Tag: Digital Supply Chain

Safety First sign
Digital Supply Chain

AI is Revolutionising Safety: How AI and Tech are Saving Lives in the Industrial World

In the latest episode of my Digital Supply Chain podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Maurice Liddell, a principal with BDO Digital. This was not just another conversation about AI and technology; it was a deep dive into how these powerful tools are transforming safety and operational efficiency in workplaces today.

One of the most riveting parts of our conversation was when Maurice painted a vivid picture of how technology could prevent life-threatening accidents. Imagine a foundry worker, falling off a scaffolding towards a vat of molten metal. Now imagine if AI could dynamically deploy a safety net to catch that worker in real-time. Sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, right? But it’s not—it’s the future of industrial safety, and it’s closer than you think.

Maurice also raised some thought-provoking questions about ethical considerations when deploying AI. He said, “We have to be conscious about the information that we’re feeding [AI] and making sure that we are not introducing our own biases into it.” It’s a pertinent point, especially when AI models are being used to make hiring decisions and other critical organizational moves.

Another highlight was discussing the role of large language models like ChatGPT. “These models can speak not just English, but any language you throw at it pretty much, making workers in diverse environments feel more comfortable,” Maurice added. As someone who was pleasantly surprised to see ChatGPT respond to my message in Irish, I couldn’t agree more!

What made this episode truly special was Maurice’s insight that safe workers help maximize profits. He dismantled the false dichotomy between safety and profitability, urging companies to invest in technology not just to prevent incidents but to enable predictive and preventative maintenance. It’s not “people or profits,” it’s “people for profits,” and AI technology is a core component that can help make it happen.

To wrap up, if you’re passionate about AI, committed to creating safer, more efficient workplaces, or just a curious mind looking to know where the future is headed, then you won’t want to miss this episode.

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!

ChatGPT chat screen
AI

Exploring Generative AI with ChatGPT: A Deep Dive into Supply Chain and Manufacturing Applications

As I was gearing up for an exciting new episode of my Digital Supply Chain podcast, where I’ll be talking to Mike Sigler from Nexer, I decided to give ChatGPT a try to learn more about the use of generative AI in supply chain. To my delight, the conversation was incredibly insightful and informative. ChatGPT provided valuable information on the applications, potential risks, and first steps for implementing generative AI in supply chain and manufacturing. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this fascinating conversation with ChatGPT, and don’t forget to tune in to the upcoming podcast episode for even more insights!

So, the first question I put to ChatGPT was a very basic “What are some potential uses for Generative AI in supply chain / Manufacturing?”

ChatGPT responded with:

Generative AI can significantly impact supply chain and manufacturing processes by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing overall productivity. Here are some potential uses for generative AI in these sectors:

  1. Demand forecasting: Generative AI models can analyze historical sales data, market trends, and other factors to generate accurate demand forecasts, helping businesses optimize their inventory levels and production schedules.
  2. Inventory management: AI-driven algorithms can optimize inventory levels by predicting stock requirements based on demand, lead times, and other variables. This reduces the risk of stockouts and minimizes storage costs.
  3. Supply chain optimization: Generative AI can identify inefficiencies in the supply chain and suggest optimal routes, transportation modes, and shipment consolidation opportunities, leading to reduced logistics costs and improved service levels.
  4. Supplier selection and risk management: AI models can analyze supplier performance data, industry trends, and other factors to recommend the best suppliers, predict potential disruptions, and assess supplier risk.
  5. Quality control: Generative AI can identify patterns in manufacturing data that may indicate potential quality issues, enabling manufacturers to address problems before they escalate and result in costly recalls or customer dissatisfaction.
  6. Predictive maintenance: AI-driven systems can analyze sensor data from machinery and equipment to predict when maintenance is required, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
  7. Production scheduling: Generative AI can optimize production schedules by considering factors such as machine availability, raw material constraints, and demand forecasts, ensuring efficient use of resources and meeting customer expectations.
  8. Product design and customization: AI models can generate innovative product designs based on consumer preferences, industry trends, and technical constraints. They can also be used to create personalized products or make real-time adjustments to designs based on customer feedback.
  9. New materials discovery: Generative AI can predict the properties of new materials or suggest novel material combinations, accelerating the discovery process and reducing the time and cost of R&D.
  10. Workforce planning: AI-driven tools can optimize workforce planning by analyzing factors such as employee skills, shift preferences, and productivity levels to create efficient work schedules and match employees to tasks that best utilize their skills.

