Today I’m delighted to welcome Demand Driven Technologies, the premier provider of next generation materials, inventory and production control planning and execution applications for the new demand driven world.
Demand Driven Technologies is the first and most widely used enterprise-class Demand Driven MRP Supply Chain Planning Software, that provides superior materials, inventory, production scheduling and execution technology. Working across the automotive, healthcare and food and beverage industries, they’re growing quickly and even expanded into Europe last year, despite the huge challenges of the global pandemic.
Today Brad Mitchler, VP of Partners and Products at Demand Driven Technologies, joins me to chat all about what Demand Driven do, visibility and consumer demand in supply chain, the impact of e-commerce and what the future is going to bring for demand driven supply chains.
[06.25] An overview of Demand Driven Technologies (DDTech).
[08.42] The difference between demand driven supply chain and traditional supply chain.
“The traditional way has worked fairly well, but we’re in a different place today – we demand a lot more product variety, speed to market, and there are shorter customer tolerance times.”
[11.05] How companies can move from a traditional forecasting model to a demand driven approach, and how DDTech’s solutions can facilitate that.
[14.02] The lessons COVID has taught us, and the importance of resiliency and agility.
“Now is a more important time than ever to have an approach to planning your supply chain that is fluid, dynamic and resilient.”
[19.23] Brad’s thoughts on visibility – what it means and why it’s so important.
“Often the more mature the supply chain is, the less visibility they have. So being able to present a single source of truth is a real unsung benefit of the demand driven application.”
[23.33] A key customer success story.
“They got through COVID and maintained a 96% service level by leveraging our software.”
[29.26] An overview of DDTech’s existing, and ideal, clients.
[31.28] Brad’s reflections on the future for the market.
“All signs point to further growth.”
[33.57] The future for DDTech.
Head over to Demand Driven Technologies’ website to find out more and discover how they could help you too.
Connect with Brad on LinkedIn, or follow DDTech over on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
This is the fourth and final episode in our “Delivering Apex” mini-series, in partnership with Apex Logistics.
Last week in Episode 3, “Breaking Ground,” I was joined by Beth Parker, Business Development Manager at Apex, to discuss sales and marketing in logistics – how it’s evolved over the years, the challenges thrown up by COVID and exactly how Apex have been using their sales and marketing functions to support their business mission this past year.
Today in Episode 4, “One Byte At A Time,” I’m joined by Amanda Nazareno, Senior Product Manager at Apex, to talk all about technology: the emerging trends, the importance of using tech to enhance visibility and how Apex are staying ahead of the curve.
[01.05] An introduction to Amanda, her role at Apex and her reflections on technology in supply chain.
“People would be surprised by the volume of investment in innovation, in all areas of supply chain.”
[02.43] How the COVID crisis accelerated the need for new technology and increased connectivity.
“The pandemic has really forced companies to break down functional silos and build interconnected people, data, processes – and all of that is enabled by technology.”
[05.36] Whether businesses need true end to end solutions, or better integration between platforms.
[07.55] Key upcoming technology trends, including growth in all areas that enable predictability.
“There’s a constant chase for radical and revolutionary solutions.”
[10.39] How Apex tech can help businesses to take control and mitigate risk.
[12.29] Visibility: myth vs reality.
[16.50] The importance of data.
[20.39] How Apex taps into customer needs and uses collaboration to stay ahead of the curve.
[23.50] What the future holds for Apex.
“We’re going to have a focus on data that’s enabling transparency and agility.”
Head over to Apex Logistics’ website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today I’m delighted to be joined by Colliers International - a global leader in real estate, diversified professional services and investment management. They operate in sectors all the way from Government to golf courses, and provide expertise on everything from valuations to project management.
With operations in 67 countries, more than 18,000 enterprising professionals work collaboratively to provide expert advice to real estate occupiers, owners and investors. With annualized revenues of over $3 billion, Colliers are maximizing the potential of property and accelerating the success of their clients and people.
Today Matt McGregor, Executive Vice President at Colliers International, joins me to chat all about Colliers wide range of services and sectors, key changes in the market and exactly what businesses should be considering right now when it comes to property.
