David Shillingford is the Co-founder of Everstream Analytics. During this conversation, David discussed the latest advancements in supply chain risk management, including AI everywhere, entity resolution, operational integration, closed-loops …and warm beer. 

Everstream Analytics helps companies build more resilient, risk optimised supply chains by providing visibility into what matters, where it matters, and the impact of it anywhere in their global supply chain. 

1. What is Everstream Analytics’ mission? 

Everstream Analytics' mission is to help companies see, understand, and act on risks in their supply chains. We achieve this by mapping a company's end-to-end supply chain, identifying the flow of goods and materials, and understanding the dependencies within that network. This map is then overlaid with data on inherent risks, forward-looking risk indices, and dynamic real-time risk events. By combining these elements with our expertise, AI, and advanced analytics, we not only highlight potential risks but also provide actionable solutions. 

Several factors differentiate us in the market, some binary and others more nuanced. From a binary standpoint, we cover the full spectrum of functional risks across all supply chain disciplines, something that many other companies do not. For example, while third-party risk management companies might focus on corporate and supplier risks, they often overlook inbound logistics and outbound distribution risks. Everstream, however, addresses all these areas. 

Secondly, our global monitoring of disruptive events sets us apart. Through our strategic relationship with DHL, we can monitor global supply chain disruptions more effectively, even those reported in local news that can be difficult to track. 

Lastly, our use of data science and analytics, particularly big data and AI, is another key differentiator.  

Obviously, climate and weather risk are an enormous exposure for every supply chain, and it's not that other companies don't monitor weather and climate risk, but that's an area where Everstream can clearly differentiate itself- comprehensive monitoring, accuracy and predictability.

2. What have been the most significant milestones in Everstream Analytics’ journey so far? 

We have focused our investments on three key areas. First, the acquisition of Resilience360 gave us an enormous head start. This move was based on the understanding that success in this field relies heavily on access to the right type of data and the ability to leverage it uniquely. 

Secondly, the acquisition of Riskpulse positioned us as leaders in managing environmental risks, particularly those related to weather and climate. 

Finally, we have made a substantial investment in big data and data science, which further strengthens our capabilities. 

3. What do you look for in the perfect customer? 

The value customers get from the Everstream solution can be understood in two main parts. First, there's the nature and extent of the risk they face—whether it's the amount of risk or the type of risk. Second, it's about how effectively they can leverage what Everstream offers. 

When we talk about risk, we consider network complexity arising from product complexity. For instance, product risk involves scenarios with less network complexity, but significant risks related to the products themselves, such as during storage or transportation. Additionally, compliance and reputational risks are increasingly important. Companies facing consumers often deal with higher reputational risk, while compliance risk has become more prevalent across all industries.  

The most successful companies are those ready to engage actively. We bring our data, analytics, and expertise to the table, but it's crucial to collaborate and integrate their data with ours to allow us to generate actionable insights that drive value. 

4. What are the foundations of growing a great team? 

I think the foundation of any successful team is trust. It's easy to say but hard to do.

Trust comes in different forms, but a strong company culture must ensure that people trust each other. Without this trust, collaboration becomes challenging, especially in today’s increasingly remote and virtual work environment. Collaboration is crucial for tackling the multi-faceted and complex tasks we face. 

Additionally, it’s important to strike a balance between respect and direct communication. We need to be clear about what needs to be done and who is responsible for each task, while also being respectful. It’s essential to remember that both clarity and respect can co-exist. 

A significant part of our success comes from our ability to find and attract exceptional people. By this I mean not only individuals with intelligence and talent in supply chain management, risk, or data science but also those who are motivated by solving problems and finding purpose in our work. 

5. How do you incorporate GenAI / advanced technologies, and what will be your next major digital innovation? 

We utilise AI in nearly every aspect of our business, from data acquisition and organisation to generating and delivering insights. The type of AI we employ varies depending on the use case and demand. One of the biggest challenges with supply chain data is the inconsistency in terminology across different companies, locations, and materials. Managing entity resolution across billions of data points is a significant challenge, and we deploy various AI models to address this issue. In fact, almost every type of AI is in use somewhere within Everstream.  

I think there's a lot of buzz around GenAI and I think that it's exciting to imagine what large language models can do when applied to a company's supply chain data.

However, companies must first get a handle on their supply chain data. We are actively experimenting in this area and have seen success in scaling up our intelligence solutions group. They are partnering with large language models to create alerts, though it’s important to note that there is still a human element involved in this process. 

6. What’s the vision for Everstream Analytics? What does great look like in three to five years’ time? 

One way to think about it is that we aim to reach a point where our clients incorporate risk into every decision they make—whether it’s in planning, execution, category management, or inbound logistics. Our insights become so integrated into their workflows and processes that risk is considered as routinely as cost, service, and distance. This is why our partnerships with SAP and other platforms are so crucial. 

Several key factors enable this integration. First, we must continuously enhance the accuracy, granularity, and speed of our insights. We believe we offer the best risk insights in the industry and are committed to improving them daily. 

Second, operational integration is essential. Our risk insights need to align with our clients’ operational data, such as network data or the flow of goods. Typically, this means embedding our insights into platforms they already use, ensuring seamless integration into their workflow. 

