Contact us

Ask the Expert – Alan Prillaman

Categories

Share

Twitter Facebook Youtube Linkedin Instagram

Ask the Expert – Alan Prillaman

Alan Prillaman
Title: SVP, Client Services
Years with OSG: 6
Years in Supply Chain: 35

Ask the Expert

What does your day-to-day look like?

Every day is a blend of strategic planning and execution. I focus on aligning supply chain solutions with business goals, optimizing operations, and collaborating with internal and external cross-functional teams. A significant portion of my time is dedicated to evaluating technology introduction into business processes – like SAP and Blue Yonder SaaS – to improve efficiency and visibility. Whether it’s problem-solving logistics challenges or crafting strategies for scalability, my approach is rooted in continuous improvement and innovation.

How did you get started in supply chain?

I began my career in supply chain management with a strong hands-on foundation in operations, procurement, and logistics, quickly recognizing its impact on business success. Over time, I specialized in strategic execution, leading teams and designing solutions that drive efficiency across multiple organizations, many of which were based in the heavily regulated life sciences and pharma verticals. My diverse experiences and interactions with large multi-national organizations shaped my expertise in organizational development, sales and account management, contract negotiation, lean-based process improvements, and customer-centric supply chain solutions.

How does supply chain impact a company’s broader strategy?

Supply chain management and execution aren’t just operational levers – they’re strategic powerhouses that can shape a company’s competitive advantage, profitability, and long-term growth. Here’s how they ripple through a broader strategy:

  • Supports corporate vision: A well-orchestrated supply chain ensures that product availability, speed to market, and cost structure are in harmony with the company’s overarching mission.
  • Enables market differentiation: Agile, customer-centric supply chains can be a strategic differentiator – think Amazon’s same-day delivery or Zara’s rapid fashion cycles.
  • Drives cost efficiency: Strategic sourcing, optimized inventory, and streamlined logistics directly improve margins.
  • Capital utilization: Minimizing excess inventory and improving forecast accuracy frees up cash for investment in growth or innovation.
  • Delivers customer experience: Execution excellence ensures the right product, at the right place, at the right time – essential for customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Enables market agility: Rapid response to changes in demand or disruption positions companies to capture market opportunities or mitigate risks.

What do you view as the biggest challenge in the current supply chain environment and how can it be solved?

One of the most pressing challenges in today’s supply chain environment is end-to-end resilience in the face of persistent disruptions and ever-evolving consumer expectations. This is not limited to any one specific challenge, but rather a mixture of geopolitical challenges, climate-based disruptions, labor shortages, and cybersecurity threats, all converging at once.

Several strategic solutions to address these challenges are:

  • Diversification & Nearshoring
    • Reduce dependency on single-source suppliers or regions
    • Nearshoring strategies are gaining traction to mitigate geopolitical risk
  • Digital Twin & AI-Driven Execution
    • Use AI-powered digital twins to simulate disruptions and optimize responses in real time
    • These tools can prioritize procurement, reroute inventory, and adjust production schedules autonomously
  • Predictive Risk Management
    • Leverage machine learning to forecast disruptions and model contingency plans
    • Integrate real-time data from suppliers, logistics, and weather systems to stay ahead of issues
  • Workforce Transformation
    • Invest in upskilling and automation to address labor shortages and improve agility
    • Build cross-functional teams that can flex across planning, sourcing, and execution
  • Sustainability as Strategy
    • Regulatory and consumer pressure are making compliance a strategic imperative
    • Sustainable sourcing, circular logistics, and carbon tracking are no longer optional – they’re differentiators 

 

What philosophy do you follow while working with customers?

I believe in customer-centric supply chain solutions. My approach focuses on understanding their unique operational challenges and tailoring strategies that drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness. At FedEx Supply Chain, this philosophy helped secure $360M in contract revenue by designing solutions that directly addressed customer pain points. Communication, transparency, and continuous improvement are essential in building strong partnerships.

Please share your favorite success story.

One of my favorite success stories was leading the development of a healthcare-focused multi-tenant facility strategy. This initiative optimized storage, distribution, and delivery for healthcare clients, creating scalable efficiencies, shared overhead expenses, and improving service accuracy for all clients. The solution not only strengthened partnerships, but also showcased how supply chain innovation can transform industry-specific logistics challenges into competitive advantages.

What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the supply chain industry?

For anyone looking to break into the supply chain industry, especially now – it’s an exciting time to join. Supply chains have moved from back-office functions to strategic priorities, and there’s growing demand for smart, adaptive thinkers.

