What sweet treat started as banana flavored, moved to vanilla because of a World War II supply chain disruption, and contains an ingredient also found in rocket fuel? It’s the Twinkie!
In this edition of This Week in Business History, Kelly Barner tells the story of the Twinkie from the heart of the Depression, through two bankruptcies, and to a race to push the limits of artificial ingredients and shelf life. She will dispel some popular urban myths and share facts that are stranger than any of the fictions you thought were true!
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Innovation and disruption are constants in the supply chain game. In this episode, hosts Scott W. Luton and Kevin L. Jackson, alongside special guests Greg Buzek from IHL Group and Vignesh Balasubramanian from Microsoft, dive deep into the pivotal role of generative AI in revolutionizing supply chain management. Understand the significant inefficiencies in current transportation logistics, with over 50% of trucks less than half full, and how AI can turn this challenge into a substantial efficiency gain. Our experts share real-world applications from Microsoft, highlighting AI’s role in enhancing planning and forecasting capabilities, adapting to changing data, and optimizing logistics to cut costs and improve delivery times. Vignesh’s personal anecdotes from the COVID-19 pandemic illustrate the importance of preparedness and strategic adaptation in the face of geopolitical and weather-related disruptions. Looking toward the future, we discuss strategies like nearshoring, the lasting impact of supply chain disruptions on inflation and consumer experiences, and the critical importance of maintaining clean and ready data for AI optimization. Gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and a compelling call to action to embrace AI-driven innovations to stay competitive in today’s volatile market.
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How AI and Machine Learning Elevate Operations in Transportation & Logistics
Discover how AI and machine learning are revolutionizing the transportation and logistics industry with practical insights, real-world examples, and expert advice from top industry leaders. In this episode, host Scott W. Luton discusses the impact of AI and machine learning on transportation and logistics with Andersen Yu, Director of Solutions Engineering and Architecture at Front, Ricky Gonzalez, CEO at Hubtek, and Walter Mitchell, CEO at Tai Software. Listeners will learn about the gradual adoption of AI tools in logistics, critical considerations for seamless integration, and the essential role of human involvement in AI processes. The discussion also tackles common risks, emphasizes the importance of KPIs for tracking effectiveness, and explores how AI can be used for internal and external operational efficiencies. Tune in to gain actionable insights that will help you leverage AI to enhance your supply chain operations.