Apkudo's Podcast
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Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Apkudo's Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Apkudo's Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Apkudo's Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Tech vs. Touch: The Evolution of Cosmetic Grading
Apkudo's Podcast
11/12/24 • 23 min
How does balancing human judgment with robotic precision revolutionize the device grading process in the secondary market?
In this episode, host Allyson Mitchell, VP of Sustainability at Apkudo, and Asa Gismervik, Apkudo’s Director Of Quality Assurance, discuss the challenges associated with cosmetic grading. The reality is that humans don't agree, which means humans and robots won't agree either. Apkudo is deploying a new alignment process to overcome the inherent limitations of subjective grading techniques to achieve greater accuracy.
The conversation takes a deeper dive into this fascinating world of human-machine collaboration, exploring the pivotal role of blind assessments in ensuring unbiased evaluations. Asa shares his insights into the challenges of aligning human and machine interpretations and the dangers of overfitting algorithms to specific datasets. You’ll hear how large sample runs are crucial in fine-tuning algorithms to bridge the gap between manual and automated grading techniques. Ultimately, Apkudo seeks to establish a unified approach to cosmetic grading that harmonizes the efforts of humans, machines, and supply chain partners, paving the way for a more consistent and reliable secondary market for connected devices.
In this episode:
- (00:00) Allyson and Asa discuss the dual aspects of device grading: functional and cosmetic states. Asa explains the impact of grading on resale value and customer satisfaction, highlighting the potential consequences of overgrading and undergrading.
- (09:00) The collaboration between human insight and robotic precision in cosmetic grading. The importance of blind assessments to ensure unbiased results, and the risk of overfitting algorithms and the need for large sample runs to refine these algorithms, with the aim of achieving a standardized approach to grading across the industry.
- (14:00) Tools and guidelines used by human graders and the precision capabilities of machines in assessing device conditions. There is a complementary nature of human judgment and machine accuracy - humans provide intent and context that machines cannot inherently discern.
- (16:30) Asa outlines the risk of overfitting algorithms to specific datasets, how large sample runs are used to refine grading algorithms.
- (19:30) Establishing a standardized cosmetic grading approach, human intent teaching robots in grading process.
- (0:23:00) Future of human-machine collaboration in device grading. Asa is excited about transitioning from customer relationships to partnerships, emphasizing collaborative efforts to improve grading processes. The industry-wide impact and the ongoing efforts to refine grading standards, ultimately aiming for greater alignment and efficiency between humans, machines, and supply chain partners.
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Simplifying Device Recovery: How a Fortune 100 Company Boosted Sustainability and Compliance
Apkudo's Podcast
03/10/25 • 13 min
What simple technology integration nudges employees to return their old devices without disrupting their workflow, and how could it save your company thousands in lost assets?
Join Apkudo’s Allyson Mitchell (VP of Sustainability) as she chats with Mariel Wilding (Sr. Customer Experience Manager) about how a Fortune 100 company enhanced its sustainability initiatives with Apkudo’s Reco software. Learn how they automated employee mobile device recovery and gained access to detailed device circularity insights for the first time. With seamless integration into Omnissa’s Workspace ONE® unified endpoint management platform, they also saw a boost in employee compliance. Discover how this customer simplified a once-complex process into a scalable, repeatable program for sustainable success.
How does Apkudo's innovative UEM tagging system transform recovery rates? Mariel reveals that customizable restrictions encourage device returns without impeding productivity. She explains how the customer evolved from having scattered forgotten devices to implementing real-time fleet visibility. You’ll hear how collaborative problem-solving created features like IT drop-off tracking that now benefit all Apkudo customers. For mobility teams in hybrid environments, this case study shows how proper lifecycle management recovers assets, supports sustainability goals, and generates financial returns through secondary markets.
In this episode:
- (00:00) Introduction and Background: Mariel Wilding shares her experience in customer-facing roles at a manageability services startup before joining Apkudo to support enterprise customers with asset recovery.
