In a forward-thinking initiative, Leeds Beckett University and Quality Bearings Online are embarking on a 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership supported by Innovate UK. This partnership aims to overhaul QBOL's supply chain operations, traditionally reliant on a carbon-intensive "Just in Time" delivery approach.
QBOL, based in Leeds, is renowned for its global distribution of high-quality bearings, with a significant portion of sales shipping overseas, contributing to a substantial carbon footprint in the transportation sector.
Dr. Alfred Chinta, project leader and supply chain management course director at Leeds Beckett University, underscores the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport, a sector expected to double its emissions by 2050 without intervention. He emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of rapid shipping practices.
The collaboration will develop the Intelligent System for the Net Zero Era, a cutting-edge computing platform designed to optimize QBOL's supply chain. This system will enable QBOL to strategically manage key accounts and transition towards a more sustainable operational model, moving away from immediate "Just in Time" delivery to a scheduled approach that minimizes environmental impact.
Denny Maude, CEO of Quality Bearings Online, highlights the project's strategic importance in differentiating QBOL in the marketplace by addressing the industry's reliance on high-carbon, rapid delivery methods. The initiative aims to offer greener and more sustainable logistics solutions to clients, aligning with QBOL's commitment to environmental stewardship and meeting ambitious net zero goals.
Central to the project is the recruitment of a KTP Associate, a skilled graduate who will join QBOL to spearhead the implementation of the Intelligent System. This associate will work closely with Leeds Beckett's academic team, leveraging expertise in AI and sustainable logistics to drive innovation within QBOL's operations.
The KTP initiative also promises educational benefits, offering opportunities for students at Leeds Beckett University to engage in practical projects focused on AI applications in sustainable logistics and green supply chain management. This involvement not only enhances student learning but also contributes to real-world solutions for reducing carbon emissions in industrial practices.
As QBOL prepares to integrate the Intelligent System, supported by Leeds Beckett's academic rigor and technological expertise, the partnership sets a precedent for industry collaboration in achieving sustainable business practices. By prioritizing environmental sustainability alongside operational efficiency, QBOL aims to lead the bearings distribution sector towards a greener future.
