This week, we’re doing something a little different! Selby & Hamish take us on a journey through the history of mapping—from the earliest clay tablets in Babylon to the interactive, real-time maps we rely on today. Maps have long been essential for exploration and navigation, evolving from ancient tools to complex digital systems in our pockets.

But what happens when modern digital maps go wrong? We dig into some of the most infamous mapping blunders, like Apple Maps’ launch fiasco, Google Maps’ border dispute between Nicaragua and Costa Rica, and the dangerous misdirections in Death Valley. We also touch on how mapping errors have impacted self-driving cars, leading to unexpected risks on the road, and even how an entire country—the Maldives—briefly vanished from Google Maps.

Join us as we explore the highs and lows of mapping, from ancient wisdom to modern mishaps that reveal the power—and pitfalls—of today’s digital navigation.

In this episode, Selby & Hamish dive deep into the crucial concept of capacity in logistics. They explore key questions faced by industry professionals: How do you measure your capacity, maximise it, and maintain service quality? And how do you strike the perfect balance between service delivery and maintenance to avoid disruptions?

Through data-driven insights, we discuss how to optimise vehicle volumes, reduce time between deliveries, and prevent operational conflicts that can disrupt schedules. Our hosts also break down real-life examples where capacity mismanagement led to major setbacks: UPS’s 2013 holiday delivery fiasco, Nike’s costly supply chain malfunction, and Hanjin Shipping’s bankruptcy in 2016. Each story highlights the risks and ripple effects of poor planning and the ways companies have since adapted to avoid repeating these mistakes.

Tune in for a revealing look at why knowing and managing your capacity is vital to surviving in today’s fast-paced supply chain landscape—and what can happen when businesses don’t get it right.

This week, Selby & Hamish dive into the fascinating yet frustrating world of railway maintenance on infrastructure dating back to the Victorian era. While these railways are rich in history, they present modern-day logistical nightmares when it comes to maintenance.

In this episode, we explore the monumental challenges of keeping services running smoothly amidst ageing systems, massive data overload, and the complex task of forecasting maintenance needs. The ripple effects of a single issue can cause widespread delays, impacting both passengers and freight logistics. Add in unpredictable weather and the constant struggle for long-term funding, and you’ve got a perfect storm of issues for railway operators.

Tune in as we unpack these layered challenges and discuss the balancing act of maintaining our historic railways in a fast-paced, modern world.

In this episode, Selby & Hamish delve into the intricate world of automotive supply chains, uncovering the complex journey a car’s components take before they hit the road. From sourcing the right parts at the right quality to managing the delicate balance of just-in-time manufacturing, the process involves countless steps—and even more potential pitfalls.

We discuss the critical steps in getting parts to their destination on time, minimising stock holding costs, and ensuring quality at every stage of production. We also cover some of the biggest recall stories in automotive history and what happens when things don’t go according to plan.

Tune in as we explore how supply chains keep car manufacturing running smoothly (most of the time!) and the surprises that can happen along the way.

In this episode of Ship Happens, hosts Selby & Hamish dive into the world of data interpretation, revealing how numbers and stats can tell different stories depending on who’s presenting them. From infamous ad campaigns claiming ‘more doctors smoke Camels’ to the ways graphs and charts can manipulate our perspective, we explore how data isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. Tune in to discover the art of reading between the lines—and why it's crucial to question the numbers in our data-driven world.

In this episode of Ship Happens, Selby delves into his experience working with medical tech devices, where the stakes are high, and compliance requirements are non-negotiable. He and Hamish unpack some of the most memorable compliance horror stories from the field, offering valuable insights and a few laughs along the way. From unexpected roadblocks to the complex maze of regulations, the duo sheds light on the challenges that businesses face to stay compliant and the lessons learnt along the way. Don’t miss this chance to gain a fresh perspective on why compliance matters—and what can go wrong when it’s overlooked!

In this episode of Ship Happens, Selby & Hamish dive deep into the world of spreadsheets – the tool we love to hate. We discuss our personal experiences with spreadsheets, from saving the day to causing chaos, and share the ups and downs of relying on these digital grids. Then, we move on to some real-life stories, including the jaw-dropping tale of how JP Morgan lost a staggering $6.5 billion due to a simple spreadsheet error. Tune in as we explore why spreadsheets, despite their flaws, continue to play a crucial role in business operations, and what the future might hold for data management tools.