Chain Reaction - The Supply Chain and Logistics Podcast

Michael Ostroumov
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The UK's leading podcast focussing on supply chain and logistics.

  1. 3d ago

    Ep. 50 - Who Pays When AI Gets It Wrong? - Wajahat Akram

    AI has moved from assisting people to increasingly doing the work itself. It can plan, analyse, identify problems, recommend decisions, and execute complex workflows. But as AI becomes more autonomous, one question becomes increasingly important: who remains accountable when something goes wrong? KEY CONCEPTS COVERED: How AI has evolved from an assistant into increasingly autonomous agentic systems Where businesses should draw the line between AI automation and human decision-making Why governance, data security, accountability, and human expertise become more important as AI gets more capable In this episode of Chain Reaction, Michael Ostroumov is joined once again by Waj Akram, CTO of FLOX, to revisit their conversation about AI, automation, and human judgement. They explore how rapidly AI has evolved from requiring constant supervision towards systems capable of planning, executing, and reviewing increasingly complex work. Waj also explains how FLOX is putting this into practice through its multi-agent software development system, customer-facing assistant Holly, and Wingman, an AI engine embedded directly into the logistics platform to help users identify opportunities, prioritise exceptions, and make better operational decisions. Michael and Waj then tackle the bigger question: how much control should AI actually have? They discuss why effective AI requires clear rules, guardrails, testing, human oversight, and careful control of sensitive data, as well as why accountability must remain with people even when AI can operate autonomously. The conversation also looks ahead to how increasingly capable AI could reshape logistics roles, software development, small businesses, and the skills people need as AI becomes embedded into everyday operations. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tyjzJ8ja-DY  TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) - Introduction and How much has AI actually changed? (7:39) - Building an automated software development lifecycle (11:13) - AI benchmarks vs what actually works in practice (16:49) - What FLOX is actually building with AI (23:52) - Reducing administration rather than replacing people (33:37) - Data security and AI governance in logistics (38:15) - Guardrails, hallucinations, and AI reliability (40:47) - Where AI goes next (43:36) - Could AI help smaller businesses compete? (46:35) - AI, profitability, and the end of traditional economies of scale? (49:21) - Magic wand question: don't let AI take the wheel CONNECT WITH THE HOST & GUEST: Michael Ostroumov - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelostroumov/ Waj Akram - https://www.linkedin.com/in/akramwajahat/  CONNECT WITH FLOX: Website: https://www.flox.is/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flox-logistics-services/ ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, Chain Reaction explores how quickly AI has evolved from an assistant into increasingly capable agentic systems and what that means for logistics, software development, and business operations. Michael Ostroumov and Waj Akram discuss multi-agent AI, human oversight, autonomous decision-making, data governance, security, specialised AI models, and FLOX's experience building AI directly into its technology, while addressing a critical question: just because AI can make a decision, should it? They explore why accountability must remain with people, why businesses need control over the data AI can access, and how combining human expertise with increasingly capable technology could reshape logistics roles and business models. #ChainReactionPodcast #SupplyChain #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #AgenticAI #Logistics