- (01:40) Fortune 100 Customer Profile: Mariel details the customer's 35,000 employees with 19,000 globally deployed iOS and Android devices, their security challenges with outdated devices, and how Apkudo's integration with Workspace ONE addressed their automation and visibility needs.
- (05:30) Product Innovation Implementation: Explores how the customer's automation requirements led to development of UEM tagging features and IT drop-off tracking capabilities, creating customizable solutions that nudge employees to return devices and improve recovery compliance.
- (10:30) Sustainability Impact and Expansion: Discusses how Apkudo transformed the customer from merely recycling devices to reselling and tracking sustainability metrics, with plans to expand the program beyond US mobile devices to laptops in Canada and UK operations.
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Mariel Wilding LinkedInApkudo LinkedIn
Apkudo
Apkudo Podcast
04/25/25 • 23 min
What if your sustainability initiative could simultaneously reduce costs, increase asset recovery, and support educational opportunities for underserved communities?
Join Apkudo’s Allyson Mitchell (VP of Sustainability) as she speaks with Ben Jones, Executive Vice President of Enterprise Takeback, about a transformative device recovery program implemented for a major US airline. Ben shares how they helped the airline transition from manual spreadsheets and limited visibility to a comprehensive platform solution that achieved a remarkable 97% asset recovery rate across 110,000+ devices. You’ll hear the surprising details about how innovative approaches like employee purchase programs exceeded expectations with nearly 50% adoption among pilots, while also highlighting the significant environmental benefits of extending device lifecycles.
Ben explains how the airline's global, constantly-moving workforce presented unique challenges that led to creative solutions now benefiting customers across industries. The discussion covers the evolution of electronic flight bags from 35-pound paper manuals to iPads, the implementation of a transparent commercial model, and exciting future developments including remote wipe capabilities and robotics automation. This episode offers valuable insights for IT and mobility professionals managing enterprise device fleets, particularly in hybrid or distributed workforce environments.
In this episode:
- (00:00) Introduction and overview: Allyson Mitchell introduces special guest Ben Jones to discuss airline device recovery.
- (06:13) Commercial model transformation: Implementing a new consignment approach and recover platform to solve the airline's device tracking challenges.
- (09:02) Surprising adoption results: Pilot device buyback rates exceeded expectations, reaching nearly 50% versus the predicted 5%.
- (10:46) Measurable business impact: Impressive metrics include 97% recovery rate across 110,000 devices and $3 million in returned value.
- (14:50) Social impact initiatives: Donation program with Aerospace Center of Excellence helps underprivileged students pursue careers in aviation through device reuse.
- (19:08) Innovation roadmap: Exciting future developments including remote wipe capabilities, robotics automation, and further sustainability enhancements.
- Send us your comments, ideas for future shows, and feedback. Subscribe to catch future episodes, and share this episode with someone who might be interested!
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Ben Jones LinkedInApkudo LinkedIn
Apkudo
Apkudo Podcast
06/05/24 • 24 min
What if you could save money while being sustainable with your tech gadgets?
Tim Esteb, Director of Customer Success at Apkudo, joins Apkudo’s VP of Sustainability, Allyson Mitchell, to unravel the untapped potential of employee purchase programs for connected devices. From their inception in 2017, these programs have transformed the management of remotely connected devices, gaining even more significance during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, we dive into the many perks for both employees and businesses, including affordable device access for employees and impressive reductions in device breakage and repair costs. This episode also explores how employee purchase programs promote sustainability—by extending device lifecycles, contributing to the circular economy.
Tim and Allyson also discuss how companies can customize these programs to meet the varied needs of their workforce.
In this episode:
- Covid and the impact on devices
- Employee purchase programs - what are the benefits?
