Quantum: urgency vs. hype

What if the next big supply chain breakthrough also creates one of its biggest security risks?

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Akhilesh Agarwal, President of P2P Solutions and Technology at apexanalytix, and William McNeill, Vice President of Market Intelligence at apexanalytix, for an in-depth discussion on quantum computing’s role in supply chains. They examine how it can improve visibility, risk management, and decision-making. Akhilesh and William stress the importance of preparing now, as waiting could expose companies to risks.

The conversation also covers the convergence of quantum computing and AI, enhancing predictive analytics, supply chain modeling, and risk management. The episode concludes with practical steps leaders can take to prepare for quantum disruptions and stay ahead as the technology evolves.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(04:26) Sci-fi influences and tech discussion

(07:49) Career background and journey details

(10:16) Overview of apexanalytix's work

(12:30) Why they wrote the quantum paper

(17:34) Comparing quantum risk to AI delays

(21:19) Why quantum is both overhyped and underestimated

(26:26) Quantum’s potential for deep visibility

(32:21) The power of quantum risk modeling

(32:54) Data hurdles in supplier visibility

(33:40) Quantum access and the risk of bad actors

(37:45) The rise of quantum computing as a service

(39:34) Near-term risks and HNDL explained

(44:08) Compliance, insurance, and data lifespan

(47:13) Misconceptions about quantum readiness

(51:53) Practical steps to take in 24 months

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Akhilesh Agarwal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhilesh78/
2. Connect with William McNeill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wimcneill/
3. Learn more about apexanalytix: https://apexanalytix.com/
4. Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
5. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
6. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
7. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
8. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
9. Supply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lC
10. WEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfB
11. WEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKp
12. WEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3b

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/quantum-paradox-what-supply-chain-leaders-need-know-1562