“The Beer Distribution Game” - A Twitter Spaces Conversation (w/ Lakhveer Jajj)
Future Commerce · with Lakhveer Jajj · October 29, 2021 · 30 min
Summary
This episode tackles the critical, often under-discussed topic of supply chain management for ecommerce businesses, using the "Beer Distribution Game" as an analogy. It highlights the inherent difficulty in predicting demand and the ripple effects of supply chain disruptions, offering insights into operational strategies and the role of technology in mitigating these challenges. For ecommerce operators, this is a must-listen to understand how to build resilient and transparent supply chains.
Key takeaways
Recognize that demand prediction in physical supply chains will always be challenging; don't let online service expectations skew your understanding of physical world limitations.
Leverage visibility and automation tools to track supply chain delays and pain points, rather than attempting to "reinvent the wheel" with new, disconnected systems.
Consider outsourcing operational tasks like purchase order creation, supplier follow-ups, and freight provider communications to specialized platforms like Moselle to free up resources for sales and marketing.
Integrate supply chain solutions with existing platforms like Shopify, Amazon Seller Central, and QuickBooks to create a universal dashboard and avoid redundant data entry.
Proactively address potential panic buying and inventory shortages by having robust backend operations and clear supply chain visibility, especially during peak seasons like holidays.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Recognize that demand prediction in physical supply chains will always be challenging; don't let online service expectations skew your understanding of physical world limitations.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Leverage visibility and automation tools to track supply chain delays and pain points, rather than attempting to "reinvent the wheel" with new, disconnected systems.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Consider outsourcing operational tasks like purchase order creation, supplier follow-ups, and freight provider communications to specialized platforms like Moselle to free up resources for sales and marketing.
What does this episode say about shopify & ecommerce platforms?
Integrate supply chain solutions with existing platforms like Shopify, Amazon Seller Central, and QuickBooks to create a universal dashboard and avoid redundant data entry.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Proactively address potential panic buying and inventory shortages by having robust backend operations and clear supply chain visibility, especially during peak seasons like holidays.
