Interview with Dan Giangiulio, Nexer Enterprise Applications

What does your role at Nexer involve?

For over a decade, I’ve worked with customers in the manufacturing and logistics space to help them use technology to develop simple solutions to complex problems.

What does Nexer do, and who benefits?

Nexer Group is a global tech company delivering services in strategy, technology and communication. On a high level, we provide design, software development, and implementation expertise on digitisation, engineering, and research and development projects. 

In the US, we’re focused on helping manufacturing and distribution clients use enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions to streamline their supply chains. 

These custom, connected software solutions help businesses eliminate bottlenecks, improve cash flows, and make better business decisions with real-time data.

As we help manufacturers and distributors stay on top of recent advances in technology, they’re able to positively impact almost every aspect of their supply chains.

What tech is currently most disruptive in supply chain?

Generative AI is an emerging technology that promises to impact a variety of industries, and the supply chain space is no different. 

Through conversational chatbots or ERP-connected headsets, warehouse users can tap into complex datasets and quickly make decisions based on up-to-the-minute information – all with the ease of a conversation with a coworker. Generative AI has the potential to create safer workspaces, streamline order flow, and accelerate the order picking process.

The result? Fewer disastrous bottlenecks that ripple through the supply chain and happier customers, suppliers, and employees. 

How can generative AI help supply chain?

Generative AI will positively impact the supply chain in a number of ways:

• Voice Picking AI technology can enable employees to communicate with their computer systems via audio. By asking conversational questions via a headset microphone, workers can learn information on inventory levels, supplier constraints, and order status without fumbling with confirmation codes or clumsy command-based language.
• Predictive Maintenance A generative AI assistant can keep tabs on equipment monitoring sensors, giving alerts on when breakdowns will occur. Further, it can give repair recommendations, generate easy-to-understand charts showing equipment status, and even help contact technicians to schedule any larger repairs.
• Operational Efficiency  Generative AI can help relieve pressure on operational managers as they navigate supply chain issues and mounting customer frustrations. By flagging product movement trends, creating heatmaps, and monitoring for broader supply chain disruptions, the AI can serve as a personal copilot.

What firms are using AI to best effect in supply chain?

These days, it seems like everyone wants in on the generative AI action: from spell-check tools and research universities to luxury fashion brands. 

But some larger tech players, like Microsoft, boarded the generative AI train early. The company first incorporated the technology into a commercially-available product in May 2021.

Microsoft is an advocate for generative AI in the supply chain space. Specifically, Copilot in the Microsoft Supply Chain centre helps supply chain managers navigate the frequent disruptions and limitations that have plagued the space over the last few years.

Best advice ever received?

To ‘take the leap’. This advice was given to me shortly before embarking on our entrepreneurial journey. It has encouraged me to embrace risk, step out of my comfort zone, and pursue new opportunities. Through these opportunities, I have experienced significant personal growth, overcoming many of the fears and doubts that I held previously.

Who inspires you?  

Satya Nadella. He has been a transformational leader at Microsoft, shifting the company’s focus toward cloud computing and embracing a growth mindset. His expansion into areas such as AI exemplifies his ability to identify emerging trends, set a clear vision, and execute strategic initiatives.