In this episode of More Than a Broker, three members of Spot’s Red Technologies team sat down to discuss the integration of AI in logistics, focusing on its definitions, importance, and the journey of implementation at Spot.
Director of Red Technologies Ben Garvin led a conversation with Alex Johnson, Director of Development Operations, and Tyler Hampton, Director of Data Science and Engineering, that focused on the significance of intelligent automation, the workforce skills gap, and the evolving nature of jobs driven by AI. They share insights on successful case studies, common pitfalls in AI adoption, and the future roadmap for AI innovations at Spot, highlighting the collaborative culture that drives their technological advancements.
About Red Technologies
Red Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of Spot, was founded by Andy Schenck and Andrew Elsener in 2019. Through their experience in the 3PL space and building a network of close relationships with carriers and shippers, Andy and Andrew realized that having the right technology in place would increase efficiency and streamline communication for their customers and their customers’ operations. Rather than implementing an out-of-the-box solution, they developed proprietary software, MySpot, a transportation management system (TMS) that provides complete visibility into customers’ supply chain operations.
Reasons to Listen
- AI is about building systems that can understand and act on information.
- Intelligent automation is crucial for enhancing business processes.
- AI will not replace jobs but will change how they are performed.
- Developers must maintain a holistic understanding of their work despite AI tools.
- A single source of truth for data is essential for effective AI implementation.
- Focusing on one problem at a time leads to better AI solutions.
- AI can significantly improve customer service and operational efficiency.
- Collaboration between tech and business teams is vital for successful AI projects.
- The future of AI at Spot includes innovations in customer support and pricing models.
- Continuous feedback from users is essential for refining AI tools.
In this episode of ‘More Than a Broker’, Spot Co-Founder Andrew Elsener is joined by Dr. Zac Rogers, PhD., Associate Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at Colorado State University, for a discussion on the evolution of supply chain education, the significance of the Logistics Managed Index (LMI), and the impact of economic indicators on transportation and logistics.
The conversation examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on supply chains, the implications of tariffs on the market, and the ever-changing dynamics of retail peak seasons.
The pair also touches on the future of reshoring and nearshoring, the importance of data and analytics in logistics, and conclude with insights on the logistics industry’s future.
About Dr. Zac Rogers
Dr. Zac Rogers is an Associate Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at Colorado State University. His primary research interests include the financial impact of supply chain sustainability, emerging logistics technologies, supply chain cybersecurity, and various other emerging issues in purchasing and logistics.
Dr. Rogers’ work has appeared in multiple academic journals, corporate white papers, trade publications, and conference proceedings. He is also a frequent speaker at both academic and practitioner-oriented conferences. Dr. Rogers earned his B.S. and M.B.A. degrees at the University of Nevada, Reno, and his PhD in supply chain management from Arizona State University. Before returning to academia, Dr. Rogers worked as a purchasing agent for a large hotel and resort, and as an operations manager for Quidsi, a subsidiary of Amazon.
Reasons to Listen
- Supply chain education is still a relatively new field.
- The Logistics Managed Index (LMI) predicts economic activity through transportation metrics.
- COVID-19 caused unprecedented changes in supply chain dynamics.
- Tariffs have a significant impact on supply chain costs and strategies.
- Retailers are experiencing a bifurcated peak season due to inventory management.
- Reshoring and nearshoring are becoming more prevalent in supply chain strategies.
- Data and analytics are crucial for optimizing logistics operations.
- The logistics industry is evolving rapidly, requiring constant adaptation.
- Understanding economic indicators can help predict market trends.
- Collaboration and innovation are key to navigating supply chain challenges.
Spot, a leading third-party logistics provider, today announced the launch of its new podcast, “More Than a Broker,” hosted by Spot Co-founder, Andrew Elsener. The podcast features interviews with industry experts and explores the latest trends and challenges in the freight transportation industry.
“We believe that More Than a Broker will provide a wealth of information for anyone who wants to learn more about the logistics industry,” said Elsener. “We’re thrilled to share our insights and expertise with the community, and we hope this podcast will help people make better decisions about their logistics needs.”
The inaugural episode features interviews with Spot-dedicated logistics professionals on topics facing the industry, like double brokering, how AI impacts the industry, and the future of the logistics marketplace. Future episodes will feature interviews with a wide range of thought leaders and will explore topics such as the future of the supply chain, the impact of technology on freight transportation, and the challenges facing the industry.
“The logistics marketplace is a rapidly evolving space, and Spot is committed to being at the forefront of innovation,” said Elsener. “Our podcast is a great way to learn more about the latest trends in logistics and how Spot is helping businesses succeed.”
The More Than a Broker podcast is available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major podcast platforms.
test