By leveraging generative AI in supply chain and manufacturing operations, businesses can achieve a higher level of efficiency, agility, and competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic global market.

I then asked it “What are some potential risks of using generative AI in supply chain / manufacturing?” and it responded:

While generative AI offers numerous benefits for supply chain and manufacturing processes, it also comes with potential risks that need to be addressed:

  1. Over-reliance on AI: Excessive dependence on AI systems can make organizations vulnerable to unexpected disruptions if the AI system fails or malfunctions. It is crucial to maintain a balance between human intervention and automation.
  2. Data quality and accuracy: AI models are only as good as the data they are trained on. Inaccurate or biased data can lead to incorrect predictions and suboptimal decision-making.
  3. Security and privacy concerns: The use of AI systems often requires the sharing and storage of sensitive data, which can expose organizations to data breaches and privacy violations if not handled properly.
  4. Black box problem: Many AI models, particularly deep learning systems, can be difficult to interpret and understand. This lack of transparency can make it challenging to identify and address potential errors or biases in the AI’s decision-making process.
  5. Ethical considerations: The use of AI in supply chain and manufacturing can raise ethical concerns, such as job displacement, worker surveillance, and biased decision-making. Organizations must carefully consider these issues and implement fair and transparent AI systems.
  6. Legal and regulatory compliance: As AI becomes more prevalent in supply chain and manufacturing, it is essential to stay informed about evolving legal and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and minimize the risk of penalties.
  7. Integration challenges: Integrating AI solutions with existing systems and processes can be complex and time-consuming, requiring significant investments in infrastructure, personnel training, and change management.
  8. Misaligned expectations: Overestimating the capabilities of AI systems can lead to unrealistic expectations and subsequent disappointments. It is essential to have a clear understanding of AI’s limitations and to manage expectations accordingly.
  9. Skill gap: Implementing and maintaining AI systems requires a specialized skill set. Organizations may face challenges in recruiting and retaining talent with the necessary expertise in AI, data science, and related fields.
  10. Environmental impact: Training and running large AI models can consume significant amounts of energy, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental concerns.

To mitigate these risks, organizations should adopt a proactive approach to risk management, carefully evaluate AI solutions before implementation, and continuously monitor their performance. Additionally, fostering a strong collaboration between AI experts, supply chain professionals, and other stakeholders can help ensure that AI systems are implemented and managed effectively.

My final question for ChatGPT was “What first steps should supply chain / manufacturing organisations take to embark on the use of generative ai?” and it replied:

To embark on the use of generative AI in supply chain and manufacturing, organizations should take the following first steps:

  1. Assess current capabilities: Conduct a thorough assessment of your organization’s current supply chain and manufacturing processes, technologies, and data management capabilities to identify areas where AI can add value.
  2. Set clear objectives: Define specific, measurable goals for AI implementation, such as improving demand forecasting accuracy, reducing lead times, or enhancing product quality.
  3. Build a cross-functional team: Assemble a team with diverse expertise, including supply chain professionals, data scientists, IT specialists, and other relevant stakeholders. This collaboration is essential for effectively integrating AI solutions into your organization.
  4. Develop or acquire AI expertise: Invest in training your workforce in AI and data science or recruit skilled professionals with the necessary expertise to develop and manage AI solutions.
  5. Identify use cases: Based on the assessment and objectives, identify high-impact use cases where generative AI can provide tangible benefits. Start with smaller, manageable projects to build experience and generate quick wins.
  6. Collect and preprocess data: Gather historical and real-time data relevant to the chosen use cases. Ensure the data is clean, accurate, and representative of the problem you want the AI to solve.
  7. Choose appropriate AI models: Evaluate and select suitable generative AI models for your use cases, considering factors such as model complexity, interpretability, and computational requirements.
  8. Develop a pilot project: Develop a pilot project to test the chosen AI models on a small scale, allowing for iterative improvements and adjustments before full-scale deployment.
  9. Monitor and evaluate performance: Continuously monitor the performance of the AI system, comparing its outputs to predefined success metrics, and fine-tune the model as needed.
  10. Plan for scale-up and integration: Once the pilot project demonstrates success, develop a plan for scaling up the AI solution and integrating it into existing supply chain and manufacturing processes. This may involve addressing infrastructure needs, change management, and workforce training.
  11. Address ethical and legal considerations: Consider potential ethical and legal implications of AI implementation, such as privacy concerns, job displacement, and regulatory compliance, and develop strategies to address these issues responsibly.

