445: Embrace the Data-Driven Evolution, with GAINS

Amber Salley of GAINS talks about being data-driven - its four-stage evolution, misconceptions, the problem with LLMs & the benefits of letting the data lead.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [05.43] An introduction to Amber, her background, and her role at GAINS. "I've taken all that I learned in the past 25 years and brought it to GAINS, to help them think through: 'Where should we take our product in the future, and what should we be focusing on to help our customers make the highest-quality decisions for their supply chain?'" [07.42] The evolution of data-driven thinking, as technology and mindsets have changed. "You come up with an instinct, a feel for a decision, and then you use the data you have to back it up. You have a lot of confirmation bias in your decision-making." [10.50] The new paradigm in data-driven thinking. "The new paradigm focuses on discovering patterns and finding correlations over explaining causality… It's not trying to get into the 'why' that is – it just IS." [16.18] From confirmation bias to managing leadership pride and instinctual approaches, the common misconceptions and challenges around being data-driven. [21.12] A case study detailing how GAINS helped a key client to get on top of volatile lead time predictability and utilize full data-driven decision-making. [24.50] The challenges of emerging technologies like Language Learning Models. "Generative AI is ultimately a predictor, and it's trained to predict around text. And it's very good – it knows the rules of language, that are pretty rigid and have been around for a very long time… But, if we're thinking about forecasting or creating inventory plans or production plans – there's not an established pattern." [27.54] The four stages of data-driven evolution and what they mean for teams. [32.44] The benefits of letting the data lead, for both teams and businesses. "For teams, it allows for faster actionable insights and a reduction in manual effort and bias, so they can start to focus on more value-add activities… And the business can achieve better inventory management, better supply chain design, and increase their overall resilience." [35.20] Exactly how GAINS can help organizations to adopt a truly data-driven approach.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to GAINS's website to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with GAINS and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Amber on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from GAINS, check out 390: Achieve Real Results And Innovate For The Future, with GAINS, 385: Make The Right Decisions For Your Supply Chain, with GAINS or 374: Achieve Supply Chain Optimization In Record Time, with GAINS.