The Strongest Link Supply Chain Podcast

S3E7 - The Speed Round

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 20:18:52 +0000

Marcus and Justin explore several buzzwords such as Gemba, Omnichannel, and Stand Up Meeting in rapid fire fashion as they do a buzzword speed round!

Hosts: Justin Wilcox, CPIM & Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Editing: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Music: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Research & Content: Justin Wilcox, CPIM & Marcus Bugni, CPIM

S3E6 - Buzzwords & What We’ve Learned So Far

Sat, 17 Aug 2024 17:00:14 +0000

In this episode, Marcus and Justin look back on the buzzwords covered throughout Season 3 and summarize what the research, knowledgeable guests, and stories show business professionals. Marcus and Justin take a critical look at the content to arrive at their top takeaways so far.

Hosts: Justin Wilcox, CPIM & Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Editing: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Music: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Research & Content: Justin Wilcox, CPIM

S3E5: All About the Vision - Why Projects Fail

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 01:38:52 +0000

In the fifth episode of this season, Justin and Marcus continue to explore the topic of failed projects by interviewing former VP of HR at Microsoft and current leadership coach and consultant Chris Williams. Justin, Marcus, and Chris dive in to one of the less technical and ofter overlooked components of project management - vision.

For more great content from Chris, check out his website here: https://clwill.com

Hosts: Justin Wilcox, CPIM & Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Editing: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Music: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Research & Content: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Guest: Chris Williams

For more information on The Strongest Link Supply Chain Podcast, please visit our site: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestrongestlinksc

For more information on Justin & Marcus's article on Digital Transformation, please visit the site of Henry Stewart Publications: https://www.henrystewartpublications.com/jscm

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S3E4: Why Projects Fail

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 02:09:16 +0000

In this episode, Justin and Marcus take a pause from examining buzzwords and instead focus on another mystery of business - the failed project. Despite a having a great manager, a star team, or a fantastic plan, projects fail in supply chain and business every day. Justin and Marcus lean on research as well as the expert opinion of Chris Williams (through clips of the Leading Smart podcast) to examine failed projects and what might be to blame.

Content Links:

Project Management Institute: - https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/identify-factors-cause-project-failure-2442

Leading Smart Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-smart/id1483540442

For more information on The Strongest Link Supply Chain Podcast, please visit our site: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestrongestlinksc

For more information on Justin & Marcus's upcoming article, please visit the site of Henry Stewart Publications: https://www.henrystewartpublications.com/jscm

Hosts: Justin Wilcox, CPIM & Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Editing: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Music: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Research & Content: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Audio Clips Courtesy of: Chris Williams

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S3E3: Beyond the Buzzword: Resilience

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 14:47:44 +0000

In this episode, Justin and Marcus continue to demystify supply chain buzzwords. This episode's focus is on Resilience. Too frequently the term resilience is summarized into inventory - companies with more inventory are more resilient and companies with less inventory are less resilient. Justin and Marcus think that this is a fallacy and an oversimplification of a very important concept. The podcast welcomes a special guest expert, Dr. Richard Ham, to discuss the topic of risk & resilience and provide some practical takeaways.

For more information on The Strongest Link Supply Chain Podcast, please visit our site: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestrongestlinksc

For more information on Justin & Marcus's upcoming article, please visit the site of Henry Stewart Publications: https://www.henrystewartpublications.com/jscm

Hosts: Justin Wilcox, CPIM & Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Editing: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Music: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Research & Content: Justin Wilcox, CPIM

Guest: Dr. Richard Ham

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S3E2: Beyond the Buzzword - Artificial Intelligence

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 00:39:22 +0000

In this episode, Justin and Marcus continue to demystify supply chain buzzwords. This episode's focus is on Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is all over supply chain literature, but how many organizations are actually using in to enhance their supply chain operations? Is AI aspirational or is there real value to harness now? Is AI too dangerous to use in our supply chains now? Justin and Marcus attempt to sort these question out by interviewing some remarkably knowledgable guests - OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Bard.

