Episode description

Hello, visibility enthusiasts! Welcome to the Beyond Visibility Lounge, the podcast that explores the seen and unseen world of the supply chain, logistics, transportation, and traceability. Join your hosts, Iliriana Kacaniku and Ron Volpe, as they explore how collaboration and openness among supply chain leaders drive innovation and visibility. For this purpose, they host Ben Bellamy, founder of The Visibility Council, an innovation studio created for and by supply chain professionals. It serves as a community for industry leaders and supply chain executives to collaborate and drive the next generation of digital supply chain operations. 

Ben explores the vital role of collaboration within the supply chain ecosystem, shining a spotlight on The Visibility Council's pivotal contribution to fostering such collaborations. He emphasizes the dual importance of sharing best practices and engaging in collaborative projects as fundamental catalysts for innovation within the industry. Through vivid examples, Ben illustrates the tangible outcomes and successes stemming from the Council's collaborative endeavors. Looking ahead, Ben shares insightful perspectives on the evolving landscape of supply chain visibility, delving into emerging threats like cybercrime and the promising potential of developing modular and agile supply chains. The conversation delves into the concept of constructing organizations and technological systems akin to assembling Lego blocks, highlighting the essential qualities of modularity and adaptability. Wrapping up on an optimistic note, the discussion underscores the immense value of nurturing an ecosystem teeming with incremental innovations, laying the groundwork for more resilient and responsive supply chains in future.

Beyond Visibility Lounge is produced by the Open Solve Studio, in collaboration with TraceChain. 

Takeaways:

• Collaboration is key in driving innovation and solving common challenges in the supply chain ecosystem.

• Visibility in supply chains is about having an understanding of where products and components are and where they're needed.

• Openness and empathy are crucial in fostering collaboration and overcoming the language and customization barriers in supply chain.

• Successful collaborations require a neutral environment, an understanding of the Chatham House Rule, and the right people on board.

• The future of supply chain visibility lies in data security, modular and agile supply chains, and compliance with sustainability regulations. Building organizations and tech systems with a Lego approach allows for modularity and adaptability.

• Slimming down to the strategic core and outsourcing non-strategic functions can lead to more efficient operations.

• Modularity in supply chain practices, such as as-a-service technology, enables flexibility and scalability.

• Cultivating an ecosystem of incremental innovations promotes continuous improvement and avoids the need for radical innovations.

Chapters:

00:00 Ben Bellamy's Personal Journey and Inspiration for Visibility Council

05:16 Defining Visibility in Supply Chains

06:34 Fostering Collaboration in the Supply Chain Ecosystem

08:54 Best Practice Sharing and Collaborative Projects

11:37 Successful Collaboration and Outcomes

16:18 Sustaining Collaboration and Consistency

17:48 Working with Logistics Technology Providers

20:00 Cultivating Openness and Empathy in Supply Chain

21:17 The Language Barrier in Supply Chain

22:46 Lessons for Future Open Ecosystems and Innovation

28:50 Designing End-to-End Supply Chains and Rethinking Investments

35:11 Lessons for Inspiring Open Ecosystems and Innovation

38:42 The Role of Government in Driving Visibility

45:18 The Risks and Opportunities of Supply Chain Visibility

52:40 Building Organizations and Tech Systems with a Lego Approach

53:38 Slimming Down to the Strategic Core

54:07 Modularity in Supply Chain Practices

55:09 Cultivating an Ecosystem of Incremental Innovations