- Breakage and other issues are reduced or improved with web-based, employee-purchased devices
- Remote notifications, meeting employees “where they are”
- Cost savings, carbon reduction, reducing logistics strain
- Rolling out a program, data sources
- Advice for rolling out a program for your organization
- Frequently asked questions answered
Tune in for an insightful episode on how to harness the full potential of employee purchase programs for your enterprise.
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From Waste to Worth: What's Next for Connected Devices
Apkudo's Podcast
07/23/24 • 30 min
Consumer demand for sustainable products is at an all-time high, with 77% favoring eco-friendly options. In this episode, host Allyson Mitchell welcomes guest Tony Altmann, Leader of Circular Innovation at Apkudo. Allyson and Tony explore the critical role of circularity in the connected device industry and share how Apkudo delivers a sustainable solution for connected devices that benefits our customers and advances the entire industry.
In the episode, you'll learn how Apkudo's innovative AI-driven platform optimizes reverse logistics processes and, in turn, helps tech giants meet their ambitious sustainability targets. The conversation delves into the complexities of impact reporting, shedding light on the diverse challenges companies face in different industries while striving to measure and report their environmental footprints accurately.
The electronics and technology industry stands at a pivotal juncture, with significant advancements and challenges in achieving true device circularity. From evolving carbon emission calculations to avoiding massive CO2 emissions and e-waste, Allyson and Tony analyze the environmental impacts and hurdles that lie ahead. Tony also addresses the persistent barriers, such as linear device supply chains and reverse logistics challenges, emphasizing the importance of technology, automation, and AI in driving circular transformation. Tune in to learn about Apkudo's transformative solutions and approach that makes circularity possible for businesses and consumers alike.
In this episode:
- Sustainability vs. circularity: what's the difference?
- Linear vs. circular economy
- The hierarchy of the circular economy
- Global focus on refurbished devices, ESG goals, UN initiatives
- The CPO effect (Certified Pre-Owned), Apple’s refurbished program
- 8 ways the circular economy outperforms linear business models
- Unique tech, AI, and data driving the industry
- Apkudo's 2023 Impact Report
- Industry challenges going forward
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06/20/24 • 36 min
Allyson Mitchell and Chad Gottesman, President of Apkudo, explore how effectively leveraging data in the connected device supply chain can help you gain a data advantage and propel your business forward.
Chad and Allyson discuss a case study demonstrating how machine learning and predictive modeling can drastically reduce device theft, translating into substantial annual savings. The conversation delves into integrating fragmented internal data with external market insights to optimize device lifecycle management, sustainability, and operational efficiency. In this episode, you’ll learn about the importance of trust in the secondary market, the role of consistent cosmetic grading facilitated by AI, and the need for robust data strategies. You'll also hear practical advice from Chad Gottesman on how assessing and improving data capabilities, ensuring data security, and breaking down data silos underscores the potential of advanced analytics to drive growth and innovation in the connected device industry.
In this episode:
- The rise of data in the connected device industry and AI
- Case study on reverse logistics and loss prevention, and the importance of data-driven decision-making in the connected device supply chain
- Leveraging internal and external data for sustainability and efficiency
- Four stages of Apkudo's data maturity model
- Unleashing the power of AI for data and cosmetic grading
- Robotics and AI deliver consistent grading and high-quality data, resulting in better trust in the secondary market
- Connected device supply chain data management includes understanding sources, combining data, securing it, and intercompany sharing
- Frequently asked questions answered
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09/06/24 • 38 min
Grant Cushny, Senior Director of Technical Delivery Management at Apkudo, takes us through his remarkable journey across continents and industries.
In this episode:
0:00 Introduction and background Grant Cushny
1:09 Grant Cushny on the Connected Device Ecosystem
4:41 Significance of Q4 and Industry Impact of New Device Launches
10:36 Collaboration and Role of Returns Processors in Launches
17:10 Operating System Updates and Deviation Monitoring
23:38 Proactive Approaches and Calibration for New Devices
29:03 Key Takeaways and Common Oversights in Device Launches
32:35 The Role of Automation in Quality Assurance
37:23 Closing Remarks and Looking Ahead Subscribe, like, and send us your comments and ideas for future episodes!
