CR040: From Dick Turpin to drones with Alex Lorke, Royal Mail

The logistics and distribution industry has undergone huge disruption in the age of e-commerce and particularly since the pandemic, driven by the huge rise in home shopping and expectations of customers.  This week, Dave, Sjoukje and Rob talk to Alex Lorke, Director of Product Engineering, Royal Mail, about the long and storied history of the Royal Mail, an organisation that dates back hundreds of years, the current set of challenges driven by the market and how digital is helping the group move from interacting with the postbox to interacting with individuals all the way through the delivery supply chain.  Then, of course, we talk about how AI can help and where drones might fit in.TLDR:00:50 Is crypto-currency really a thing?02:30 Cloud conversation with Alex Lorke28:47 AI on logistics and operations 33:35 Jumps and ariels on hydrofoils! GuestAlex Lorke:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-lorke/HostsDave Chapman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/Sjoukje Zaal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjoukjezaal/Rob Kernahan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-kernahan/ProductionMarcel Van Der Burg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-van-der-burg-99a655/Dave Chapman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/SoundBen Corbett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-corbett-3b6a11135/Louis Corbett:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-corbett-087250264/