By taking these initial steps, organizations can begin their journey toward leveraging generative AI in their supply chain and manufacturing operations, ultimately improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing overall competitiveness.

In conclusion, ChatGPT showed itself to be an incredibly valuable and versatile tool for exploring the world of generative AI in supply chain and manufacturing. Our conversation shed light on the numerous benefits, potential risks, and the essential steps for successfully rolling out generative AI solutions. What’s truly remarkable about ChatGPT is its ability to dive deeper into any specific point mentioned in the responses, providing virtually limitless insights tailored to your interests and needs. As we continue to explore and understand the impact of AI on various industries, tools like ChatGPT offer an accessible and powerful way to tap into the wealth of knowledge they possess, helping us make well-informed decisions and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving landscape.

Photo credit Focal Foto on Flickr

Kenworth T680 Truck
Digital Supply Chain

Revolutionizing Fleet Safety with AI – A Conversation with Netradyne’s Barrett Young

As the host of the Digital Supply Chain podcast, I’ve had the pleasure of discussing groundbreaking topics with industry experts. In a recent episode, I sat down with Barrett Young, the Head of Fleet Safety Strategy at Netradyne, to explore the fascinating world of AI-driven fleet safety.

The potential of AI to transform commercial vehicle safety is immense. Netradyne’s cutting-edge technology is at the forefront of this change, utilizing AI to analyze driver behavior, provide real-time feedback, and ultimately, improve road safety for all.

During our conversation, Barrett shared some impressive figures regarding Netradyne’s AI technology: it boasts a 98% accuracy rate in detecting safety-related events. What’s more, the technology is continuously evolving, ensuring that accuracy and insights improve over time.

But what really sets Netradyne apart is their approach to driver improvement. Rather than focusing on punishment, they prioritize celebrating drivers’ successes and learning from their mistakes. “We don’t want to just report on the negative,” Barrett explained. “We want to make sure we’re identifying the positive and helping to coach the driver to be better.”

This positive reinforcement not only leads to safer driving but also contributes to driver retention, a crucial aspect in an industry that often grapples with high turnover rates. By recognizing and rewarding good driving habits, Netradyne empowers drivers to take pride in their work and fosters a safety-first culture within fleets.

The impact of AI-driven fleet safety extends far beyond individual drivers and fleets. With fewer accidents and improved efficiency, the benefits can be felt across the entire supply chain. In fact, Barrett highlighted that their technology can help reduce insurance premiums and maintenance costs, all while ensuring a safer environment for everyone on the road.

As our conversation progressed, it became increasingly clear that the integration of AI in fleet safety is only the beginning. With continuous advancements in technology, the possibilities for enhancing safety and reducing costs are endless.

Barrett’s insights into the world of AI-powered fleet safety were truly eye-opening. His passion for creating a safer environment for all road users is not only inspiring but is also driving tangible change in the industry.

If you’re intrigued by the potential of AI to revolutionize fleet safety and would like to dive deeper into the subject, I invite you to listen to the full episode with Barrett Young. You’ll discover even more fascinating insights and learn about the incredible impact that AI can have on commercial vehicle safety. Don’t miss out – click here to listen now!

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Feel free to reach out and join the conversation. Together, let’s explore the future of the digital supply chain!

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 TruckPR 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!

Flower
Digital Supply Chain

Embracing ESG in Supply Chains: Insights from Dean Alms, Chief Product Officer of Aravo

The world of supply chain management is evolving rapidly, and one of the most significant factors driving this change is the increasing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations. In a recent episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dean Alms, Chief Product Officer of Aravo, a leading provider of ESG and risk management solutions. Dean shared his invaluable insights into how ESG is shaping the future of supply chain management and how companies can strategically align their initiatives for maximum impact.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the concept of “thinking big, starting small, and growing fast” when it comes to implementing ESG initiatives. Dean emphasized that while companies should have a long-term vision for their ESG goals, it’s crucial to begin by tackling one issue at a time and gradually expanding their efforts. This approach allows businesses to be agile and adapt as regulations and industry standards evolve.

Dean shared an example of Aravo’s Strategic Alignment Framework, which is designed to help companies align their ESG initiatives with their overall business strategy. The framework is set to be available online soon, and Dean mentioned that it would likely roll out at the end of March. This resource will be invaluable for companies looking to establish a solid foundation for their ESG programs.

