Tag: collaboration

Container port
Digital Supply Chain

Meet the AI-Enabled Supply Chain: KlearNow’s Rick Tellez Explains How It’s Transforming Logistics

As a supply chain enthusiast and host of the Digital Supply Chain podcast, I’m always fascinated by the ever-evolving role of technology in the industry. In a recent conversation with Rick Tellez, Founder of KlearNow, I was reminded of the power of AI to simplify customs processes and address labor shortages in the logistics sector.

Customs brokers and logistics professionals have long grappled with the complexity of managing shipments, documentation, and compliance across borders. With the advent of AI and advanced data analytics, we are now seeing a significant shift in the way these processes are managed. By leveraging AI-driven platforms like KlearNow, customs brokers can streamline their operations and better serve their clients.

During our podcast episode, Rick shared how KlearNow’s platform provides real-time visibility into the customs process, allowing for more informed decision-making and greater efficiency. This level of transparency is crucial in a world where supply chain disruptions have become increasingly common, and businesses need access to accurate, up-to-date information to navigate these challenges.

One of the key benefits of using AI to simplify customs processes is its ability to address labor shortages in the industry. With the global economy facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, companies are under more pressure than ever to maintain efficient operations with limited resources. By automating certain tasks and providing data-driven insights, AI-driven solutions can help customs brokers and logistics professionals do more with less.

Rick recounted a customer success story from a multinational chemical company that adopted KlearNow’s platform. The company quickly recognized the value of the platform’s centralized reporting, data analytics, and real-time visibility, which allowed them to expand their use of the platform across multiple business units and divisions. This success story highlights the potential of AI to not only simplify customs processes but also to bring about a paradigm shift in how supply chains are managed.

Incorporating AI-driven solutions in the logistics industry has the potential to improve work-life balance for customs brokers and logistics professionals. As Rick mentioned in our conversation, many employees in the sector are incredibly loyal and take pride in their work. By providing them with powerful tools that can streamline their workload, companies can help their employees achieve a better balance between their professional and personal lives.

As supply chain professionals, it’s essential that we stay informed about the latest technological advancements and embrace the potential of AI to transform our industry. By leveraging AI-driven solutions like KlearNow, we can simplify customs processes, address labor shortages, and ultimately create more resilient, efficient, and transparent supply chains.

I encourage you to listen to the full podcast episode with Rick Tellez, where we dive deeper into the power of AI in simplifying customs processes and addressing labor shortages in the logistics industry. As we continue to explore the role of technology in supply chain management, I invite you to join me in this ongoing conversation and share your thoughts on how AI can shape the future of our industry.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast and sharing it with others who may be interested. And as always, if you find the podcast of value, and you’d like to help me continue to make episodes like this one, you can go to the podcast’s Support page and become a Digital Supply Chain podcast Supporter for less than the cost of a cup of coffee!

And if you’re interested in having your brand associated with the leading Supply Chain podcast, don’t hesitate to check out these sponsorship packages and how I can help your company gain exposure and establish yourself as a thought leader in the supply chain industry, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you!

Photo credit Merlijn Hoek on Flickr

Miniature figure on a computer motherboard
cybersecurity, Digital Supply Chain, Supply Chain

Securing the Digital Supply Chain: A Candid Conversation with Jon Geater

Introduction:

In this fascinating episode of our podcast, I had the opportunity to speak with Jon Geater, Chief Product and Technology Officer at RKVST. Jon has an extensive background in cybersecurity, having worked in the aerospace industry before co-founding RKVST, a platform focused on enhancing supply chain security and transparency. We discussed the challenges and opportunities in securing digital supply chains, the role of attestations, and the importance of balancing transparency and confidentiality. You won’t want to miss this thought-provoking conversation!

Key Insights and Quotes:

  1. The Importance of Secure Digital Supply Chains:

Jon emphasized the significance of securing digital supply chains – a secure digital supply chain is one that doesn’t get in the way of the business but enables it. He noted that the physical supply chain is being digitally transformed, and the digital supply chain is being cyber-physical transformed. These insights highlight the interconnected nature of supply chains and the vital role of cybersecurity in this ever-evolving landscape.