  2. Sep 18

    Ep. 49 - Stock Accuracy Matters More Than Ever - Martin Chisholm

    Your system says the stock is there. The warehouse says otherwise. A small inventory discrepancy might seem insignificant, but it can ripple through the entire supply chain, creating lost sales, unexpected demand spikes, excess stock, production pressure, and unnecessary cost. KEY CONCEPTS COVERED: Why inventory accuracy has become a critical supply chain capability How stock errors create ripple effects from retailers back to manufacturers Why ERP systems, AI, and other technology cannot compensate for poor data and broken processes In this episode of Chain Reaction, Michael Ostroumov is joined by Martin Chisholm, Managing Director of Last Link, an operations specialist with experience across manufacturing, retail, logistics, and interim management. Martin shares lessons from more than two decades of working inside businesses and advising them from the outside, including why companies need to continually reassess their operations rather than relying on the way things have always been done. The conversation explores why inventory accuracy matters, what happens when physical stock does not match system data, and how those errors can ripple upstream through retailers, manufacturers, and smaller suppliers. Michael and Martin also discuss ERP and MRP systems, Excel workarounds, AI forecasting, the bullwhip effect, CPFR, and why putting sophisticated technology on top of inaccurate data rarely solves the underlying problem. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jRE3GnGy0d8  TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) - Introduction and guest overview (1:38) - Martin's journey from engineering into operations (4:11) - Why businesses struggle to see their real operational problems (7:43) - The right operating model constantly changes (11:06) - Why inventory accuracy became a business priority (12:47) - Customer demand, productivity, and the cost of stock (18:11) - What does stock accuracy actually mean? (20:00) - Why inventory accuracy gets worse closer to the shelf (24:51) - Inventory errors and the bullwhip effect (28:00) - Why bad data undermines ERP and AI (31:52) - Why technology alone cannot solve operational problems (33:10) - Why collaborative forecasting still struggles (36:12) - Magic wand question: achieving 100% stock accuracy CONNECT WITH THE HOST & GUEST: Michael Ostroumov - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelostroumov/ Martin Chisholm - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-chisholm-fmm-miim-71800b3/  CONNECT WITH FLOX: Website: https://www.flox.is/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flox-logistics-services/ ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, Chain Reaction explores inventory accuracy and its impact across modern supply chains. Martin and Michael discuss stock visibility, retail availability, inventory costs, the bullwhip effect, ERP and MRP systems, AI forecasting, CPFR, and why reliable data, people, and processes must come before technology. The conversation highlights how seemingly small stock errors can create significant consequences across manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, and ultimately customers. #ChainReactionPodcast #SupplyChain #InventoryManagement #StockAccuracy #Logistics #Manufacturing

  3. Aug 28

    Ep. 48 - The Secret to Keeping Supply Chains Moving - Jonathan Torres

    Customs compliance often operates behind the scenes, but when something goes wrong, the consequences become visible very quickly. Missing paperwork, incorrect classifications, system failures, regulatory changes, and new tariffs can leave trucks, containers, and shipments stuck at borders, disrupting operations across the wider supply chain. KEY CONCEPTS COVERED: Why shipments get delayed at borders and what compliance teams do about it How changing tariffs and regulation create operational challenges How AI, automation, and system integration are changing trade compliance In this episode of Chain Reaction, Michael Ostroumov is joined by Jonathan Torres, Compliance Manager at Mevotech, for a practical discussion on what customs and trade compliance actually involves. Jonathan shares how an unexpected visit to a customs officers' recruitment event led him into a career spanning more than 20 years, and explains what happens behind the scenes when businesses need to move goods across borders. The conversation covers customs documentation, HS code classification, changing tariffs, automotive parts, border delays, stakeholder communication, AI, automation, and the shift towards paperless and increasingly integrated customs processes. Jonathan also explains why AI can help compliance professionals work faster, but why knowledge and experience remain essential for validating its answers and understanding the regulations behind them. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wsDJwdtw3AY  TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) - Introduction and guest overview (1:53) - How Jonathan entered customs compliance by mistake (3:45) - What trade compliance actually involves (5:53) - What keeps a compliance manager awake at night (8:16) - What are the biggest headaches when it comes to compliance (10:51) - Staying flexible when regulations change (14:06) - Trade compliance challenges in the automotive industry (16:58) - Technology and automation in compliance (20:08) - Could reliance on AI weaken compliance skills? (22:26) - Why AI is a lens, not a brain (23:34) - Jonathan's unexpected career journey (25:39) - The future of customs and trade compliance (29:04) - Magic wand question: getting everyone to understand the process CONNECT WITH THE HOST & GUEST: Michael Ostroumov - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelostroumov/ Jonathan Torres - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-torres-bba-ctcs-ccs-scm-6a58b8121/  CONNECT WITH FLOX: Website: https://www.flox.is/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flox-logistics-services/ Related Service Page: https://flox.is/for-lsps/3pls  ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, Chain Reaction explores the operational reality of customs and trade compliance with Jonathan Torres, Compliance Manager at Mevotech. The discussion covers why shipments get held at borders, the impact of tariffs and regulatory change, customs classification, automotive supply chains, AI, automation, and system integration. It also examines why better understanding across different business functions can reduce mistakes, improve compliance, and help the entire supply chain move faster and more efficiently. #ChainReactionPodcast #SupplyChain #TradeCompliance #Customs #Logistics

  4. Aug 14

    Ep. 47 - What Makes a Great 3PL Partner? - Leo Rodriguez

    Getting a product from a warehouse to a customer might look simple from the outside. In reality, successful fulfilment depends on everything from packaging and item setup to inventory data, exception management, technology, forecasting, and the relationship between a brand and its 3PL. KEY CONCEPTS COVERED: Why fulfilment problems often begin before inventory reaches the warehouse How strong 3PL relationships depend on transparency, communication, and accountability How WMS, TMS, automation, and AI are changing fulfilment operations In this episode of Chain Reaction, Michael Ostroumov is joined by Leo Rodriguez, Vice President at River Plate, a Los Angeles-based fulfilment and logistics company with more than three decades of experience. Leo shares how a summer job on the warehouse floor became a 17-year career in logistics, before exploring what happens behind the scenes of modern fulfilment. He explains why accurate item setup, packaging, labelling, barcodes, dimensions, weights, and inventory data need to be right before goods even reach the warehouse, as well as how 3PLs manage exceptions such as incorrect configurations, rework, repacking, and changing retailer requirements. The conversation also explores what makes a strong relationship between a brand and its logistics provider. Leo explains why mistakes are inevitable, but identifying problems early, communicating transparently, taking accountability, and putting things right can build long-term trust. Michael and Leo also discuss the technology supporting modern 3PL operations, including WMS and TMS platforms, carrier rate shopping, automation, robotics, AI, and how better data and forecasting can help logistics teams anticipate problems rather than simply react to them. This episode is particularly relevant for 3PLs, fulfilment providers, ecommerce brands, retailers, warehouse operators, and supply chain leaders looking to improve operational visibility, client relationships, and fulfilment performance. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/27tA_KLE37o TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) - Introduction and guest overview (1:20) - Leo's accidental journey into logistics (3:45) - Growing River Plate and scaling its fulfilment operations (6:43) - What differentiates River Plate as a 3PL (10:42) - Volatility and operational challenges in fulfilment (15:31) - Managing exceptions, packaging issues, and incorrect inventory (21:11) - Protecting client relationships when things go wrong (25:12) - The role of technology in modern 3PL operations (32:06) - Magic wand question: solving demand forecasting CONNECT WITH THE HOST & GUEST: Michael Ostroumov - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelostroumov/ Leo Rodriguez - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-rodriguez-ab4a3943/  CONNECT WITH FLOX: Website: https://www.flox.is/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flox-logistics-services/ Related Service Page: https://flox.is/for-lsps/3pls ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, Chain Reaction explores the operational reality behind modern third-party logistics with Leo Rodriguez, Vice President at River Plate. The discussion covers warehouse receiving, packaging and item setup, exception management, value-added services, client relationships, WMS and TMS technology, automation, AI, and forecasting. It highlights why great fulfilment depends on far more than moving boxes from A to B, and why information, visibility, accountability, and collaboration are fundamental to building a scalable logistics operation. #ChainReactionPodcast #SupplyChain #3PL #Fulfilment #Logistics #Warehousing

  5. Jul 31

    Ep. 46 - Is your 3PL Killing Your Brand? - Phil Rees

    Finding the right logistics partner is one of the biggest decisions an eCommerce business can make, yet many brands approach it too late or choose based on price alone. The result is poor service, operational headaches, limited scalability, and unnecessary cost. Selecting the right fulfilment partner requires far more than comparing quotes. KEY CONCEPTS COVERED: How brands should choose the right 3PL partner Why outsourcing logistics can accelerate business growth How AI is changing fulfilment, matchmaking, and logistics operations In this episode of Chain Reaction Podcast, Michael Ostroumov is joined by Phil Rees, Founder of Shipmax, to discuss the realities of modern fulfilment and why choosing the right logistics partner has become a strategic business decision. Phil shares his journey into logistics, explains how Shipmax helps brands find suitable 3PL providers, and discusses why due diligence, operational fit, and long-term scalability matter far more than simply finding the lowest price. The conversation explores outsourcing versus in-house fulfilment, warehouse selection, operational risk, financial stability, international expansion, AI productivity, and how technology is helping logistics businesses become more efficient without replacing people. They also discuss the importance of trusted partnerships, data quality, and why sustainability remains one of the industry's biggest long-term challenges. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_aY6KYAw-hY TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) - Introduction and guest overview (1:44) - Phil's journey into logistics and founding Shipmax (6:59) - The biggest supply chain mistakes brands make (8:29) - Outsourcing vs in-house fulfilment (12:16) - How to choose the right 3PL partner (15:28) - Why financial stability and due diligence matter (21:20) - What brands are asking for today (25:23) - When Businesses Outgrow Their 3PL (31:19) - How Shipmax uses AI across the business (37:43) - Magic wand question: making logistics more sustainable CONNECT WITH THE HOST & GUEST: Michael Ostroumov – https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelostroumov/ Phil Rees – https://www.linkedin.com/in/international-ecommerce/  CONNECT WITH FLOX: Website: https://www.flox.is/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flox-logistics-services/ Related Service Page: https://flox.is/for-buyers/warehousing ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, Chain Reaction explores how brands can build stronger, more resilient supply chains by choosing the right fulfilment partner. Phil Rees, Founder of Shipmax, discusses outsourcing strategy, warehouse selection, operational due diligence, financial stability, international expansion, and the growing role of AI in logistics. The conversation provides practical insight into how businesses can avoid costly fulfilment mistakes, scale more effectively, and build partnerships that support long-term growth. #ChainReactionPodcast #SupplyChain #Logistics #Fulfilment #3PL #Warehouse #eCommerce #ArtificialIntelligence #SupplyChainManagement #LogisticsTechnology

