Cartwheel Studio and the University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation have announced the launch of the Bounds Accelerator, a 16-week startup accelerator program that will leverage emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality to advance digital transformation in the retail value chain. The program is funded through grants from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and support from Coinbase Ventures, Haun Ventures, and The AI Foundation. The program aims to attract 10 startup participants at the Seed-to-Series A stage, with a minimum of three located in Arkansas. Josh Stanley, CEO of Cartwheel Studio, noted that Arkansas is in a unique position to aid technology startups due to the presence of major companies in the state.

As the world of e-commerce continues to expand, so too does the need for efficient supply chain communication. CMO of Fulfillment IQ, Harshida Acharya, explains how AI can help bridge the gap between customer and supplier. AI can be used to automate mundane tasks, such as tracking orders and sending notifications, freeing up time for marketing and communications teams to focus on more strategic tasks. AI can also be used to provide customers with more personalized experiences, such as tailored product recommendations and customized shipping options. By utilizing AI, companies can improve their customer service and ensure that their customers are receiving the best possible experience.

Deloitte recently conducted research to determine the correlation between trust and performance in supply chains. The research revealed that best-in-class supply chain organizations are, on average, six times more trusted than their lowest-performing counterparts. The research also identified several key areas that organizations can focus on to build trust and improve performance in their supply chains. These areas include developing a culture of trust, leveraging technology to increase transparency, and creating a customer-centric approach to supply chain management.