Today I’m joined by pioneering software company ToolsGroup, the innovators of service-driven supply chain planning software for companies that face high demand volatility, along with distribution and product line complexity. For more than two decades, ToolsGroup has been helping companies around the globe achieve the highest service levels in their industries while streamlining inventory and logistics costs. Their flagship software, SO99+, automates and optimizes supply chain planning tasks including demand forecasting and sensing, multi-echelon inventory optimization, replenishment and S&OP to meet target service levels. Today David Barton, General Manager for the Americas at ToolsGroup, joins me to chat all about the company: what they do; how their service-driven approach sets them apart; and exactly how we get our businesses ready for anything.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.26] The incredible history, dating back to the ’70s, that led founders Joseph and Eugenio to establish ToolsGroup. “They discovered that the low hanging fruit in manufacturing was supply chain – that’s where the greatest impact could be had… so they focused the whole company on the use of service-driven planning in supply chain.” [12.31] The three core ToolsGroup focus areas of ‘predict,’ ‘protect’ and ‘perform.’ “Working with the constraints of the real world of supply chain and the built in uncertainty, you need an automated engine to optimize towards target service level - and it’s probabilistic forecasting that makes that possible.” [15.28] ToolsGroup’s unique service-driven approach, and its benefits. “Fundamentally, our focus is about business outcome, and service level can be equated to top-line revenue." [18.58] David reflects on the challenges of the last 18 months and what we can learn from them. “Dealing with those disruptions puts even more pressure on having digital transformation in your operating model.” [22.38] A closer look at the challenges of adopting a just-in-case approach to inventory and current lead-time disruption. “You can’t just crank up your safety stock as a strategy... Having a real word digital model of how your supply chain operates is essential.” [27.35] Why supply chain digitization and digital transformation are so important. “…being able to normalize and reconcile differences in data, so that you can get to a single view of the operating model of inventory, is one of the critical challenges customers face.” [30.22] A profile of ToolsGroup’s ideal client. [32.12] Client case study: how ToolsGroup helped a key customer increase service levels, inventory efficiency and ultimately increase market share. [35.00] The future for the industry, and for ToolsGroup.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to ToolGroup’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with ToolsGroup and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube or Twitter, or you can connect with David on LinkedIn. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Let's Talk Supply Chain

225: Be ready for anything, with ToolsGroup

Today I’m joined by Quickbase, a company who are on a mission to unleash the creativity and problem-solving power of everyone in your business, so you can innovate every day. Quickbase is an application development platform that unites business and IT teams by enabling problem solvers of any technical background to work together to safely, securely and sustainably to create an ecosystem of applications. Quickbase helps businesses accelerate the continuous innovation of unique processes by enabling citizen development at scale across one common platform. Today Peter Rifken, Principal Solutions Consultant at Quickbase, joins me to chat all about the company: what they do; the importance of operational agility; and the power to be found in unlocking the potential of your people.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.02] An introduction to Quickbase. “Our goal, at the highest level, is to help our customers achieve operational agility.” [08.13] An explanation of the terms no-code, low-code and citizen development. “No code gives you the ability to create end-to-end enterprise grade solutions – but with no coding experience required.” [13.45] How the Quickbase platform works and its four common pillars. [17.59] The key misconceptions or objections around embracing a cloud-based citizen development platform like Quickbase. “We’re talking about the cloud, so I hear a lot of: ‘if you were in this room, talking about Quickbase, 5 years ago – you would’ve been thrown out!'" [24.22] Integration, scalability and Quickbase Pipelines. “Legacy systems aren’t going away… We built Pipelines to both plan for your new integration needs and that connectivity to legacy.” [28.09] Why empowering your people, and unlocking their potential, is so important. “No-code taps into everybody’s inherent ability and need to solve problems.” [32.32] The age of operational agility, and how can Quickbase can help facilitate it. [35.54] The culture and mindset of Quickbase’s ideal client. [37.48] Case study: how Quickbase helped transform a key client's approach to establishing a new distribution center. [41.22] What the future holds for Quickbase.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Quickbase’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Quickbase and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or you can connect with Peter on LinkedIn. Check out our other podcasts HERE.      