  6. Jul 17

    Ep. 45 - The Most Complex Delivery on Britain's Roads - Kevin McAlonan

    Every wind turbine begins long before it starts generating electricity. Behind every completed wind farm is a highly coordinated operation involving ports, heavy cranes, specialist transport, route planning, weather windows, police escorts, and thousands of moving parts that all have to come together at exactly the right time. KEY CONCEPTS COVERED: The logistics behind transporting and installing modern wind turbines How planning, weather, permits, and infrastructure shape renewable energy projects Why technology is transforming wind operations, from drones to digital planning In this episode of Chain Reaction, Michael Ostroumov is joined by Kevin McAlonan, Head of Wind Operations at Global Wind, to discuss the operational reality behind modern wind energy projects. Kevin explains how wind farms are planned, built and maintained, sharing first-hand insight into the logistics of moving enormous turbine components, coordinating specialist equipment, and overcoming the operational challenges that sit behind renewable energy infrastructure. This episode is particularly relevant for logistics professionals, infrastructure operators, renewable energy businesses, transport providers, heavy lift specialists, and anyone interested in how large-scale engineering projects are delivered. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v_Zx_giboMo TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) - Introduction and guest overview (1:21) - Kevin's journey into the wind industry (3:23) - What it takes to build a modern wind farm (4:27) - The biggest logistics challenges in wind operations (6:38) - Planning projects around weather, permits, and resources (10:51) - Port storage, just-in-time delivery, and project coordination (12:00) - How drones, AI, and digital planning are changing wind operations (18:21) - Maintaining and replacing major turbine components (20:20) - The future of wind energy and larger turbine technology (25:07) - Magic wand question: reducing planning delays and bureaucracy CONNECT WITH THE HOST & GUEST: Michael Ostroumov - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelostroumov/ Kevin McAlonan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-mcalonan-b4bb5a168/  CONNECT WITH FLOX: Website: https://www.flox.is/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flox-logistics-services/ Related Service Page: https://www.flox.is/for-lsps/transport-providers ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, Chain Reaction explores the logistics behind modern wind energy with Kevin McAlonan, Head of Wind Operations at Global Wind. The discussion covers the complete lifecycle of a wind farm, from port operations and specialist transport through to installation, maintenance, major component replacement, and future technologies. It also explores how larger turbines, drones, AI, battery storage, and grid infrastructure are reshaping renewable energy, while highlighting the planning and logistics challenges that underpin every successful wind project. #ChainReactionPodcast #SupplyChain #RenewableEnergy #WindEnergy #Logistics #HeavyLift #Infrastructure #WindFarms #CleanEnergy

