THE SCENARIO
On Thursday, I ordered a 100-pack of my favorite morning brew, Lavazza Crema e Gusto.
On Friday morning, the package arrived as promised. So, I am all set. It’s really great coffee; you should try it.
On the same Friday, mid-afternoon, Alexa’s yellow notification light comes on. I asked Alexa, “What’s my notification, please?” Good manners are always proper, even when talking with AI.
Alexa informs me that “based on my order history, it may be time to order Lavazza 30-count coffee pods – 100 of which were delivered this morning.
Now, here is the question: what if someone else in my house hears the afternoon suggestion and, not seeing a 30-count blue and red package in its usual place, says Sure, please order?
THE QUESTION
This minor disconnect made me wonder, if Alexa really knew my order history, why didn’t she see that I had already ordered and received a four-pack of Lavazza within the previous 24 to 48 hours?
By the way, this is not a criticism – I think the system is fantastic. However, if you multiply this one hiccup across North America or globally, it goes from being a minor, non-concerning oh well, I have an extra pack shoulder shrug to a potentially compounded worldwide issue.
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Procurement Insights
A Chink In AWS’ Alexa’s Procurement Chip?
Posted on July 31, 2025
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THE SCENARIO
On Thursday, I ordered a 100-pack of my favorite morning brew, Lavazza Crema e Gusto.
On Friday morning, the package arrived as promised. So, I am all set. It’s really great coffee; you should try it.
On the same Friday, mid-afternoon, Alexa’s yellow notification light comes on. I asked Alexa, “What’s my notification, please?” Good manners are always proper, even when talking with AI.
Alexa informs me that “based on my order history, it may be time to order Lavazza 30-count coffee pods – 100 of which were delivered this morning.
Now, here is the question: what if someone else in my house hears the afternoon suggestion and, not seeing a 30-count blue and red package in its usual place, says Sure, please order?
THE QUESTION
This minor disconnect made me wonder, if Alexa really knew my order history, why didn’t she see that I had already ordered and received a four-pack of Lavazza within the previous 24 to 48 hours?
By the way, this is not a criticism – I think the system is fantastic. However, if you multiply this one hiccup across North America or globally, it goes from being a minor, non-concerning oh well, I have an extra pack shoulder shrug to a potentially compounded worldwide issue.
30
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