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Data, AI and Lean Principles: How to Cut Waste and Carbon in Supply Chains

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Manage episode 509013336 series 2586039
Content provided by Tom Raftery. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Tom Raftery or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

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In this week’s episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain Podcast, I sit down with Dag Calafell, Director of Technology Innovation at MCA Connect, to explore how data and digital tools are reshaping manufacturing and supply chains. With more than 25 years of experience in steel and automotive, Dag has seen first-hand how waste creeps into processes, and how technology can help eliminate it.

We dig into why so many organisations are still running core planning on Excel, and what happens when companies move beyond disconnected systems towards true data visibility. Dag explains how AI, IoT, and smart sourcing agents can transform supplier relationships, reduce risk, and embed sustainability directly into day-to-day decision making. He shares striking examples, from a food manufacturer wasting energy on unnecessary refrigerated transport, to a materials producer that boosted forecast accuracy by 60% and cut excess inventory by nearly a third.

The conversation also touches on lean principles, the power of continuous improvement, and the role of executive alignment in setting measurable goals for carbon reduction. We talk about future supply chain models too, whether lights-out factories, robotics, or distributed manufacturing networks that reduce transport emissions.

For supply chain leaders, the takeaway is clear: sustainability is inseparable from efficiency. When you collect the right data, apply the right tools, and commit to improvement, you not only cut costs and boost resilience, you reduce your environmental footprint at the same time.

Listen in for practical lessons and forward-looking insights that can help your organisation modernise, decarbonise, and stay competitive in an increasingly complex supply chain landscape.

Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.

Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.

Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.

Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.

Act today. Influence the future.
Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous Subscribers:

  • Alicia Farag
  • Kieran Ognev

And remember you too can become a Sustainable Supply Chain+ subscriber - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one and give you access to the full back catalog of over 460 episodes.
Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:
If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!
Finally
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.
If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it.
Thanks for listening.

  continue reading

137 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 509013336 series 2586039
Content provided by Tom Raftery. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Tom Raftery or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Send me a message

In this week’s episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain Podcast, I sit down with Dag Calafell, Director of Technology Innovation at MCA Connect, to explore how data and digital tools are reshaping manufacturing and supply chains. With more than 25 years of experience in steel and automotive, Dag has seen first-hand how waste creeps into processes, and how technology can help eliminate it.

We dig into why so many organisations are still running core planning on Excel, and what happens when companies move beyond disconnected systems towards true data visibility. Dag explains how AI, IoT, and smart sourcing agents can transform supplier relationships, reduce risk, and embed sustainability directly into day-to-day decision making. He shares striking examples, from a food manufacturer wasting energy on unnecessary refrigerated transport, to a materials producer that boosted forecast accuracy by 60% and cut excess inventory by nearly a third.

The conversation also touches on lean principles, the power of continuous improvement, and the role of executive alignment in setting measurable goals for carbon reduction. We talk about future supply chain models too, whether lights-out factories, robotics, or distributed manufacturing networks that reduce transport emissions.

For supply chain leaders, the takeaway is clear: sustainability is inseparable from efficiency. When you collect the right data, apply the right tools, and commit to improvement, you not only cut costs and boost resilience, you reduce your environmental footprint at the same time.

Listen in for practical lessons and forward-looking insights that can help your organisation modernise, decarbonise, and stay competitive in an increasingly complex supply chain landscape.

Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.

Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.

Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.

Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.

Act today. Influence the future.
Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous Subscribers:

  • Alicia Farag
  • Kieran Ognev

And remember you too can become a Sustainable Supply Chain+ subscriber - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one and give you access to the full back catalog of over 460 episodes.
Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:
If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!
Finally
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.
If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it.
Thanks for listening.

  continue reading

137 episodes

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