224: Speed up business innovation at enterprise scale, with Quickbase

﻿ In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain, I’m joined by Tara St James: a fashion designer, sustainable design strategist and responsible supply chain consultant all rolled into one. Tara has spent the last 20 years designing and producing collections for both men and women; and she’s overseen development, production and design procedures at factories across the globe. This extensive experience in product development, sourcing, textile research and development, led her to dive deeper into sustainability and supply chain, and she’s never looked back. Tara established her own sustainable womenswear brand in 2009, successfully running it for over 11 years, and went on to found Re:Source(d), a consultancy and education platform looking to demystify the world of sustainable fashion and textile sourcing. She’s an instructor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, as well as holding leadership roles at a sustainable fashion brand and fashion collaboration platform. Today Tara will be talking to us about her career so far, her love for fashion; her dedication to sustainability and shaping the future of ethical fashion; and she’ll be sharing her experiences as a woman in the industry, and her words of advice for all of those women following in her footsteps. SHOW SPONSOR: Apex Logistics are proud to sponsor Let’s Talk Supply Chain’s Women in Supply Chain podcast and blog series. Our leadership team actively works to empower an industry as diverse as our workforce with a focus on inclusion, and we’re passionate about promoting the voices of women leaders to drive visibility around their achievements. Find out more over on the Apex Logistics website. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.02] How Tara’s interest in fashion started at just five years old, her career journey and how fashion has changed. “I’m really grateful that there’s now more and more focus on supply chain and manufacturing, and the hands that are making the clothes – not just the people that are designing them.” [08.43] The two key ‘a-ha!’ moments in Tara’s career that pushed her towards a passion for sustainability and a more ethical supply chain. “I had to either leave the industry altogether and stop polluting unknowingly, as I had been, or try to make change. That was the first pivot towards sustainability.” [13.28] How and why Tara established her own sustainable womenswear brand, Study NY, as well as her consultancy, Re:Source(d), and what she learned along the way. “Sustainability isn’t a series of checkboxes, you can’t do everything.” [20.34] How packaging and technology ties into sustainability. “I see packaging as low hanging fruit for brands who want to start on their sustainability story… it’s the first touchpoint that most customers have with their product.” [26.25] The damaging impact of fast fashion, and why change is on the way. “Government and industry are starting to take the fashion industry more seriously. It’s flown under the radar for a while because people think its frivolous – but it's not!” [30.00] How Tara manages her busy schedule and multiple roles and responsibilities. [32.19] The increasingly inclusive and collaborative mindset that Tara has experienced as a woman working across the worlds of fashion, supply chain and sustainability. [34.36] Tara’s ongoing journey of finding her voice. [36.56] What the future holds for Tara. [39.46] Tara’s words of advice to all of the women following in her footsteps. RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Tara over on LinkedIn. Head over to Re:Source(d)’s website to find out more, or connect and keep up to date with the latest over on Instagram. Discover Study NY over on their website, or connect and keep up to date with the latest over on Instagram. Discover Another Tomorrow over on their website, or connect and keep up to date with the latest over on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Find out more about Eleven Radius over on their website, or connect and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

223: Women in Supply Chain, Tara St James

Today I’m joined by Vizion, an exciting supply chain and logistics tech company that offers API's and tools to help businesses integrate quality ocean freight tracking data from almost any carrier in a single, easy to use structure. Founded in 2018, Vizion provides the technology and data needed to build and deliver end-to-end logistics visibility for shippers, forwarders and software developers. Combining simple APIs for tracking international ocean freight with a global web of carrier connections, the Vizion platform provides you with the data you need to optimize the quality and cost of your visibility. Today Kyle Henderson, CEO & Co-Founder at Vizion, joins me to chat all about the company: what they do; how their real-time technology successfully pulls together shippers and forwarders; and the future of visibility.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.21] Kyle’s background, and the entrepreneurial spirit that led him to be a part of nine tech start-ups before eventually founding Vizion. “I really doubled down on understanding analytics and data as the principle elements in each of the companies I worked for. So lets take what I learned in this industry… and take it to this industry who hasn’t done it yet.” [12.38] Exactly what Vizion does, and how it helps its customers. “We were encountering, again and again, issues with the data foundations across international logistics. It was tough to get data, and if you could get it, it wasn’t coming through pipes that any modern tech systems would utilize. And then the data itself was fragmented and incomplete.” [18.24] The fundamental differences between API’s and EDI’s, and Kyle’s reflections on the pros and cons. [24.54] Why API’s are truly at the heart of digital transformation. “API’s force better data quality.” [28.30] A closer look at the Vizion interface and pricing structure. “Using an API is the most flexible and close-to-instant way to put the information you need in the places and systems you want in the fastest possible time.” [33.17] From smallest to largest, why Vizion doesn’t necessarily have an ideal customer. [35.14] Key customer case studies demonstrating the different ways Vizion can help to solve business challenges, and deliver swift ROI. “Our customers know before their customers ask.” [39.18] The future for Vizion.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Vizion’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Vizion and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or Twitter, or you can connect with Kyle on LinkedIn. Read Vizion's blog post on how API's are enabling supply chain digital transformation here. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

