Inna Kuznetsova, the CEO of ToolsGroup, is a seasoned leader in the realm of AI-powered solutions for supply chain management. With a career dedicated to integrating technology and innovation into the supply chain, Inna oversees ToolsGroup's cutting-edge solutions utilized by retailers, manufacturers, and distributors globally. Her impressive track record includes prior roles as the CEO of 1010data and key positions at INTTRA, CEVA Logistics, and IBM. As an independent director, Inna contributes her expertise to the board of Freightos, a publicly traded SaaS marketplace platform. A distinguished mathematician with MS and Ph.D. degrees from Moscow State University and an MBA from Columbia Business School, Inna is also a recognized author and speaker, having received the Women in Supply Chain Award for three consecutive years.
SHOW SUMMARY
In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya interview Inna Kuznetsova, CEO of Tools Group, about the role of AI in demand planning and supply chain management. Inna shares her insights on how AI can improve demand forecasting, optimize inventory management, and enhance pricing and markdown strategies. She emphasizes the importance of leveraging data and implementing dynamic planning to navigate the complexities of today's supply chain landscape. Inna also discusses the challenges and opportunities for e-commerce brands in diversifying their sales channels and managing returns effectively.
HIGHLIGHTS
[00:00:00] Introduction to the podcast and guest's background
[00:03:12] The impactful moments and philosophies in the guest's career
[00:09:02] The role of AI in demand planning and supply chain
[00:13:10] The use of probabilistic models in demand forecasting
[00:14:19] The advantages of using artificial intelligence in forecasting and managing inventory
[00:18:20] The role of AI in reducing the bullwhip effect during disruptions like COVID-19
[00:23:48] The role of AI in allocation planning and optimizing inventory distribution
[00:25:05] Case study example of allocation planning for a retailer in a resort area
[00:27:33] The benefits of fulfilling orders from stores and intelligent optimization of markdowns
[00:31:24] Importance of dynamic fulfillment and holistic approach to e-commerce
[00:40:43] The proliferation of shipping from store and its advantages/disadvantages
[00:43:29] Rethinking shipment strategies and returns
[00:44:17] Managing returns and decision-making
[00:46:20] Implementing digital twin for intelligent returns
QUOTES
[00:11:44] "The reason why I was so attracted to ToolsGroup, why I left my previous role to jump into this current journey was because ToolsGroup was a pioneer in using machine learning in demand forecasting, which they started doing 15 years ago."
[00:18:20] "With the help of machine learning, you can fulfill better from the stores. It's not just fulfillment from the warehouse. It'd be much more efficient fulfilling from a store where that item may be marked down by 50 percent tomorrow, even if it costs you a little bit more in shipping."
[00:43:29] "Moving from static planning to dynamic planning and then to navigation through the supply chain is the future trend I'm most excited about. It will minimize the amount of unproductive work made by human beings and allow them to focus on more strategic discussions."
Find out more about Inna Kuznetsova in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ikuznetsova/
How to Offer Optionality and Set Proper Customer Exectations with Patrick Nikoletich and Nima Elyassi-Rad
How to Boost Top Line and Address Bottom Line By Streamlining Supply Chain Operations with Prashant Shah
How to Transform Supply Chain and Logistics Through Technology with William O’Donnell
How to Build Partnerships and Ecosystems at a Global Scale with Supriya Iyer
How to Develop Packaging Operations for Maximum Effectiveness with Alicemarie Geoffrion
How to Expand and Utilize Your Perspective in Retail with Melissa Minkow
How to Lead Innovation Initiatives, Collaborative Partnerships and Workforce Development in Supply Chain with Stephanie Cannon
How eCom Shippers Can Leverage Regional Carriers for Superior and Affordable Delivery with Ben Emmrich
How To Handle Supply Chain and Logistics Masterfully with Sandra MacQuillan
How To Transition to Sustainable Fleet Operations Using Data and Logistics with Essa Al-Saleh
How To Manage Your Business’ Scalability During Peak Season with Mike Simpson
How to Build Collaborative Partnerships for Midmarket Supply Chains with Sarah Scudder
How to Reframe 3PL Using a Customer-First Mindset with Dusty Holcomb
How to Focus on Building A Great Product with Maia Benson
How to Execute Same-Day Delivery by Prioritizing Top SKUs in MFCs with Steven Ciemcioch
How to Disrupt Fulfillment Using Sustainable Initiatives with George Wojciechowski
How to Grow Hyperlocal Delivery Into a National Service with Alok Ahuja
How to Revamp eCommerce Fulfillment Through Partnerships with Brittain Ladd
How to Manage the Complexities of Global Market Logistics with Brian Glick
How to Ship Inventory Across Borders with Steve Bozicevic
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Insight Story: Tech Trends Unpacked
Zero-Shot
Fast Forward by Tomorrow Unlocked: Tech past, tech future
Lex Fridman Podcast
The Unbelivable Truth - Series 1 - 26 including specials and pilot