In this episode of the Supply Chaney podcast we speak with Raj Mahalingam, a data analytics expert with experience at Intel, Cardinal Health, UCONN Health, and Priceline about the critical role of data science in supply chains. We explore the intersection of people and data, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding human behavior in problem-solving. Raj shares insights on design thinking and ethnography, illustrating how these concepts can be applied to real-world supply chain challenges. The conversation also delves into consumer behavior during the pandemic, the transformative impact of AI, and a case is made for scaling up use of blockchain in supply chain management.
Sound Bites

• "You need to understand the people first."
• "AI will replace people who don't use it."
• "Blockchain has huge potential in supply chain."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Supply Chain Data Science
02:18 The Intersection of People and Data
05:26 Design Thinking and Ethnography in Supply Chain
09:42 Real-World Applications of Design Thinking
13:12 Navigating Supply Chain Disruptions During COVID-19
17:48 Cultural Influences on Consumer Behavior
21:59 The Role of AI in Supply Chain
26:02 Future Trends: AI, Blockchain, and Digital Twins
Surgere is the official sponsor of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2025. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.