Driving Supply Chain Innovation: An Exclusive Interview with Sohit Reddy Kalluru on Tackling Industry Challenges through Mobility and Technology

In today’s fast-paced global economy, supply chains face unprecedented pressures, from demand volatility and labor shortages to sustainability mandates and rapid technological change. To understand how leading experts are overcoming these hurdles, we spoke with Sohit Reddy Kalluru, a seasoned SAP Solution Architect and supply chain transformation leader, whose innovative work is reshaping warehousing and distribution operations worldwide.

Understanding the Modern Supply Chain Landscape

Q: Sohit, supply chains have become more complex and interconnected than ever. From your perspective, what are some of the core challenges companies face in managing warehousing and distribution today?

A: Multiple factors are converging to create complexity. First, consumer expectations have evolved — customers demand faster deliveries with greater accuracy and transparency. This puts pressure on warehouses to operate efficiently while managing increased order volumes and variety.

Second, the labor market is tight, leading to workforce shortages and high turnover, which impacts productivity and operational continuity.

Third, data fragmentation is a big issue. Many companies still operate with disconnected systems, resulting in siloed information that limits visibility and slows decision-making.

Finally, sustainability has become non-negotiable. Businesses must reduce waste, energy consumption, and their carbon footprint while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Balancing these demands requires innovative approaches and the adoption of new technologies.

Mobility Applications: A Catalyst for Transformation

Q: Your expertise in mobility applications is well-recognized. How have these solutions helped companies overcome operational inefficiencies?

A: Mobility applications have revolutionized warehouse operations by putting critical tools directly in the hands of frontline workers. Traditionally, warehouse staff had to rely on paper-based processes or fixed terminals, which slowed down tasks and increased errors.

This mobility solution enables workers to perform tasks such as inbound receiving, inventory counting, picking, and outbound shipping using handheld devices or tablets, significantly reducing manual steps and error rates.

For example, in a recent implementation at a large distribution center, this mobility solution achieved a 25% improvement in inbound receiving efficiency. The system also provides immediate updates to SAP ERP and Extended Warehouse Management systems, ensuring inventory data is accurate and current.

Moreover, these applications are designed with offline functionality, which is critical in warehouse environments where wireless connectivity can be spotty. This ensures uninterrupted work and data synchronization once the connection is restored.

Integration: Bridging Systems for Seamless Operations

Q: Integration with existing ERP systems is essential. How do your mobility applications work within these complex IT ecosystems?

A: Seamless integration is fundamental to maximizing the value of mobility tools. The solutions connect in real time with core SAP systems, eliminating duplicate data entry and enhancing data integrity.

This integration provides managers with comprehensive visibility into warehouse operations, from receiving to shipping. They can monitor key performance indicators, identify bottlenecks, and make faster, data-driven decisions.

In addition, integration enables advanced functionalities such as automated replenishment, intelligent routing of picking tasks, and real-time alerts for exceptions or delays. These capabilities significantly improve responsiveness and throughput.

RFID Applications: Enhancing Traceability and Efficiency

Q: RFID technology has been touted as a transformative tool in supply chain management. How have you leveraged RFID applications in your projects?

A: RFID is indeed a powerful enabler for improving inventory accuracy, traceability, and process speed. Unlike traditional barcode scanning, RFID allows for contactless, bulk reading of items, drastically reducing scanning time and human error.

In warehouses where speed and accuracy are critical, we’ve integrated RFID systems with SAP ERP and warehouse management solutions to automate asset tracking, reduce manual counts during physical inventory, and enhance shipment verification.

One notable project involved implementing RFID in a pharmaceutical distribution center to ensure compliance with strict regulatory requirements while improving throughput. The result was a significant reduction in discrepancies and faster cycle counts, which enhanced overall operational reliability.

Solving Complex Challenges Beyond Mobility

Q: Mobility and RFID are key, but what other innovations or strategies have you championed to address supply chain complexities?

A: Beyond mobility and RFID, I have led process redesigns incorporating automation technologies like Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS). These technologies reduce reliance on manual labor and improve traceability and compliance, especially in highly regulated industries.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we focused on minimizing supply chain risks and accelerating order fulfillment cycles. We streamlined workflows, cutting processing steps by 30%, which resulted in substantial cost savings and improved customer satisfaction.

Another key area is user experience. We design mobility applications with intuitive interfaces tailored for warehouse environments, which reduces training time and improves adoption rates.

Impacting Industry and Clients

Q: Could you share some concrete examples of how your work has driven business impact?

A: Certainly. One client, a multinational manufacturing firm, was struggling with fragmented warehouse processes across multiple sites. We implemented a unified mobility platform integrated with SAP EWM, leading to a 20% increase in picking accuracy and a 15% reduction in order cycle time.

At another pharmaceutical distributor, we deployed mobility apps with offline capabilities, ensuring continuous operations in areas with limited network connectivity. This resulted in a 30% reduction in shipment errors and faster order turnaround.

These successes stem from close collaboration with clients to understand their unique pain points and tailor solutions that deliver measurable ROI.

The Future of Supply Chain: AI, Industry 4.0, and Beyond

Q: Looking ahead, how do you see emerging technologies like AI and Industry 4.0 shaping the future of supply chains?

A: The future of supply chain management is poised for a revolution driven by AI, Industry 4.0, and advanced automation.

Artificial Intelligence will empower predictive analytics for demand forecasting, dynamic inventory optimization, and intelligent automation of routine tasks. This will reduce waste, improve accuracy, and enable proactive problem-solving.

Industry 4.0 technologies—including IoT sensors, robotics, and blockchain—will provide real-time data and transparency across the supply chain, enhancing traceability and resilience.

Together with mobility applications, these technologies will create smart, connected warehouses capable of self-optimizing and adapting to changing conditions.

Our role as solution architects will be to design integrated ecosystems where these technologies complement each other, delivering agility, efficiency, and sustainability.

A Vision for Transformation

Q: Lastly, what is your personal mission as a supply chain technologist and leader?

A: My mission is to empower businesses to leverage technology thoughtfully and ethically, driving operational excellence while advancing sustainability goals. I believe innovation should create value not just for companies but for society and the environment.

By combining deep industry knowledge with emerging technologies, I aim to help organizations build resilient, agile, and responsible supply chains prepared for the future.