AI is changing the way manufacturers and supply chain teams work, but where should you actually start?

In this episode, we sit down with Rehaan Bicha, the Co-Founder and CEO of Metalinked, to explore how businesses can approach AI in operations without getting caught up in the hype.

Rehaan shares insights from his hands-on experience building AI products for manufacturing and supply chain, including where businesses have the biggest data gaps, how to identify workflows worth automating, and where human judgment still matters.

We also get into one of the biggest trends in AI right now: vibe coding. While AI can make it easier than ever to build your own tools, Rehaan explains why operational software needs more than just a working prototype, especially when security, reliability, and business-critical data are involved.

Whether you're just starting to explore AI or already experimenting with it, this episode offers a practical look at where AI can fit into your operations and what to consider before handing important workflows over to it.

00:00 - Teaser
00:25 - Intro
01:50 - Building Metalinked & Modernizing Supply Chains
03:31 - How Hands-On Experience Shapes AI Products
04:59 - The Biggest Data Gaps in Manufacturing
06:04 - Where Operations Leaders Should Start with AI
07:48 - AI Advantages for Smaller Manufacturers
08:49 - Identifying the Best Workflows to Automate
11:06 - AI vs. Traditional Manufacturing Software
12:49 - When to be Cautious About Automation
14:29 - Workflows Requiring Human Oversight
15:58 - Processes Never to Fully Automate
17:20 - Veteran Worker vs. AI Recommendation
19:33 - Real-World AI ROI & Use Cases
23:09 - Key Metrics to Track AI Success
24:17 - The First Metric SMBs Should Focus On
26:52 - Top Mistakes When Adopting AI
29:08 - The Dangers of Vibe Coding Operational Tools
31:22 - Vibe Coding Failures & Hacking Risks
33:19 - The Hardest Parts of Vibe Coding to Get Right
34:20 - Hidden Costs of Vibe Coding
36:18 - The Importance of Reliable & Trusted Data
38:21 - Evaluating AI Without a Tech Background
39:32 - Questions to Ask AI Vendors Before Investing
42:09 - SOC 2 Compliance Explained
43:09 - The Future of AI in Supply Chain
46:52 - Autonomous AI vs. AI as a Tool
48:30 - Final Advice for Inventory Leaders
49:13 - Outro

⬇️ Resources:
Explore Metalinked: https://metalinked.ai/
Follow Rehaan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rehaanbicha/

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

🎧 Stream our Secret Life of Inventory podcast:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZPdD9vxalF-TD_uxHmFsPkP5638NrU8-&si=7YIruVL0daUgxCBt

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

👀 Have an interesting inventory story or business? Apply to be a podcast guest:
https://www.secretlifeofinventory.com/apply-to-be-our-guest/

#inflowinventory #inflow #inventory #inventorymanagement

If you sell physical products, your inventory isn't just stock sitting on a shelf—it's a major asset that directly impacts your profits, taxes, and financial reporting.

In this episode of The Secret Life of Inventory, we break down inventory valuation methods in simple terms. You'll learn the difference between price and cost, how Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) works, and why choosing the right inventory costing method can have a big impact on your business.

We cover the three most common inventory costing methods:
→ FIFO (First-In, First-Out)
→ LIFO (Last-In, First-Out)
→ Moving Average Cost

Plus, we explain the differences between IFRS and GAAP accounting standards, discuss which industries benefit most from each costing method, and share practical advice for choosing the right approach for your business.

Whether you're managing inventory in spreadsheets, evaluating inventory software, or trying to better understand your financial statements, this episode will help you connect inventory operations with accounting fundamentals.

Podcast Produced by: inFlow Inventory
Hosted by: Jared Plumb & Melinda Tse

📖 Read our blog to learn more:
→ Inventory Valuation Methods: https://www.inflowinventory.com/blog/inventory-valuation-methods-costing
→ FIFO vs. LIFO: https://www.inflowinventory.com/blog/fifo-vs-lifo/
→ Moving Average: https://www.inflowinventory.com/blog/moving-average-formula-for-calculating-cost
→ Inventory Accounting: https://www.inflowinventory.com/blog/inventory-accounting

