545: Look At Your Supply Chain From Every Angle, with Pallet Alliance

Mary Casillo & Patrick Noone of Pallet Alliance talk about people, process, partnership & performance, & how their unique approach drives results for customers.    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [03.22] An introduction to Patrick and Mary, their backgrounds, and roles at Pallet Alliance. [04.42] An overview of Pallet Alliance, and the importance of using fit for purpose pallets. [07.20] What this year's MODEX theme, 'From Every Angle,' means to Pallet Alliance and supply chain optimization. "If you look at something from every angle, you're able to optimize it to the best it can be… And you're able to fix it from every angle." "It's the opportunity to tear something apart and say: 'How do we put this back together for you?'" [09.18] Why designing custom pallet programs is like playing Tetris, or being a detective. "Every customer is different, you have to figure out what fits where… And you're factfinding along the way." [10.37] A closer look at the journey to developing a new pallet program, from sourcing and testing through to suppliers and transportation, exactly why that process is so challenging, and Pallet Alliance's approach to problem-solving. "The amount of work is monumental. We're so successful because we do all of it for them with our pallet management program… We want to make people in procurement look good." [14.38] What makes Pallet Alliance's process different from traditional sourcing approaches. [17.00] In a landscape increasingly defined by AI, why Pallet Alliance strive to find the balance between people and technology, and why AI is only as good as the data you feed it. "Part of the challenge we have now is that people understand that the data is wrong, but they don't want to invest the time to allow us to fix it for them. Or, it's that automatic RFQ, without thinking about bad data in, bad analysis out." [24.19] The kind of impact Pallet Alliance customers typically see, and how they can continue to uncover substantial savings across locations even with long-term customers. "We can save millions year over year through cost savings, more efficiency, and education in general." "We're all pallet heads!!" [26.04] What results can look like for Pallet Alliance customers, and how to measure them. "We don't have a crystal ball, but we can see where things are going. And if we can see that, we can be proactive instead of reactive, and that's something our customers really appreciate." [28.19] A selection of case studies exploring how Pallet Alliance have helped customers avoid fines, improve customer experience, meet high demand, and utilize improved materials to boost resilience and drive huge cost savings. [33.46] Where teams should start when approaching a new pallet program, and the small steps they can take towards making meaningful change. [36.00] What Mary and Patrick want listeners to take away from today's discussion. "Pallets and crates are way more complicated than you think!!" RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Pallet Alliance's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Pallet Alliance and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook or X (Twitter) or you can connect with Mary or Patrick on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Pallet Alliance, check out epsidoes: 501: Uncover Hidden Inefficiencies and Opportunities, with Pallet Alliance 482: Transform the Way Your Business Moves, with Pallet Alliance 146: A Holistic Approach to Pallets Check out our other podcasts HERE.