The Debrief: How USA Track & Field’s Brad Birling used Teamworks Inventory Management to Eliminate Athlete Distractions at the Paris 2024 Olympics

We recently sat down with Brad Birling, Manager of International Teams & Logistics at USA Track & Field, after the Paris 2024 Olympics to debrief on his experience and learn how he leveraged Teamworks Inventory Management. With the pressure of the world’s biggest sporting event fresh in his mind, Brad shared valuable insights into how Teamworks’ cutting-edge inventory management technology played a pivotal role in supporting America’s top track and field athletes. 

From streamlining uniform distribution to enabling quick, on-site adjustments, Brad’s experience showcases how the right tools can significantly impact anyone’s ability to perform at the highest level. In this Q&A, we’ll explore how Teamworks Inventory Management helped reduce distractions for athletes, enhance operational efficiency, and provide the flexibility needed in high-stakes international competitions.

Q1: What’s your top priority when it comes to preparing and planning for a complex event like the Paris Olympics?

Brad emphasizes that their top priority is reducing distractions and stress for athletes, especially during events. The platform allows for quick and efficient management of uniforms and equipment, ensuring athletes can focus on their performance.

Q2: Can you describe how the Inventory Management mobile app enhances your ability to manage inventory on-site?

Brad highlights the convenience of the mobile app, which allows him to issue kits, make exchanges, and track inventory in real-time, even when far from their home base. This is particularly useful during trials and major events.

Q3: The Paris Olympics presented unique challenges for you and your team. What specific features of the Teamworks Inventory Management platform were most crucial in addressing these challenges?

Brad highlighted the challenge of managing a large volume of gear to ensure athletes had optimal choices for peak performance, given new kit designs and individual preferences. The mobile app was crucial, allowing for quick and easy exchanges when athletes selected different sizes or styles to feel and look their best, significantly streamlining the process during the intense 10-day competition period.

Q4: How does Teamworks Inventory Management improve collaboration between different departments like finance and operations, and how does it enhance your interaction with athletes?

Brad explained that Teamworks Inventory Management significantly improves collaboration, especially with the finance department. The platform allows for easy generation of end-of-year reports detailing all issued items and transactions, streamlining the audit process. This capability makes it simpler for the finance department to provide necessary information to auditors.

Q5: Can you tell us what makes USA Track & Field unique in terms of logistics and inventory management? How does the schedule of events impact your work?

Brad and his team manage more than 10 teams annually, covering a wide range of events from World Championships to specialized competitions like Mountain Ultra Trail. The constant cycle of events, each requiring Olympic-level preparation, creates a uniquely challenging environment for year-round logistics and inventory management.