0:00 - Teaser
0:26 - Intro
1:37 - What is inventory valuation?
2:17 - Difference between price and cost
3:55 - Why does the inventory costing method matter?
4:26 - What is cost of goods sold? (COGS)
5:55 - FIFO explained
6:40 - Example of FIFO
8:04 - Best industries for FIFO
8:47 - LIFO explained
10:02 - Why doesn''t everyone use LIFO?
10:37 - IFRS and GAAP explained
11:12 - Best industries for LIFO
12:04 - Moving Average explained
14:26 - Moving Average vs. Weighted Average
15:34 - Downsides of Moving Average
17:04 - How do you know which costing method is best?
18:56 - At what point do spreadsheets start holding you back?
20:01 - Inventory management vs. inventory accounting
21:44 - What to look for in inventory and accounting software
22:55 - Best practices for inventory accounting
24:30 - Outro

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

🎧 Stream our Secret Life of Inventory podcast:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZPdD9vxalF-TD_uxHmFsPkP5638NrU8-&si=7YIruVL0daUgxCBt

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

👀 Have an interesting inventory story or business? Apply to be a podcast guest:
https://www.secretlifeofinventory.com/apply-to-be-our-guest/

#secretlifeofinventory #inventory #inventorymanagement #inflow #inflowinventory #inventorymanagement #inventoryaccounting #fifo #lifo #cogs #inventoryvaluation #accountingbasics #smallbusiness #supplychain #inventorysoftware

When warehouse operations start to feel chaotic, most businesses jump to the same solutions: hire more people, move to a bigger space, or buy new software. But according to Adrian Betts, Founder of Xpandur, the solution lies in something deeper—the process.

In this episode, we sit down with Adrian Betts to explore how growing businesses can diagnose what's actually slowing their warehouse down before rushing to add resources. Drawing on his experience at UPS, FedEx, Target, Nike, Walmart, and Amazon, Adrian breaks down why space problems are almost always flow problems in disguise, what he looks for in the first 20 minutes on a warehouse floor, and how poor slotting quietly drains throughput in operations of every size.

Process gaps, broken flow, and misaligned layouts can cost warehouses far more than a new hire or a bigger building ever could. But with the right diagnosis, most operations can unlock significantly more capacity from what they already have—without adding headcount or signing a new lease.

Whether you're managing a small stockroom or overseeing a growing distribution center, this episode is practical, no-fluff, and full of ideas you can bring back to your team the next day.

⬇️ Follow Adrian!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-betts/
Book a consultation: https://xpandur.com/

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

00:00 – Teaser
00:13 – Intro
01:33 – Adrian's backstory
02:57 – Lessons learned from large-scale operations
04:00 – What lessons don't transfer
04:39 – The real problem behind a messy warehouse
05:43 – What a process problem looks like
07:02 – Early warning signs of deeper operational issues
08:08 – The 20-minute warehouse walkthrough
09:12 – Blind spots
10:20 – Advice to a busy founder
11:45 – The difference between a process vs. people problem
13:17 – What does poor space utilization look like?
14:30 – Real story of maximizing an existing space
16:17 – What to consider before implementing inventory software
17:51 – Must-have inventory software features
19:46 – Slotting explained
20:51 – How to decide where inventory belongs
21:46 – How to conduct a quick warehouse slotting audit
22:59 – Warehouse layout considerations
24:24 – Preparing for peak season
25:55 – Where warehouses quietly lose time
27:25 – How to get employee buy-in for change
29:41 – The most important habit to build
30:53 – People, space, or software: What to prioritize first?
33:12 – Signals it’s time to expand
34:19 – How to identify your own hidden inefficiencies
35:35 – The top 2-3 warehouse KPIs to track
37:22 – Metrics to obsess over and metrics to ignore
39:22 – Where to start formalizing warehouse operations
40:50 – Outro

🎧 Stream our Secret Life of Inventory podcast:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZPdD9vxalF-TD_uxHmFsPkP5638NrU8-&si=7YIruVL0daUgxCBt

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

Stay connected:
https://www.facebook.com/inFlowInventory/
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/5276148/admin/feed/inflowinventory
https://www.instagram.com/inflow.inventory/
https://www.tiktok.com/@inflowinventory
https://twitter.com/inflowinventory

#inventory #inventorymanagement #inflow #inflowinventory #warehousemanagement #supplychain #xpandur #adrianbetts

Humanoid robots are no longer science fiction—they're already entering warehouses. But before businesses rush to automate, are they actually ready?

