The Supply Chain Maestro

Happy to promote and participate at the Manufacturing X.0 Southeast last week.

It gathered over 400 manufacturers, engineers, and IT leaders to advance digital transformation.

Attendees explored successful strategies for converging automation, data, and AI.
They participated in deep-dive sessions and experienced real-world applications through a factory tour.

Glad to promote and participate at the March dinner presentation of the CSCMP South Carolina Roundtable.
The talk title was “AI-Driven Transformation: From Strategy to Real-World Impact.”
The talk featured actionable insights, proven approaches, and recent case studies on inventory optimization and procurement automation.

Glad to promote and participate at another great event for the Upstate SME Chapter. The event featured a valuable tour and presentations by leaders of Carolina Handling. Very impressed with their emphasis on turn-key customer service that features high-technologies such as digital simulation, factory automation, AI, telematics, and lean operations. Made good industry connections with some of the other 70 participants.

Participated in the Modernizing Manufacturing Systems Workshop on August 22 at the Center for Manufacturing Innovation of Greenville Tech.

This workshop was ideal for those wanting to both learn practical applications of Industry 4.0 technologies and to identify the starting point for modernizing their systems and operations.

Another great Summit by SC Competes. . . The Fall Summit in Greenville, SC. They will be showcasing innovations in Logistics, Technology, Aerospace, and Education in SC and beyond. See more Summit details at

SC Competes 2025 Fall Summit - South Carolina Council on Competitiveness Three days in Greenville to mentor, learn, and take action! Our SC Competes Fall Summit is bringing together tech, cyber, aerospace, logistics, and workforce leaders for an action packed agenda focused on AI, automation, energy, education, and economic development. Registration is Open! We are offer...

One of the highlights of an advanced manufacturing conference was Spot.
With Spot on the job, Michelin staff delegates mundane factory inspection tasks which frees up time for their reliability team to proactively plan and execute maintenance.
See more at:
https://bostondynamics.com/case-studies/spot-at-michelin/

Participated at the MX.0 Southeast conference in Greenville. Enjoyed learning more about advanced manufacturing and supply chains. This event offered an opportunity to explore Industry 4.0 applications through insightful presentations from manufacturers and factory tours. See more at https://www.mx0southeast.com/

I’m happy to share that I obtained a certification, an ASCM Authorized Instructor.

By earning this, I have shown dedication to the supply chain industry by delivering high-quality training and education.

Authorized Instructors are often seen as the face of ASCM, providing excellent learning experiences.

These instructors often build professional relationships and mentor their students to help them advance in supply chain management.

Warehouse management: less of a supply chain pain point now with AI.

Applied AI is sometimes confused with generative AI, but its capabilities extend beyond creating content to perform a variety of tasks that require human intelligence, such as optimizing on-floor travel in warehouses.

Scott Mullins of Lucas Systems shares four other ways applied AI has the potential to help warehouses operate more effectively, including robotic process automation for repetitive tasks.
https://www.sdcexec.com/warehousing/ai-ar/article/22914698/lucas-systems-inc-smart-practical-uses-of-applied-ai-in-warehouse-operations

BTW: Maestro says there are seven levels to AI. We are now getting to the first level.

Smart Practical Uses of Applied AI in Warehouse Operations As technology continues to advance, the synergy between human workers and Applied AI promises to redefine the standards of excellence in warehouse operations.

An action shot when I presented for the Greenville CSCMP Chapter. The talk to this tight-knit group of supply chain managers was on
using a strategic procurement model to gain competitive advantage. Good audience questions and comments.
More information here and in the comment below.
https://cscmp.org/CSCMP/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=SCA240625

Labor negotiations at U.S. ports on the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico are causing concern for shippers amid already high costs and longer transit times. With the current contract for 45,000 dockworkers expiring on September 30, the potential for a strike during the critical holiday shopping season could significantly impact supply chains.

U.S. East Coast port union strike threat to test shippers' nerves Labor talks at U.S. ports on the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico are a looming risk for retailers, manufacturers and other shippers already grappling with longer transit times and higher costs.

Ocean freight rates may hit $20,000 with no relief in sight. Spot ocean freight rates from the Far East to the U.S. popped between 36%-41% month over month, and ocean carriers increased additional charges known as general rate increases by roughly 140%. These costs have now taken ...