Some high-level suggestions for someone considering this field:

  • Grasp the fundamentals
    • Understand core areas – sourcing, planning, logistics, fulfillment – and key metrics like OTIF and inventory turns
  • Get tech-savvy
    • Explore enterprise tools like SAP or Blue Yonder and understand how to leverage tech to achieve operational objectives. Stay curious about AI, ML, automation, and visibility platforms.
  • Think holistically
    • Learn how supply chains connect to marketing, finance, and customer service. Systems thinking is gold – stay out of silos.
  • Build your network
    • Follow practitioners, join industry groups (ASCM, CSCMP), and seek mentorship.
  • Start in the trenches
    • Begin with operational roles like planning, inventory management, transportation management or fulfillment operations to build hands-on experience.
  • Commit to growth 
    • Stay resilient, pursue certifications (CPIM, CSCP), and always be learning – this field changes fast.

What is a fun fact about yourself that your clients may not know?

Nothing too exciting but, my wife and I are avid outdoors enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, boating (we have 2), RV camping (only have 1) at the beach, and both fresh and saltwater fishing. In my younger days, I was a muscle car enthusiast and had a 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS and two 1967 Camaros. I should have held onto them all based on today’s value!

Related Articles

It's time to elevate.

Discover how Open Sky Group can help you reach new heights of supply chain efficiency.

Talk to an Expert →

You’ve got questions.

We’ve got people with answers.

Jeremy Hudson

Vice President of Client Services

Jeremy’s focus is on the products and services clients need to stay competitive. Open Sky Group’s mission is to deliver technology-enabled solutions that allow our customers to achieve more while having the flexibility to adapt to change. Jeremy lives the core values and mission by bringing the best experience possible to our clients. He is an essential member of implementation teams, working alongside clients, and encouraging them to use innovation and best practices instead of customizations for success.

Jason Yantiss

Vice President of Client Services

Jason provides leadership to a variety of teams focused on implementation and integration. With 27+ years of experience holding operational and technical management roles in transportation, billing, and warehousing across a vast array of industry verticals, Jason is adept at driving multiple complex projects, understanding customer needs at all levels of the operation and providing viable solutions. Jason’s resume of 150+ implementation projects include Warehouse, Labor, Transportation, Yard Management and multiple AR/AP Freight Pay and Customer Billing systems. 

Eric McPherson

Vice President of Client Services

Mac works to oversee implementation and integration projects. A former Marine officer and military police officer, he brings over 27 years of supply chain experience, including 11 years at Blue Yonder in both delivery and service sales. Mac is a dedicated, team-oriented professional with a background in business management, professional services, customer service, and supply chain technology. His specialties include sales support, supply chain execution systems, project management, fulfillment operations, distribution operations, and GSA contracts.

Shannon Caflisch

Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Shannon is responsible for the strategy and management of all sales, business development, and marketing programs. With over 25 years of sales experience and 15 years focused in the supply chain space, Shannon focuses on building strong relationships with clients and partners and strives to deliver the right software solutions to help conquer supply chain challenges. Shannon believes in learning by listening to understand clients’ goals, struggles, and what is important to their business to build lasting, successful relationships.

Alan Prillaman

Senior Vice President of Client Services

As Senior VP of Client Services, Alan oversees all consulting services and account management at Open Sky Group. Possessing over 30 years of combined industry and consulting experience, Alan leverages his unique background in IT, logistics, quality management systems, manufacturing and distribution operations, and facility and strategic account management to provide clients with creative resolutions to complex challenges. His core philosophy and passion are to deliver tangible value for and establish long-term trusted partnerships with our clients.

Mike Noble

Senior Vice President of Technology

As Senior Vice President of Technology, Mike leads Open Sky Group’s Managed Services, Software Services, Infrastructure Services, and Information Technology teams bringing 35+ years of experience in Supply Chain Execution and Information Technology. Mike and his teams ensure we maintain the highest levels of customer service in a secure and reliable environment, constantly reviewing and evaluating new technologies, their appropriateness and applicability so we can safely and securely transact our own business – and help our clients accomplish the same.

Chad Kramlich

CEO

Joining Open Sky Group in 2015, Chad, served as Chief Revenue Officer for three years prior to his appointment to CEO in 2022. With over 25 years of experience delivering results for high-growth software and consulting organizations, Chad is leveraging his background in building efficient and effective implementation teams, establishing high-impact services operations, achieving revenue growth, and deepening executive-level client relations to help propel Open Sky Group into a very successful future.

Skip to content