# Using AI to Right-Size Inventory and Kill Shortages w/ Richard Lebovitz

- Show: [The Manufacturing Executive](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive)
- Published: 2026-07-28
- Length: 31m
- Episode: 320
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-07-28-using-ai-to-right-size-inventory-and-kill-shortages-w-richard-lebovitz
- Listen: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-manufacturing-executive#episode-019f3e8d-d031-70c1-aca0-877c5822a99a

## Summary

Richard Lebovitz, founder and chief strategy officer of LeanDNA, explains how manufacturers can reduce part shortages and optimize inventory by treating supply chain management like targeted marketing campaigns. He distinguishes between predictive AI, which forecasts trends, and prescriptive AI, which is harder to implement because it must provide explainable, believable actions to gain user trust. Lebovitz argues that the key to solving shortages is not just chasing missing parts, but clearly communicating to suppliers what is *not* needed to free up their capacity. He advises manufacturers to start with AI for explainability and data interpretation rather than letting it make autonomous decisions, ensuring the technology makes the work easier for human planners.

## Chapters

- [0:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-07-28-using-ai-to-right-size-inventory-and-kill-shortages-w-richard-lebovitz#t=34) Introduction: Richard Lebovitz and LeanDNA
- [7:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-07-28-using-ai-to-right-size-inventory-and-kill-shortages-w-richard-lebovitz#t=452) The Misalignment Between Shortages and Working Capital
- [11:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-07-28-using-ai-to-right-size-inventory-and-kill-shortages-w-richard-lebovitz#t=699) Supply Chain as Marketing Campaigns
- [18:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-07-28-using-ai-to-right-size-inventory-and-kill-shortages-w-richard-lebovitz#t=1098) The Counter-Intuitive Fix for Shortages
- [20:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-07-28-using-ai-to-right-size-inventory-and-kill-shortages-w-richard-lebovitz#t=1219) Predictive vs. Prescriptive AI
- [24:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-07-28-using-ai-to-right-size-inventory-and-kill-shortages-w-richard-lebovitz#t=1447) Where to Start with AI in Supply Chain

## Topics

- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- LeanDNA (company)
- SAP (company)
- Factory Logic (company)
- Guerrilla 76 (company)
- Toyota Production System (other)
- Shingo Prize (other)

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- [Context, Tools, and Trust:Missing Ingredients in Many AI Strategies, with Luminovo's Timon Ruban](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-04-30-context-tools-and-trust-missing-ingredients-in-many-ai-strategies-with-luminovos) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
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## Citing this page

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