222: Build the future of digital logistics, with Vizion

Today I’m joined by Notably, a modern PR agency that’s on a mission to help leaders take their companies to the next level. Notably is a PR agency for high-growth companies that want to scale quickly, raise serious capital, be acquired or go public. Combining traditional public relations with digital marketing and creative services, Notably’s senior-level team takes pride in taking both B2C and B2B brands from unknown to notable. Today Carin Warner, co-founder at Notably, joins me to chat all about the company: what they do and the different ways they can help your brand; as well as her longstanding career in PR, what’s changed over the years and what the future might bring when it comes to making your business stand out from the crowd.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [05.32] Carin’s career in PR, and the journey that led her to co-found Notably. “I love to think about how to help companies succeed – and that really was the vision behind Notably.” [08.17] What Notably do and how they help their customers “We get under the skin of the company we’re working with, understand their pain points… and tell a story that will help them break through the clutter.” [13.07] Why notably provides, not just a full range of traditional PR services, but also digital advertising and additional creative services. “We think as entrepreneurs… and I think about if I was running my clients company, what would I need? I want to have the whole arsenal of marketing tools available.” [16.32] What makes Notably different. [18.17] The entrepreneurial spirit of Notably’s co-founders and how that translates throughout the business. [21.06] Carin’s reflections on how PR and communications have changed since she founded her first company, Warner Communications, back in 1997 - and how it informs her approach with Notably. “There’s no end to the news cycle now. It’s fast and it’s furious, and if you don’t jump in on it, you’re gone.” [23.22] Why it’s so important for B2B and supply chain brands to work with a company like Notably. [25.42] Why Notably’s ideal client needs to have a growth mindset and not shy away from taking a risk. [27.55] Carin’s experience and thoughts on crisis management. [32.45] How PR and marketing are going to continue to evolve. “There will be more and more supply chain companies looking for stories in higher level media... that will tell who they are in a broader and more impactful way.” [35.32] The future for Notably.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Notably’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Notably and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Carin on LinkedIn. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

221: Take your brand from unknown to notable, with Notably

Today I’m joined by Transmetrics, a leading tech company that optimizes logistics planning and asset management by leveraging the power of predictive analytics and artificial intelligence. Transmetrics is a state-of-the-art AI platform developed exclusively for logistics. Established in Bulgaria in 2013, Transmetrics’ unrivaled technology uses a unique approach for analyzing, modeling and predicting transport flows with very high accuracy. Combining the technical knowledge of big data and predictive analytics with hands-on expertise in transport and logistics, Transmetrics’ solutions have brought significant benefits to top-tier logistics companies worldwide. Today Marc Meyer, Chief Commercial Officer at Transmetrics, joins me to chat all about the company; what they do; the challenges that the logistics industry is facing right now; and the role data, AI and tech innovation will play in the coming years.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [05.47] How and why Transmetrics was founded. “In most of the companies the founders were working for, there was an issue of inefficient capacity utilization – with no one out there willing to face that challenge.” [09.35] An overview of what Transmetrics does, and how it helps its customers. “We bring just-in-time processes to logistics, with the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning.” [12.34] How the system's broad areas of ‘analyze,’ ‘forecast’ and ‘optimize’ come together to create a smart and robust all-in-one platform. [18.50] A closer look at how the Transmetrics platform works, as well as the integration and implementation process. [24.46] Marc reflects on the power of data, and how the Transmetrics platform cleanses and enriches client data. “Data is only valuable in the right hands, and with the right intentions.” [29.00] Transmetrics' unique approach to combining people and AI, with their ‘best of both worlds’ ethos. “There should always be someone involved – not only controlling and checking the machine, but bringing an empathetic view.” [32.44] Transmetrics’ ideal customer. [35.25] An impressive case study, detailing how the Transmetrics platform helped a key customer. [41.22] The future for Transmetrics. “We want to reshape and revitalize the industry! By making the industry a nicer place to work, and more sustainable, we can do a lot to change it for the better”   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Transmetrics' website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Transmetrics and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Marc on LinkedIn. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

