In this episode of Operation Science, host Ed Pound sits down with Silindile Sitole, a leader in supply chain and operations who ensures millions of lenses travel seamlessly from Asia to Africa.

From navigating time zone gaps and language barriers to optimizing freight methods and managing over 50,000 SKUs, Silindile shares her journey of resilience, precision, and leadership in one of Africa’s most complex supply networks.

You’ll hear how her team adapted to port strikes, switched from air to sea freight for cost efficiency, and used data-driven systems like Microsoft D365 MRP to balance inventory across continents.

Silindile also opens up about mentoring new teams, aligning production with capacity, and her thoughts on the future role of AI in supply chain operations.

Whether you’re a manufacturing professional, operations leader, or just fascinated by how global logistics keep the world moving, this episode delivers deep operational insights and leadership lessons you can apply today.

🎧 Listen now to explore how great operations leaders turn complexity into clarity.

Timestamps -

00:00 Introduction by Ed Pound

01:05 Meet Silindile Sitole: Managing global lens supply chains

03:10 Challenges in working with Asian suppliers and time zones

06:40 Switching from air freight to sea freight: Why and how

10:15 Handling port strikes and emergency air shipments

13:05 Communication and customer management during backorders

16:30 Inside the polycarbonate lens production process

20:00 Role of data and MRP in managing 50,000 SKUs

24:40 Expanding operations to Mauritius

28:20 Training new teams and overcoming system differences

32:00 Key KPIs and weekly reporting for operational excellence

37:25 Managing capacity and forecasting with production teams

42:10 Collaboration between finance and supply chain teams

45:20 Thoughts on AI and the future of supply chain automation

49:15 Regulatory challenges, tariffs, and exporting to Africa

53:00 Lessons in leadership, trust, and operational agility

55:30 Closing thoughts: The future of efficiency in operations

#OperationScience #SupplyChainLeadership #LogisticsPodcast #ManufacturingExcellence #OperationsManagement #SupplyChainAfrica #IndustrialInnovation #OperationalExcellence #AIinOperations #ManufacturingPodcast #BusinessOperations #LeadershipInAction #SupplyChainInsights #LensManufacturing #EdPoundPodcast #OperationsStrategy

In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Edward Pound sits down with logistics veteran Juan Maldonado from Karl Storz, a global leader in medical device manufacturing. With over 25 years in the field, Juan takes us through the evolution of logistics, from paper-based processes to data-driven operations powered by technology and automation.

They dive into the challenges of balancing customization vs. standardization, implementing new systems, and designing adaptable warehouse layouts. Juan emphasizes the role of employee engagement, inventory accuracy, and operational discipline in sustaining efficiency during growth.

Drawing from his experience at Toyota, Juan also shares lessons on continuous improvement, simplicity in operations, and the importance of Gemba. Whether you’re in logistics, supply chain management, or operations leadership, this conversation offers practical strategies and timeless principles to keep processes efficient, resilient, and people-focused.

Timestamps -

00:00 Introduction to the Operations Science Podcast

00:49 Meet Juan Maldonado: Logistics Expert

02:02 Evolution of the Logistics Industry

03:08 Balancing Customization and Standardization

06:29 Importance of Gemba and Employee Engagement

10:34 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in Logistics

14:13 Managing Efficiency During Growth

16:14 Warehouse Layout and Adaptability

21:22 Technology and Automation in Warehousing

23:15 Inventory Accuracy and Final Thoughts

24:13 Evolution of Inventory Management

24:46 Daily Cycle Counts and System Integration

27:20 Best Practices for External Warehouses

31:22 Operational Discipline in Companies

33:16 Lessons from Working at Toyota

37:22 Personal Background and Career Journey

42:44 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

#Logistics #SupplyChain #WarehouseManagement #Automation #InventoryAccuracy #ContinuousImprovement #OperationsExcellence #ToyotaWay #EmployeeEngagement #Gemba #LogisticsPodcast #SupplyChainPodcast #OperationalDiscipline #LogisticsInnovation

Welcome to the Operations Science Podcast! In this episode, host Ed Pound welcomes Lisa Elles, a trailblazer in the shipbuilding and ship repair industry. With over 30 years of experience, Lisa discusses the challenges and triumphs of the maritime sector, shedding light on the Lean Shipbuilding model and its transformative impact.

From the historical significance of Liberty ships to the potential of AI in ship design, this episode delves into the complexities and innovations driving the industry forward. Tune in to explore leadership secrets and operational excellence that could revolutionize your approach to operations.

00:00 Introduction to the Operations Science Podcast

00:49 Meet Lisa Elles: Transforming the Shipbuilding Industry

02:25 Challenges and Innovations in Shipbuilding

04:57 Historical Insights: The Liberty Ships

08:14 The Decline and Future of US Shipbuilding

11:36 Lean Shipbuilding Model: Principles and Applications

18:10 Impact of Lean Shipbuilding on the Industry

30:55 The Role of AI in Ship Design and Production

35:32 Lisa Elles: Personal Journey and Professional Insights

41:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts