Starlink satellite internet ..

Starlink providing satellite internet from SpaceX parent co., from the present 5000 active satellites to 42,000 in low earth orbit in about ten years with 2 million subscribers, mainly maritime partners of 4000 ships and aircraft, enabling fast internet access, in under 2 years is eyeing a $15 billion global market from the present approx. $ 2 billion very soon. ($1.4 billion in '22) .. 

With strong terrestrial internet access in place, almost 65% (5.2 billion) of global population has access to the Internet. The rest 2.8 billion depend on satellite Internet as and when it scales up and becomes affordable. 

With a large $80 billion global market and eyeing ease of use and installation with low capital costs, Starlink can change global internet access for ever .. 🙂

Click here ..

Top ten technological innovations of all time ..

I have compiled a list of the top ten innovations (through Internet resources) that have had a profound and lasting impact on human history and society: starting with the first at number 1 to the tenth at number 10.

1. The Wheel (circa 3500 BC): The invention of the wheel revolutionized transportation and machinery, enabling the development of carts, chariots, and various modern mechanical systems.

2. The Printing Press (15th century): Johannes Gutenberg's printing press made mass production of books and documents possible, democratizing knowledge and information dissemination. Paved way for mass education and raising human life standards.
   

3. Electricity (18th century): The harnessing of electricity has led to a wide range of technological advancements, including electric lighting, motors running generators, electronics, and modern smart grid power systems.

4. Steam Engine (18th century): The steam engine powered the Industrial Revolution, transforming manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture.

5. Telegraph (19th century): The telegraph enabled long-distance communication by transmitting coded messages over electrical wires, laying the foundation for modern telecommunications. Precursor to the Internet.
   

6. Internal Combustion Engine (19th century): The internal combustion engine powered automobiles and revolutionized transportation, leading to the modern automotive industry and the development of the Spark Ignition high capacity engines powering all global heavy duty land based transportation.
   

7. Internet (20th century): The creation of the World Wide Web and the internet has transformed how people communicate, access information, and conduct business globally. Geographical Information systems through Internet maps has made transportation and exploration of unknown land quite easy
   

8. Penicillin (20th century): The discovery of antibiotics, starting with penicillin, revolutionized medicine by treating bacterial infections and saving countless lives. Even though we are come very much ahead in antibiotics since Penicillin, it has improved our health and helped us successfully wade through many global health threats.
   

9. Transistors and Microchips (20th century): The development of transistors and microchips paved the way for the birth of the digital revolution enabling modern electronics, including computers, smartphones, and the digital age including AI, Robotics, 3D Printing, IoT etc to thrive
   

10. Solar Power (20th century): The harnessing of solar energy for electricity generation is a major step toward sustainable and renewable energy sources, addressing environmental concerns. Our dependence on non-renewable energy resources and the environmental pollution it resulted in is being turned upside down by the emergence of renewable resources, most important being solar energy, besides wind and tidal energy.

    Nuclear energy through fission and fusion has also been a great technological innovation of the 20th century, but it poses as great a threat to humanity (with potential to wipe out the whole human race) as it is a blessing and development.

    Artificial Intelligence in the growing stages (Artificial Narrow Intelligence - ANI and Artificial General Intelligence - AGI) is also a great technological innovation that it is to have the same impact as electricity has had on humans for over two and a half centuries and still continues to have a strangling grip.
    

This list represents just a small selection of significant technological innovations throughout history. Many other inventions have had a profound impact on human society, and the importance of each innovation can be viewed from different perspectives, depending on the context and the criteria used for evaluation. 

 As a person born in the 60s, I have had the good opportunity of living through the emergence and commercialisation of the innovations of 

• Internet, 
• transistors and microprocessor chips and 
• Solar power. 

I am hopeful that in the coming years with the 4th Industrial revolution heating up, we can see many more great technological innovations that will make our life comfortable and productive.

George.

 

How can Amazon use AI to win in the SCM game ?

AI has been influencing almost all fields of human endeavour and supply chain management is no exception. Here we look at the different opportuniies and areas where a major global losgistics / ecommerce company like Amazon can benefit from AI.

AI can change the field of B2C supply chain management for Amazon globally in the following ways:

• Improved demand forecasting: AI can help Amazon to better forecast demand for its products and services. This can lead to reduced stock outs and overstocks, and improved customer satisfaction. For example, Amazon can use AI to analyze historical sales data, customer behavior data, and other relevant data to predict future demand.
• Optimized inventory management: AI can help Amazon to optimize its inventory management. This can lead to reduced costs and improved efficiency. For example, Amazon can use AI to determine the optimal inventory levels for its products, taking into account factors such as demand forecasts, product lead times, and storage costs.
• Automated order fulfillment: AI can help Amazon to automate its order fulfillment process. This can lead to improved efficiency and reduced costs. For example, Amazon can use AI to pick, pack, and ship orders automatically, using robotic and automated systems.
• Enhanced transportation and logistics: AI can help Amazon to improve its transportation and logistics operations. This can lead to reduced costs and faster delivery times. For example, Amazon can use AI to optimize its routing and scheduling for delivery vehicles, and to predict and prevent disruptions to the supply chain.
• Improved customer service: AI can help Amazon to improve its customer service. For example, Amazon can use AI to provide personalized recommendations to customers, to answer customer questions quickly and accurately, and to resolve customer issues efficiently.