[07.54] A look at who Colliers are, what they do and the types of customers they work with.
[10.32] Why Matt chose to pursue further education in supply chain management and why it’s so important that brokers understand where industrial real estate fits into the customer’s bigger picture.
“We asked some key clients, and the biggest thing that came back was that brokerages didn’t really understand their industries.”
[15.33] What Colliers are seeing with regard to sustainability advancements in industrial real estate.
[18.36] The growth of e-commerce in light of COVID, what it means for warehousing and retail, and Matt’s predictions for the future.
“At the end of 2019, 14% of all retail sales were online. Fast-forward to the end of 2020, 36% was online – a massive growth. That was all the growth we would have had in the next 5-7 years.”
[23.57] From an increase in drone technology and autonomous trucks, to multi-story warehouses and much larger yard space, key changes and trends in industrial real estate.
[31.20] The impact of COVID on Matt and his team, as well as on his customers.
“For our clients, trying to separate people dramatically drove labor costs up and slowed production down.”
[34.57] What distribution, fulfillment and manufacturing businesses should be thinking about when it comes to property in 2021.
“You’ve got to understand the supply chain, and the disruptors.”
[37.38] A key customer case study.
[41.16] From an investment in tech to a commitment to innovation, what the future holds for Colliers.
Head over to Collier’s website to find out more and discover how they could help you too.
Connect with Matt on LinkedIn, and follow Colliers.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
This is the third episode in our “Delivering Apex” mini-series, in partnership with Apex Logistics.
Last week in Episode 2, “We Deliver Passion,” I was joined by Sangna Mistry Kuhia, Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development at Apex, to talk about people – the ins and out of hiring and retention, Apex’s people-led approach and why a motivated, dedicated and passionate workforce is the key to success.
Today in Episode 3, “Breaking Ground,” I’m joined by Beth Parker, Business Development Manager at Apex, to discuss sales and marketing in logistics – how it’s evolved over the years, the challenges thrown up by COVID and exactly how Apex have been using their sales and marketing functions to support their business mission this past year.
[01.08] An introduction to Beth and her role at Apex.
[03.28] How sales has changed over the last decade.
“The biggest change has been technology.”
[06.12] Key Apex services, including chartered air freight.
[08.49] Marketing as an extension of sales, and why it’s so important that the two teams work hand in hand.
[12.05] How marketing has evolved and the importance of embracing change.
“You have to change with the times or you die!”
[15.48] The synergy between sales and marketing and how Apex leverages that power.
[18.42] The ways in which good marketing can really help to support a company and why some businesses might need to rethink the way they view marketing.
“When businesses only look at marketing as a cost center, it really puts them at a disadvantage.”
[22.33] Do your research and get educated, Beth’s advice for today’s sales teams.
“Persistence wins – sales is a marathon, not a sprint.”
[26.17] A closer look at some of the challenges thrown up by COVID when it comes to sales.
[28.43] Challenges and trends for the coming year and how sales can use that knowledge to start discussions with potential customers.
Head over to Apex Logistics’ website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today I’m delighted to be joined by Cusack and Co, an innovative maritime law firm who are building a much-needed space for likeminded individuals and companies to do law differently.
As top carriers continue to merge, shippers need personalised ocean carriage contracts to protect their businesses, now more than ever. So Cusack and Co, led by the dynamic and inimitable Alison Cusack, provide a range of both proactive and reactive services to help shippers compete and stay protected in a global market.
Today Alison, Founder and Principal Lawyer, joins me to chat all about exactly what Cusack and Co do, the importance of empowering shippers and of driving better business.
[05.53] Alison’s background, her passion for maritime law and why she founded Cusack and Co.
“You see the engine room of the world's economy when you work with cargo ships.”
[12.51] A closer look at exactly what Cusack and Co do and its ideal customer.
[20.20] How Cusack and Co makes legal services accessible, through affordability and transparency.
“I’m a lot cheaper than one wrong shipment!”
[25.09] Why Alison designed the CLAMs claim bot system, and what it means for an SME’s typical claims process.
