Strengthening Resilience in Engineering Supply Chains: Jaymalya Deb Discusses Machine Learning and Predictive Technology Innovations
Jay Deb, the Division Materials Manager in the Industrial Process Filtration Division at Parker Hannifin, brings over 20 years of leadership experience and technological expertise to the table. Deb is a key figure at Parker Hannifin, a Fortune 250 company, where he is driving change and innovation in the supply chain management sector.
Deb's approach to supply chain management is rooted in harmonizing Lean principles with advanced analytics. He believes that data can be used to identify waste in the supply chain, and Lean tools can be applied to address it, guided by real-time insights.
Looking ahead, Deb sees Artificial Intelligence (AI) expanding the capability of demand forecasting. He envisions a future where AI-driven solutions will transform demand forecasting into a highly predictive, self-adaptive process. Deb foresees AI autonomously refining algorithms and incorporating external variables to improve forecasting accuracy.
To prepare for this shift towards AI-driven solutions, Deb recommends companies invest in robust data infrastructure, upskill their teams, and pilot AI tools. He also advocates investing in advanced analytics, including machine learning, to process consolidated data.
Deb's innovative strategies extend beyond AI. He developed complex statistical models for demand planning that utilize machine learning techniques to improve finished goods delivery lead times. He also built an automated shop floor scheduling system which continuously optimizes the available capacity against released work orders to achieve positive on-time outcomes for the organization.
Before joining Parker Hannifin, Deb served as an Oracle Consultant to GE Aviation, where he implemented the Advanced Supply Chain Planning module (ASCP) and configured the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) module. He also led materials management, operations management, and supplier development for a US-based global provider of upstream equipment and technology to the oil and gas industry.
Deb's expertise is not limited to the technical aspects of supply chain management. He is also an author and educator. His book, "Managerial Perspective to Operational Excellence: Using Lean Ideas to Compete Against Low-Cost Countries," presents a case-based approach to Lean implementation and change management. The book includes examples of Robotic Process Automation concepts used in manufacturing and analytical tools used to solve operations management problems.
Deb received a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from R.V. College of Engineering in Bangalore, India. He furthered his education with an M.S. in the Manufacturing Systems Engineering Program (MSEP) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and an M.B.A. in Management from the University of Texas at Austin-The McCombs School of Business.
Deb's approach to supply chain management is marked by his ability to integrate Sales, Engineering, and Operations teams' perspectives when implementing advanced forecasting models. He uses visual aids and real-life demonstrations to secure buy-in from stakeholders unfamiliar with the technical aspects of his models. Deb also consolidates data from ERP systems like Oracle EBS and external sources for better decision-making and supply chain performance.
In a world where supply chain disruptions are becoming increasingly common, Deb's innovative strategies and commitment to continuous improvement are essential for organizations looking to stay ahead of the curve.