Seamlessly Made in the USA By Immigrants

Seamlessly Made in the USA By Immigrants

April 22, 2019
Corinne M. Karuppan, Ph.D.

Suuchi Ramesh wants to bring apparel manufacturing back to the US with the help of immigrant seamstresses and technologists.

Ramesh’s supply chain start-up provides custom solutions for the garment industry including her own manufacturing services. Her software uses real-time data to coordinate the supply chain from customers to fabric suppliers and support the flexibility required in this industry.

Video Spotlight: Meet one of Suuchi’s customers

This post is based on the Forbes article, Meet the Indian Immigrant Working to Bring Apparel Manufacturing Back to the U.S., by J. Vinoski, April 1, 2019, and the YouTube video, Inside Suuchi Inc (ft. Irina Kapetanakis, Founder of Obscür Intimates), by Suuchi, Inc., March 20, 2019. Image source: © Michele Constantini

Discussion questions:

1. Why is flexibility a competitive priority in the garment industry?

Guidance: Fashion items have a very short product life cycle. A quick response to changes in demand, i.e. flexibility, is therefore necessary to compete. Unless there is close and timely communication throughout the supply chain, rapid changes in demand at one link of the chain can create a “bullwhip” effect with shortages, delays, and extra inventory, which are all very costly in the garment industry. Continue reading →

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GPS-Based Livestock Management

GPS-Based Livestock Management

April 22, 2019
Lisa M. Spencer

Colorful GPS cow collars now help farmers track the whereabouts of their livestock and direct them to preferred grazing areas.  The eShepherd program, created by Australia-based Agersens, is being tested in the cattle industry here in the U.S.

“It’s a grazing control tool to improve productivity and profitability in a sustainable way,” says Agersens’ CEO Ian Reilly.  “The technology fully automates the controlled grazing of livestock 24/7.”  The system uses virtual fencing that can be controlled by an app from anywhere the farmer happens to be.  The cow hears a sound when it is getting too close to a boundary, and if it doesn’t veer away, it receives a small electric pulse.

This post is based on the Forbes article, How One Australian Startup Aims To Revolutionize Livestock Management, by Nicole Rasul, March 31, 2019. Image source: famveldman © 123RF.com

Discussion Questions:

1. How does using the livestock collar affect productivity?

Guidance: The collar helps farmers apply rotational grazing practices that allow areas to regrow and improve in nutritional content, thus benefiting livestock health.  Rather than building and moving costly fences to rotate grazing areas, farmers can quickly and easily adjust where Continue reading →

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Project Management: AI and Human Synergy

Project Management: AI and Human Synergy

April 21, 2019
Lisa M. Spencer

A new study by Gartner reports that by 2030, 80% of a typical project manager’s tasks will be done via automation and artificial intelligence. This type of program and portfolio management (PPM) software is expected to begin appearing later this year.

Specifically, the study says AI can collect, analyze, and report data much more quickly than people.  Also, rather than using their keyboard and mouse, project managers can more easily query and interface software via chatbots and conversational AI.

Some observers believe that AI will ultimately help project managers be more effective at their jobs. AI’s aren’t expected to perform the “human” elements of the job, such as advising clients, leading project teams, and offering empathy and human interaction.

Video Spotlight: AI might create more jobs than it destroys

This post is based on the Tech Republic article, Will AI lead project managers to the unemployment line?, by Moira Alexander, March 28, 2019; the ITWeb article, AI to eliminate 80% of project management tasks, by Staff Writer, March 25, 2019; and the Tech Republic video, AI might create more jobs than it destroys, Alison DeNesco, November 14, 2017. Image source: Shutterstock / Phonlamai Photo

Discussion Continue reading →

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