[32.02] The importance of WISTA, Women's International Shipping & Trading Association, and why the industry needs to make some changes to better embrace equality.
“The industry isn’t evolving fast enough to give women the space and opportunity to shine – and our industry is only as amazing as our people.”
[39.21] Case study: how Cusack and Co helped a customer to swiftly lift a cargo lien and get back to business.
[43.14] The future for Alison, and for Cusack and Co.
Head over to Cusack and Co’s website to find out more and discover how they could help you too. And, get 10% off with our totally exclusive discount code, only for Let's Talk Supply Chain listeners: LTSC10
Connect with Alison on LinkedIn, or follow Cusack and Co on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, or find them on Clubhouse @shippinglawyer.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
This is the second episode in our “Delivering Apex” mini-series, in partnership with Apex Logistics.
Last week in Episode 1, “Apex Cares,” I was joined by Amy Froese and Holly Qualman to talk all about quality service and giving back – why it’s so important and the different programs Apex are involved in to truly help make the world a better place.
Today in Episode 2, “We Deliver Passion,” I’m joined by Sangna Mistry Kuhia, Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development at Apex, to talk about people – the ins and out of hiring and retention, Apex’s people-led approach and why a motivated, dedicated and passionate workforce is the key to success.
[01.07] An introduction to Sangna, her role at Apex and her passion for people.
“Employee relations is one of the most important things that we do as leaders.”
[05.23] Why a great workforce is so important.
[08.17] A picture of the global Apex workforce.
“About 42% of our female leadership is at the VP level, and 85% of our workforce is considered to be minority.”
[11.02] How HR helps to facilitate hiring the right talent, that will keep Apex’s core values top of mind.
“We don’t just ask people ‘what have you done in your past?’ More so, we ask ‘what do you want to do in your future?’ ”
[14.00] The role of HR in supporting the wider company.
[17.27] A closer look at how Apex goes about finding the right staff.
[20.57] How Apex’s supportive and holistic culture helps them to retain talent, particularly in the face of fierce industry competition.
[22.38] Some of the practical ways Apex approach talent retention.
[25.19] Sangna’s advice for anyone interested in a career at Apex.
“If you have a passion for excellence, drop me a note!”
Head over to Apex Logistics’ website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today I’m delighted to be joined by E2open, a company who believes that the level of agility required to capture growth opportunities – plus the resiliency to manage today’s risks – demands a new way of thinking. Their range of intelligent applications allow supply chain leaders to make the best business decisions using real-time information from across their entire internal and external ecosystems.
From channel shaping and demand sensing, to business planning and global trade management, E2open offers a full suite of intelligent applications for every stage of your businesses supply chain journey. They aim to unlock your potential with their expertise, delivering you end-to-end visibility, planning and execution, all in real time.
I’m joined by Michael Farlekas, President and Chief Executive Officer at E2open, to talk about why the company is a market-leader, the impact of issues like COVID and Brexit on supply chain and why they chose 2021 to take E2open public.
[07.07] A closer look at what E2open does, and their recent big announcement.
“We help our customers to connect what is really a disconnected world.”
[09.39] Why E2open chose 2021 to take their business public.
[11.31] How E2open was founded and why it led to a continuing culture of collaboration.
“Collaboration is the foundation of our business.”
[14.23] Michael’s advice for businesses considering the route of mergers or acquisitions.
“How you technically integrate is the foundation, but it goes much deeper than that – you also need to consider go to market, cultural and back office integration.”
[18.14] Why visibility is a growing supply chain trend, and how you create it.
“Visibility is what you get when you have a well-constructed supply chain architecture.”
[22.28] How customer demand drives business, and how E2open’s software can deliver connectivity to help create a seamless and proactive supply chain, from sales predictions to inventory management.
[25.03] E2open’s COVID experience, how they helped their customers and Michael’s reflections on how the pandemic has impacted the future of the industry.
[28.14] A customer success case study.
[29.54] From an increase in ocean shopping to more manufacturing, Michael’s trends and predictions for 2021 and beyond.
