PepsiCo: AI Powers Manufacturing and Supply Chain Innovation

Artificial intelligence (AI) is influencing the global consumer goods sector – and PepsiCo is utilising the transformation by adopting intelligent digital products to scale its impact across operations, customers and the planet.

PepsiCo has a history of innovation, combining technology with its goal of advancing sustainability, efficiency and growth.

Under the guidance of Venky Santhirahasan, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Technology, PepsiCo's engineering teams are incorporating AI into product design, supply chain management and consumer engagement. The strategy is aimed at fostering a new phase of intelligent operations.

Venky will speak at Tech & AI LIVE New York on 18 November. To secure your FREE virtual ticket, click here.

Enhancing manufacturing with AI

At the core of PepsiCo’s operational transformation is a collection of AI-powered platforms designed to unify data intelligence.

In its manufacturing processes, PepsiCo uses computer vision and predictive maintenance systems to help ensure peak equipment performance and reduce downtime.

Additionally, digital twin technology offers real-time visibility into plant operations, which could lead to continuous optimisation for quality and efficiency.

Machine learning models analyse sales trends, weather conditions, and sentiment signals to predict demand surges and adjust production dynamically. These applications of AI extend into PepsiCo's supply chain and logistics.

AI's role in the supply chain

AI contributes to smarter route planning, inventory management, and transport decisions, which could lower both emissions and operational costs.

Speaking to Technology Magazine, Venky says: “Our goal is to create a supply chain that moves as fast as our consumers expect, while empowering the people who make it run.”

These systems show how PepsiCo aligns its digital transformation with its environmental and business objectives. PepsiCo’s commitment to scaling the impact of its digital products is based on the idea that technology should empower employees, customers, and communities.

The AI-enabled insights platforms allow teams to move from reactive problem-solving to proactive innovation, converting data into actionable intelligence.

Venky's leadership has been important in developing scalable and interoperable AI architectures that support enterprise-wide adoption and cross-functional collaboration. His focus is on engineering systems that not only accelerate business growth but also achieve measurable outcomes in sustainability, inclusion, and customer satisfaction.

Venky Santhirahasan at Tech & AI LIVE New York

At Tech & AI LIVE New York, Venky will deliver a keynote entitled Scaling Impact with AI-Driven Digital Products.

He will explore the role of engineering excellence and AI innovation in shaping the next phase of digital transformation for consumer goods organisations.

The keynote will highlight real-world examples of AI deployment at scale – demonstrating how PepsiCo integrates digital technologies into its global operations to achieve faster decision-making, greater supply chain resilience and a stronger sustainability footprint.

Tech & AI LIVE New York brings together global technology leaders and innovators from across North America to explore how AI continues to redefine industries.

The one-day virtual event features more than 20 senior executives from leading enterprises including NTT DATA, EY, CVS Health, Kyndryl, Extreme Networks, IFS, NBCUniversal, Fujitsu and Warner Bros. Discovery.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into how AI enhances business efficiency, ensures compliance in regulated cloud environments and accelerates sustainability through digital transformation.

The agenda includes:

• Keynote sessions from industry visionaries
• Fireside chats with senior executives sharing real-world applications
• Panel discussions on AI, data and cloud innovation strategies

Interactive discussion rooms and innovation breakouts invite participants to collaborate, forge partnerships and exchange ideas across industries such as manufacturing, finance, technology and automotive.

Claim your free ticket to Tech & AI LIVE New York here.