Dev Different

Why Velocity Matters: "Software projects are 10x more likely to run over time and budget, even with the advancement of AI. We are not talking about a little over, we are talking an average of 200% over budget and 70% over time."

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Topics Covered:
  -  Hype of New Tools
  -  Insanely Fast Software Cultures
  -  Product Management That Kills Productivity
  -  Q&A

Presentation Recorded on 07/1/2018  @NebraskaCode in Lincoln, NE

Devon Seacrest, co-founder and CEO of CodeBuddy, is a repeat co-founder with over 24+ years of owning and operating high-growth businesses. Devon has raised over $27 million dollars in software and real estate capital and was a 2016 Kauffman Foundation Pipeline Fellow. He is a full-stack software engineer, a graduate of UNL College of Law, and bilingual (Spanish).

Learn more about CodeBuddy @ www.codebuddy.com

Jacob Hansen, co-founder and CEO of ALA Engineering, discusses the automation of cattle feeding in the feedlot industry. He explains the challenges of traditional feedlot operations and the need for automation to improve efficiency and reduce labor shortages. The conversation covers the analog process of feeding cattle, the role of feed trucks and feedlots in the beef supply chain, and the difficulties faced by human drivers in accurately distributing feed. Jacob shares the journey of ALA Engineering, from the initial driver information system to the implementation of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and the use of radar ground speed sensors. The goal is to achieve full autonomy in cattle feeding. ALA is focused on developing autonomous feedlot trucks for the agriculture industry. They have taken a bottom-up approach, starting with driver assistance systems and gradually moving towards full automation. They have built their own custom truck, called the All-Star, which features a fully hydraulic powertrain and a cabless chassis. ALA has developed a robust sensor suite, including high-definition imaging radars, LiDAR, and cameras, to ensure accurate perception in various weather conditions. They have also built their own GPS controller for precise localization. By building their own systems, ALA has greater control over the technology, lower unit costs, and better long-term support for their customers.

Takeaways:
  •  The feedlot industry faces challenges such as labor shortages, equipment issues, and efficiency problems, making it ripe for automation.
  •  Traditional feedlot operations rely on human drivers to distribute feed, which is a mentally taxing and error-prone task.
  •  ALA Engineering is focused on automating the feed transportation process, starting with a driver information system and progressing to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
  •  The implementation of ADAS, along with radar ground speed sensors, has improved the accuracy and efficiency of feed distribution.
  •  The ultimate goal of ALA Engineering is to achieve full autonomy in cattle feeding. ALA has taken a bottom-up approach to developing autonomous feedlot trucks, starting with driver assistance systems and gradually moving towards full automation.
  •  They have built their own custom truck, called the All-Star, which features a fully hydraulic powertrain and a cabless chassis.
  •  ALA has developed a robust sensor suite, including high-definition imaging radars, LiDAR, and cameras, to ensure accurate perception in various weather conditions.
  •  They have also built their own GPS controller for precise localization.
By building their own systems, ALA has greater control over the technology, lower unit costs, and better long-term support for their customers.

Learn more about ALA Engineer @ https://ala.engineering/

Chapters
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:00:28 - Jacob Hansen's Background and Current Work
00:01:28 - Introduction to ALA Engineering
00:02:07 - Approach to Automation in Ag Tech
00:03:01 - Decision to Build In-house Systems
00:06:31 - Impact of Building In-house Systems
00:10:48 - Benefits of In-house Manufacturing
00:13:40 - Jacob's Early Ventures into Tech
00:15:19 - Introduction to ALA Engineering's Role in the Beef Supply Chain
00:16:22 - Feed Transportation and Distribution Process
00:17:34 - Traditional Feed Delivery Method
00:19:30 - In-depth Look at Human-operated Feed Delivery
00:19:55 - Challenges in Human-operated Feed Delivery
00:27:08 - ALA's Initial Approach to Automation
00:28:31 - First Step: Driver Information System
00:31:53 - Customizations to the Truck and Introduction of Hydrostat
00:32:20 - Understanding Hydrostat and its Benefits
00:33:00 - Explanation of Hydrostat Mechanism
00:33:28 - Benefits of Hydrostat for Fuel

In this episode, Samuel J Cummings III from DataPlant joins the Dev Different podcast to discuss building a startup in the age of AI. Sam shares his journey and highlights the developments in AI over the past decade. He emphasizes the importance of integrating AI tools into business processes to provide better customer experiences and drive value. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities in the AI industry, including the commodification of AI, the cost of running models, and the need for cohesive and integrated platforms. Sam also challenges the prevailing concepts of Agile development and starting with small, simple ideas in business. The conversation explores the challenges of building a software company in the current landscape of rapid innovation and competition. It emphasizes the importance of thinking big and shooting for ambitious goals, rather than playing it safe with small, incremental improvements. The conversation also touches on the need for founder fit, where founders have unique insights and experiences in a specific industry or space. The role of creative thinking and the ability to think without constraints is highlighted as a superpower in the world of AI. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of large language models, the potential for more efficient and purpose-built models, and the importance of collaboration and community in the development of AI solutions.

Takeaways

• Integrating AI tools into business processes can enhance customer experiences and drive value.
• The AI industry has seen significant developments over the past decade, with a focus on business applications.
• The commodification of AI and the cost of running models are challenges in the industry.
• Cohesive and integrated platforms have a better impact in the market compared to piecemeal solutions.
• The prevailing concepts of Agile development and starting with small ideas in business may not always be effective in the fast-paced world of AI. Think big and shoot for ambitious goals in order to stand out in a rapidly evolving and competitive market.
• Founder fit, where founders have unique insights and experiences in a specific industry or space, can increase the odds of success.
• Creative thinking is a superpower in the world of AI and can help differentiate and drive value.
• The future of large language models may involve more efficient and purpose-built models, as well as collaboration and community-driven solutions.

Connect with Sam:
https://www.thedataplant.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelj314/

startup, AI, age of AI, journey, developments, business processes, customer experiences, value, challenges, opportunities, commodification, cost, models, cohesive platforms, integrated platforms, Agile development, small ideas, software company, rapid innovation, competition, thinking big, ambitious goals, founder fit, creative thinking, constraints, AI, large language models, efficiency, purpose-built models, collaboration, community

Are you considering custom software for your business? Discover the benefits of DIY software development, tailored tech solutions, and how generative AI can revolutionize your operations in this episode! Join the CodeBuddy team as they debate whether to build or buy software and uncover the hidden costs of off-the-shelf solutions. Learn how custom software can save you money, boost efficiency, and give you a competitive edge. Perfect for entrepreneurs, developers, and business leaders looking to optimize their tech strategy.

Key Takeaways:

The power of custom software for your business
How AI tools are changing the software landscape
When to choose bespoke solutions over ready-made software
Practical advice for startups and growing businesses
Resources & Links:

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In this episode of the DevDifferent podcast, the team at CodeBuddy discusses challenges when building an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and shares their experiences and insights. They emphasize the importance of validating the concept before investing significant time and money and suggest starting with the minimum sellable product (MSP) rather than building out the full product.

The team shares their own experiences with pivoting and the importance of getting user feedback early on. The conversation explores the challenges of software development, including the lack of standards and the need for constant reinvention. It emphasizes the importance of iterative development, adaptability, and leaving room for uncertainty.

They discuss the role of non-technical founders and provide advice on how to avoid being taken advantage of.

Podcast Listeners:
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