Lastly, it’s important to close the loop by evaluating decisions that involve risk. This involves understanding the outcomes and analysing how they could have been improved. 

7. What are you doing that is good for the planet? 

 The overarching theme is that by helping some of the world's largest companies design and manage more resilient supply chains, we also support the resilience of the communities they serve. For instance, in the context of climate change, we conduct extensive analysis on future climate risks. This enables our clients and their communities to optimise resources, such as water availability, and reduce reliance on refrigerated transportation. 

Human rights are another critical area where we are deeply committed. We go beyond identifying risks; we assist our clients in understanding and implementing effective solutions. 
 
We are partnered with Hope for Justice and are recognised as the world’s first Slave-Free Alliance-validated modern slavery and forced labour technology provider. Additionally, we collaborate with the American Logistics Aid Network, providing our platform pro bono to enhance their logistics support for disaster-stricken communities. Similarly, through our work with the World Economic Forum, we have supported UNICEF's operations by offering our platform pro bono. 

Wherever there's an opportunity to make a difference, we’ll take it.

INSTANT INSPIRATION 

1. Favourite book or blog? 

One book is Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, the creator of Nike. It’s such a great story and a page turner, but it also teaches a lot of good lessons about persistence and building a business for the right reasons. I think anyone could read that, but as an entrepreneur, I really love that. 

The second book is called Atomic Habits, and the principle there is that we are what we repeatedly do. If our habits are healthy, we succeed, and if they're not, we are less likely to. The book clearly explains how the opposite of what we try and do will get us there. Start small, make it easy. One of my life's missions is to get my kids to read it! 

2. Favourite inspirational leader? 

There's a tonne but I think the one that most often comes to mind is Richard Branson. I love his story because he wasn't very successful as a young person. Success as young people is, really, academic success, and he was pretty much the opposite of that. Through persistence and charm, he has managed to turn that into one of the most successful entrepreneurial careers. The way that he finds purpose, finds problems to solve, and brings people around him who become just as motivated as him, is inspiring. He continues to reinvent himself and is still out there trying to help us all make the make the world a better place. So, I think he's a remarkable person.

3. Favourite piece of technology? 

This isn't very high tech, but I love my Bluetooth headphones. The noise-cancelling headphones that I use when I'm cutting hedges or using power tools in the garden. It blanks out the noise of the power tool, but it's also got fantastic noise quality. I listen to podcasts, music, and cricket.  

4. Favourite cocktail or guilty pleasure? 

This isn't really a guilty pleasure but the drink that I enjoy most is warm beer because I so seldom get to drink it. When I am drinking it, it means that I'm probably sitting in an old pub with an old friend who I haven't seen for quite a long time.  

5. How do you celebrate success? 

I think it depends a bit on the success, but I can't really think of any success I've had on an individual basis. So, I suppose it all revolves around saying thank you to someone or to a group of people. Maybe we're having dinner together or a drink, but it's the act of acknowledging their role and saying thank you. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS  

1. Investment in Big Data and AI: Leveraging big data and artificial intelligence is critical for advanced supply chain risk management. AI can help in acquiring, organising, and analysing vast amounts of data, providing deeper insights and predictive capabilities.
2.  Integration with Operational Platforms: Risk intelligence must be integrated with operational data and platforms that companies already use. Embedding risk insights into existing workflows ensures that risk is considered in every decision, making the process seamless and actionable.
3. End-to-End Supply Chain Mapping: Comprehensive mapping of the entire supply chain network is crucial. This includes tracking the flow of goods and materials and overlaying this with real-time and predictive risk data to understand dependencies and risks effectively.
4. Full Spectrum Risk Coverage: Effective supply chain risk management requires covering all functional aspects of risk, including corporate, supplier, inbound logistics, and outbound distribution risks. This holistic approach ensures that no area of the supply chain is left unmonitored.
5. Global Monitoring of Disruptive Events: Continuous global monitoring of events that could disrupt supply chains is essential. Utilising local and global news, and having strategic partnerships, can enhance the ability to predict and respond to such disruptions.
6. Climate and Weather Risk Management: Climate and weather risks are significant factors affecting supply chains. Advanced monitoring and predictive capabilities in this area can help companies better prepare for and mitigate these risks, enhancing resilience.
7. Social and Environmental Responsibility: Addressing social issues, such as human rights and modern slavery, alongside environmental sustainability, is becoming increasingly important. Companies must navigate these complexities and find solutions that contribute to more resilient and ethical supply chains. 

About Everstream Analytics  

Everstream Analytics’ risk scores and predictive insights set the world’s supply chain standard, helping global companies turn supply chains into business-changing, market-shifting, competition-crushing assets. Removing the traditional blinders of one-dimensional data, they offer more complete information, sharper analysis, and accurate predictions. Companies like Google, Schneider Electric, Unilever, and Campbell’s rely on Everstream Analytics to push their supply chains to be faster, smarter, leaner, and more sustainable. 

About ProcureTechSTARS 

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In an open conversation with these leaders, Lance Younger discusses the highs and lows of building the future, the challenges they’ve faced, their perspective on the latest developments, and what motivates them.