Straight Talk from David Doherty OAM

David Doherty OAM is a past President and Life Member of the SCLAA and a highly regarded logistican. Send your Straight Talk feedback and comments to davidoh1@optusnet.com.au

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rampaging towards general acceptance and use. It offers real opportunities for problem solving and such.

“For a list of all the ways technology has failed to improve the quality of life, please press 3”. (Alice Kahn)

A reported survey a few years back indicated one in five companies used AI in some way. Of course, it is utilised in search engines that we turn to every day.

I am very interested in future development and implementation but am uneasy about some possible effects. (e.g., abolition of some types of jobs currently performed by people; creation of new types of jobs must surely follow)

Machines suffer from the inability to have feelings and influence decisions with human emotional overlay.

Surprisingly AI first came to notice academically way back in 1956. Since then, development has been varied in various fields of endeavor. Now the stage is set for more rapid deployment. Supply Chains will be a significant beneficiary of effectively utilised AI only if properly structured training and education ensues across the business spectrum.

Important not to use “fad” reasons to implement AI. As with all novel approaches there must be a genuine business purpose.

Are you appropriately skilled and enthusiastic enough to effectively exploit AI?

While I am on the subject, I recently read an interesting report on the human brain and confusion. It seems there is still no explanation as to how thoughts and feelings emerge and process in the brain. There is excellent evidence re neurons firing when stimulated or such. However, no explanation on how thoughts actually process.

“It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation” (Herman Melville)

A state of confusion often results in feelings of failure and/or inability to cope. Damaging negative emotions often ensue. On the other hand, a state of confusion can be a real opportunity to learn and solve problems. Viewed in a positive way confusion can challenge you to create improvements and/or solutions.

Can you accept the challenge to change your mindset to learn and create from a state of confusion?

Broken down to the lowest possible denominator, Supply Chains aim to connect buyers and sellers in an effective seamless value generation way. There is a continuing epidemic of complicating supply chains.

Measuring supply chain performance remains an area of “confusion.” We must at last devise and implement appropriate and effective sustainable supply chain performance measures.

How do you measure your supply chain performance? Are you able to contribute to developing enduring generally accepted measures?

“Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake” (Napoleon)

An opinion I noted from an eminent source alleged that success is often considered to result from competition and accumulation (greed). Our business models assume competition is a vital success factor. Many people revere those with accumulated assets/wealth. Is there another way of thinking?

Can genuine contributions to citizenship and community drive performance beyond the traditional business values? Are you up to that challenge?

Young people who live in regional Australia are disadvantaged in the training and education for employment ready outcomes. The system prevents many from getting cost effective access to the necessary qualifications/skills. It is time to reimagine the system to ensure future based training and education is accessible to all those who seek future employment, and ability to contribute to the economy and society. Make it affordable, make it easy to access, , make mentoring mandatory. Financial status must not be a limiting threshold for entry.

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts” (Churchill)

Infrastructure is a constant media grabber. Investments in necessary (not politically inspired) infrastructure projects should future proof our communities. I am confident some of the world’s most used infrastructure (e.g., London Tube Rail) may not have met economic assessment tests at time of initiation. An obsessive vision for future needs and values is critical. Communities demand relevant infrastructure.

Governments must be courageous enough to plan, develop and implement infrastructure projects that benefit todays and tomorrow’s communities.

Covid is resurging. Get vaccinated or get boosted. Also get Influenza Vaccine. Winter is upon us with an increased possibility of infections. Stay safe.

Namaste

David Doherty OAM (davdoh1@optusnet.com.au)

Nominations are now open for the Australian Supply Chain & Logistics Awards. The annual ASCL Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of supply chain & logistics professionals and organisations across Australia, celebrating industry excellence and championing collaboration, innovation, and success.

The ASCLA are the industry’s longest running and most prestigious awards. The SCLAA is proud to have been hosting these awards for the last 20 years and recognising and cheering on individuals and companies that have contributed to the advancement of the Supply Chain and Logistics industry in Australia.

Key Dates

Submissions open: 2nd May 2023

Ticket registrations open: Opening soon

Submissions close: 1st September 2023

Finalists to be announced: 27th September 2023

ASCLA Gala Dinner Awards Night: 10 November 2023

2023 Gold Sponsor

Sponsorship Opportunities

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We are inviting companies and organisations to become part of these prestigious national awards on the 2023 Awards night. Showcase your organisation, strengthen brand awareness to industry leaders and be the Ambassador of Excellence by recognising its highest achievers.

VIEW AWARD CRITERIA Submissions close: 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

SUBMISSIONS

Finalists to be announced: 27 SEPTEMBER 2023

Winners Announced at the ASCL Awards Gala Dinner: 10 NOVEMBER 2023, The Grand Ballroom, Fullerton Hotel Sydney