219: Leverage the power of AI to optimize your transport planning, with Transmetrics

In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain, I’m joined by Lisa Morales Hellebo: a truly inspirational VC, entrepreneur, product strategist and community builder, with 25 years of experience working with start-ups and Fortune 500s alike. After beginning her career in graphic design, Lisa pulled together her talents for creativity, product design and innovation and set her sights on tech. After successfully founding her own start-up, and being named one of the Top 10 Women in DC Tech, Lisa realized the impact she could have helping other start-ups. Her passion and commitment to the acceleration of technologies that advance the industry has only grown and now, as well as advising others, she is also the co-founder of two organizations, that focus on funding innovation and revolutionizing supply chain. Today, Lisa will be talking to us about her career so far; her love for fashion tech and passion for innovation; her reflections on the corporate world’s approach to sustainability; and she’ll be sharing her words of advice for all of the women following in her footsteps.   SHOW SPONSOR: Apex Logistics is proud to sponsor Let’s Talk Supply Chain’s Women in Supply Chain podcast and blog series. Our leadership team actively works to empower an industry as diverse as our workforce with a focus on inclusion, and we’re passionate about promoting the voices of women leaders to drive visibility around their achievements. Find out more over on the Apex Logistics website.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.06] How Lisa’s creativity took her on an ever-evolving journey from graphic design to fashion tech, supply chain and sustainability. “My entire career has been obsessed with data, customization, personalization, on-demand – and it’s led me to what I’m doing now.” [11.17] A closer look at REFASHIOND Ventures – what it does, what ‘refashioning supply chains’ means and the power of supply chain digitization. [12.59] Why REFASHIOND Ventures is needed, the complex and fascinating journey that led Lisa to found it, and the many things she learned along the way. “I learned that VC’s don’t know anything about fashion, or retail… so I decided to found and build a fashion tech accelerator – the one that I wished had existed when I had my fashion tech company.” [24.39] Lisa reflects on some of the key challenges she’s faced when it comes to industry change, mindset and sustainability – and the opportunities that have come from that. “We produce 4 times the textile waste of any other country in the world, and so we don’t need to produce or grow another fiber for generations – we’re sitting on mountains of waste that could be generations worth of regenerative textiles.” [35.35] Lisa’s experiences as a Latina woman, in childhood as well as moving through the industry. “My entire career, my entire life, every choice I’ve made, has been about proving my worth.” [41.52] Lisa’s words of wisdom for all of the women looking to follow in her footsteps. “You have to go through a growth process to learn that your differences are your super powers.”   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can find out more about Lisa over on her website, or you can connect with her on LinkedIn, Instagram or Twitter. Head over to REFASHIOND’s website to find out more, or connect and keep up to date with the latest over on Twitter. Find out more about REFASHIOND OS on their website. Learn more about The Worldwide Supply Chain Federation over on their website. Head over to Assembly Fashion’s website to find out more, or connect and keep up to date with the latest over on Instagram. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

218: Women in Supply Chain, Lisa Morales Hellebo

Today I’m joined by SourceDay, a leading tech company who believes that supplier collaboration is the first mile of your supply chain – optimize that, and you can stop misses at the source. SourceDay’s cloud solution digitally transforms collaboration between buyers and suppliers. Pulling together RFQ, Purchase Order, and AP Collaboration with quality control, the SourceDay platform allows business to manage their direct spend more efficiently, providing line-item detail that delivers big picture results. Today Tom Kieley, CEO & Co-founder at SourceDay, joins me to chat all about the company; what they do; the impact of COVID disruption on productivity; and the importance of collaboration, visibility and good data in facilitating strong relationships between buyers and suppliers.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.40] How and why SourceDay was founded, and the story behind the name. “The number one thing that was killing business day in, day out was their suppliers and ability to communicate, collaborate and share – in real time – the misses that were inevitably going to happen.” [10.28] Exactly what SourceDay does to help its customers. “Constant change is really the only constant in the supply chain – and SourceDay helps bridge that gap.” [12.23] A closer look at the modules within the SourceDay platform. “Most companies spend millions on automating sales processes, ensuring they can sell faster... But the problem they’ve left unanswered is, how do you deliver those promises to your customers at the lowest cost and highest quality possible?” [20.11] SourceDay’s ERP compatibility and easy integration. [22.36] Why SourceDay’s supplier-centric product development has been key to its ethos of collaboration, from day one. [25.26] How everyday disruptions affect spend and PO accuracy – and the impact of COVID.  “Buyers are the unsung heroes of an organization – nothing happens if parts don’t show up!” [28.13] Why COVID has helped to drive a mindset shift when it comes to key trends like visibility, collaboration, technology and supply chain transformation. [29.58] A closer look at SourceDay’s ideal customer. [31.47] A key case study: how SourceDay saved a customer millions in repeat supplier misses, ultimately paying for itself in less than 3 months. [34.33] The future for SourceDay.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to SourceDay’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with SourceDay and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or Twitter, or you can connect with Tom on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

