Supply chain disruption, tariff uncertainty, and the quest for manufacturing stability take center stage in this enlightening conversation with Philip Gulley, Chief Strategy Office and Co-Founder of Cofactr. Recorded at APEX 2025, the discussion reveals how manufacturers are finally clarity amid prolonged uncertainty about global trade policies.

"The unfortunate situation is there's a lot of instability, and that is not great for the world," Phil acknowledges. Yet this instability has catalyzed remarkable growth for Cofactr, whose practical solutions help companies navigate the complexities of international commerce. Their focus on documentation, traceability, and strategic planning enables manufacturers to understand landed costs, avoid double-paying tariffs, and maintain production schedules despite customs delays.

What distinguishes Cofactr's approach is their refreshingly pragmatic use of AI. While many technology vendors make grandiose promises about digital transformation, Phil describes their AI applications as "insanely boring and very practical"—precisely what manufacturers need. By automating procurement processes, tracking vendor communications, and surfacing potential issues before they impact production, Cofactr delivers measurable ROI that resonates with operations leaders.

The conversation also explores the crucial but unglamorous work of data normalization across disparate systems. Before manufacturers can achieve the dream of integrated, enterprise-wide AI insights, they must first establish accurate, accessible data foundations. As Phil explains, "Right now, I think we're all pushing the idea down in the weeds, getting your bit right—just how do you get that foundation of data accurate and accessible?"

From a company that was "loitering in the aisles" at trade shows three years ago to a 40+ person organization opening a new West Coast facility, Cofactr's growth story reflects the urgent need for practical solutions in today's manufacturing landscape. 

Listen now to understand how smart data management is transforming supply chain resilience during these turbulent times.

EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)

EMS@C-Level is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)

You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.