Resources:
Apkudo Website
The Network Effect: A Customer Story of Transformation
Apkudo's Podcast
10/07/24 • 28 min
In this episode, host Allyson Mitchell, VP of Sustainability at Apkudo, dives into a compelling customer story with guest Manoj Sabhnani, the COO of Apkudo. The conversation explores the transformation of connected devices, highlighting Apkudo's innovative automated device testing solutions that simulate real-world scenarios to preemptively address issues, thereby reducing costly returns and enhancing customer satisfaction. During their discussion, Allyson and Manoj share how solving one customer’s initial challenge sparked interest from other internal stakeholders, which, in turn, expanded into a multi-faceted partnership that transformed their entire connected device operations.
Manoj emphasizes the importance of adapting to technological advancements, particularly the transition from LTE to 5G, and the rise of IoT in reshaping the industry. He underscores the significance of AI-powered analytics in revolutionizing operations and improving efficiency for carriers and third-party logistics providers. The episode concludes with a discussion on the evolving landscape of wireless technology and the growing importance of connected devices in everyday life, reflecting Manoj's forward-thinking views on the future of technology.
In this episode:
- (00:00) COO Manoj Sabhnani and his 25-year career in the industry, how his role at Apkudo has evolved
- (04:26) How Apkudo has changed through the years, and a transformative customer collaboration with a US-based carrier, industry evolution, app-driven user experiences, challenges for carriers and OEMs, Apkudo's automated testing solution
- (10:22) Expanding the customer partnership to improve device testing, reduce returns, and build trust for ongoing collaboration
- (16:26) Transforming operations, cloud-based AI analytics transformed manual operations, providing real-time visibility, automation
- (19:58) Growth for carriers and third-party logistics providers, scaling and transforming solutions
- (26:25) Manoj emphasizes adaptability and proactive customer relationships for success.
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Reshaping the Connected Device Economy
Apkudo's Podcast
04/11/25 • 34 min
"There's a huge opportunity to reclaim scarce resources through urban mining of what's inside these phones, tablets, laptops. We have to move away from the linear consumption model - take, make, waste - that we've had for 250 years." - Tony Altmann, Head of Circular Innovation at Apkudo
Join Apkudo’s Allyson Mitchell (VP of Sustainability) as she speaks with Tony Altmann, Head of Circular Innovation at Apkudo, about transforming the connected device industry through circular economy principles. Tony explains how Apkudo's platform helps customers across the supply chain—from OEMs and carriers to device processors and enterprises—recapture value while reducing environmental impact. With 82 million metric tons of e-waste projected by 2030 and five billion unused phones sitting in drawers worldwide, the conversation highlights the urgent need for improved recovery systems and the $8 billion in gold alone that could be reclaimed through proper urban mining.
Tony shares insights from Apkudo's 2024 Impact Report, revealing how the company processed 16 million devices last year—preventing 6,100 tons of e-waste, avoiding 1.1 million tons of CO2 emissions, and reclaiming approximately $23 million worth of gold. The discussion explores how sustainability challenges including data availability, trust, and communication are being addressed through Apkudo's analytics platform. For businesses across climate, energy, and technology sectors, the episode offers valuable perspectives on how companies can align environmental goals with financial performance while creating competitive advantage through circular innovation.
In this episode:
- (00:00) Introduction and Background: Tony Altmann shares his financial expertise in renewable energy, explaining how sustainability must make business sense for CFOs to drive real change.
- (04:30) E-Waste Challenges and Opportunities: Discussion of urban mining potential, recovering $8B in gold from unused devices, and the geopolitical importance of reclaiming rare earth minerals.
- (06:13) Industry Ecosystem Solutions: How carriers, OEMs, processors, and enterprises can collaborate to extend device lifecycles and improve circularity across the value chain.