217: Transform collaboration between buyers and suppliers, with SourceDay

Today I’m excited to be joined by Sarah Scudder, President & CRO at Real Sourcing Network and a superstar in the packaging space, who is helping to change the way we think about how the products we sell, and use, are packaged. Packaging is a really important topic, because so much of our economy is based around consumption – an average consumer in the western world will handle more than 50 packaged products or items every single day! – and so the conversations around issues like the air miles of those products, the labor practices and of course, sustainability, are key. Today Sarah joins me to chat all about single vs multi-use plastics, recycling vs reusing, innovations in the packaging space, and the impact more sustainable packaging can have on both business and the environment.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.51] The truth about fossil-based plastic production. “99% of plastics are made from oil and/or natural gas: so the greater the demand for plastic packaging, the greater the need for fossil fuels.” [09.18] A closer look at the technicalities around recycling – the different rules and regulations, lack of machinery, lack of consumer understanding and the profitability of used plastics. “Consumers don’t know how to properly dispose of their plastic packaging, so they simply don’t – they throw it in the trash.” [13.08] Six ways companies can quickly pivot towards greater sustainability in their packaging – without spending a fortune. [19.41] How to choose the right packaging for your business. “All plastic is not bad… multi-use plastic can actually be more sustainable than other types of paper packaging.” [22.27] How recyclable packaging is driving competitive advantage, particularly with Gen Z consumers, and the brands who are setting good examples. “If you make that investment… you need to make sure you partner with marketing to leverage that messaging.” [28.32] New innovations in packaging materials, including IKEA’s mushroom packaging. [32.16] The ‘resin identification code’ on your plastics – how to identify it, what it means and how it can help consumers to recycle more effectively. [36.17] Sarah’s top tips for making your packaging lighter.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Real Sourcing Network’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with RSN and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or Twitter, or you can connect with Sarah on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

216: Sustainable Packaging Trends That Are Impacting The Health Food Industry

Today I’m excited to be joined by 1-Stop: a trailblazer in port logistics solutions, that is working with communities across the world to lead the way in supply chain innovation, building products that continue to enhance productivity and make life easier. Established in Sydney in 2002, 1-Stop is a world leader in developing innovative solutions for the global port community. Working closely with industry operators, its suite of tailored and integrated products has been developed to help streamline operations, enhance efficiency and optimize productivity throughout the supply chain. With the aim to deliver efficiency gains for all, 1-Stops’s customers include shipping lines, port and terminal operators, freight forwarders, customs brokers, 3PLs, trucking companies, rail operators, importers and exporters. Today Michael Bouari, CEO at 1-Stop, joins me to chat all about the company; what they do; some of the biggest challenges facing the global port community right now; and the innovations we should expect in the coming years.