For more information on The Strongest Link Supply Chain Podcast, please visit our site: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestrongestlinksc

For more information on Justin & Marcus's upcoming article, please visit the site of Henry Stewart Publications: https://www.henrystewartpublications.com/jscm

To stay up to date on all of Justin & Marcus's supply chain content, follow The Strongest Link Supply Chain Podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-strongest-link-supply-chain-podcast/

AI Body Spray Article: https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/healthcare-beauty-and-baby/lynx-uses-power-of-ai-to-devise-new-scent/670602.article

McKinsey on AI: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-generative-ai

NPR Soundbite (courtesy of NPR): https://www.npr.org/2023/05/28/1178673070/the-godfather-of-ai-sounds-alarm-about-potential-dangers-of-ai

Hosts: Justin Wilcox, CPIM & Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Editing: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Music: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Research & Content: Justin Wilcox, CPIM

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S3E1: Beyond the Buzzword - Digital Transformation

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 20:07:00 +0000

In this kickoff episode to Season 3, Justin and Marcus introduce supply chain buzzwords and how they can become so trendy that they lose their meaning. This episode's buzzword is Digital Transformation. In popular supply chain content and literature, the term Digital Transformation has morphed into a desire to buy the newest, flashiest software available - but Justin and Marcus believe Digital Transformation to be much more process and people focused. This episode also sees Justin and Marcus revisit additive manufacturing from Season 1 through the lens of at-home 3D printers.

For more information on The Strongest Link Supply Chain Podcast, please visit our site: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestrongestlinksc

For more information on Justin & Marcus's upcoming article, please visit the site of Henry Stewart Publications: https://www.henrystewartpublications.com/jscm

Hosts: Justin Wilcox, CPIM & Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Editing: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Music: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Research & Content: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Guest (from Season 1 flashback): Sean Momsen

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S2E2 - Inflation Nation and the Single Potato

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 01:30:59 +0000

In this episode, Marcus and Justin dive into inflation. Whether it's high gas prices or a little less in your grocery cart, inflation has certainly impacted us all. This episode dissects what inflation is, why it happens, how supply chains play a role, and how to do your best to navigate your supply chain through the noise. This episode also marks the return of the supply chain bedtime story - one single potato.

Sources of information for this episode:

Inflation & Crime: https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/inflation-and-incidence-crime-united-states

Inflation & Monetary Policy: https://www.npr.org/2022/06/02/1102575215/supply-chain-issues-and-strong-demand-are-fueling-inflationary-pressures

Causes of Inflation: https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/basics/30-inflation.htm

Gas Price Trends: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/interactive/2022/why-gas-prices-so-high/

Petroleum Exports: https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/oil-and-petroleum-products/imports-and-exports.php

Oil Company Green Investments: https://www.npr.org/2021/06/08/1002448099/big-oils-transition-3-takeaways-on-how-the-industry-is-and-isnt-going-green

Refinery Shortages: https://www.npr.org/2022/06/26/1107265390/refinery-shortage-high-gas-prices-russia

Supply Chain Inflation Takeaways: https://www.accenture.com/us-en/blogs/business-functions-blog/inflation-supply-chain-disruption

For more information on our podcast, please visit our site: https://anchor.fm/thestrongestlinksc

Hosts: Justin Wilcox, CPIM & Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Editing: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Music: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Research & Content: Justin Wilcox, CPIM

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S2E1 - 2 Years Later, It's Still Broken

Thu, 12 May 2022 10:01:50 +0000

We're back for another exciting, informative, and inspiring season of The Strongest Link Supply Chain Podcast!

In this episode, we reflect on how the supply chain has performed and changed in the 2 years since we started this podcast. We also explore the concept of Globalization and how it relates to many of the challenges we face today.

Sources of Information for this Episode:

Upsides/Downsides to Globalization: https://www.omnipresent.com/resources/benefits-and-challenges-of-globalization
Wall Street Journal Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KtTAb9Tl6E

Hosts: Justin Wilcox, CPIM & Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Editing: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Music: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Research & Content: Justin Wilcox, CPIM

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S1E9 - Bottleneck Detectives

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 11:00:00 +0000

We're back! In this episode, we explore the foundational Operations & Supply Chain concept of bottlenecks and the Theory of Constraints. Bottlenecks are everywhere and constantly changing in the global supply chain. We discuss the global semiconductor shortage and how that creates bottlenecks for all sorts of companies. We also examine how bottleneck management and the Theory of Constraints can be applied to nontraditional manufacturing companies as well through the examination of a case study in the logging industry. Our Learning with Leaders section features guest Sean Momsen to discuss rapidly emerging manufacturing technology which allows companies to adapt more quickly in an uncertain environment.