Video of the podcast

During our discussion, Dean also touched upon the importance of the “3 P’s of procurement” – product, price, and practices. Historically, procurement decisions were primarily based on product and price, but now, companies must consider the ethical and sustainable practices of their suppliers as well. This shift is transforming the way businesses approach their supply chains, as they must now evaluate the social and environmental impact of their purchasing decisions.

Dean provided real-world examples of how companies in various industries are making strides in ESG and risk management. In the consumer packaged goods sector, businesses are working closely with farmers and manufacturers to ensure adherence to ethical business practices and environmental sustainability. Similarly, pharmaceutical companies are focusing on compliance-driven aspects of ESG, such as anti-bribery, corruption, and data privacy.

As we wrapped up our conversation, Dean discussed the future of ESG and risk management in supply chains. He highlighted the growing complexity of managing extended enterprises and the need to stay on top of an ever-increasing number of regulatory agencies and requirements. Dean’s insights underscore the critical role ESG and risk management will play in shaping the future of supply chains, as companies must adapt to these new requirements and expectations.

As I listened to Dean discuss the future of ESG and risk management in supply chains, I couldn’t help but feel optimistic about the potential for positive change. With companies like Aravo at the forefront of promoting sustainable and ethical business practices, we are undoubtedly moving towards a more responsible and transparent supply chain ecosystem.

I encourage you to listen to the full episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast featuring Dean Alms to gain a deeper understanding of how ESG and risk management are transforming the supply chain landscape. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in staying ahead of the curve and embracing the opportunities presented by this rapidly evolving field. And the episode is also available to watch on YouTube.

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!

Electric vehicle charging cable
Digital Supply Chain

Revolutionizing the Supply Chain with Electric Vehicles

As the host of the Digital Supply Chain podcast, I’m always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in the world of supply chain and logistics. And today, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Mark Ang, CEO of GoBolt, a cutting-edge delivery company that’s changing the game when it comes to sustainability in the supply chain.

Mark is a seasoned veteran of the delivery industry and he’s got a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to incorporating EVs into a company’s logistics infrastructure. During our conversation, we explored the many challenges that companies face when trying to make the transition to EVs, and Mark shared some of the key insights that he looks for when monitoring the performance of GoBolt’s system.

One of the biggest takeaways from our chat was that involving EVs in a company’s logistics infrastructure is not as simple as just cutting a check and getting a truck off a lot. It’s a complex process that requires a lot of planning, preparation, and investment in both people and technology. Businesses that want to have EVs as part of their transition strategy need to be thinking about these things if they want to successfully manage their Scope three emissions.

We also talked about sustainability reporting, and Mark shared some of the steps that GoBolt has taken to accurately attribute emissions to an order level. He emphasized the importance of having a robust model that takes into account distance traveled, payload traveled, and other key data points. GoBolt has worked with external consultants to build a model that they feel comfortable publishing externally, and they hope to continue to lead the way when it comes to sustainability reporting in the delivery industry.

Mark shared his vision for the future of GoBolt, and it’s an exciting one. Within the next five to ten years, he sees the company expanding its operations to Western Europe and other commonwealth countries, and continuing to support Fortune 100 and 500 companies as they transition to a more sustainable supply chain.

So, if you’re interested in learning more about EVs, sustainability reporting, and the future of the delivery industry, be sure to listen to this episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast. I’m confident that you’ll come away with a wealth of knowledge and insights that you can apply to your own supply chain and logistics operations.

And don’t forget to follow and support the Digital Supply Chain podcast! With more exciting episodes like this one in the works, you won’t want to miss a single one.

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 this, 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 – Ivan Radic on Flickr

Warehouse worker
Digital Supply Chain

The Power of Listening to Your Frontline Workers: A Recap of My Podcast with Dan Johnston

I’m excited to share a new episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast, featuring Dan Johnston, CEO of WorkStep, a platform that helps companies improve their supply chain workforce engagement.

In this episode, Dan and I delve into the challenges of supply chain workforce engagement, and the impact it has on a company’s bottom line. With turnover rates on the rise, companies are facing increasing difficulties in retaining and engaging their frontline workers. This not only affects productivity and safety, but also profitability.

However, Dan believes that there is a double bottom line opportunity in this challenge, as companies that invest in improving their supply chain workforce engagement can not only save millions of dollars, but also positively impact the lives of thousands of frontline workers.

We discussed the results of a case study with Animal Supply Company, a smaller logistics firm that saw a decrease in annualized turnover rates of 50% after implementing the WorkStep software. Dan also shared his insights on the current trends in the space, and how companies can use technology to improve their supply chain workforce engagement.