214: Bring Ultimate Efficiency to Your Port Logistics with 1-Stop

Today I’m thrilled to be joined by a giant in business spend management; a company that is looking to unify supply chain, procurement, payments and treasury in one smart and seamless platform, Coupa. Founded in 2006, Coupa is the cloud platform for business spend management, empowering companies around the world with the visibility and control they need to spend smarter and safer. In partnership with the Business Spend Management (BSM) Community, Coupa is constantly co-creating new and unique capabilities that deliver transparency, efficiency, actionable insights and solutions to customers, partners and suppliers, so they can understand and manage their spending. Today Matt Tichon, Vice President of Industry Strategy at Coupa Software, joins me to chat all about the company; what they do; the impact of COVID on supply chain resiliency; and why innovation, collaboration and visibility are the keys to business success.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [3.34] A brief background on Coupa and Matt. [05.55] How Matt compares Camaro's to supply chain. [9.05] Coupa's key areas and how help their clients understand efficiencies. “We allow companies to experiment... Instead of making a gut feel with a little bit of data, we can take a whole lot of data and say, 'what happens if?' and we test these things out.” [12.26] The value of Digital Supply Chain Twin and how it can be a competitive advantage. [16.25] Matt's thoughts on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. “The question is, what do you do with your insights once you have them? 85% of data science projects fail. The trick is understanding to start with the end in mind.” [20.00] How different execution systems all come together. “It is magic when you do this right! The value unlocks are massive and it's not hard! I want the whole world to know that this is possible and it's easy to do, and we'll hold your hand getting there. You're going to be amazed so just come on this journey!” [23:36] Matt on Coupa's "War Gaming" concept. “It's understanding different plays and what your supply chain will look like while your competitors haven't even thought of what to do yet.” [29.02] Coupa's perspective on nurturing resilience during and after COVID. [32.30] An ideal customer for Coupa. “For food, once you get to 500 million dollars or more in revenue, they start to exhaust their team's abilities and they come knocking on our door. Outside of food, 1 billion dollars and above.” [36.00] A case study for Coupa [40.53] The future for Coupa and Matt   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Coupa's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Coupa and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Rujul on LinkedIn. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

213: Manage Your Spend Smarter and Safer with Coupa

In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain, I’m joined by Ana Lucia Alonzo: a powerhouse supply chainer, who has held impressive leadership roles at major global consumer brands. After gaining a degree in industrial engineering and an MBA at INCAE Business School in her home nation of Guatemala, Ana Lucia dived feet first into a career in supply chain. Her career has taken her around the world and seen her climb the ranks of supply chain leadership in huge brands like Chiquita. Ana Lucia is now bringing together everything she’s learned so far as VP of global supply chain at Starbucks. Today Ana Lucia will be talking to us about her career so far, her take on COVID demand and disruption, the importance of brands embracing sustainability; and she’ll be sharing her words of advice for all of the women following in her footsteps.

Women In Supply Chain, Ana Lucia Alonzo

Today I’m thrilled to be joined by Zip, the world's leading intake-to-procure solution, that provides one cohesive platform for employees to initiate a purchase or vendor request. The Zip solution is an intelligent purchase request flow that guides users, automatically catalogs and recommends your preferred vendors, and routes through all the necessary internal departments to control spend, assure compliance and reduce time spent coordinating approvals by half. Today Rujul Zaparde, CEO at Zip, joins me to chat all about the dynamic and fast-growing company; what they do; why collaboration and visibility are so important; and Rujul’s entrepreneurial spirit and what he’s learned along the way.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.31] Rujul’s background and entrepreneurial journey. [10.03] How and why Rujul came to co-found Zip, and an overview of what it does. “Intake paradigms typically go one of two ways… so it’s sort of like ‘pick your poison,’ these days: upstream pain, or downstream pain!” [14.59] The experience of launching a new business during COVID, and the unexpected advantages. [16.45] A closer look at Zip Intake, and its benefits. “If you have all requests flowing through one system, for the first time, you have data on things like lifecycle times or bottlenecks.” [20.23] The implementation and onboarding process - and why simplicity for staff is key. “One of our core principles is that it has to be a consumer-grade product.” [26.37] The importance of visibility and collaboration. “The world has changed a lot – (in procurement) there are more stakeholders, more vendors, more teams – and it’s compounded how important it is to nail collaboration.” [30.08] Zip’s ideal client. [31.57] A customer case study: how Zip revolutionized one client's procurement practices and delivered impressive ROI. “The average request, for this client, was taking over 30 emails, and lots of manual back and forth. In less than 6 months, they’ve reduced their cycle times by 43% and improved compliance.” [37.05] The future for Zip, and for Rujul.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Zip’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Zip and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Rujul on LinkedIn. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

