The original entry was revised and extended for publication in Foresight: The International Journal of Applied Linguistics (Q2 2024). The paper can be downloaded at the top of the page, directly under the author's name.

In a recent dialogue, Conor Doherty of Lokad conversed with Joannes Vermorel and Rinat Abdullin about generative AI’s impact on supply chains. Vermorel, Lokad’s CEO, and Abdullin, a technical consultant, discussed the evolution from time series forecasting to leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. They explored LLMs’ potential to automate tasks, enhance productivity, and assist in data analysis without displacing jobs. While Vermorel remained cautious about LLMs in planning, both acknowledged their utility in composing solutions. The interview underscored the transformative role of AI in supply chain management and the importance of integrating LLMs with specialized tools.

For further information on the topics covered in the video, consult Lokad's technology page
https://www.lokad.com/technology/

For Lokad's detailed analysis of the practice, see https://www.lokad.com/abc-xyz-analysis-inventory/

Effective MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) requires meticulous management of up to several million parts per plane, where any unavailability can result in costly aircraft-on-ground (AOG) events. Traditional solutions to manage this complexity involve implementing safety stock formulas or maintaining excessive inventory, both of which have limitations and can be financially untenable. Lokad, through a probabilistic forecasting approach, focuses on forecasting the failure or repair needs of every individual part across the fleet and assessing the immediate and downstream financial impact of potential AOG events. This approach can even lead to seemingly counter-intuitive decisions, such as not stocking certain parts and instead paying a premium during actual need, which may, paradoxically, be more cost-effective than maintaining surplus inventory. Furthermore, Lokad’s approach automates these decision-making processes, reducing squandered time and bandwidth and increasing operational efficiency.

A free public tutorial on how to use Envision (Lokad's DSL) to analyze retail suppliers.

Does the AI use a time series? Lol

Hopefully, the final nail in the coffin. We've already covered ABC (and ABC XYZ) in print and video, so we consider this matter put to rest!

Print:
https://www.lokad.com/abc-analysis-(inventory)-definition
https://www.lokad.com/abc-xyz-analysis-inventory

Video:
https://tv.lokad.com/journal/2018/9/12/abc-analysis/
https://tv.lokad.com/journal/2023/6/14/analyzing-abc-xyz/

In this interview recorded onsite at a Celio store in Rosny-sous-Bois, Joannes Vermorel and David Teboul (Managing Director of Operations at Celio) discuss the resurgence of Celio following the challenges of 2020-2021. David highlights the importance of a "normal" customer-focused approach in transforming the brand. Lokad supported this transformation by assisting in optimizing the supply chain to better cater to a diverse range of stores and offers. Despite increasing complexity and the rise of online commerce, David emphasizes the need for agility and the critical role of physical stores for Celio, while striving to understand and meet customer needs through various touchpoints.

An enlightening chat on the future of aviation supply chain, shot within Air France's own engine repair facilities.

A remarkably well-illustrated dissertation on an under-studied topic. Very approachable, even for non-specialists.

A short summary of the second lecture in Joannes Vermorel's series on Quantitative Supply Chain. This constitutes a solid overview of his overarching supply chain vision.

A short summary of the first lecture in Joannes Vermorel's series on Quantitative Supply Chain.