One of the key takeaways from the episode is that companies have the power to positively impact the lives of their frontline workers, and that doing so is not just good for the bottom line, but also for the human bottom line. Dan believes that companies that listen to the voice of their associates, engage with them, and take the actions that could be most impactful for them, will ultimately be the most successful in the long run.

As WorkStep is a series B company with over a hundred large customers, and millions of frontline workers, Dan shares his vision for the future of the platform and how it will help companies not only decrease turnover, but also make their supply chain a better place to work.

I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did, and I encourage you to listen to it in full to learn more about the challenges and opportunities of supply chain workforce engagement. You can visit workstep.com or email Dan directly at dan@workstep.com for more information.

Don’t forget to follow the Digital Supply Chain podcast for more insights and discussions on the latest trends and developments in the world of supply chain. Thank you for your support!

Porch delivery
Digital Supply Chain

Protect Your Small Business from Supply Chain Shipping Nightmares

Today on the Digital Supply Chain podcast I welcomed Eduardo Lopez Soriano, the Chief Marketing Officer of UPS Capital, to the show to discuss the importance of shipping insurance for small and medium businesses (SMBs). In today’s world where e-commerce is on the rise, shipping insurance is becoming a crucial aspect for SMBs to protect themselves from negative customer experiences and compete with larger retailers.

During the episode, Eduardo explained that UPS Capital is a business unit that provides peace of mind during the shipping process and a seamless post-purchase experience for SMBs. He went on to explain the various ways customers can insure their packages, including setting a universal rule or customizing it to certain carriers or destinations. The option of having the merchant or customer pay for insurance was also discussed. With 69% of customers interested in customising their shipping experience, Eduardo explained that UPS Capital offers SMBs a safety net for their packages and helps protect their reputation with end consumers.

He highlighted that the pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in shipping issues, with 78% more damaged packages and 200% more lost packages. He attributed this to the rise of drop shipping, porch piracy, and the increased use of same-day delivery carriers. He also mentioned that large weather events can cause shipping delays, especially for perishable packages.

Lopez Soriano emphasized the importance of insurance for SMBs as 72% of SMBs have received negative reviews due to shipment issues and 37% of customers say they wouldn’t buy from the SMB again if they had a bad experience. Insurance provides SMBs with a safety net and allows them to respond quickly and positively to customer needs, helping them grow their business.

Eduardo discussed how customer expectations and priorities are changing, with 47% of customers preferring a guarantee of replacement for a damaged package over a two-day delivery. He explained how UPS Capital provides a shipping insurance solution for all carriers, not just UPS, and how it is different from carrier liability. Unlike carrier liability, which only covers the cost of shipment and doesn’t cover porch piracy or weather-related damage, UPS Capital’s Insure Shield offers a faster claims process and is cheaper than carrier liability.

In conclusion, Eduardo re-emphasized the importance of proper management of the customer experience for SMBs to succeed. He encouraged listeners to visit UPSCapital.com for more information on the topics discussed. It was an enlightening and fascinating conversation and I would like to thank Eduardo for joining us on the podcast today.

If you are an SMB looking to protect your business and provide a great customer experience, or if you’re simply interested in learning more about shipping insurance, be sure to tune into this episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast.

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!

Photo credit – Cindy Shebley on Flickr

Hospital monitor control panel
Digital Supply Chain

Simplifying Real-Time Location Tracking with Cloud-Delivered AI for Supply Chain

In this episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast, I sat down with Adrian Jennings, the Chief Product Officer of Cognosos.

Cognosos provides real-time location intelligence solutions for the logistics and healthcare industries. Their aim is to bring the location intelligence technology that is now common in our personal lives to the enterprise level of logistics.

Adrian has over 23 years of experience in the real-time location industry and has worked on tracking various objects, from cars and airplanes to people and even monkeys. He explained that Cognosos’ solution is different from other real-time location solutions because it addresses the need for manual, spatially distributed processes, which occur in various industries but tend to be invisible. Cognosos’ solution offers a more flexible and efficient approach to real-time location tracking than the solutions available in the market.

Cognosos was founded in the era of cloud and AI, which allows the company to take a ground-up approach to tracking. Instead of using traditional on-premise processing, they use low energy Bluetooth beacons that are low-cost and easy to deploy. These beacons emit a low-frequency signal that is picked up by the tags and sent to the cloud for processing. This approach allows for a more cost-effective solution with improved performance.

