Author: Johanna Coutinho
Where AI Falls Short: Why Optimization Still Needs Mathematical Muscle
LLMs excel at pattern recognition, probabilistic reasoning, and generating plausible outputs based on past data. However, real-world supply chain optimization involves: Combinatorial Complexity: Scheduling 100 jobs across 10 machines with constraints on timing, capacity, and precedence can create billions of feasible sequences. LLMs cannot search this solution space efficiently or deterministically. Feasibility Checking: A good …
Why Execution Always Varies from the Plan
Why Execution Always Varies from the Plan (and What That Really Means for Manufacturing Systems) Execution always varies from the plan. We know this, we plan for it, and we bake inefficiencies into the planning process to deal with that variability, extended order lead times, safety stock, lower planned machine utilization, overtime, expedited freight, and …
Key takeaways from the Smart Factory Expo
Key Takeaways from the Smart Factory Expo This year’s Smart Factory Expo in Birmingham felt like a turning point. The event was busy, energetic, and packed with ideas, but beneath the noise, a more focused conversation is beginning to take shape in manufacturing. This new undertow, if you like, is less about hype and more …
Taking Control of Cycle Times in Semiconductor Fabrication
Taking Control of Cycle Times in Semiconductor Fabrication Reducing manufacturing and planning cycle times is highly desirable in every industry. In the semiconductor industry, however, given the billions invested in fabrication lines and the backend, cycle time reduction can be enormously beneficial. The semiconductor frontend presents several unique characteristics, including shifting bottlenecks, a high mix …
Transformation Starts at the Top
Transformation Starts at the Top Why Leadership Alignment and Strategic System Choices Matter More Than Ever The concept of digital transformation in manufacturing is now a familiar one. But while the language has settled into industry norms, the execution remains inconsistent, and often, disappointing. Why? Because transformation isn’t driven by tools. It’s driven by alignment. …
Challenges of Electronics and Storage Manufacturing
Challenges of Electronics and Storage Manufacturing Electronics and storage device manufacturers face ongoing operational and supply chain challenges due to internal disruptions, geopolitical events, and socioeconomic issues each day. Below are several key challenges that have significantly impacted their supply chains. Disruptions appear to be the biggest culprit, as events both within and outside the …
Key Takeaways from the Latest Gartner Supply Chain Conference
Key Takeaways from the Latest Gartner Supply Chain Conference True to its tradition, this year’s US Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo also brought together supply chain professionals, technology providers, and analysts from all corners of the world. We all came together at a time when many in the industry are seeking more than just inspiration; they’re …
Unlocking Buildable Schedules: The Case for Smarter Allocation
Unlocking Buildable Schedules: The Case for Smarter Order Allocation In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and supply chain landscape, achieving operational efficiency extends well beyond raw materials and manpower. It begins with one crucial foundation: buildable schedules. However, to reach this point, businesses must first address one of the most complex challenges in planning: order allocation. The …
Embrace Digital Transformation for Lifelong Growth
Embrace Digital Transformation for Lifelong Growth The wheels of progress never come to a screeching halt, so neither should the evolution of your manufacturing processes. Begin embracing a digital transformation and recognize it as the first step in a lifelong journey of growth. It’s easy to think that such calls to action for digital transformations …
Can LLMs Plan Your Supply Chain?
Can LLMs Plan Your Supply Chain? For the past couple of years, we have all been inundated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it is going to change the world as we know it. There’s no doubt it will have an impact, but the real question is, how? When it comes to supply chain planning, …
