Quantum Computing
QAOA (Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm)
Algorithm
Hybrid quantum-classical algorithm designed for combinatorial optimization problems like vehicle routing and warehouse allocation. QSCLO uses QAOA to find near-optimal solutions for stock distribution across multiple locations.
Quantum Annealing
Technique
Quantum computing technique that finds the global minimum of a function by exploring the energy landscape. QSCLO uses quantum annealing for Vehicle Routing Problems (VRP), finding optimal delivery routes among thousands of possibilities.
Amplitude Estimation
Method
Quantum algorithm that provides quadratic speedup for Monte Carlo estimation. QSCLO applies amplitude estimation to demand forecasting, achieving more accurate predictions with fewer computational resources than classical methods.
Inventory Management
Safety Stock
Metric
Extra inventory held to mitigate risk of stockouts due to demand variability or supply delays. QSCLO calculates optimal safety stock levels using quantum uncertainty modeling, balancing carrying costs against stockout risk.
Dead Stock
Risk
Inventory that hasn't sold and is unlikely to sell, tying up capital and warehouse space. QSCLO predicts dead stock 90 days in advance, recommending liquidation or discount strategies to minimize losses.
Inventory Carrying Cost
Financial
Total cost of holding inventory, including storage, insurance, depreciation, and opportunity cost. Typically 20-30% of inventory value annually. QSCLO reduces carrying costs by 15-25% through optimal stock allocation.
Route Optimization
Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP)
Optimization
Classical NP-hard problem of finding optimal routes for a fleet of vehicles serving multiple customers. QSCLO uses quantum annealing to solve VRP for 100+ delivery locations in seconds, considering time windows, vehicle capacity, and traffic patterns.
Multi-Modal Transport
Logistics
Use of multiple transportation modes (truck, rail, sea, air) in a single supply chain. QSCLO optimizes mode selection and transfer points, balancing cost, speed, and carbon footprint across the entire journey.
Last Mile Delivery
Logistics
Final step of delivery from distribution center to end customer—typically the most expensive and inefficient part (53% of total shipping costs). QSCLO optimizes last-mile routes using real-time traffic and delivery density data.
Demand Forecasting
Seasonal Patterns
Analysis
Recurring demand fluctuations tied to time of year, holidays, or events. QSCLO uses quantum entanglement to model correlations between seasonal factors across multiple markets, improving forecast accuracy by 25-40%.
Lead Time
Metric
Time between placing an order and receiving it. Includes supplier processing time, manufacturing, shipping, and customs. QSCLO models lead time variability using quantum probability distributions, accounting for disruptions.
Demand Signal
Data
Early indicator of customer demand from sources like social media, search trends, POS data, or pre-orders. QSCLO integrates 20+ demand signals using multi-channel quantum amplitude estimation for real-time forecasting.
Supply Chain Risk
Port Congestion
Disruption
Delays at shipping ports due to high cargo volume, labor shortages, or equipment breakdowns. QSCLO predicts congestion at major ports (Shanghai, LA, Rotterdam) 14 days in advance, recommending alternative routes or modes.
Supplier Reliability Score
Metric
Composite metric measuring vendor on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness, and financial stability. QSCLO calculates reliability scores for 500+ suppliers using quantum risk modeling, updating scores in real-time based on performance data.
Geopolitical Risk Corridor
Analysis
Geographic regions with elevated supply chain risk due to political instability, trade restrictions, or conflict. QSCLO monitors 50+ risk corridors, automatically rerouting shipments when threat levels exceed thresholds.