  1. Attestations: A Powerful Tool for Supply Chain Integrity:

Jon introduced the concept of attestations, which he defines as small, cryptographically signed and tamper-proof statements about the world. He believes attestations can play a crucial role in securing supply chains, as they provide verifiable evidence of the supply chain’s integrity. By leveraging attestations, businesses can improve transparency and trust while minimizing potential security risks.

  1. Balancing Transparency and Confidentiality:

Jon discussed the importance of finding a balance between transparency and confidentiality in the supply chain. He explained that while transparency is crucial for building trust, it can also create security risks if sensitive information is disclosed. Conversely, confidentiality is necessary for protecting proprietary information, but excessive secrecy can hinder trust. Jon’s insights emphasize the need for businesses to strike the right balance to maintain both security and trust in their supply chains.

  1. First Steps Towards a Secure Digital Supply Chain:

When asked where businesses should start on their journey towards a secure digital supply chain, Jon suggested visiting RKVST’s website (rkvst.com) and the Supply Chain Integrity, Transparency, And Trust group’s website (scitt.org). These resources offer valuable information and case studies to help businesses understand and implement best practices for securing their digital supply chains.

  1. A Call to Action:

Jon posed a thought-provoking question regarding motivation for businesses to improve their supply chain security: “What will be the motivator?” He encouraged businesses to think critically about their current approach and consider taking more control over their supply chain risks. By adopting a more digitally native mindset, businesses can better protect themselves from potential security breaches and ensure their operations continue smoothly.

Conclusion:

My conversation with Jon provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding digital supply chain security. His expertise in cybersecurity and supply chain attestations offers businesses a fresh perspective on how to secure their operations while maintaining trust and transparency.

Don’t miss this insightful episode – listen to the full conversation with Jon Geater and explore the resources mentioned at rkvst.com and scitt.org. Connect with Jon on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with his work in securing digital supply chains.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider following the podcast and sharing it with others who may be interested. And as always, if you find the podcast of value, and you’d like to help me continue to make episodes like this one, you can go to the podcast’s Support page and become a Digital Supply Chain podcast Supporter for less than the cost of a cup of coffee!

And if you’re interested in having your brand associated with the leading Supply Chain podcast, don’t hesitate to check out these sponsorship packages and how I can help your company gain exposure and establish yourself as a thought leader in the supply chain industry, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you!

Technology / Software

Innovation at the IBM Smarter Industries Symposium

IBM Smarter Industries Symposium
Photo credit Tom Raftery

I attended the inaugural IBM Smarter industries Symposium recently and the major talking point that emerged from it was Innovation.

The event was a nice mix of presentations by IBMers, customers and “breakout exchanges” with a healthy mix of both.

Almost all of the speakers talked about the increasing complexity of doing business today. Frank Kern, for example, mentioned that 79% of CEO’s expect high level of complexity in the next 5 years but only 49% say their companies are prepared for it! Interestingly, 60% of those say that what is needed to combat complexity is creativity!

Ginni Rometty talked up the need for businesses to become smarter and provided a three-step roadmap for them to become so. The steps consisted of

  1. Instrument to manage
  2. Integrate to innovate and
  3. Optimise to transform

Basically, Ginni is saying that organisations need to digitise all aspects of their business, integrate the data streams from this instrumentation to take advantage of it and then use things like predictive analytics to transform from being reactive to being proactive. Predictive analytics are already being used by the New York police department, Frank Kern reminded us, to predict where the bad guys will go after they commit crime!

Ginni used the example of the Singapore Land Transport Authority’s bus arrival predictor (98% accurate to within a minute up to an hour ahead of time). This was deployed around the same time as congestion charges to encourage people to use public transport. Not only can you quickly see up to an hour ahead of time when buses are due, but the system can also give you an idea of seat availability – how’s that for predictive analytics?

Organisationally, the rollout of analytics is transformative. It leads to smarter decisions – ones based on data, not the HIPPO principle (HIPPO = Highest Paid Person’s Opinion!).

In the Capitalizing on Complexity session there were speakers from 1800-Flowers and Texas utility Oncor – two very diverse businesses, I think you’ll agree. Chris McCann of 1-800Flowers said when they realised that their business is not about delivering flowers, but delivering smiles, they quickly expanded the range of smile-giving products they deliver! He said their future is a combination of social media and commerce – a mix he referred to as social commerce.

Because Gen Y doesn’t make purchasing decisions before checking with their network…