“Data science offers enormous potential for supply chain optimization”

Laura has a PhD in mathematics and leads the data science team at 4flow consulting. In this interview, she shares how she puts her math expertise to use at 4flow, how her time as a field hockey coach helps her in her current role, and what tips she’d give other young women in a technical field.

How did you get your start at 4flow, coming from a background in math?
I’m from Berlin originally and studied math here. For my PhD in discrete mathematics, I moved to Ulm, Germany. I wanted to move back to Berlin when I finished, and I found 4flow. I felt like I could contribute to 4flow with my knowledge from my doctoral studies. Now I’ve been at 4flow for almost 6 years and lead the data science team at 4flow consulting.

And how do you apply what you learned during your PhD to your role at 4flow?
My time studying math at university and even my PhD were of course a lot more theoretical, but the subject matter is a good fit because I use my expertise in mathematical optimization in my day-to-day work. I taught lots of courses on mathematical optimization at university – sometimes with 5 students, sometimes with 100. Lots of what I do now is related to analysis to find the key factor behind different supply chain challenges. That also fits in well with my mathematical way of thinking. Before 4flow, I never worked with customers, but I did work with students a lot during my PhD – that’s a different target group of course, but I still learned to communicate well and cater to specific needs.

In my academic career, I had a few points of contact with use cases from supply chain. But most of my industry knowledge I gained on the job. I find my current area super interesting – using data science to solve all kinds of supply chain challenges.

That does sound interesting – what does your day-to-day work look like?
In consulting projects, we’re responsible for everything that’s data-driven and involves large or complex data sets. For instance, that could mean we develop algorithms, or we use machine learning to predict certain results. The biggest challenge is bridging the gap between mathematical theory and real-world business practices. For that, you have to understand the supply chain processes behind the data. Ultimately, our aim is to develop individual solutions for our customers to meet their specific business needs.

Where do you see the greatest potential for data science in supply chain?
Data science offers enormous potential for supply chain optimization. We can create more transparency, for example, and automate parts of the supply chain. Especially as data sets keep growing and technologies like generative AI and machine learning are developed, there will be lots of opportunities in the next few years.

Often, there are already significant opportunities for improvement just by adjusting calculation methods. To predict certain parameters in their supply chains, businesses frequently rely on standard calculations that don’t actually reflect their requirements. Using a customized mathematical model makes a big difference. As a mathematician, I always find these moments especially rewarding, and they remind me that I chose the right career.

Do you have any tips for other young women who want to pursue a technical career like yours?
I’ve found it’s important not to change who you are to meet other people’s expectations. Even if you’re frequently outnumbered as a woman, don’t let that intimidate you. In fact, it can be really helpful if someone can contribute a fresh perspective. As a student, I didn’t have a single female professor – I would have appreciated more female role models. But I realized I’d just have to prove to myself that I could succeed.

It’s also important to support each other, as a reliable network can be a big help. Now I have several younger female colleagues, and I’m really happy that they turn to me for advice. I like having the chance to pass on the knowledge I’ve gained. I used to work as a field hockey coach, and even then I really enjoyed being able to help young people find their way – just like I did at university, too.

Do you still play field hockey?
No, not anymore. But I played a lot when I was younger and even won the national championship with my team. Then, I coached kids. Somehow, it was always my thing – teaching people new things and finding ways to make sure everyone involved is satisfied. Today, I do the same when working with our customers, and it’s still lots of fun.