Acentura, RELEX Solutions lead AI-driven transformation in apparel supply chains at Smart Threads 2025

Thursday, 20 March 2025 01:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Keynote speakers and industry leaders

Panel discussion featuring (from left): Moderator RELEX Solutions Sales Director CPG – SEA Bhomik Jain, Managing Director CPG and Manufacturing Stefano Scandelli, MAS Holdings Chief Digital Officer Steve Dodd, and Acentura CEO Chandana Ranasinghe

Honorary Consul General of Finland Ashroff Omar

Acentura Inc., in collaboration with RELEX Solutions, hosted “Smart Threads: Transforming Production Planning, Operational Efficiency, Sustainability, and Supply Chain Excellence” on 27 February, at Amari Colombo. The event brought together industry leaders, apparel manufacturers, and technology experts to explore how AI-driven solutions can revolutionise the apparel industry.

The event opened with remarks from Acentura Inc. Head of Strategic Business Unit and Partnerships Ashi Dhanatunge, who highlighted the transformative role of AI and digital technologies in addressing industry challenges. Honorary Consul General of Finland Ashroff Omar delivered a welcome note emphasising the strong business ties between Sri Lanka and Finland. He said that there is an urgent need for the Sri Lankan apparel industry to adopt AI-driven solutions.

Keynote speakers RELEX Solutions VP Asia Pacific, CPG & Manufacturing Christer Liden, and RELEX Solutions Senior Business Consultant Guruprasad Bhat, addressed challenges within apparel supply chains. They discussed how AI-powered predictive analytics, supplier collaboration, and inventory optimisation could enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and align production with sustainability goals.

Delivering the keynote speech, Omar stressed the necessity of modernisation in Sri Lanka’s apparel industry. He referenced global apparel brands like Shein and Inditex (Zara’s parent company), which have successfully leveraged technology to scale operations, contrasting them with traditional manufacturers that struggle with outdated processes. He expressed confidence that solutions from Acentura and RELEX Solutions could revolutionise the sector.

The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by RELEX Solutions Sales Director CPG, SEA Bhomik Jain. Panellists included MAS Holdings Chief Digital Officer Steve Dodd, RELEX Solutions Managing Director CPG & Manufacturing Stefano Scandelli, and Acentura Inc. CEO Chandana Ranasinghe. They discussed the importance of On-Time-In-Full (OTIF) delivery, reducing lead times, and leveraging AI, IoT, and predictive analytics.

Dhanatunge said that partnerships with global technology leaders like RELEX Solutions will empower local manufacturers to remain competitive. The event concluded with a networking buffet reception, allowing attendees to engage in discussions on future collaborations and technological advancements.

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