Sources of Information for this Episode:

Suez Canal: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-56559073

Chip Shortage: https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2021-semiconductors-chips-shortage/

Theory of Constraints in Logging: http://www.crojfe.com/archive/volume-41-no-1/applying-theory-of-constraints-to-timber-harvesting-a-case-study-from-the-northeast-usa/

Hosts: Justin Wilcox, CPIM & Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Editing: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Music: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Research & Content: Justin Wilcox, CPIM

Guest: Sean Momsen

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S1E8 - We Certainly Live in an Uncertain World

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 11:00:00 +0000

This episode explores the uncertainty that exists all around us by examining how ethanol manufacturers had to shift on a moment's notice with the onset of the COVID-19 health crisis and how companies will be impacted by Brexit. We discuss the importance of good risk assessment and management and how successful companies thrive in an uncertain world by reducing their reliance on luck and chance. This episode also includes a Learning with Leaders segment where we discuss uncertainty with John Melbye. John shares some practical concepts and methodologies that companies can use to thrive amidst the unknown such as Demand Driven MRP, a new revolution in Materials Requirements Planning.

To learn more about John Melbye and his work with Demand Driven MRP, visit https://www.becomedemanddriven.com.

Sources of Information for this Episode:
Pfizer Vaccine Distribution: https://www.pfizer.com/news/hot-topics/covid_19_vaccine_u_s_distribution_fact_sheet
How Ethanol Suppliers Pivoted During COVID: https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/hand-sanitizer-ethanol-covid-fda-supply-chain-red-river-biorefinery/591411/
The Supply Chain Impact of Brexit: https://www.supplychaindigital.com/supply-chain/analysis-what-impact-will-brexit-have-supply-chain-operations

For more information on our podcast, please visit our site: https://anchor.fm/thestrongestlinksc

Hosts: Justin Wilcox, CPIM & Marcus Bugni, CPIM
Editing: Marcus Bugni, CPIM
Music: Marcus Bugni, CPIM
Research & Content: Justin Wilcox, CPIM
Guest: John Melbye

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S1E7 - The Debate Episode - What Will Supply Chain Look Like in 20 Years?

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 12:30:17 +0000

This week's special episode (in honor of the US Presidential Election) asks our hosts "What will supply chain look like in 20 years" in five topics - food, medical, manufacturing and globalization, distribution, and small business. This fun episode is meant to stimulate discussion around the future, however uncertain.

Please send us your thoughts on what supply chain will look like in 20 years by visiting our Podcast's website at: https://anchor.fm/thestrongestlinksc

Thank you for listening!

Hosts: Justin Wilcox, CPIM & Marcus Bugni, CPIM
Editing: Marcus Bugni, CPIM
Music: Marcus Bugni, CPIM
Research & Content: Justin Wilcox, CPIM

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S1E6 - Tis the Season - Seasonality in Supply Chain

Sat, 31 Oct 2020 23:18:09 +0000

This episode dives into seasonality in supply chain in both demand and supply as well as how some organizations are worried about being overwhelmed and how some are proactively innovating to overcome its impact. We explore how large retailers are feeling unprepared for the holiday rush brought on by the Black Friday shopping season compounded with the ongoing COIVD-19 health crisis. We also learn how grocery retailer Aldi is tackling seasonality head on while reacting to market trends.

Sources for this episode:

Supply Chains During the Holidays and COVID: - https://theloadstar.com/us-retail-supply-chains-may-not-cope-with-a-bumper-holiday-season/
Holiday Shopping Plans During COVID: - https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/retailers-get-ready-survey-shows-covid-19-impact-hasnt-disrupted-consumer-holiday-shopping-plans-301089520.html
MSU Food Distribution Study: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/how_far_did_your_food_travel_to_get_to_you
Food Distribution Energy Analysis: - https://cuesa.org/learn/how-far-does-your-food-travel-get-your-plate

Hosts: Justin Wilcox, CPIM & Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Editing: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Music: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Research & Content: Justin Wilcox, CPIM

Visit our podcast's site: https://anchor.fm/thestrongestlinksc

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S1E5 - A Practical Application of Business Analysis Wizardry

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 01:24:32 +0000

As a follow up to the content discussed in Episode 4, we sit down with Colton Vollmer to discuss a practical, low-budget example of a project that harnesses the power of business intelligence to drive transformational results.

If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review and share it with your friends!

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S1E4 - Data Mining Techniques for Businesses of All Sizes and The Journey to Preemptive Logistics

Sun, 20 Sep 2020 16:33:47 +0000

This episode's focus is on Data Mining and Management Techniques. In our takeaways we explore how small businesses can stay competitive with data and how a new buzzword called “preemptive logistics” could transform the way products are distributed. Data is a huge element of effective supply chain management, yet it is often overlooked or pushed under the rug to deal with tomorrow. This episode demystifies the best practices and lays out a vision for how good data management will impact organizations of the future.