  7. Jul 3

    Ep. 44 - Inside Britain's Smart Factory - Zen Gregory

    Manufacturing is changing rapidly as AI, robotics, and intelligent automation move from theory into everyday operations. But successful transformation isn't driven by technology alone. It depends on clean data, continuous improvement, strong leadership, and a culture that embraces change. KEY CONCEPTS COVERED: How AI employees and robotics are transforming manufacturing operations Why people, culture, and data are the foundations of successful automation Practical ways manufacturers can use AI to improve efficiency and decision-making In this episode of Chain Reaction, Michael Ostroumov is joined by Zen Gregory, Head of Supply Chain and Automation at British Rototherm, to explore what it really takes to build an intelligent factory. Zen introduces the Alien Dreadnought framework and explains how his team is using AI agents, autonomous robots, predictive analytics, and lean manufacturing principles to modernise a 170-year-old business without replacing its people. This episode is particularly relevant for manufacturing leaders, supply chain professionals, operations managers, automation specialists, and anyone interested in the practical application of AI in industrial environments. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/610J_MUVjec  TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) - Introduction and guest overview (1:36) - Zen's journey from Amazon to supply chain automation (4:13) - What is the Alien Dreadnought Intelligent Factory? (8:51) - The Alien Dreadnought Automation System explained (13:48) - AI agents, automation, and practical business applications (15:15) - AI employees and intelligent decision support (21:49) - Introducing automation into a 170-year-old manufacturer (25:40) - How AI helps to overcome physical and technological challenges (31:01) - How robotics and AI improve operations (34:46) - Measuring ROI from automation and AI (37:44) - Magic wand question: creating a culture of experimentation CONNECT WITH THE HOST & GUEST: Michael Ostroumov – https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelostroumov/ Zen Gregory – https://www.linkedin.com/in/zen-g-b04ab28b/  CONNECT WITH FLOX: Website: https://www.flox.is/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flox-logistics-services/ Related Service Page: https://flox.is/for-buyers/e2e-visibility  ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, Chain Reaction explores how AI, robotics, and intelligent automation are reshaping manufacturing with Zen Gregory, Head of Supply Chain and Automation at British Rototherm. The discussion covers AI employees, autonomous robots, predictive analytics, lean manufacturing, data quality, change management, and the practical framework behind the Alien Dreadnought Intelligent Factory. It demonstrates how combining people, technology, and continuous improvement can help manufacturers build smarter, more resilient operations. #ChainReactionPodcast #SupplyChain #Manufacturing #ArtificialIntelligence #Automation

  8. May 29

    Ep. 43 - Your Supply Chain Problem Is Psychological - Sean Culey

    Most supply chains are designed to survive disruption. Very few are designed to improve because of it. As volatility, uncertainty, geopolitical pressure, and technological change continue to accelerate, resilience alone is no longer enough. Businesses now need systems that can adapt, evolve, and become stronger under stress. KEY CONCEPTS COVERED: The difference between resilience and anti-fragility Why most supply chain problems are actually people and leadership problems How AI and decision intelligence are reshaping operations In this episode of Chain Reaction, Michael Ostroumov is joined by Sean Culey, supply chain strategist, transformation expert, author, and keynote speaker, for a wide-ranging discussion on anti-fragility, systems thinking, AI, leadership, and organisational change. Sean shares insights from decades of experience across supply chain transformation, ERP evolution, and operational strategy, explaining why businesses often remain trapped in reactive firefighting cultures despite having access to better technology and data. This episode is particularly relevant for supply chain leaders, operations executives, transformation teams, technology strategists, and anyone interested in the future of organisational design and decision-making. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OdTB5mhVpSw  TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) - Introduction and guest overview (1:15) - Sean's accidental journey into supply chain and SAP (3:22) - Breaking functional silos and early supply chain integration work (5:32) - The rise of automated supply chains and disruptive technologies (6:55) - Why disruption accelerated after 2012 with new technology (12:54) - What anti-fragility actually means in supply chains (18:47) - Why thriving through disruption matters more than resilience (21.02) - Grit, growth mindset, and the foundations of anti-fragile organisations (26:00) - Brexit, disruption, and practical operational realities (29:07) - Leadership, visibility, and creating better future operating models (32:38) - AI, data quality, and decision-driven supply chains (35:31) - Why transformation fails without emotional buy-in (37:35) - Decision-making, automation, and supply chain intelligence (40:31) - Magic wand question: unlocking human potential inside organisations CONNECT WITH THE HOST & GUEST: Michael Ostroumov -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelostroumov/  Sean Culey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanculey/  CONNECT WITH FLOX: Website: https://www.flox.is/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flox-logistics-services/ Related Service Page: https://www.flox.is/for-lsps/transport-providers  ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, Chain Reaction Podcast explores anti-fragility, organisational psychology, and supply chain transformation with Sean Culey. The discussion covers why many businesses remain trapped in firefighting cultures, how AI and automation are reshaping operational decision-making, and why resilient organisations are no longer enough in a world defined by constant disruption. Sean explains how businesses can evolve from siloed operational structures into adaptive value networks capable of learning, improving, and growing stronger through volatility. #ChainReactionPodcast #SupplyChain #Logistics #AI #SupplyChainManagement

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The UK's leading podcast focussing on supply chain and logistics.

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