543: Embrace A Limitless Future, with IFS Softeon

Mark Fralick of IFS Softeon talks about what they do; measuring your warehouse tech ROI; joining IFS; being nimble; & embracing a limitless philosophy.     IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.27] Why Mark is still so passionate about supply chain after over 30 years in the industry. "I was in the industry before Amazon made it cool!... I'm driven by this idea of inspiration, it feeds me when folks come to us with ideas and notions… there's nothing better." [04.20] An introduction to Mark, his background, and how he came to join IFS Softeon. [05.17] Softeon's recent acquisition by IFS. [06.30] What the IFS acquisition means for Softeon, and the new chapter it unlocks for them and their clients. "All the things that made us successful are going to stay the same. But being part of IFS now allows us to tap into industrial AI and the abilities that being part of a larger, AI-forward organization brings." [08.40] The ideal client for IFS Softeon. [09.37] Why being nimble is critical in the current climate. "A lot of people don't think about that as a core competency of a system. But it should be! Speed is life in our world." [11.18] The importance of flow, recognizing that every business and warehouse is different, and why IFS Softeon's approach to solution design is a key differentiator for them. "I tend not to believe in industry practices, we should just eliminate bad practices and adopt good ones… I don't want to force some industry standard… We orient our systems to be micro-tuned to your business." [14.46] IFS Softeon's unique 'challenge and refine' process, and how it helps achieve that all-important flow. "It's co-ordinated movement, and that's the key." [16.05] What AI and new technology looks like now for IFS Softeon, and how it's helping companies combat variability and unlock the next level of optimization and resilience. "If you're going to employ digital workers, you need the same ability to have measurable results that you would expect from a team member, so how do you do that? We have a circular approach to define what the digital worker does, validate the results, tune it – and create a feedback loop." [20.20] How to determine which technology ROI measurement is right for your warehouse. [22.39] IFS Softeon's unique philosophy of being limitless, and what that means for technology, competitive advantage and positioning for the future. [26.16] Why Mark is so focused on time-to-value when it comes to new projects and clients. [28.07] The other exciting announcements IFS Softeon are sharing at MODEX. "It's a really cool, best-of-both-worlds approach." [30.46] Mark's key takeaway from today's discussion.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to IFS Softeon's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with IFS Softeon and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or YouTube, or you can connect with Mark on LinkedIn. Check out our other podcasts HERE.