In this episode, we sit down with David Kilzer to explore the realities of warehouse automation, common mistakes in technology adoption, and what it takes to prepare for the next wave of robotics. He introduces the Human Readiness Quotient (HRQ), a simple 1–10 framework to assess whether an organization is truly ready for automation success.

Whether you're running a small warehouse or scaling a complex operation, this conversation offers a grounded look at how automation, robotics, and warehouse strategy are evolving.

Subscribe for more conversations on inventory, warehousing, operations, and supply chain strategy!

Follow David:
➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kilzer-3964688/
➡️ Book a consultation: https://www.xform.me/

0:00 – Teaser
0:12 – Introduction
1:36 – The automation landscape and common pitfalls
5:56 – David Kilzer's background
11:10 – The automation trap
12:59 – Real-world automation failures
15:33 – Prerequisites for automation success
17:19 – How human roles are evolving
21:18 – When humanoid robots will arrive
27:40 – Humanoid robots vs. fixed automation
30:27 – The risks of rigid systems
32:50 – Where humanoid robots don't make sense
34:23 – Automation strategies for smaller budgets
37:02 – Why leadership underestimates the shift
38:29 – Introducing Human Readiness Quotient (HRQ)
39:30 – The core dimensions of HRQ
44:11 – The HRQ evaluation process
47:53 - HRQ cautioning a business to slow down
49:27 - How the HRQ mitigates automation traps
51:03 – Industries best suited for HRQ
52:08 – How to run a quick HRQ assessment
55:57 – The future of hybrid warehouses
1:00:05 – Virtuous cycle of adoption
1:02:41 – Closing thoughts

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

🎧 Stream our Secret Life of Inventory podcast:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZPdD9vxalF-TD_uxHmFsPkP5638NrU8-&si=7YIruVL0daUgxCBt

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

Stay connected:
https://www.facebook.com/inFlowInventory/
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/5276148/admin/feed/inflowinventory
https://www.instagram.com/inflow.inventory/
https://www.tiktok.com/@inflowinventory
https://twitter.com/inflowinventory

#inventory #inflow #inflowinventory #warehousemanagement #automation #humanoidrobots #supplychain #inventorymanagement #warehousing #robotics #logistics #operationsmanagement #secretlifeofinventory

What does it really take to choose the right fulfillment model for your business? When should brands keep fulfillment in-house, and when does it make sense to move to a 3PL or 4PL partner?

In this episode, we sit down with Maggie Barnett, CEO of LVK Logistics and COO of ShipHero, to unpack the realities behind modern fulfillment operations and what businesses need to know before outsourcing logistics.

Here's what you'll learn:
→ The key differences between 1PL, 3PL, and 4PL models
→ When in-house fulfillment starts to break down
→ The pros and cons of outsourcing fulfillment
→ What makes a strong 3PL partner
→ Why 4PL models can struggle operationally
→ How fulfillment strategy impacts customer experience
→ The future of logistics technology and AI in fulfillment

If you're trying to scale fulfillment, improve operational efficiency, or figure out the right logistics strategy for long-term growth, this episode offers a practical, experience-driven look at what actually works.

⬇️ Follow Maggie!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggiembarnett/

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

👀 Think you'd be a great fit for our show? Apply to be a podcast guest:
https://www.secretlifeofinventory.com/apply-to-be-our-guest/

0:00 - Teaser
0:21 - Intro
1:29 - Maggie’s Background in Supply Chain
3:06 - Juggling Roles: CEO of LVK Logistics & COO of ShipHero
4:41 - Defining the Fulfillment Landscape: 1PL vs. 3PL vs. 4PL
6:40 - How to Choose the Right Fulfillment Model
7:36 - When In-House Fulfillment Starts to Break Down
8:29 - Real Growth vs. Temporary Operational Chaos
9:36 - Red Flags in the 4PL Model
13:03 - Where 4PLs Break Down Operationally
13:43 - The Impact of Peak Season Demand Spikes on 4PLs
14:55 - The Reputation Risk of Outsourced Execution
15:45 - Do 4PLs Have Better Tech?
17:52 - Evolution of the 4PL Model
19:15 - Impact of ShipHero’s Pivot from 4PL to 3PL
22:01 - Pros and Cons of a 3PL Model
23:52 - Top Qualities to Look For in a 3PL Partner
25:30 - Do Companies Use Multiple 3PLs?
26:06 - Cost Comparison: 3PL vs. 4PL
27:09 - Biggest Takeaways from ShipHero’s 3PL Pivot
28:24 - The Exact Breaking Point for ShipHero’s 4PL
29:17 - The First Metric to Improve After the 3PL Pivot
30:26 - The Future of Logistics Tech and Fulfillment
31:56 - Could AI Eventually Fix the 4PL Model?
32:45 - Extending In-House Operations Before Outsourcing
33:52 - Which Brands Should Stay In-House Longer?
34:22 - Fulfillment Strategy for Multi-Channel Brands
35:05 - The Absolute Best Time to Move to a 3PL
36:13 - How to Diagnose a Struggling Fulfillment Partnership
38:01 - Core Principles for Long-Term Fulfillment Success
39:13 - Outro