In addition to these specific benefits, AI can also help Amazon to become more agile and responsive to change. This is important in today's rapidly changing retail environment.

Here are some specific examples of how Amazon can use AI to improve its B2C supply chain management globally:

• Amazon can use AI to improve its demand forecasting for its wide range of products and services, which are sold in over 200 countries and territories around the world. This can help Amazon to ensure that it has the right products in the right quantities in the right locations at the right time.
• Amazon can use AI to optimize its inventory management for its global network of warehouses and fulfillment centers. This can help Amazon to reduce its inventory costs and improve the efficiency of its order fulfillment process.
• Amazon can use AI to automate its order fulfillment process in its global warehouses and fulfillment centers. This can help Amazon to reduce its order fulfillment costs and improve the speed and accuracy of deliveries.
• Amazon can use AI to improve its transportation and logistics operations for its global delivery network. This can help Amazon to reduce its transportation costs and deliver products to customers faster and more efficiently.
• Amazon can use AI to improve its customer service for its global customer base. For example, Amazon can use AI to provide personalized recommendations to customers, to answer customer questions quickly and accurately in multiple languages, and to resolve customer issues efficiently.
• Amazon can use AI to improve its commitment to environmental sustainability by resorting to environment friendly transportation modes, waste handling and treatment, use of AI mediated transportation scheduling and so on to reduce the CO2 emissions and waste generation.
  

Overall, AI has the potential to revolutionize the field of B2C supply chain management for Amazon globally. By using AI to improve its demand forecasting, inventory management, order fulfillment, transportation and logistics, and customer service, Amazon can become more efficient, profitable, and responsive to customer needs.

Winning operational factors for SCM firms in getting customers ..

 The key operational factors that influence customer purchasing decisions for supply chain management facilities in the SCM sector include:

• Cost: Customers want to find supply chain management facilities that can help them reduce their costs. This includes factors such as the cost of storage, transportation, and labor.
• Reliability: Customers need to be able to rely on their supply chain management facilities to deliver their products on time and in good condition. This includes factors such as the facility's track record of on-time delivery, its security measures, and its disaster recovery plan.
• Flexibility: Customers need supply chain management facilities that can adapt to their changing needs. This includes factors such as the ability to handle different types of products, the ability to scale up or down operations quickly, and the ability to meet customer-specific requirements.
• Technology: Customers want to work with supply chain management facilities that use the latest technology to track and manage their products. This includes factors such as the use of warehouse management systems (WMS), transportation management systems (TMS), and real-time tracking.
• Customer service: Customers want to work with supply chain management facilities that are responsive to their needs and provide excellent customer service. This includes factors such as the availability of 24/7 customer support, the willingness to go the extra mile to meet customer needs, and the ability to resolve problems quickly and efficiently.

In addition to these key factors, customers may also consider other factors when choosing a supply chain management facility, such as:

• Location: Customers may prefer to work with supply chain management facilities that are located near their own operations. This can help to reduce transportation costs and lead times.
• Reputation: Customers may also consider the reputation of a supply chain management facility before making a decision. This includes factors such as the company's financial stability, its industry awards and recognition, and its customer testimonials.
• Sustainability: Customers may also be interested in working with supply chain management facilities that are committed to sustainability. This includes factors such as the company's environmental practices, its social responsibility initiatives, and its ethical sourcing practices.

Supply chain management facilities can use this information to develop marketing and sales strategies that appeal to potential customers. For example, a supply chain management facility can highlight its cost-effectiveness, reliability, flexibility, technology, and customer service in its marketing materials. The facility can also invest in building a strong reputation and demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.

Social Learning ..

One of the most interesting and popular edtech learning innovations along with micro-credentials which we need to incorporate in our educational / teaching system to remain relevant and conformant in the future ..

*Social learning*: Social learning is the process of learning from others, through interaction and collaboration. 

Social learning is already happening in edtech through online discussion forums, collaborative learning platforms, and social media. 

For example, students can use online discussion forums to ask questions and get help from their classmates or from instructors. Collaborative learning platforms allow students to work together on projects and assignments. 

Social media can be used to connect students with experts in different fields and to learn about new trends and developments. 

In the future, social learning will become even more widespread and integrated into the learning process.

