The hottest Supply Chain Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Economic Forces 7 implied HN points 26 Nov 24
  1. Tariffs can hurt jobs and the economy, especially when they target parts instead of finished products. This can raise costs for manufacturers and lead to job losses.
  2. Not all tariffs are created equal; some can actually help domestic industries if designed carefully, but they can also create odd workarounds that waste resources.
  3. Policymakers need to think carefully about how they set tariffs. Simple solutions often lead to complex problems that can waste money and resources.
Resilient Cyber 119 implied HN points 30 May 23
  1. Software supply chain attacks are increasing rapidly, with a reported rise of 742% in the last three years. This highlights the need for better security measures in software development.
  2. The book discusses various strategies for managing supply chain risks. It covers topics like vulnerability databases, software bills of materials (SBOM), and practical guidance for both suppliers and consumers.
  3. There is a growing push for software transparency to address systemic risks. This involves collaboration between development, security, and operations, as well as understanding regulations and emerging best practices.
Material World 229 implied HN points 29 May 23
  1. Gigafactories are important for countries' car industries to keep high-skilled jobs and stay competitive in the shift to electric vehicles.
  2. The value in electric cars is mainly in the battery, which is prompting the need for countries to develop their own battery and component manufacturing.
  3. Building gigafactories is just the start - countries also need to focus on producing the chemicals and materials that go into batteries to truly benefit from the electric vehicle market.
The Data Score 59 implied HN points 28 Jun 23
  1. AIS vessel tracking data can predict China's exports, monitor global trade, and understand real-time economic activity.
  2. Data cleansing is crucial for turning raw AIS data into actionable insights. Cleaning the data involves filtering out anomalies and ensuring accuracy.
  3. It's important to consider limitations like the exclusive focus on large commercial ships, uncertainties in cargo data, and vessel behavior anomalies when analyzing AIS data.
Mike Talks AI 58 implied HN points 13 Jun 23
  1. Supply chain professionals can use ChatGPT as a 'loss leader' to educate leaders about AI's potential for supply chains.
  2. ChatGPT can help supply chain teams build more AI algorithms by breaking down syntax barriers and expanding team capabilities.
  3. Exploring how ChatGPT can turn vast supply chain data into valuable insights is an important research opportunity.
Resilient Cyber 79 implied HN points 12 Jun 23
  1. The U.S. government is focusing on improving software security and has set deadlines for software suppliers to prove they follow secure practices. Agencies now have more time to collect necessary confirmations from their software producers.
  2. Software suppliers are responsible for the security of all parts of their software, including third-party components. They need to understand where these components come from and how safe they are.
  3. Free software provided by vendors is not required to meet security standards set by the government. This creates challenges since free software can still have vulnerabilities that might put agencies at risk.
let them eat cake 99 implied HN points 26 Oct 22
  1. Wet markets in Singapore are seen as an inefficiency on a very efficient island, yet they continue to exist despite competition.
  2. Wet markets operate as highly efficient endpoints of a parallelized supply chain, with thousands of distributors and wholesalers servicing stallholders, promoting almost perfect competition and minimal overhead costs.
  3. The wet market system in Singapore is underpinned by government price controls on food and rent, creating a situation where stallholders function more as quasi-public servants than traditional business owners.
axialdaily 39 implied HN points 11 Apr 23
  1. Axial partners with great founders and inventors in early-stage life sciences companies.
  2. Cryoport is a leading biotech logistics company for cell therapies and more, with over $200M in annual sales.
  3. Cryoport's IntegriCell platform streamlines distribution with strategic locations across the US.
Resilient Cyber 79 implied HN points 28 Feb 23
  1. Software supply chain attacks are not new and have been happening for decades, with many recent high-profile cases shining a light on them.
  2. There are several types of attack vectors, including issues with developer tools, negligence in following security practices, and problems with trust and code signing.
  3. Malicious actors often combine different attack methods to cause harm, so it's important for organizations to have strong security measures in place to protect their software supply chain.
let them eat cake 119 implied HN points 23 Mar 22
  1. Andy's story highlights challenges in the food supply chain, like labor shortages, logistical issues, and the impact on small suppliers.
  2. Restaurants face pressures from both the supply side and consumer demands, leading to compromises in sourcing and menu offerings.
  3. There is a tension between the ideal of sustainable, ethically sourced food and the practical constraints faced by restaurants in meeting diners' expectations.
Resilient Cyber 79 implied HN points 11 Dec 22
  1. Federal agencies must collect self-attestations from software vendors about their secure development practices, following NIST's guidelines.
  2. The NIST Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) encourages integrating security early in the software development process, rather than addressing it later on.
  3. Industry groups are raising concerns about the requirements for transparency in the software supply chain, which could lead to delays in implementing necessary security measures.
Axial 37 implied HN points 14 Dec 23
  1. Axial partners with great founders and inventors in early-stage life sciences companies
  2. Knowde aims to modernize the global chemical industry through its B2B marketplace
  3. Knowde's platform streamlines chemical procurement for buyers and provides digital storefronts for suppliers
Tech Buzz China Insider 19 implied HN points 06 Dec 23
  1. The post delves into China's intelligent driving industry, particularly focusing on XPeng and their L2+ assisted driving systems.
  2. There is a spotlight on XPeng's reforms, such as supply chain anti-corruption, cost reduction strategies, and efforts to reach lower-tier markets.
  3. The newsletter discusses the excitement around the race to commercialize intelligent driving technology and the challenges in crossing into mainstream market success.
