What’s happening behind the scenes in modern manufacturing? How are robotics, cobots, and AI transforming operations—and how can companies attract and reskill the next generation of talent?

In this episode, we sit down with Jake Hall, the Manufacturing Millennial, to uncover practical strategies for reskilling employees, balancing new technology with real-world challenges, and attracting the next generation of talent. Plus, get insights on emerging trends, sustainability initiatives, and how to use social media to showcase your manufacturing brand.

Packed with actionable takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to modernize and future-proof their operations!

🎙️ Visit our website for show notes:
https://www.secretlifeofinventory.com/

🔨 Follow Jake & The Manufacturing Millennial!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobrhall/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-manufacturing-millennial/

0:00 - Teaser
0:24 - Intro
1:39 - How did you get into the world of manufacturing and automation?
2:53 - What kinds of automation systems did you help implement?
6:37 - How does your approach shift when dealing with large vs. smaller businesses?
9:03 - How do you encourage employees to reskill?
12:25 - What types of technology did you work with?
14:14 - Was there one system or tool that really surprised you?
18:15 - Are robots taking jobs humans don't want to do?
21:41 - What's the difference between robots and cobots?
25:22 - What's an example of a cobot?
29:21 - How do you get started with robots and cobots?
31:00 - What technology has stood the test of time?
35:49 - How have customers' needs changed?
39:07 - What content from the Manufacturing Millennial resonates the most with people?
41:57 - What opportunities have you received as the Manufacturing Millennial?
43:49 - What advice do you have for manufacturers looking to leverage social media?
46:11 - What types of content do you think perform best?
48:14 - How did you get involved with helping students?
54:33 - Can you share more about your Robot Dogs?
56:21 - What's the coolest automation you've done or seen?
57:39 - What do you enjoy about conferences?
59:32 - What emerging trends are standing out the most right now?
1:01:47 - What sustainability initiatives are you seeing?
1:04:21 - What does the future of manufacturing look like?
1:06:52 - How would you attract Millennials and Gen Z into manufacturing?
1:09:05 - Which social media platforms work best?
1:10:46 - What mistakes do companies make with their social presence?
1:11:09 - What company is doing it right?
1:12:17 - To start, where should companies modernize?
1:13:04 - What's one thing you want every manufacturer to remember?
1:13:38 - Outro

✅ Try inFlow Inventory for free and never run out of stock:
https://www.inflowinventory.com/

🎧 Watch Secret Life of Inventory on YouTube!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZPdD9vxalF-TD_uxHmFsPkP5638NrU8-&si=7YIruVL0daUgxCBt

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What’s really happening behind the scenes of modern warehouses? How are companies using AI, sustainability strategies, and smart inventory practices to stay ahead? In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Lawton, host of The New Warehouse, to uncover the trends, strategies, and stories shaping today’s warehouse operations.

Topics Covered:
• Kevin’s inspiration and lessons from hosting The New Warehouse
• Emerging trends in warehousing and AI solutions
• Inventory control best practices and warehouse layout tips
• Sustainability and standardization strategies
• Risk management and creative approaches to returns
• Metrics that matter and what’s next in the industry

Whether you’re running a warehouse, managing inventory, or curious about logistics, this episode is packed with actionable insights!

⬇️ Follow Kevin!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinclawton/
https://www.thenewwarehouse.com/

0:00 - Teaser
0:15 - Intro
1:57 - Kevin's backstory
3:44 - What inspired you to start The New Warehouse?
9:24 - Are there any exciting trends in warehousing?
17:56 - What AI solutions are making a real impact?
19:41 - How are midsize vs. large operations adapting differently?
23:09 - What big changes have you seen in the past decade?
23:09 - Can you share sustainability tips in warehousing?
27:37 - What are best practices for inventory control?
34:37 - What are common warehouse layout mistakes?
38:19 - What does standardization look like in a warehouse?
44:50 - How does quality assurance look like in a warehouse?
48:15 - What's often overlooked in risk management?
54:21 - What are creative strategies for managing returns?
1:02:34 - What metrics matter when managing returns?
1:03:43 - Rapid fire questions
1:04:44 - Which podcast episodes would you recommend?
1:05:52 - What exciting things are coming up next?
1:07:01 - Outro

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#inventory #inventorymanagement #inflow #inflowinventory #secretlifeofinventory #warehousing #thenewawarehouse #thenewwarehousepodcast #supplychain #logistics #AIinWarehousing #sustainability

Inventory can make or break a business, but managing it isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about strategy. In this episode, we're joined by the inventory legend, Jon Schreibfeder, President of Effective Inventory Management (EIM) and author of Achieving Effective Inventory Management (now in its 7th edition).

With over 45 years of experience guiding thousands of companies worldwide, Jon shares practical insights that help businesses rethink their approach to stock.

We cover:
• How to decide which products deserve a spot in your inventory
• Identifying and eliminating obsolete or unwanted stock
• Common causes of stockouts, and how to balance sporadic vs. steady demand
• Forecasting mistakes and how to improve accuracy
• Adjusting for lead times and safety stock in uncertain conditions
• The EOQ formula: what it is and when it works
• Best practices for replenishment and how software/automation fits in
• Warehouse layout, habits, and cycle counting made easier
• Which KPIs actually matter when measuring success
• ROI timelines and where Jon sees the future of inventory management

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I carrying too much stock—or not enough?” this episode is packed with frameworks, strategies, and stories to help you find the right balance.

📖 Resources:
• Follow Jon! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-schreibfeder-7433524/
• Calculate your carrying cost: https://effectiveinventory.com/inventory-management-tools/carrying-cost/
• Sell excess inventory (in the U.S.): https://www.warehousetwo.com/

0:00 - Intro
1:40 - How did you get into the world of inventory?
2:56 - What inspired you to start Effective Inventory Management Inc?
4:47 - What are common misconceptions in inventory?
5:57 - What do your services include at EIM?
7:00 - What’s one of your most memorable client stories?
11:05 - What are the most common inventory challenges?
12:16 - How do businesses decide what items truly deserve a place in their inventory?
18:27 - How do you identify obsolete inventory?
20:57 - What’s the best way to get rid of unwanted stock?
23:01 - Which sites do you recommend selling on?
23:33 - What’s the most common reason to run out of stock?
23:50 - How do you handle sporadic vs. steady demand?
30:45 - Where do most businesses go wrong with demand forecasting?
32:51 - The meaning of usage, sales, and disbursements
35:28 - How should businesses adjust for lead times and safety stock?
42:30 - Are there common traps companies fall into while chasing incentives?
40:04 - What is the EOQ formula and how is it used?
50:55 - What should you consider in the replenishment process?
51:10 - What role do software and automation play?
57:26 - What do you look for in a warehouse?
1:00:06 - What operational habit or process should warehouse teams adopt?
1:03:03 - How do you make cycle counting easier?
1:08:06 - How do you measure success with KPIs?
1:17:09 - How long does it usually take for clients to see ROI?
1:19:18 - Where do you see the future of inventory management?

Stay connected:
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#inventory #inventorymanagement #demandforecasting #effectiveinventorymanagementinc #inflow #inflowinventory