The Predictions Episode

02/05/25 • 21 min

Karl Siebrecht and Ben Dean reflect on the predictions shared by their expert guests throughout the season, focusing on what the future may hold for supply chains over the next three to five years. Organized around three main themes—geopolitics, emerging technologies, and how advancements in technology can enable greater flexibility, precision and efficiency in supply chains—Karl and Ben discuss topics such as nearshoring trends, the impact of automation and data visibility, and how supply chain professionals can better navigate an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Key Topics Discussed

The increasing role of geopolitics, including how trade policies and shifting alliances are influencing nearshoring and global supply chain strategies.
The importance of technology, such as data visibility and orchestration, in building resilient and efficient supply chains.
Predictions around shifting inventory management practices, automation, and flexible contract structures to improve supply chain execution.
The rising focus on disaster recovery planning in response to catastrophic weather events.

Key Topics Discussed

The increasing role of geopolitics, including how trade policies and shifting alliances are influencing nearshoring and global supply chain strategies.
The importance of technology, such as data visibility and orchestration, in building resilient and efficient supply chains.
Predictions around shifting inventory management practices, automation, and flexible contract structures to improve supply chain execution.
The rising focus on disaster recovery planning in response to catastrophic weather events.

Previous Episode

Supply Chain Resilience

Karl Siebrecht and Ben Dean examine supply chain resilience, discussing its critical importance in mitigating risks and driving business value. They are joined by Geraint John, VP of Research at Zero100, who explains the shifting focus on resilience from the pre-COVID era to today, highlighting how enterprises can adopt both defensive and offensive strategies to adapt to disruptions and seize growth opportunities. He also emphasizes the role of technology, talent, and infrastructure in creating agile and resilient supply chains that go beyond risk management to support long-term success.

Key Topics Discussed:

The evolution of supply chain resilience from a cost-center approach to a strategic priority, particularly during and after COVID-19.
Definitions and strategies for resilience on defense (risk mitigation) versus resilience on offense (value creation and growth).
The role of advanced technologies, such as AI, in enabling visibility, monitoring, and simulation to address disruptions proactively.
Insights into ROI for supply chain resilience investments, emphasizing cost avoidance, sales enablement, and superior financial performance indicators.

Additional Resources:

Follow Geraint John on LinkedIn

Next Episode

The Keys to Success for 3PL Warehousing Services

Karl Siebrecht and Ben Dean speak with two seasoned supply chain experts, Bob Spieth and Jeff Sexstone, about the essential factors for success in 3PL warehousing. Bob Spieth, Executive Advisor, Advent International, shares his experiences in growing logistics businesses, emphasizing the importance of people, technology, process management, and disciplined new business practices. Jeff Sexstone, a Partner at Kearney, discusses how shippers can structure and manage 3PL partnerships effectively, highlighting the evolving role of technology, automation, and governance in logistics. Together, they provide a comprehensive look at how 3PL providers and their clients can foster strong, resilient partnerships in a rapidly changing industry.

Key topics discussed:

The four key pillars of 3PL success: people, technology, process management, and disciplined new business execution.
The evolving role of technology in 3PL operations, including automation, visibility tools, and customer-facing digital interfaces.
The importance of structuring strong 3PL contracts and governance models to align incentives and ensure long-term success.
How external factors like inflation, geopolitical disruptions, and changing customer expectations are reshaping 3PL relationships and strategies.