Resilient Cyber 59 implied HN points 21 Feb 23
  1. The Open Software Supply Chain Attack Reference (OSC&R) is a tool designed to help understand software supply chain security risks. It provides a framework to assess various tactics that attackers may use.
  2. One important concept introduced by OSC&R is the Pipeline Bill of Materials (PBOM), which gives a detailed view of everything that happens to a piece of software from start to finish. This helps organizations see risk factors at every stage of the software's life.
  3. Security is a big concern across different areas like container security, open source software, and cloud security. Each area has specific practices to follow to help protect against potential threats.
Splitting Infinity 19 implied HN points 28 Nov 23
  1. Automation of the supply chain is crucial for lowering shipping costs and reaching more people at a lower cost.
  2. Innovative mailboxes can revolutionize how goods are delivered, making it bidirectional and enabling easier access to global markets for home producers.
  3. Automated mailboxes have the potential to streamline product returns, recycling, and extend the sharing economy to every household item.
Resilient Cyber 59 implied HN points 01 Feb 23
  1. Most modern software relies heavily on Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), but companies often don't have a formal relationship with the maintainers of this software. This means you can't always expect support or responses when issues arise.
  2. Many FOSS projects have limited contributors, and some are maintained by just one person. This can lead to challenges in getting help or updates if needed, making it important for users to be ready to step in if something goes wrong.
  3. As a software user, you need to understand that the responsibility for managing FOSS lies with you. If you want maintainers to act like suppliers, consider supporting them financially, or be prepared to handle any risks yourself.
Platforms, AI, and the Economics of BigTech 4 implied HN points 20 Oct 24
  1. Uber's business model relies on local advantages, not just growing its user base. It needs to focus on economies of density and fixed costs to truly succeed in local markets.
  2. Quick commerce thrives on efficiency by using small warehouses close to customers. This helps deliver products faster and cheaper, which makes it competitive against traditional e-commerce.
  3. Rather than looking for network effects, local businesses should focus on how to optimize operations in areas with high demand. This includes owning production and managing inventory effectively.
The Green Techpreneur 20 implied HN points 01 Mar 24
  1. Blockchain can be used to bring transparency to supply chains by tracking transactions and transport from farmers to consumers.
  2. To succeed as a greentech entrepreneur, be prepared for financial challenges at the start and prioritize storytelling to engage consumers.
  3. Implementing blockchain in the supply chain can face challenges like educating farmers in remote areas and motivating consumers to engage with the technology.
Gad’s Newsletter 23 implied HN points 12 Feb 24
  1. Despite the rise of online shopping, physical retail locations still play a crucial role in the retail landscape.
  2. The concept of omnichannel retailing, combining online and physical sales channels, has become essential for many retailers.
  3. Understanding consumer preferences and integrating online and offline channels intelligently is crucial for the future of retail.
Exponential Industry 19 implied HN points 19 Jul 23
  1. The battery supply chain consists of six main segments, including raw material mining, material processing, and recycling.
  2. Battery pack manufacturing plants are expected to increase globally to over 500 by 2030 due to the rising demand for electric vehicles.
  3. Choosing the right battery chemistry is crucial for battery OEMs as it impacts performance, costs, and manufacturing efficiency.
Exponential Industry 19 implied HN points 09 Apr 23
  1. On-demand manufacturing platforms and digital twins are hot trends as supply chain shortages continue.
  2. Companies in the USA and Japan are reshoring production, leading to a surge in construction spending for manufacturing facilities.
  3. Mexico's auto parts industry is adapting for the EV era by focusing on new materials and technologies.
Resilient Cyber 39 implied HN points 24 Dec 22
  1. Software supply chain attacks can happen in many ways. It’s important to understand the different attack types to protect against them effectively.
  2. Negligence in software practices can lead to serious problems. Simple mistakes like not checking dependencies can let bad code slip into your projects.
  3. Using digital signing helps ensure software integrity, but it’s not foolproof. It's vital to use additional security measures to keep systems safe from multiple vulnerabilities.
let them eat cake 39 implied HN points 04 May 22
  1. The pandemic has accelerated the growth of 15-minute grocery delivery and farm-taxi companies serving urban areas.
  2. These services vary in pricing and structure, with one being venture-funded and the other more community-oriented.
  3. Differences in pricing are influenced by labor value, externalities, and capital intensity, affecting the potential for automation and resilience in the long run.
The Rotten Apple 31 implied HN points 08 May 23
  1. Some molds are safe to eat and even deliberately added to certain foods for their desirable properties, while others can produce harmful mycotoxins and are considered unsafe for consumption.
  2. Food fraud perpetrators can be categorized as opportunistic or organized, with organized criminals often operating across different industries and committing more complex and long-term frauds with significant impacts.
  3. Child labor violations in the food industry are a major ethical concern, even in developed countries like the USA, where violations have been increasing, and companies within the food industry are found to be the main offenders.
Equal Ventures 19 implied HN points 05 Oct 22
  1. Equal Ventures invested in MVMNT, a platform democratizing access to software for freight shippers and brokers
  2. They use a freemium model to address the low willingness of non-digitally native industry buyers to pay for software
  3. MVMNT monetizes through fintech products like QuickPay, insurance, and payments, making their offerings free to customers
Tech Buzz China Insider 19 implied HN points 05 Dec 22
  1. Pinduoduo's Temu app is a significant player in cross-border e-commerce by targeting the U.S. market, mirroring Shein's strategy.
  2. Temu operates with a focus on a strong supply chain, including recruitment from Shein and rigorous merchant selection processes.
  3. To succeed in the competitive market, Temu needs to improve customer acquisition efficiency, logistics, and after-sales services while expanding globally.