individual metrics, and make strategic decisions that have a lasting impact. Lastly, visibility is essential in today’s fast-paced world. Sharing progress, including works in progress (WIP), fosters transparency and collaboration, while seeking visibility into other teams promotes a holistic understanding and support within the organisation.

How do you navigate the complexities and challenges of global supply chain management, especially in the context of evolving trade policies, geopolitical shifts, and supply chain disruptions?

Global supply chain management is undoubtedly complex, particularly given the evolving trade policies, geopolitical shifts, and supply chain disruptions that we encounter. In the apparel industry, these challenges are particularly pertinent due to various factors such as the need to import specific raw materials, frequent cost fluctuations, a high reliance on manual labour, and the unstructured nature of the industry. To navigate the complexities, we proactively stay updated with industry developments. We build flexibility and cushioning into our planning to handle unforeseen events and inefficiencies. Backup sources are established in procurement, logistics, and warehousing to mitigate disruptions. Collaboration between business and supply chain teams is crucial, fostering preparedness, swift adaptation, and informed decision-making amidst trade policy changes, geopolitical shifts, and supply chain disruptions.

Beyond your professional life, what personal passions and interests contribute to your overall well-being and success?

Beyond my professional life, my wife and I have always been big on board games and card games – we play something almost daily, either with friends or even just the two of us. We’ve found that it (subconsciously) helps us a lot with mental stimulation and social engagement. In recent years, I have also made a conscious effort to focus on my physical health. Regular exercise and maintaining a balanced lifestyle have had a transformative effect on my positivity, productivity, and overall well-being, resulting in renewed energy and focus. Additionally, spending quality time with my beloved dog has proven to be a significant stress reliever, allowing me to recharge and face the next day, next week, or even the next meeting with full energy.

How do you stay updated with the latest business trends and market developments, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your strategic decision-making process?

Staying ahead in business requires more than just keeping up with trends. I rely on diverse resources like news articles, social media, and conferences, but it’s the interactions with peers and suppliers that truly enrich my understanding. Engaging in discussions and debates offers unique perspectives and real-life experiences that shape my decisionmaking process. Through meetings, gettogethers, and online groups, I gain invaluable knowledge for strategic planning. We take a proactive approach, investing in R&D and contingency planning. Yet, we remain agile, ready to adapt and persevere in the face of unexpected changes.

What exciting plans or projects are you currently working on to further enhance supply chain operations and drive innovation within your organisation?

Exciting plans and projects await us, designed to elevate our supply chain operations and foster innovation. Sustainability takes centre stage as we invest in ethical and eco-friendly practises, collaborating closely with suppliers to uphold fair labour standards. Our focus on delivering an exceptional customer experience drives us to create a seamless omnichannel journey. With significant investments and a commitment to continuous improvement, we strive to remain at the forefront of the industry, meeting the evolving demands of our valued customers.