- (13:18) Overcoming Sustainability Barriers: Tony outlines three key challenges—data availability, trust in metrics, and effective communication—that companies must address for progress.
- (26:49) Impact Results and Future Direction: Apkudo's 2024 report highlights processing 16M devices, preventing 6,100 tons of e-waste, and avoiding 1.1M tons of CO2 emissions.
- Send us your comments, ideas for future shows, and feedback. Subscribe to catch future episodes, and share this episode with someone who might be interested!
Resources:
Tony Altmann LinkedInApkudo LinkedIn
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Apkudo Podcast
Behind the Scenes: How Quality Managers Shape the Mobile Experience with Device Intelligence
Apkudo's Podcast
03/28/25 • 30 min
How are leading companies transforming quality management from a cost center into a strategic advantage?
Join Apkudo’s Allyson Mitchell (VP of Sustainability) as she welcomes Manoj Sabhnani, Chief Operating Officer at Apkudo. With over 25 years in the wireless industry, Manoj illuminates the critical role quality managers play in determining a device's fate between its first and second life. With experience spanning carriers, OEMs, and infrastructure development, he explains how quality management directly impacts customer satisfaction, return rates, and ultimately, profitability. Manoj emphasizes that while quality departments are often viewed as cost centers, their work translates to measurable ROI through reduced returns and logistics costs.
Discover how quality managers navigate complex challenges including disconnected data systems, manual processes, and cross-stakeholder collaboration. Manoj details how Apkudo's Device Intelligence platform has revolutionized quality management through real-time dashboards, predictive analytics, and seamless collaboration features that save quality managers up to 20% of their time. The conversation highlights the sustainability implications of quality improvements and how reducing "bounce rates" for refurbished devices delivers millions in savings while decreasing environmental impact. This episode offers valuable insights for professionals across the connected device ecosystem seeking to optimize operations and lead in sustainable device management.
In this episode:
- (00:00) Introduction and Background: Manoj Sabhnani brings over 25 years of wireless industry experience to Apkudo, working across carriers, OEMs, and infrastructure to understand quality management challenges from multiple perspectives.
- (05:03) Key Quality Processes and Challenges: Critical processes quality managers oversee including first article inspection, early warning processes, and device triage, while managing disconnected systems and manual data collection.
- (10:15) Daily Operations and Collaboration: Manoj details a typical day for quality managers, highlighting their work with multiple stakeholders, data management responsibilities, and the need to take timely action on quality insights.
- (15:35) Quality ROI and Business Impact: How quality teams demonstrate ROI through reduced returns, decreased logistics costs, and improved sustainability metrics, translating into millions in annual savings.
- (24:01) Technology Solutions and Future Innovations: Apkudo’s Device Intelligence platform integrates disparate systems with real-time dashboards and cross-stakeholder collaboration, plus upcoming innovations in predictive analytics and sustainability metrics.
- Send us your comments, ideas for future shows, and feedback. Subscribe to catch future episodes, and share this episode with someone who might be interested!
Resources:
Manoj Sabhnani LinkedInApkudo LinkedIn
Apkudo
Apkudo Podcast
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FAQ
How many episodes does Apkudo's Podcast have?
Apkudo's Podcast currently has 11 episodes available.
What topics does Apkudo's Podcast cover?
The podcast is about Entrepreneurship, Podcasts, Technology and Business.
What is the most popular episode on Apkudo's Podcast?
The episode title 'A Winning Strategy: Employee Purchase Programs for Corporate-Owned Devices' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Apkudo's Podcast?
The average episode length on Apkudo's Podcast is 28 minutes.
How often are episodes of Apkudo's Podcast released?
Episodes of Apkudo's Podcast are typically released every 31 days, 5 hours.
When was the first episode of Apkudo's Podcast?
The first episode of Apkudo's Podcast was released on Jun 5, 2024.
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