In the open

Private local AI for a supply chain

We’re inviting firms along one supply chain to become partners in a pilot group, testing private local AI together on a problem they share. See how it would work, then apply to join.

The problem

An energy shock reaches every firm in a supply chain, in turn. A short spike, each firm absorbs. A rise that stays high crosses the chain, and no single firm sees the whole of it.

The lens

We’re putting together a lens that measures it across the chain: which decisions are coming, by when, and which options remain open. A lens is a view into one situation, through which each party adds its own perspective to a collective position. From that shared picture, firms can negotiate how to spread the impact: a longer contract, say, in return for earlier notice.

The architecture

Private local AI: one Mac Studio computer and a set of plug-in drives. Each drive plugs into its holder’s own computer and links remotely to the Studio, the central box, where data and analysis are exchanged securely. Each drive holds its own data. The Studio runs a local AI model. Connect it to the online AI you choose, or cut the connection and run completely privately. The choice stays with you. Each Studio pairs back to ours for updates.

Ownership and use

The owner, the senior person responsible, holds the Studio. Each party is one person holding one drive, on their own key to the AI model; whoever pays for that key owns the data, and chooses what to share with the Studio. We lease the architecture, under a contract that sets out ownership and use.

Where it stands

The method is proven on one lens, our own. The energy-lag lens is being tested now, on public data. The first Studio set-up comes next, with the pilot group.

Where else it applies

The same architecture carries other lenses: wherever several parties each hold part of the picture and need one position, such as a consortium preparing a bid, or a programme with many partners.

Is a rise in energy costs reaching you through your suppliers, or passing through you to your customers? We’re looking for firms along one chain, ready to see it together.