TAYSAD, the only representative of Turkey’s automotive supply industry, organized the 4th Supply Chain Conference this year, addressing the current state of the industry, its needs, and areas of transformation. Held under the theme of “Resilience,” the conference brought together numerous industry professionals to share their experiences and included three exemplary case studies.

In his opening speech, TAYSAD Chairman Yakup Birinci stated:
"Only those who are resilient will survive in this struggle against economic crises, constantly changing expectations, cost pressures from manufacturers, competitiveness, and disruptions in the supply chain. Resilience is not about how many times you fall, but whether you stand up the last time. We are living in a period supported by sustainability, reinforced by social responsibility, and shaped by effective management of digital transformation within company processes. The concept of resilience also includes problem-solving capabilities. The automotive system we were used to has changed; customer expectations are no longer predictable. Therefore, OEMs and suppliers are striving to establish flexible production models. While we aim to meet our needs as quickly as possible, vehicle manufacturers are also developing rapid methods. Electric vehicles are not merely a platform change but a complete transformation of supply chain management and business models. This change should not be viewed simply as battery-powered vehicles with four wheels."
 
Continuing its initiatives that set an example in the sector, TAYSAD once again gathered supply industry professionals and leading figures at this year’s Supply Chain Conference. Addressing the transformation in supply chain management and hosted under the theme of “Resilience,” the event drew strong participation.
 
TAYSAD’s motto: Agility, Resilience, and Competitiveness!
 
During the opening speech, Yakup Birinci emphasized that the conference stemmed from the idea of avoiding duplicated efforts as many companies try to solve similar problems with similar teams and approaches:
"The idea was to create a platform where these manufacturers could come together, share knowledge, participate in panels, and be inspired by speakers. Could we manage this transformation better and faster through such a platform?”
Highlighting the importance of resilience against economic crises, cost pressures, and supply chain disruptions, Birinci added:
"We have built our strategy on the slogan ‘TAYSAD 5.0,’ focusing on agility, resilience, and competitiveness. Though they may seem separate, competitiveness is actually an outcome of resilience. We are currently facing economic and financial challenges, alongside major changes in customer inventories. We are in a period driven by sustainability, social responsibility, and effective digital transformation within companies."
 
Electric mobility redefines the entire supply system!
 
Highlighting that resilience includes problem-solving skills, Yakup Birinci added:
"Knowing your capabilities and focusing on what you can do is critical. Flexibility can sometimes push you to your limits. The automotive system has changed. Customers now demand fast, personalized solutions. It’s no longer possible to predict what the customer wants. Hence, both OEMs and suppliers are implementing flexible production models. While we aim to meet our needs as quickly as possible, vehicle manufacturers are developing corresponding methods. Electric vehicles are not merely a new platform—they represent a complete transformation in supply chain management and business models. We should not see this shift merely as battery-powered, mobile machines.”
 
Customs processes under the spotlight!
 
After the opening speech, the conference began with a presentation by Agah Uğur, Chairman of Boğaziçi Ventures, titled “Resilience and Value Creation in Tough Times.” This was followed by economist and Dünya Newspaper columnist Dr. Hakan Çınar’s session “Turbulence and the New Economy of the Global Supply Chain.”
The morning session concluded with a best practice presentation by H. Çağlar Ter, Global Transport and Packaging Manager at Vibracoustic, titled “Uncovering Hidden Gains in Packaging Processes: A Project of Awareness.”
The afternoon session of the 4th Supply Chain Conference began with a speech by TAYSAD Board Member Tülay Hacıoğlu Şengül. Then, Kadir Melih Gürsoy, Supply Chain and Import Logistics Manager at Cevher Jant, presented “A Key for a Resilient and Sustainable Supply Chain: Taking Control of Customs Processes.”

The final part of the conference featured a best practice session by Arıkan Automotive General Manager Ahmet Arıkan titled “Operational Resilience Through Real-Time Tracking with ERP and EDI.”
This was followed by a talk by Hybrid Academy AI Trainer Harun Seyhan: “From Fragility to Resilience: Hybrid Intelligence.”
The last panel featured Mechanica Artificial Intelligence Technologies Founder and General Manager Mine Utkan Çolak, presenting “1 StartUp – Industrial Resilience with AI: Flexibility and Continuity via Production Planning Optimization.”

Among the sponsors of the 4th Supply Chain Conference were industry-leading companies such as IAS, a provider of ERP and digital transformation solutions, along with its integrated software platform Canias ERP; CEVA Logistics, operating in global transportation and contract logistics; BENOPLAST, specialized in plastic and packaging solutions; Kızılkaya Customs Brokerage, offering services in customs consultancy and foreign trade; and QOS, a developer of quality-focused production management systems.