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

🎧 Stream our Secret Life of Inventory podcast:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZPdD9vxalF-TD_uxHmFsPkP5638NrU8-&si=7YIruVL0daUgxCBt

Stay connected:
https://www.facebook.com/inFlowInventory/
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/5276148/admin/feed/inflowinventory
https://www.instagram.com/inflow.inventory/
https://www.tiktok.com/@inflowinventory
https://twitter.com/inflowinventory

#inventory #inventorymanagement #inflow #inflowinventory

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should use lot numbers or serial numbers to track your inventory, this episode breaks it down in a clear, practical way.

We cover what each system is, what information it stores, which industries rely on it, and when to use one over the other. You’ll also learn best practices and how inventory software can make tracking more scalable and accurate.

Whether you’re improving your current process or building one from scratch, this episode will help you make better decisions about how you track your products!

0:00 - Teaser
0:15 - Intro
1:27 - What is a lot number?
2:14 - What information is stored inside a lot number?
3:13 - What does a lot number look like?
3:42 - Which industries rely the most on lot number tracking?
4:15 - What are the benefits of tracking by lot numbers?
8:05 - What are the best practices for lot number tracking?
10:30 - How do you track products by lot number with inventory software?
11:56 - What are serial numbers? How are they different?
13:05 - What other information is stored inside a serial number?
13:25 - What are the benefits of serial number tracking?
16:13 - What are the best practices for serial number tracking?
18:08 - When to use lot numbers versus serial numbers?
19:28 - Outro

Podcast Produced by: inFlow Inventory
Hosted by: Jared Plumb & Melinda Tse

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

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

🎧 Stream our Secret Life of Inventory podcast:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZPdD9vxalF-TD_uxHmFsPkP5638NrU8-&si=7YIruVL0daUgxCBt

Stay connected:
https://www.facebook.com/inFlowInventory/
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/5276148/admin/feed/inflowinventory
https://www.instagram.com/inflow.inventory/
https://www.tiktok.com/@inflowinventory
https://twitter.com/inflowinventory

#inventory #inventorymanagement #inflow #inflowinventory #batchtracking #lottracking #lotnumbers #serialnumbers

What does it really take to build, scale, and sustain a modern manufacturing business? How do leaders balance operational efficiency, workforce challenges, and long-term succession planning in an industry that’s constantly evolving?

In this episode, we sit down with Jim Vinoski to unpack 16 years at General Mills and explore what it takes to navigate today’s manufacturing landscape. From overcoming food production challenges to understanding the root causes of inefficiency, we break down practical strategies that manufacturers can apply right away. We also dive into the human side of operations—building strong talent pipelines, embracing second-chance hiring, and addressing age bias to create more resilient, high-performing teams.

We’ll also explore leadership, capital, and the future of manufacturing—covering everything from raising funds and navigating family business succession, to evaluating private equity vs. ESOPs to prepare your business for a successful exit.

If you're thinking about scaling your operations, strengthening your workforce, or planning for the future, this episode offers a grounded, experience-driven perspective on what actually works.