211: Transform Your Procurement Process, with Zip

We’re into double digits now: it’s episode 10 of Blended and we’re flying! I’m so proud of the panellists we’ve featured so far, the topics we’ve covered, and the sometimes tough conversations we’ve had, and I just cannot wait to bring you more. Today in Episode 10, ‘Don’t forget the ‘T’: Talking Trans,’ my co-host Madison and I are joined by a fabulous new group of supply chain and DEI professionals, who are overflowing with passion, insight and experience when it comes to all of the issues around diversity, inclusion, equity and community. And today, we’re going to be diving specifically into the transgender and non-binary community, so that can we learn, educate and celebrate with our, often marginalised, friends.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [00.39] Introductions to our Blended panellists. Lori – Environmental Social Governance Services Canadian Lead at EY Kai – President at TransFocus Consulting, Inc. Brian – Founder and CEO at Chain.io Gabriel·le – Translator [04.25] The group dive into the importance of words, looking at definitions, and what they represent to the communities involved. “Understanding and appreciating the language is complex – we might have simple definitions, but they might not always fit for everyone.” Kai. Umbrella terms The difficulty in finding words to suit such a broad spectrum of people Asking people personal questions vs creating safe spaces for people to share naturally Making mistakes The constant evolution of language “It’s more about respect than being an expert on definitions.” Brian [31.06] The panel discuss pronouns – why they’re important, how to use them and why everyone should embrace them. Mis-gendering The importance of holding back on assumptions The effect of cumulative impact on trans people over time Give and take and shared responsibility between trans cis people The use of pronouns on social media Structural and cultural considerations within business Gendered structures within other languages, like French “It’s not a political statement to put your pronouns out there – it’s just a way to make communication more effective.” Brian [56.52] The group take a closer look at bring trans, and supporting the trans community, in the workplace. Why trans rights are lagging behind Stigma and resistance to change Intersecting ‘categories’ of people – people aren’t just one thing Expanding policy and being a conscious employer Internal education and communication "Language is the main way we communicate and connect with each other... and people refusing to use the right pronouns is people refusing to speak the same language." Gabriel·le [1.13.23] The panellists share their personal stories, and discuss allyship. Why it’s not the responsibility of trans people to educate cis people Can you Google that?! Finding the balance, of silent support and speaking up, as an ally "The role of an ally is important... not just during the rainbow month, it's 24 hours." Lori [1.26.31] The panellists each give their sum-up from today’s discussion. Identity is fluid, embrace it and commit to it – Madison Learn to make space for the messiness of being human; being curious, respectful and humble will get you far – Gabriel·le Be mindful – Lori Approach the issue from a place of compassion – Brian Re-frame trans people as a gift, who can bring so much through being allowed to be their authentic selves – Kai “There are going to be terms that are accepted by some and rejected by others – you have to treat people as individuals.” Madison RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Madison, Lori, Kai, Brian and Gabriel·le over on LinkedIn. Check out our other podcasts HERE.    

210: Blended - Don’t forget the ‘T’: Talking Trans

We are finding that a lot of supply chain software takes a lot of time for on boarding and our guest today is here to tell us about their solution that can be implemented in days! Thats right Chris from Right Sized inventory is here to tell us all about how they make that happen and what they are doing for warehouses everywhere, Chris is the Vice President of Right Sized Inventory, an optimization software that helps companies eliminate inventory imbalances through real life simulations. By gathering the correct data all in one place, RSI helps companies get started with predictive analytics and supply chain optimization. With safety stock being questioned these days because of Covid and organizations are looking at different solutions to help diversify their inventory such as just in case instead of just in time, Chris tells us how his clients are using the data RSI provides them with differently, and they are seeing requests they have never seen before. The unique selling point with RSI is that they help companies manage their inventory more efficiently at an affordable price. How? They use their own patented technology that gathers and synthesizes data in a couple of hours. By using their software, clients are able to manage their inventory surplus and excess, helping them save them millions of dollars as well as improve customer service levels. Since RSI is affordable and based on tech, they are able to work with companies of all sizes. Using one real life example, Chris explains how they decreased a client’s inventory levels by 20% and helped them save over 6 million dollars. With the Covid-19 pandemic, they are still able to help businesses prepare for when demand increases and any other what-if scenarios. For the future, RSI is focusing on growing their organic approach, partnering up with consulting firms and embedding their patented technology into their systems. In this episode we discuss: [0.40] The story behind RSI [5.30] Data and real life simulation [14.53 manage your inventory [19.12] decrease inventory levels by 20% [24.20] The future is collaboration Resources and links mentioned: Right Sized Inventory 

EP 117 – Inventory optimization in minutes!

My Name is Sarah Barnes-Humphrey and this is Let's Talk Supply Chain where I interview the top Supply Chain professionals in the industry. You will learn about best practices, changes in the industry and Hot Topics surrounding Supply Chain. Have a specific question you want answered? E-mail us at listener@letstalksupplychain.com

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Let's Talk Supply Chain

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