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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. 

In this podcast episode, Professor Sheffi draws on insights from over 100 executive interviews to explore the intersection of sustainability and business. He discusses the generational shift toward environmental awareness, the evolving role of sustainability in supply chains, and the pressures faced by third-party logistics (3PLs) in the age of e-commerce giants. The conversation also touches on the impact of branding and price premiums, offering a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities businesses face in balancing profits with planet-friendly practices.

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.

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?

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

Remember the "retail apocalypse" predictions of 2017? Brick-and-mortar stores were supposed to become relics of the past. Well, those predictions were wrong.

In this episode, Professor Sheffi dives deep into the evolving role of AI and automation in reshaping supply chains, the growing complexity of global logistics, and the future of work in an AI-driven economy. He explores how businesses can adapt to these changes, the skills required for the workforce of tomorrow, and the increasing importance of sustainability in shaping supply chain strategies. Listen to the full episode to gain valuable insights into how emerging technologies are transforming supply chains and what the future holds for this vital industry.

The future of employment amid the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and automation presents a landscape of transformation and opportunity. This was the central theme in a recent thought-provoking talk provided by MIT Professor Yossi Sheffi at THE LOGISTICS WORLD SUMMIT & EXPO 2024. Sheffi discussed the historical perspective on technology, emphasizing that while certain jobs may become obsolete, others will emerge, demanding new skill sets and training.

Although the term "supply chain" is relatively modern, the activities it encompasses have been around for much longer than we might realize. In this discussion, Rob and Jackie sit down with Professor Yossi Sheffi, Director of the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics, to explore the rich history of supply chains. They also delve into how emerging technologies and AI are set to transform supply chain operations moving forward.