AI value creation in 7 core areas

Here are at least 5 ways each by incorporating AI and digital technologies by which we can create more value globally in:

a) healthcare

• AI-powered diagnostics: AI can be used to develop new and more accurate diagnostic tools, which can help to improve early detection and treatment of diseases.
• Personalized treatment plans: AI can be used to analyze patient data and develop personalized treatment plans that are more likely to be effective.
• Remote patient monitoring: AI-powered remote patient monitoring systems can help to improve the quality of care for patients who live in rural or underserved areas.
• Virtual assistants: AI-powered virtual assistants can help to reduce the workload on healthcare professionals and provide patients with 24/7 support.
• Drug discovery: AI can be used to accelerate the drug discovery process and identify new and more effective treatments for diseases.

b) supply chain management

• Demand forecasting: AI can be used to improve demand forecasting accuracy, which can help businesses to reduce inventory costs and improve customer service.
• Transportation optimization: AI can be used to optimize transportation routes and schedules, which can help businesses to reduce fuel costs and improve delivery times.
• Inventory management: AI can be used to optimize inventory levels, which can help businesses to reduce costs and improve customer service.
• Warehouse automation: AI-powered robots and other automated systems can help to improve the efficiency and safety of warehouses.
• Risk management: AI can be used to identify and mitigate supply chain risks, such as supplier disruptions and transportation delays.

c) manufacturing

• Predictive maintenance: AI can be used to predict when machines are likely to fail, which can help to reduce downtime and improve productivity.
• Quality control: AI-powered quality control systems can help to identify defects in products earlier and reduce the number of defective products that reach customers.
• Process optimization: AI can be used to optimize manufacturing processes, which can help to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
• Product design: AI can be used to design new products that are more efficient, durable, and sustainable.
• Robotics and automation: AI-powered robots and other automated systems can help to improve the efficiency and safety of manufacturing operations.

d) operations management

• Customer service: AI-powered chatbots and other customer service tools can help businesses to provide better customer service and reduce costs.
• Marketing: AI can be used to personalize marketing campaigns and target customers with more relevant messages.
• Sales: AI can be used to identify and qualify leads, and to help salespeople to close more deals.
• Project management: AI can be used to track progress on projects and identify potential risks and delays.
• Risk management: AI can be used to identify and mitigate operational risks, such as fraud and security breaches.

e) education

• Personalized learning: AI can be used to create personalized learning experiences for students, which can help them to learn more effectively.
• Intelligent tutoring systems: AI-powered intelligent tutoring systems can provide students with personalized feedback and support.
• Accessibility: AI can be used to make education more accessible to students with disabilities and students who live in remote or underserved areas.
• Assessment: AI can be used to develop more accurate and efficient assessment tools.
• Administration: AI can be used to automate administrative tasks, such as grading papers and scheduling classes, which can free up teachers to focus on teaching.

f) transportation

• Self-driving vehicles: Self-driving vehicles have the potential to revolutionize transportation by making it safer, more efficient, and more accessible.
• Traffic management: AI-powered traffic management systems can help to reduce congestion and improve the efficiency of transportation networks.
• Public transportation: AI can be used to improve the efficiency and reliability of public transportation systems.
• Logistics: AI can be used to optimize logistics operations, such as routing and scheduling.
• Safety: AI can be used to develop new safety features for vehicles and transportation infrastructure.

g) agriculture

• Precision agriculture: AI can be used to develop precision agriculture techniques that can help farmers to improve crop yields and reduce environmental impact.
• Livestock management: AI-powered livestock management systems can help farmers to improve the health and productivity of their livestock.
• Pest and disease control: AI can be used to develop new and more effective pest and disease control methods.
• Food supply chain management: AI can be used to improve the efficiency and safety of the food supply chain.
• Sustainability: AI can be used to develop new and more sustainable agricultural practices.

These are just a few examples of how AI and digital technologies can be used to create more value globally in healthcare, supply chain management, manufacturing, operations management, education, transportation, and agriculture. As AI and digital technologies continue to develop

Future of Management

The future of management: The impact of the digital world and Artificial intelligence on humanity, society, industry and business in the coming 2 decades

The digital world and Artificial intelligence (AI) are already having a major impact on humanity, society, industry, and business. In the coming two decades, this impact is only going to grow.

For managers, this means that they need to be prepared to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape. One of the biggest challenges for managers in the future will be to lead and manage teams that are increasingly diverse and dispersed. AI is making it possible for people to work from anywhere in the world, and this is leading to a more globalized workforce.

Another challenge for managers will be to keep up with the rapid pace of innovation. AI is constantly evolving, and managers need to be able to identify and adopt new technologies in order to stay ahead of the competition.

Despite these challenges, I believe that the future of management is bright. AI will create new opportunities for managers to improve productivity, efficiency, and customer service. AI can also help managers to make better decisions and to create more innovative products and services.

Here are some specific examples of how AI is already being used in management today:

• AI is being used to automate tasks such as customer service, scheduling, and reporting.
• AI is being used to analyze data and identify trends that can help managers to make better decisions.
• AI is being used to create personalized learning experiences for employees.
• AI is being used to develop new products and services that meet the needs of customers.

In the coming two decades, I believe that AI will be used in even more ways to improve management. For example, AI will be used to:

• Create more realistic and engaging simulations for training and development purposes.
• Develop new ways to measure and evaluate employee performance.
• Create more personalized and supportive work environments.
• Develop new ways to manage and allocate resources.

Overall, I believe that the future of management is very bright. AI will create new opportunities for managers to improve productivity, efficiency, customer service, and innovation.

Conclusion

Managers need to be prepared to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of the digital world and AI. By embracing new technologies and developing new skills, managers can position themselves and their teams for success in the coming decades.