Adrian explained how Cognosos solves the issue of location through machine learning. Instead of figuring out the X, Y, and Z coordinates of an object, which is a difficult task, they treat it as a classification problem. AI algorithms are excellent at recognizing patterns and making inferences based on sparse input data, like a sparse network of beacons. Cognosos leverages this technology to create a lightweight network of beacons that can determine a high-quality, high granularity location without the need for a heavy infrastructure.

Adrian shared two use cases for their solution, one outdoor and one indoor. In the outdoor example, in a logistics yard, cars are moved multiple times from the assembly line to the logistics organization, where they undergo various processing steps. By tracking the car, Cognosos provides visibility into the process, allowing the operator to see where the inefficiencies are and optimize the process. In the indoor example, in hospitals, Cognosos goes beyond just finding lost assets, it helps improve the utilization of equipment by reducing overstocking and making the process more efficient.

Cognosos is a rapidly growing company that is currently focused on vehicle manufacturing logistics and asset management in healthcare, mostly in hospitals. However, they are now starting to extend into smaller facilities as well. Their next frontier is workflow management in healthcare, where they aim to minimize inefficiencies by better managing and understanding the flow of patients and caregivers. In logistics, they are moving beyond automotive manufacturing and are now being pulled into other areas such as food and beverage, garment, and pharmaceuticals.

In conclusion, Adrian explained that the traditional approach to RTLS has been to focus on creating value through granularity, but this often leads to expensive and difficult-to-implement solutions. Cognosos, on the other hand, focuses on creating value through simplicity and ease of use, which has led to their rapid growth and expansion in various industries.

I hope you found this episode as informative and engaging as I did. If you want to learn more about Cognosos and their real-time location intelligence solutions, be sure to listen to the full podcast episode. And don’t forget to follow and support the Digital Supply Chain podcast.

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, learning more about 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 Quinn Dombrowski on Flickr

SMS Text
Digital Supply Chain

Streamlining Supply Chain Issue Resolution with Riptide’s Three-Way Text Platform

In today’s episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast I had the pleasure of speaking with Doug Marinaro, the CEO and co-founder of Riptide, a three-way text platform for issue resolution.

Doug shared the story of how Riptide came about, starting from the simple idea that a lot of problems could be solved before they become failures if the right people come together in a conversation. He and his co-founder, a small businessman in San Francisco, had previously been applying messaging to his auto repair and towing businesses, and saw dramatic improvements in his ability to satisfy customers. From there, they decided to expand this concept of messaging to be applied more broadly in the context of business and transactions.

Doug went on to explain that Riptide is different from consumer messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, as it allows businesses to have control over who’s in the conversation, where the information about the conversation goes, and the conversation workflow. This allows businesses to automate the conversation and also give the people responsible for the success of that service, the ability to control the conversation and the participants.

Riptide is currently being used in roadside service, delivery, field service, and home services. Doug shared an example of last mile delivery, as this is where Riptide’s solution applies the most. He highlighted that the intersection of instant gratification with complexity is where Riptide’s solution is most valuable, as customers have an expectation of getting an answer immediately and getting their delivery instantly, but the process of actually accomplishing that delivery can be complex and difficult to manage. Riptide’s solution allows businesses to have control over the customer journey, and to have the right participants in the conversation at the right moment, which ultimately leads to a positive end-to-end customer experience.

Doug also discussed Riptide’s expansion plans, and how the solution can be used globally. He mentioned that Riptide is currently only available in North America, but they are talking to customers all around the world who have heard about what they’re doing and the universality of this problem. The good news is that the telecom services that they work with are robust and global, which will allow them to rapidly expand into other countries.

Riptide is a web-based app, so there’s nothing that needs to be installed on your computers, and it allows for the consumer to use the messaging app that’s already on their phones. This makes it easy for businesses to integrate Riptide into their ecosystem, and to provide real-time visibility on every conversation that’s happening. This data is collected and can be mined, and Riptide generates dashboards on usage by different parties, on response rates, and on how long it takes a person to read a message. This data can also be used for dispute resolution and to apply machine learning models that will allow businesses to insert chatbots into the conversation.

Overall, Riptide would appear to be a valuable solution for businesses looking to have control over the customer journey and to ensure a positive end-to-end customer experience. Tune in to the episode to learn more and to hear Doug’s insights on how Riptide can help your business.

And of course, be sure to follow the Digital Supply Chain podcast in your podcast app of choice to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in Supply Chain.

Photo credit Sarah Marriage on Flickr