Sources of Information for this Episode:

Why Small Business Can No Longer Ignore Big Data: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2020/05/20/why-small-business-can-no-longer-ignore-big-data/#31c9a5d07639

Small Data Analytics: https://www.supplychainmovement.com/small-data-analytics/

How to Draw Better Insights from Data: https://www.enginess.io/insights/how-to-better-draw-insights-from-data

Ericsson Preemptive Logistics Survey: https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/logistics-ai-data-ship-predictive-preemptive-ericsson/583133/

Hosts: Justin Wilcox, CPIM & Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Editing: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Music: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Research & Content: Justin Wilcox, CPIM

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S1E3 - Unconventional Distribution Channels for Amazon and Drugmakers Race to Stand Up New Supply Chains

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 02:31:06 +0000

This episode's focus is on Distribution Channels. In our takeaways we explore how Amazon is using some unconventional measures to increase capacity in their distribution channels, how drugmakers will need to overcome a multitude of obstacles when designing the supply chains that will eventually deliver a vaccine for COVID-19, and how research suggests that resiliency measures in the distribution channel might be a great investment. This episode also sees the return of the Supply Chain Bedtime Story where a disappointing experience at Home Depot can be linked back to poor distribution channel selection and a poor adaptation to market trends.

Sources of Information for this Episode:

Amazon’s Reliance on Tents to Increase Capacity: https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/amazon-tents-logistics-delivery-footprint/552931/

Amazon’s Sales Increases During COVID: https://www.fool.com/investing/2020/05/05/heres-how-coronavirus-will-impact-amazons-profit-g.aspx

Drugmakers Race to Build New Supply Chains for Vaccines: https://www.wsj.com/articles/drugmakers-race-to-build-covid-19-vaccine-supply-chains-11596101586

Research from Bain & Company Suggests Resilience is a Good Investment: https://www.bain.com/insights/supply-chain-lessons-from-covid-19/

Industries that Millennials are Killing: https://www.businessinsider.com/millennials-are-killing-list-2017-8

Hosts: Justin Wilcox, CPIM & Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Editing: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Music: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Research & Content: Justin Wilcox, CPIM

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S1E2 - Apple and Blackmagic Design Move to Vertical Integration as Intel Falters

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 01:29:42 +0000

This episode discusses the concept of vertical integration and how tech companies Apple and Blackmagic Design are using it to enhance their businesses. These initiatives come at a time when Intel, a fellow tech-giant, has been hitting snags with their latest technology. Every supply chain decision has positive and negative implications though, so we also explore how enhanced vertical integration exposes Blackmagic Design and Apple to additional risk.

Sources of Information for this Episode:

Apple Transition to ARM Macs: https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-gives-macs-brain-transplant-new-arm-chips-starting-this-year-wwdc-2020/

Intel’s 7nm Struggles: https://www.tomshardware.com/news/intel-announces-delay-to-7nm-processors-now-one-year-behind-expectations

Blackmagic's new in-house sensor: https://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/blackmagic-design-ursa-mini-pro-12k-actually-makes-sense/

If you like our podcast, please subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. For more information, visit our site at: https://anchor.fm/thestrongestlinksc

Hosts: Justin Wilcox, CPIM & Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Editing: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Music: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Research & Content: Justin Wilcox, CPIM

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S1E1 - Complexity, Meat Prices, Leading a Tenured Team, and How We Can Help During COVID

Sat, 18 Jul 2020 14:54:46 +0000

Our first episode explores the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on meat prices and supply chain complexity. You'll learn how a few companies are reacting and who is winning during this global situation. We also welcome Josh Bui to the program to learn the trials, tribulations, and triumph of successfully leading a tenured team. Last, we'll learn how we can all help stabilize the supply chain during COVID by carefully monitoring the decisions we make every week at the grocery store.

Sources of Information for this Episode:

SKU Reduction: https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2020/04/30/Mondelez-to-reduce-SKUs-and-innovation-projects-We-are-working-on-making-our-business-simpler

Rising Meat Prices: https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/what-s-skyrocketing-grocery-prices-when-will-it-all-stop-n1208356

Local Meat Processors: https://www.businessinsider.com/business-is-booming-for-small-local-meat-processors-2020-5

Impossible Foods Performance: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/impossible-foods-scales-retail-with-coronavirus-fueled-meat-supply-chain-issues

If you like our podcast, please subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. For more information, visit our site at: https://anchor.fm/thestrongestlinksupplychain

Hosts: Justin Wilcox, CPIM & Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Editing: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Music: Marcus Bugni, CPIM

Research & Content: Justin Wilcox, CPIM

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestrongestlinksc/support