[35.21] The future for E2open.
Head over to E2open’s website to find out more and discover how they could help you too.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
This is the first episode of our latest mini-series in partnership with Apex Logistics. Over the next four episodes, our “Delivering Apex” mini-series is going to take a closer look at Apex Logistics, their commitment to the community, to the environment, and all of the amazing people that are helping to make an impact across the globe.
Today in Episode 1, “Apex Cares,” I’m joined by Amy Froese, Corporate Growth Marketer, and Holly Qualman, Sales, Marketing, and Analytics Strategist, to talk all about quality service and giving back – why it’s so important and the different programs Apex are involved in to truly help make the world a better place.
[01.14] An introduction to Holly and Amy.
[03.59] A closer look at exactly who Apex is and what they do.
[06.30] The growing trend in consumers seeking out ethical and sustainable brands.
“There truly is a difference – and customers know this – between a company that actually lives, breathes and believes in sustainability, and companies that are doing it just to check a box.”
[08.18] Apex’s huge customer commitment, and the vast scale of PPE they transported, during the height of the COVID crisis.
“We pivoted with each of the different needs to be able to provide globally... so by Q3 and 4, we had delivered billions of pieces.”
[12.33] Apex’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
[19.01] The environmental impact of logistics, and the industry’s responsibility in driving innovation in sustainability.
“Our industry is really facilitating the movement of global commerce, and with that comes a significant amount of responsibility.”
[22.30] Practical ways to make positive sustainability changes, on a personal and a business level.
[26,27] Apex’s industry-leading partnership with BSR.
[29.00] How we can start to influence our peers and drive sustainability conversations.
“The first step is spreading awareness and sharing ideas.”
[32.14] From developing more key partnerships to a commitment to volunteering, Apex’s corporate social responsibility goals for 2021.
Head over to Apex Logistics’ website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too.
Find out more about BSR and Habitat for Humanity to explore whether they could also be the right fit for your corporate social responsibility goals.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
For today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain, I’m joined by Deborah Kotulich. Skilled in supply chain, operations management, Government, U.S. Department of Defense, Strategic Planning, and Business Process Improvement, Deborah is an experienced and successful military leader. From earning her degree in engineering from the United States Military Academy, she’s served her country, nurtured an impressive logistics career and is now Chief of Staff at US Transportation Command: she is one incredible woman.
Today Deborah will be talking to us about her career in the military, how she balances it with family life, and she’ll be sharing her words of wisdom for the upcoming generations of ambitious young women following in her footsteps.
As a company focused on supply chain partnerships, Fastenal is proud to sponsor this piece of Women In Supply Chain. With more than 100,000 point-of-use vending machines around the world, Fastenal is dedicated to helping organizations lower their total cost of ownership.
[07.48] Deborah’s background, how she entered the military and the fascinating journey that brought her to her current role.
“I went to school at a military academy… and I really found a place where I could thrive.”
[12.45] Exactly what the U.S. Transportation Command is and what it does.
[16.52] How an accident at military academy led Deborah to logistics.
[21.23] Logistics in the military vs the civilian world.
[24.50] How Deborah balances family life with her military and professional careers.
“I’m overwhelmingly fortunate to have a wonderful family – I owe it all to the patience of my wife and the resilience of my daughters.”
[27.34] Deborah’s role with USTRANSCOM’s Inclusion and Diversity Council, and their goals.
“We believe that coming at all we do from an angle of being inclusive, will unlock the door of opportunity for everyone.”
[30.31] Deborah’s experience as a woman in the military.
“I stand on the shoulders of giants… but (early on) there was a pressure to make sure I wasn’t a weak link.”
[34.57] How Deborah found her voice.
“I’m an extrovert with a capital E – so I’m not sure that I had to find my voice, as much as I had to refine and learn to control my voice.”
[39.58] What the future holds for Deborah.
[42.48] Do your research and take up any and all training and education opportunities, Deborah’s advice to the next generation of women who may be thinking about joining the military, or pursuing a career in logistics.
Head over to LinkedIn to connect with Deborah and find out more.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.