cost reduction

4:00) - Most Interesting | 126. Amputees Feel Warmth In Their Missing Hand

(8:40) - Listener Favorite | 118. Robotics & AI in Sheet Metal Forming

(12:23) - Most Impactful | 112. Bringing Humans Back Into The Loop For AI

(16:30) - Hidden Gem(s) | 135. Reinventing Retail in The Connectivity Age & 144. An implantable device could enable injection-free control of diabetes

In today's discussion on small manufacturer technology adoption, Sarah and Lindsay focus on practical steps. While envisioning the destination is straightforward, understanding the starting point and necessary actions is crucial. Small companies typically aim for improved visibility, cost reduction through task automation, and faster decision-making via data accessibility. The initial implementation often begins with a proof-of-concept. Overlooked considerations include legacy network issues and data field cleanliness. Addressing these challenges involves connecting, communicating, and gathering data. Convincing stakeholders to support these efforts is essential, as data extraction can be costly and time-consuming. Benchmarks, not estimates, should guide the process.

Corey Berrier and Josh Teekell engage in a podcast discussion about SmartAC, a technological platform aimed at transforming the HVAC and plumbing industries. Teekell elaborates on how SmartAC, developed as an innovative solution for homeowners and contractors, uses AI-driven predictive analytics and sensor technology to monitor home systems, providing real-time data and alerts for potential breakdowns. This allows contractors to perform proactive maintenance and homeowners to anticipate problems, leading to reduced emergency calls and costs.

The platform also facilitates direct remote communication between the parties involved, negating the need for traditional phone calls or home visits to find revenue. By providing data on needed fixes before a technician arrives, it removes the pressure from technicians to act as salespeople. Teekell likens the platform to a car's dashboard, offering consumers transparency and confidence in the service provided.

The integration of SmartAC with Service Titan software allows companies to prioritize resources based on system age and performance, promoting efficient business practices. Emphasizing the cost-efficiency of sensors for home monitoring, Teekell underscores the goal to instill homeowners with peace of mind and establish the company as a trusted expert in home systems maintenance.

Teekell, drawing from his psychology background, discusses the importance of understanding homeowner buying decisions and maintaining a competitive edge. He advises against price-based selling strategies, recommending the presentation of options during in-person customer meetings instead. He highlights the imperative role of technology and AI in modern business growth and affirms his company's readiness to assist those struggling to adapt.

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Steps-Sell-More-Stereotypes-ebook/dp/B0BRNSFYG6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OSB7HX6FQMHS&keywords=corey+berrier&qid=1674232549&sprefix=%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Side-AI-Sales-Frankenstein-ebook/dp/B0BX6G5THP/ref=sr_1_3?crid=16J189ZUCE8K6&keywords=corey+berrier&qid=1678457765&sprefix=corey+berrier%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-3


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrPl4lUyKV7hZxoTksQDsyg

https://www.facebook.com/corey.berrier

https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreysalescoach/

Today, on What the Duck?! Sarah Scudder is joined by Ed Koch, who leads the Solutions Division at CCI. They discuss improving operational performance by implementing lean continuous improvement programs across multiple sites. Ed shares his extensive global experience in operations and manufacturing transformations, having worked in various regions around the world. They delve into Ed's career journey, starting at Unilever and then moving to SabMiller, where he played a significant role in implementing operational excellence programs and standardizing performance metrics across the global business. The conversation highlights the importance of leadership, employee engagement, and the impact of lean practices on supply chain performance and sustainability.

Show Highlights 

Unilever to SabMiller

The Industry 4.0 Concept

Lean Operational Excellence 

The Measure of Success

Practioning to Consulting

Competitive Capabilities International

MOMENTS TO DUCK AROUND

ED: INCORPORATING THE INDUSTRY 4.0 CONCEPT

“Industry 4.0 is really a term for the digitization of the supply chain, and it was really early days for us. We were experimenting and doing research in this area, but essentially what we tried to do is to try and, with digital technology, connect machines across production processes so that we could surface information and data that enabled operators to make real-time decisions on things like quality, the performance of the line so that we were able to give that information into the hands of the operators. And through that, we then were able to develop digital tools for workflows for specific activities, in shortening full control of the equipment in health and safety for problem-solving.”

ED: LEAN OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE 

“Lean operational excellence is a series of practices and methodologies to help improve performance. Really, what are some of the cons? If I'm listening to this and thinking this is something that I may want to tackle, what should I be aware of? Yeah, I think that's a great question. Probably one of the biggest ones is to recognize that it isn't a project, that it needs to be treated as a transformation program, and it's not a quick fix. So it's not something that can be done in six or 12 months. It should be something that's embarked upon with the mindset that we're in for the long term to improve performance systemically across the business.” 

Connect with Ed and learn what he’s been duckin’ around with:

• Ed Koch| CCi

Connect with Sarah and find out more about what the duck she’s up to

• LinkedIn |Twitter |SourceDay |SourceDay.com

Had fun with the podcast? Leave us a like, share our content, and subscribe! See you soon on the next episode of What The Duck?!

While always facing a dynamic landscape, one of the biggest issues today in the employer-sponsored insurance market is affordability. As healthcare costs continue to rise, employers are getting increasingly nervous about their ability to pay for employees’ health insurance, especially in a time of heightened worker shortages.

In this episode, guest host and Advisory Board Vice President and spokesperson Aaron Mauck discusses employer market affordability with Advisory Board health plan experts Sally Kim and Max Hakanson. Throughout the conversation, they explore the context of the problem, root causes, and what the future may look like for employer-sponsored insurance.

Links:

• 4 big ways employers are changing health benefits in 2023
• The cost of employer-sponsored insurance is about to spike—again
• Mark Cuban is taking on the self-insured employer drug market
• Ready-to-use market outlook slides for health plans

Learn more about Advisory Board On-Demand Courses

(3:49) - Simulated terrible drivers cut the time and cost of AV testing by a factor of one thousand

This episode was brought to you by Mouser, our favorite place to get electronics parts for any project, whether it be a hobby at home or a prototype for work. Click HERE to learn about how electronics suppliers are planning to meet the technical and regulatory requirements to make autonomous vehicles possible!

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As always, you can find these and other interesting & impactful engineering articles on Wevolver.com.

To learn more about this show, please visit our shows page. By following the page, you will get automatic updates by email when a new show is published. Be sure to give us a follow and review on Apple podcasts, Spotify, and most of your favorite podcast platforms!

(1:00) - Robotics & AI in Sheet Metal Forming

Today we talk with Todd Grote and Rick Flagg from OnTrak software.  OnTrak makes software to help beer wholesalers reduce costs and sell more products. 

In our conversation, we talk about specific tools to help distributors get a handle on different parts of the business: 

• Printed POS - signs, banners, table tents
• Permanent POS - coolers, tap handles, umbrellas
• Line tracking - draft line operations, scheduling, execution (whether in-house or by a 3rd party) 

The tools track orders, due dates, and costs, with a goal of improving inventory control and reducing your costs.

Resources
Learn more about OnTrak Software
Read a case study on how other beer wholesalers have used these tools to save money

Sign up for the World Famous and Free Beer Business Finance Newsletter. 

How to keep more of your hard-earned money in your company!  Contact Mickey directly at Mickey.Pendergast@SchooleyMitchell.com

During the first half year of 2020 there was a broad decline on earnings of asset managers. Costs became top of the agenda of Swiss Asset Managers, but what is changing with COVID-19? In this week's AWM video Utz Helmuth Director and Member of the Management Team at Strategy& will discuss strategies to master this challenge.