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

⬇️ Follow Jim!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@manufacturingtalks5250
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimvinoski/
Substack: https://manufacturingtalks.substack.com/
https://www.manufacturingtalks.com/

📖 Resources:

→ Read Jim's Books: https://a.co/d/0dlBXr3N and https://a.co/d/07wjr5TX
→ The E-Myth Revisited: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/81948.The_E_myth_Revisited

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

Podcast Produced by: inFlow Inventory
Hosted by: Jared Plumb & Melinda Tse

0:00 - Teaser
0:24 - Intro and welcome to Secret Life of Inventory
1:49 - Lessons from 16 years at General Mills
2:42 - Overcoming food manufacturing challenges
3:37 - Most valuable lessons
6:09 - Modern tech trends & industrial evolution
7:30 - Jim’s earliest memory that defined his perspective on manufacturing
8:52 - How Jim's experiences influenced his consulting approach
9:53 - The root cause of operational inefficiency
11:58 - The current state of onshoring & regulations
12:50 - Essential solutions for modern manufacturers
13:52 - Building a talent pipeline for small shops
17:08 - The power & success of second chance hiring
21:14 - Tackling age bias and intergenerational dynamics
25:11 - Creating a perfect work culture
30:04 - Practical leadership advice
31:07 - Hiring advantages: small business vs. big corporate
33:37 - How to raise capital for manufacturing
38:08 - Obstacles in family business succession
40:05 - Mentoring the next generation of workers
40:50 - Government programs and training grants
41:55 - Private equity vs. ESOPs
44:57 - Alternatives to exiting the space
45:42 - Key strategies for scaling and future exits
48:05 - Making your financials attractive to buyers
49:35 - Outro

🎧 Stream our Secret Life of Inventory podcast:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZPdD9vxalF-TD_uxHmFsPkP5638NrU8-&si=7YIruVL0daUgxCBt

Stay connected:
https://www.facebook.com/inFlowInventory/
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/5276148/admin/feed/inflowinventory
https://www.instagram.com/inflow.inventory/
https://www.tiktok.com/@inflowinventory
https://twitter.com/inflowinventory

#inventory #inventorymanagement #inflow #inflowinventory #secretlifeofinventory #manufacturing #jimvinoski

How do inclusion, sustainability, and innovation shape the future of supply chains? And what does it take to build a community that truly elevates underrepresented voices in the industry?

In this episode, we’re joined by Sarah Barnes-Humphrey—creator and host of Let’s Talk Supply Chain and Women in Supply Chain, founder of the non-profit Blended Pledge, and a #1 Amazon Best-Selling Author. We explore her journey as a trailblazer in the supply chain space, her work advocating for equity and representation, and why community-driven leadership is essential for meaningful, long-term change.

It’s a conversation about building more inclusive, sustainable supply chains, and the leaders pushing the industry forward.

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

Follow Sarah!
Let's Talk Supply Chain: https://letstalksupplychain.com/
Blended: https://blendedpodcast.libsyn.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkSupplyChain/videos
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbarneshumphrey/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahbarneshumphrey/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/letstalksupplychain
Buy her best-selling book: https://www.amazon.ca/Buried-Her-French-Press-Finding/dp/1544549466
Join her supply chain community: https://letstalksupplychain.com/what-is-the-secret-society-of-supply-chain-with-sarah-barnes-humphrey/

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

0:00 - Teaser
0:21 - Intro
1:34 - How did you get involved in the supply chain industry?
2:49 - What are common misconceptions?
3:59 - How was the transition from sales to marketing?
4:59 - What inspired you to start your podcast?
7:56 - Why is inclusion important?
10:45 - What are the challenges for minorities in supply chain?
12:14 - How can you build more inclusive teams?
13:35 - Have you experienced any pushback or skepticism?
14:54 - Why is it important to send your team to industry events?
16:52 - Have you noticed a shift since advocating for women?
17:56 - Where does 80% of greenhouse gas emissions come from?
20:26 - How do you implement sustainability into your supply chain?
22:08 - What's a real-world example of sustainability done well?
23:36 - How are companies approaching digital transformation?
26:11 - What tech is emerging?
28:36 - How can businesses balance the human side and AI?
31:02 - What emerging tech do you think will have a huge impact in the future?
33:18 - What's your favourite thing about working in the supply chain?
35:07 - How do you be a good leader?
36:32 - How do you break into the supply chain industry?
39:37 - Outro

🎧 Stream our Secret Life of Inventory podcast:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZPdD9vxalF-TD_uxHmFsPkP5638NrU8-&si=7YIruVL0daUgxCBt

Stay connected:
https://www.facebook.com/inFlowInventory/
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/5276148/admin/feed/inflowinventory
https://www.instagram.com/inflow.inventory/
https://www.tiktok.com/@inflowinventory
https://twitter.com/inflowinventory

#secretlifeofinventory #inventory #inventorymanagement #inflow #inflowinventory #sarahbarneshumphrey #supplychain #letstalksupplychain #womeninsupplychain #inclusion