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Supply chain expert and MIT Professor Yossi Sheffi offered insights on the impact of the recent disruptions at Stop & Shop, suggesting that recovery could be swift if the company can restore its systems safely. Read more to see what he had to say about the situation.

Professor Yossi Sheffi reminds us that technology does eliminate some jobs, but not all; it actually creates more opportunities. In this article by Brian Straight from Supply Chain Management Review, Sheffi is cited as providing examples of how embracing technology can lead to a future filled with new possibilities rather than merely fearing job loss.

In a revealing quote, Professor Yossi Sheffi emphasizes the importance of preparedness in today’s supply chains, stating, “People are prepared. Any company that did not invest in supply chain disruptions is not around.” This insight underscores how the banana industry—and businesses at large—have learned from past challenges, including the pandemic and global crises.

Professor Yossi Sheffi discussed the potential effects of automation on the workforce, particularly for dockworkers, in an interview with Associated Press reporter Cathy Bussewitz. The director of the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics remarked, “You cannot bet against the march of technology,” in response to the massive strike by US dock workers in early October, 2024.

Supply chain influencers are key figures in the modern industry, shaping the future of logistics and operations management. These experts – often seasoned professionals and consultants – provide crucial insights into tackling challenges like sustainability, digitalization, and resilience. 

Professor Sheffi breaks down supply chain resilience into five levels and argues that supply chain managers were unsung heroes during the pandemic. He also touches on balancing resilience with sustainability, pointing out that while essential, both can introduce short-term costs and competitive imbalances. The director of the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics underscores the delicate balance companies must strike between cost management and maintaining multiple suppliers for risk mitigation.

Listen to Money Tree Investing’s insightful discussion with Professor Sheffi about the disruptions in supply chains during the pandemic. The conversation explored the root causes of these challenges and examined strategies for building resilience. The episode highlighted the impacts on global economies and various industries, providing valuable insights for navigating future supply chain issues.

This article is based on the latest episode of the Beyond the Box podcast. It explains what AI could mean for supply chains and logistics. What are AI’s capabilities? Where are the limitations? And how could it capitalize on human expertise?

Today, businesses of all sizes must deliver to their customers against a backdrop of supply chain disruptions, with technological changes, shifting labor pools, geopolitics, and climate change adding new complexity and risk at a global scale. To succeed, they need to build resilient supply chains: fully digital operations that prioritize customers and their needs while establishing a fast, reliable, and sustainable delivery network.

Understanding the differing recycling and sustainability viewpoints of baby boomers and Generations X, Y, and Z.