Vizen Analytics

We realize that the AI? landscape is presently filled with lofty promises filled with dream crushing realities. For #supplychain companies that might make you recoil in fear. The reality is that Machine Learning Operations is the primary (only?) path to forecast automation success. As this fantastic illustration from Srini Pagidyala reveals, the real #AI with cognition and decision making impact is likely years away. At Vizen Analytics we can help show you the way today towards cash flow heaven. We see it as the right combination of timely accurate forecasting driven by Machine Learning + Causal Modeling, that automates the application of dynamic inventory allocation optimization (aligning your forecast to supply shortages and rapidly changing demand patterns). We're seeing inventory cost savings that exceed 20%! Think about the ROI generated from this perspective. https://lnkd.in/ggnYRpjt

https://lnkd.in/gwznDaif When we say #AI, we mean robust, operational machine learning driven systems that are time tested with proven use cases. Don't get left behind using dated, inefficient ERP systems or other ineffective 3rd party software. Reach out to Vizen Analytics and we'll help you get it right. The impact of #AI on #supplychains is immeasurable. For starters, food and beverage companies are seeing strong results from predictive maintenance systems powered by machine learning. “For #manufacturers, that’s not a nice-to-have – it’s operational insurance,” said Dag Calafell, III, director of technology innovation at MCA Connect. “Every minute a machine is down means money lost – and if your factory can’t warn you before it fails, it already has.”

Good afternoon, everyone. Posting this excellent article from freelance writer Kaila Johnson as she shares the value of applying causal-AI modeling in #demandplanning and #demandforecasting. Especially as it affects the sudden dynamic spikes of your favorite sales around the globe. "It can be difficult to predict when a product will get its well-deserved recognition after years of flying under the radar. #Matcha, a popular coffee alternative, has been on the rise due to health benefits and, more importantly, the aesthetic of a green drink on social media. According to The Business Research Company demand for this drink is predicted to rise at a significant rate nearly doubling in global sales by 2030." "#Supplychain companies need a more responsive method that can work in near real-time rather than after a trend may have already passed. The good news is that an advanced technology called #causalAI modeling can transform the way #manufacturers to retailers uncover and forecast sudden product #demand shifts in their marketplace." https://lnkd.in/g2hZF-BN

When we think about #supplychain sales revenue growth and improved #demandforecast generators. Let's think closely about the causal ripples within a sector in this case #pizza. Have we hit peak #pizza? Or are we tired of the commercial options that we're given, versus say the quality and delight of that first bite of a local sweet basil bistro and the dine in dynamics? Have we marginalized the value of #pizza in relationship with all the other boring fast food options? "The irony is that there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with Domino's’s itself. On the second quarter earnings call last week, CEO Russell Weiner noted that over the last ten years, Domino's’s has taken about a point of market share every single year. Figures from publicly-traded competitors seem to confirm that argument: in 2024, for instance, Domino’s US same-store sales rose 3.2%, while North American sales for Papa Johns’s dropped 4% and Pizza Hut was off 3%. The problem, instead, might be the pizza market itself. The Food Institute https://lnkd.in/e-KbRG7i

It may be time to start stocking up on the chocolate. I know we will. Swiss chocolate giant Lindt & Sprüngli passed along a 15.8% price increase in the first half of the year. #Toblerone and #Milka manufacturer Mondelēz International also warned of similar action in 2025. Michele Buck, The Hershey Company’s CEO, said in August 2024 that the business has “absorbed a lot of inflation already, but we do believe we need to pass some of it on.” #Chocolate candy accounts for two-thirds of The Hershey Company’s sales, The The Wall Street Journal Journal noted, citing an April analysis by TD Cowen, while non chocolate candy accounts for about 12%. -Foodive   https://lnkd.in/g8ei8dp4?

Some outstanding research here and clearly a link to the causal factors that shape demand for retailers and food manufacturers. According to Nik Modi of RBC Capital Markets, for the past few quarters, #consumers by and large have been in a “spending recession.” He shared his insights on a recent episode of The Food Institute Podcast sponsored by City National Bank. “Think about why people are probably deciding to get frozen meals instead of going out to eat, because it’s too expensive, right? So again, another kind of proof point that the consumer is under pressure,” https://lnkd.in/gEHje244

Compelling post from Alicja Spaulding on her concerns for the entire food industry sector and the lessons learned on the bankruptcy that has sadly transpired at Del Monte Foods. She gets underneath potential root cause factors and how to help other companies move in a better direction. Supply Chain inefficiency including forecast challenge liabilities and a general lack of connected dynamic inventory management systems, contribute significantly to their financial woes. It's time for a change. Adapt or risk the consequences. She says, that the root problem is existential: their core competency became their core liability. They’re not alone. Over the last 18 months, the food industry has experienced its most dramatic restructuring in decades: → $40B+ in M&A deals → 49% spike in bankruptcies → 30+ food companies filed with liabilities exceeding $4B combined https://lnkd.in/ge5mPptt

This thought provoking piece from Rod Boothby on the value of implementing casual inference based systems into your #supplychain. Vizen Analytics provides just such a solution to enhance forecasting and improve problem solving! https://lnkd.in/gWYe7BXE

How do we predict and accurately forecast #demand in the ever changing consumer driven marketplace? Think snacks, drinks, ready to eat meals – the #CPG market in the U.S. has exploded with new options in recent years. With all the variety in products, how can businesses stand out from their competition? What could #food companies be doing better – and what are they getting right? And can big labels survive the new landscape? Hear insights on these topics from SmashBrand founder Kevin Smith in this episode of The Food Institute Spotlight! https://lnkd.in/gdzwNpaV

Happy Saturday and on the first full day of summer. I realize that you may be getting pretty tired of constantly talking about #tariffs And who wouldn't. But the simple reality is that if we don't focus on ways to solve the heart of the issue, which is uncertainty, the problem is only going to worsen. Vizen Analyticsf empowered-AI platform features #causal-AI modeling which gets underneath basic historical correlations to validate root factors and applies the impact they have on forward demand, and supplier pricing. This great article from Forbes validates this principle. Isn't it time to find new and better ways to solve old tired problems? "#AI-powered analytics play a crucial role in helping organizations navigate this uncertainty. By delivering real-time risk assessments, AI provides decision-makers with data-driven insights needed to act decisively in volatile markets. These models can evaluate vast datasets—including trade histories, economic indicators and geopolitical signals—to forecast potential tariff shifts. This enables proactive strategy adjustments rather than reactive course corrections." https://lnkd.in/gZhTvrTa