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The Antwerp edition of Manhattan Exchange 2025 brought together hundreds of supply chain professionals from October 6 to 8 around one central theme: connecting in an AI-driven world. Not only between systems, but above all between people, processes, and expectations. In keynotes, customer testimonials, and product updates, Manhattan Associates made it clear that the future of logistics revolves around intelligence, collaboration, and agility.
During the opening press conference, Eric Clark, CEO of Manhattan Associates, emphasized that the logistics world is undergoing structural acceleration. “Today's supply chain is no longer a linear journey from factory to customer. It is a living network that makes real-time decisions, driven by data and context.”
That vision immediately took shape with the impressive transformation story of British retailer ASDA. After its acquisition by the Issa Brothers and TDR Capital in 2021, the company had to disconnect from Walmart's IT infrastructure without a single day of operational downtime. “It was like renovating a fifty-room house while still living in it,” said Richard Peck, Senior Director of Humanized Technology.
The figures illustrate the scale: 43 warehouses, 145,000 employees, 18 million customers per week, and 230 parallel projects. With Manhattan Active WM, ASDA migrated 33 sites from legacy Walmart systems to a modern cloud environment in less than two years—including automated allocation, integration with SAP, and real-time data reporting. “It was a logistical feat,” said Peck. “But the result is a scalable, future-proof platform that allows us to respond more quickly to fluctuations in demand and plan better across the entire network.”
The keynote speech by Ken Hughes, international expert in consumer behavior, gave the event a broader social dimension. According to him, we are on the threshold of an AI leap that will be greater than the impact of the internet or mobile phones ever was.
“Today's supply chain was built for yesterday's customer,” he warned. “If you want to stay relevant, you have to use technology to become more human again. AI can bring efficiency, but above all, connection.” His message tied in perfectly with the theme of the event: technology as a catalyst for humanity, not a replacement for it.
Prior to the gala dinner in Antwerp, Manhattan Associates presented the annual EMEA Spotlight Awards. The awards recognize companies that make exceptional use of Manhattan's technology to accelerate innovation and collaboration in their supply chains.
Omnichannel Innovation – HUGO BOSS
Redefining speed, consistency, and flexibility worldwide with Manhattan Active® Omni, which integrates all sales channels and markets into one seamless customer experience.
Distribution Innovation – ASDA
Achieved one of the most ambitious retail transformations in the United Kingdom with the rapid rollout of Manhattan Active® Warehouse Management across 27 depots.
Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability – Cebeo (Sonepar Group)
Sustainability embedded in its core activities with a BREEAM Excellent certified warehouse and the introduction of reusable plastic containers for a circular logistics chain.
Consulting Partner of the Year – Deloitte
Was recognized for the depth and diversity of his collaboration within multiple Tier-1 projects in Europe.
Technology Partner of the Year – Google Cloud Platform
Supports Manhattan's cloud-native solutions and significantly expanded the collaboration in 2025 through the Google Cloud Marketplace.
With customers and partners such as DHL Supply Chain, ASDA, Cebeo, HUGO BOSS, and Zeeman, Manhattan Exchange 2025 proved that supply chain management is no longer a back-office discipline, but the nervous system of modern commerce. AI, cloud, and data make the chain smarter and more agile—but it is still people who give it meaning. “The future of logistics,” Clark concluded, “is not just connected, but truly alive.”
