Learners Live

Did you Know?
Menu

Sonepar Deploys Its First Data and AI Platform

William Attardi on September 26, 2026

A unique worldwide Data & AI platform enables the Group to modernize its supply chain, anticipate demand with unparalleled accuracy, and deliver a personalized customer experience. With Onepoint’s support, Sonepar initiated the creation of a global, one-of-a-kind Data & AI platform to support its omnichannel strategy. This platform serves as the technological base for all Group subsidiaries. Designed to orchestrate data at scale, the platform continuously analyzes sales, customer histories, and logistics flows. Thanks to this new architecture, almost the whole Group —95% of revenue— now benefits from predictive models. This is a first in Sonepar’s market, where few players have industrialized their use of AI. These models can precisely adjust stock levels, improve forecast reliability, and enhance product availability in a market where speed is a decisive competitive advantage. Three use cases highlight the tangible value of AI at Sonepar at: Sonepar Deploys Its First Data and AI Platform – tEDmag

The Rise of Supply Chains That Adapt by Professor Jeannette Song

William Attardi on April 10, 2026

Professor Song explains how AI is turning supply chains from rigid workflows into adaptive, decision-making systems. When you click “buy now” on online stores, recommendations appear, warehouses spring into action, and packages begin their journey to your door. Behind that seamless experience is a fundamental transformation. Supply chains, once governed by fixed rules and human planning, are becoming AI-driven systems that learn, adapt, and increasingly act on their own. In her book chapter, Reshaping Supply Chains Through AI-Empowered Automation, Jeannette Song, the R.David Thomas Professor at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business argues that AI is fundamentally changing how supply chains work.“AI is reshaping supply chains in four connected ways: expanding automation across the chain, changing how humans and machines work together,” she said, “raising new questions about privacy and accountability, and pointing toward a future of more autonomous, agentic systems.” The Rise of Supply Chains That Adapt

Just in Time? Manufacturers Turn to AI to Weather Tariff Storm by Mark Bendeich

William Attardi on August 15, 2025

Manufacturers are increasingly integrating AI into their supply chain operations to cope with volatile tariffs and unpredictable disruptions. AI tools help companies analyze news, assess risks and manage supplier relationships efficiently. Advanced AI agents sift through vast data, including real-time tariff updates and contract details, to suggest actionable plans. Such systems enhance supply chain resilience and enable leaner inventories, but industry experts emphasize that AI tools still require ongoing human oversight for strategic decisions. Just in time? Manufacturers turn to AI to weather tariff storm | Reuters

One in 20 Supply Chain Managers Will Oversee Robots by 2030

William Attardi on July 25, 2025

Eighty percent of humans will engage with smart robots on a daily basis, and one in 20 supply chain managers will manage robots, rather than humans, by 2030, according to Gartner, Inc. Organizations are placing greater emphasis on enhancing the capabilities of their existing workforce by supplementing with robotics due to factors like labor scarcity and rising costs. Smart robots have been identified by chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) as an important investment area, though many acknowledge their organization lacks internal robotics expertise to maximally leverage these innovative technologies. While it won’t be necessary for supply chain managers to have the engineering skills required to build robots, they will need a general technical understanding of what the robots can do and how they work together with other robots and people. This knowledge will be crucial for understanding the business problems robots can reasonably address and provide this guidance to business leaders One In 20 Supply Chain Managers Will Oversee Robots By 2030

How the United States Can Enhance Critical Minerals Supply

William Attardi on July 21, 2025

An action plan could help reduce the risk of market disruptions, enhance competitiveness, and reduce reliance on imports, fostering supply chain resilience. Of the 50 elements deemed critical to the American economy and national security by the U.S. Geological Survey,  the United States is 100% dependent on foreign suppliers for 12 of them and is more than 50% reliant on non-domestic sources for another 29.  The Trump administration has made critical minerals security a key component of its energy-focused strategy, evident by several recent executive orders. By following a targeted strategy and working with industry toward the achievement of a set of common objectives, the U.S. government can make tangible and measurable progress toward its goal to promote U.S. critical mineral security and move from being a primary consumer and price-taker in a nontransparent market to being a supply maker in a transparent and resilient market. How the United States Can Enhance Critical Minerals Supply – WSJ

AI Can’t Predict the Impact of Tariffs—but It Will Try by Isabelle Bousquette & Belle Lin

William Attardi on April 17, 2025

Companies are looking to technology to help navigate supply-chain uncertainty. Artificial intelligence was supposed to be a boon for helping companies navigate the impact of disruptions to their supply chains. But even this groundbreaking tech has its limits—and wasn’t ready for the far-reaching, on-and-off tariffs from President Trump. Businesses contending with ongoing uncertainty want help from their supply-chain technology providers. In recent weeks, several vendors have rolled out AI features intended to gauge the impact of new tariffs. There is one problem: Tech can’t forecast what Trump will do next. Even with AI, some businesses say technology won’t help them avoid all tariff-induced financial pain.  AI Can’t Predict the Impact of Tariffs—but It Will Try – WSJ

 

Bill Introduced to Prevent Supply Chain Disruptions, Protect American Producers

William Attardi on January 29, 2025

The bipartisan Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act would authorize the Department of Commerce to strengthen American supply chains for critical industries and emerging technologies by working with the private sector and U.S. government partners to anticipate and prevent future supply chain disruptions before they happen. In the process, it will also identify opportunities to grow manufacturing capacity and jobs, and reduce costs for American consumers. Geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters and the pandemic have highlighted the fragility of supply chains. These events have already caused significant delays and shortages, impacting everything from critical medical supplies and driving up the costs of consumer goods. The U.S. is heavily reliant on single countries for critical supply chain segments, including manufacturing components, critical minerals, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. This concentration poses a significant risk of disruption. Bill Introduced to Prevent Supply Chain Disruptions, Protect American Producers – tEDmag

The Creator of Baby Ruth Actually Sued Babe Ruth –The Baby Ruth candy bar was created by the Curtiss Candy Company in 1920 — the same year that baseball legend Babe Ruth hit a then-record 54 home runs. But the Great Bambino was irked that the company was selling a candy bar with such a similar name to his own without offering him any royalties. Rather than take the Curtiss Candy Company to court, the Sultan of Swat decided to make his own candy bar, and in 1926 he debuted Ruth’s Home Run bar. The Curtiss Candy Company responded by turning the tables and taking Ruth to court. They accused the slugger of trying to steal their trademark and capitalize on the success of their brand. In a 1931 deposition, Curtiss founder Otto Schnering insisted the candy was named after “Baby Ruth” Cleveland — the daughter of President Grover Cleveland.  He also attested that the company came up with the name in 1919 before the baseball player had become a household name and that the name was merely coincidental. While the validity of those claims is disputed to this day, the court nonetheless ruled in favor of the candy company, forcing Ruth to end his foray into the world of candy.