Adapting to supply chain disruptions: a conversation with Trimble’s Philipp Pfister

Transportation and logistics operations are always challenging, but amid global market disruptions and the advent of transformative technologies, the endeavor has become increasingly complex. Philipp Pfister, Sector Vice President of Transporeon, a Trimble Company, recently sat down with FreightWaves during their 2025 Domestic Supply Chain Summit to share his insights into the growing regionalization of supply chains. 

With geopolitical shifts, trade uncertainties and a push to bring manufacturing operations closer to home, the North American freight landscape is especially undergoing a fundamental change. What does this mean for carriers, shippers, and every logistics provider in between?

“The last couple of years have been full of unexpected events on macro, as well as micro, levels,” said Pfister. “A combination of these large and small scale issues influence all parties along the supply chain industry and influence them day-to-day so they have to react very fast to ever-changing things on a daily basis.” 

How can companies best adapt to these constant changes? Pfister emphasized the critical role of collaboration and data quality in building resilient supply chains. Pfister explained, “Lack of collaboration and standards in data lead to an overarching loss of money because it creates additional costs… If we build a standard around data, information and collaboration, we can reduce inefficiencies and help automate processes so the focus is on preparing for unexpected things such as unforeseen disruptions.”

And when it comes to the role of AI? Pfister believes it enables logistics professionals to focus more on solving major problems, so long as the data solutions use is good. “Increasing data quality — making sure everyone speaks about the same thing within the same data structure — sets up the baseline to take it to the next level with AI… The aim is to remove repetitive tasks so supply chain professionals can focus on the things that do not go right.” 

Check out the complete interview below. Or, contact our team to learn how our solutions can maximize your supply chains’ efficiency and profitability.