Dr. Abbott Weiss
Senior Lecturer, MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics Co-Instructor, International Logistics (1.265J)
Throughout his career Abbott Weiss has been on the leading edge of supply
chain thinking and practice--designing and executing powerful business
solutions integrating multi-billion dollar global transportation, logistics,
order fulfillment, manufacturing, customer services, planning, and materials
systems. He is currently a consultant and a Senior Lecturer at MIT in
supply chain management. His recent work concentrates on two areas: (1)
effective implementation of supply chain systems, including new technology
such as RFID, and (2) the development and achievement of global logistics
and supply chain strategies.
As VP, Consulting for i2 Technologies, Abbott led a professional services
business for this $1B provider of advanced supply chain software. He directed
six major projects for three IBM divisions, leveraging the internet to
maximize collaboration with suppliers and customers.
Previously, as VP, Worldwide Logistics & Services for Polaroid, Abbott
rebuilt the company’s supply chain, generating savings of $15M per
year and inventory reductions of $40M. He also implemented a Cycle Time
Management Program that cut order fulfillment time by 60%, and redesigned
the new product pipeline, reducing factory–to-shipping time from
twelve weeks to two.
Prior to Polaroid, Abbott spent two decades at Digital Equipment Corporation,
rising through roles of increasing scope including Corporate Materials
Manager and US Manufacturing Manager. As VP, Consumer Industries, he held
P&L responsibility for a global unit that grew 57% to $600M over three
years and established the Digital brand in the retail market.
Earlier in his career, Abbott co-founded Logistics Systems, Inc, which
provided specialized consulting and software solutions to leading commercial
and government organizations.
Abbott’s academic foundation includes a Doctor of Business Administration in Logistics from Harvard Business School and a Master of Science degree in management from MIT. His Bachelor’s degree is in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from Webb Institute.