Supply Chain science and tech
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Analyzing Oil and Gas Supply Chain - Ep 179
In a reflective dialogue, Conor Doherty and Joannes Vermorel delve into supply chain challenges in the oil and gas industry, likening them to managing a miniature city rather than straightforward enterprises. Vermorel critiques conventional methods focused on criticality, advocating for automation and numerical models to enhance efficiency. He addresses the financial impact of long-tail events, emphasizing streamlined inventory practices over stockpiling. Vermorel highlights the inadequacy of systems like ERPs in decision-making, advocating for systems of intelligence to navigate future uncertainties. The conversation underscores the industry's conservative nature, where agility and digital optimization are crucial for advancing supply chain strategies.
What went wrong: SAP S4HANA - Ep 178
In an insightful discussion between Conor Doherty of Lokad and CEO Joannes Vermorel, they delve into the financial setbacks associated with SAP’s software implementations. Vermorel elucidates the fundamental problems of merging systems of records, systems of reports, and systems of intelligence into a single ERP solution, which leads to inefficiencies and conflicts. They highlight the costly failures experienced by companies like DHL and Lidl due to SAP’s flawed strategies, particularly the integration of HANA. Vermorel advocates for specialized systems and open-source solutions like PostgreSQL, which offer robust functionality at lower costs, steering companies away from complex, ineffective software amalgamations.
Collaborative Supply Chain
In a recent LokadTV episode, Conor Doherty and Joannes Vermorel discuss the transformative potential of collaborative supply chains. Vermorel emphasizes that true collaboration transcends basic transactional relationships, requiring strategic synchronization and real-time data sharing across companies. He highlights the challenges posed by traditional IT systems and the reluctance to invest in long-term strategies. Lokad's innovative platform offers a solution by enabling secure, efficient data sharing, reducing friction and enhancing decision-making. Vermorel argues that while the concept isn't new, Lokad's approach makes it practical and affordable, encouraging companies to adopt collaborative practices for more resilient supply chains.
Mega AI Investments - Ep 176
In this episode of LokadTV, Conor Doherty and Joannes Vermorel discuss the recent AI investments announced by governments, including the Trump Administration's $500 billion and the European Union's 200 billion Euro commitments. Vermorel critiques these large-scale investments, arguing they are often inefficient and wasteful, with taxpayers bearing the costs. He emphasizes that successful innovations typically arise from focused, independent efforts rather than bureaucratic consortiums. Vermorel also questions the vague objectives of these investments and their impact on job creation, particularly in countries with regulatory issues. He advises focusing on specific, actionable innovations rather than state-led initiatives.
A Decade of Auditing Startups - Ep 174
In a recent LokadTV episode, Conor Doherty interviewed Joannes Vermorel, CEO of Lokad, about his decade-long experience conducting technical audits of startups. Vermorel's "lightning tech audits" offer venture capitalists expert evaluations of technological stacks, diverging from traditional methods by focusing on dynamic, context-specific assessments. His process involves intensive, one-day evaluations, including interviews with CTOs and engineering teams to gauge code quality and team functionality. Vermorel emphasizes the importance of passion, clear documentation, and wise resource use in tech development. His insights reveal significant industry oversights and highlight best practices for both investors and tech entrepreneurs.
Heuristics in Supply Chain - Ep 172
In a recent LokadTV episode, Conor Doherty, Communication Director at Lokad, interviewed Joannes Vermorel, CEO of Lokad, about heuristics in supply chain management. They discussed the use of simple problem-solving tools like FIFO and ABC analysis, highlighting their limitations and the need for more robust mathematical approaches. Joannes explained that while heuristics offer straightforward solutions, they often lack consistency and empirical validation. He emphasized the importance of distinguishing between true heuristics and arbitrary numerical recipes, advocating for real-world assessments and experiments to validate supply chain practices. The conversation underscored the necessity of critical evaluation and empirical evidence in optimizing supply chain decisions.
Optimizing Scheduling in Aerospace (with Simon Schalit) - Ep 170
In a recent interview, Conor Doherty, Director of Communication at Lokad, and Simon Schalit, COO, discussed Lokad's breakthrough in scheduling optimization for aerospace, particularly in aircraft manufacturing and MRO operations. They highlighted the complexity of coordinating numerous interdependent parts, skills, and equipment, which traditional methods struggle to manage. Lokad's approach shifts from a Bill of Materials (BOM) to a Bill of Resources (BOR), considering all necessary resources and their variability. Utilizing computational algorithms, Lokad can quickly generate practical solutions, minimizing financial risk and downtime. This integration of automation and human strategic insights is crucial for efficient and effective scheduling in complex environments.
What is a Supply Chain Scientist (with Simon Schalit) - Ep 169
In an interview, Conor Doherty of Lokad speaks with Simon Schalit, COO, about the crucial role of a Supply Chain Scientist at Lokad. Schalit explains that these scientists are not just data experts but also specialists in supply chain management, responsible for optimizing and automating decisions related to inventory and pricing. They build algorithms to ensure efficient purchasing and dispatch, aiming for maximum return on investment. Unlike typical data scientists, supply chain scientists immerse themselves in understanding business processes and strategies, translating them into optimization algorithms. This role involves data analysis, client interaction, and business acumen, making it essential for driving efficiency and profitability in businesses.
Why AI Initiatives Fail in Supply Chain - Ep 168
In a recent LokadTV episode, Conor Doherty and Joannes Vermorel discussed the inherent flaws in mainstream supply chain management, particularly the over-reliance on AI. Vermorel criticized longstanding practices like Requests for Proposals, time series forecasting, safety stock formulas, and service levels, arguing they are outdated and economically unsound. He emphasized that AI cannot rectify these deep-seated issues, as it is not yet at human-level intelligence. Vermorel suggested that practical, experience-based adjustments by practitioners often compensate for these flawed methods. The conversation concluded with a Q&A session, highlighting the challenge of removing entrenched processes in large companies.
Computational Resources in Supply Chain - Ep 167
In a recent LokadTV episode, Conor Doherty, Head of Communication at Lokad, conversed with Joannes Vermorel, CEO of Lokad, about the critical role of computational resources in supply chain optimization. Vermorel emphasized the necessity of understanding both hardware and software to make informed supply chain decisions. He likened this foundational knowledge to basic geographical awareness, essential for preventing problems and ensuring effective decision-making. Vermorel highlighted that while computers are tools for mechanizing decisions, a grasp of their capabilities and limitations is crucial. This understanding extends to programming paradigms, ensuring practitioners can optimize resources and drive better outcomes.