01 Find the constraint before adding speed
A faster robot trip helps only if it releases the step that limits finished orders.
Operations interview prep when AI changes the bottleneck
Find the constraint. Explain the queue. Defend the change with numbers.
Start the capacity caseWhat companies say they’re looking for
02 Explain waiting beyond average utilization
Two desks can be equally busy and give customers very different waits.
03 Trade batch size against changeover time
“You produce the required amount, you stop, you change over” (opens the source)
Smaller batches finish their first units sooner, but extra setups can break the shift plan.
04 Keep human exceptions in the staffing plan
Automation can remove routine work while leaving enough exceptions to fill the human queue.
Human decision ownership remains part of the work. “AI in supply chain helps us make better decisions at scale, but human expertise remains key.” (Vicky Cuthbert, Unilever, opens the source)
- Vicky Cuthbert Unilever
05 Measure shipped output after quality losses
More raw units do not mean more shipments. Keep defects, demand and inventory separate.
Sources
- Scott Dresser, VP, Amazon Robotics, at the time. Amazon, “Amazon launches a new AI foundation model to power its robotic fleet and deploys its 1 millionth robot”, Jun 30, 2025. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
- Brian Niccol, Chairman and CEO, at the time. Starbucks, “Message from Brian: Green Apron Service, one month in”, Sep 8, 2025. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
- Vikram Agarwal, Chief operations officer, at the time. McKinsey, “How Danone is reinventing FMCG operations”, Mar 4, 2026. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
- Sally Miller, CIO, DHL Supply Chain, at the time. DHL Group, “DHL boosts operational efficiency and customer communications with HappyRobot’s AI Agents”, Nov 11, 2025. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
- Vicky Cuthbert, Chief product supply chain officer, Personal Care, at the time. Unilever, “Building resilience, driving growth: inside Unilever’s AI-powered supply chain”, Aug 13, 2026. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
- Norio Ito, Senior expert, Engine Manufacturing Section No. 23, Kamigo Plant, at the time. Toyota Times, “How Automation, Digitalization & Diversity Drive the Kamigo Plant’s Evolution”, Jun 20, 2025. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
Last reviewed Nov 10, 2026