556: Discover AI Applications for Global Supply Chain Management and The Role of Total Landed Cost, with Trade Facilitators

Dan Gardner of Trade Facilitators talks about AI hype, challenges & opportunities; & how their Total Landed Cost engine is driving big impact for US importers.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.17] Dan's collection of currency notes, and what they say about his career journey. [05.33] How, and why, Dan transitioned from logistics to global supply chain management. "There's a lot of competition in that space, so to legitimately differentiate is difficult… I started to look beyond logistics, to see how I could enhance a clients performance in other areas." [10.26] Dan's experience as an adjunct professor of global trade, and his perspective on the future of trade related education in the 'Age of AI.' "There's a need for more education, not less." [14.34] The hype around AI, and how much we should all be buying into it. "I don't believe the hype, but I do believe in the fundamental power of AI… It's data-oriented and the global supply chain runs on data, so there's a natural compatibility there." "Blockchain didn't do us any favors!" [19.06] Why TFI focus on Machine Learning, and some of the best applications Dan currently sees in the market. [23.30] The issue of job displacement alongside the rise of AI, and how individuals need to think about upskilling at all career stages. "People have to continue to skill up – but that might not be enough." [26.54] From cost to over-reliance, the key pitfalls of AI that supply chain professionals need to keep an eye on. [29.47] Why TFI developed the Total Landed Cost engine for U.S. importers, and why it matters. [33.25] What makes TFI's Total Landed Cost engine different. "Total landed cost is what drives so many other activities across the supply chain… How do you know how to price a product unless you really know what it will cost you?" [36.35] How TFI's Total Landed Cost engine navigates constantly changing tariffs. "The element of human knowledge still plays a huge role in all of this." [41.26] The data security issues around AI, and how companies can address the 'oversharing' of data and still achieve their goals. "Legal, policy, technical and monetary – you need to bring these things together." [44.27] From 'hyper-scalers' overwhelming power grids to heavy water consumption, how sustainability concerns around AI data centers are driving innovation.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Trade Facilitator's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Trade Facilitators and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Dan on LinkedIn. Check out our other podcasts HERE.