Smarter Packaging, Smarter Business: Troy Rydman on AI and Automation at Packsize

Guest Introduction Troy Rydman serves as Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at Packsize, a company redefining packaging and manufacturing through automation and sustainability. With a background at AWS and deep experience in security, compliance, and cloud services, Troy brings a unique perspective to how technology drives efficiency and environmental responsibility. At Packsize, he oversees IT, cybersecurity, and strategic innovation, helping major retailers like Walmart optimize packaging to reduce costs, cut carbon emissions, and improve customer experience. His leadership bridges the gap between cutting-edge automation and forward-looking IT practices in a fast-evolving market. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn How Packsize is transforming packaging with right-sized automation Why Walmart relies on Packsize solutions for online orders The environmental and cost-saving benefits of reducing packaging waste How AI is being integrated into packaging processes for smarter decisions Why Amazon takes a different approach to packaging innovation The role of AI in reshaping IT, security, and enterprise software solutions How “baked-in” AI is changing the competitive landscape for startups Why fears about job loss in AI may be misplaced, and how tech shifts create new roles In This Episode Troy explains how Packsize is helping companies like Walmart address two major challenges in e-commerce: waste reduction and efficiency. By using right-sized packaging automation, Packsize not only saves cardboard and shipping costs but also supports sustainability goals through lower carbon emissions. Customers benefit from smarter logistics, while companies deliver a better experience at scale. Troy also explores the role of AI in packaging and manufacturing. From identifying fragile or perishable products on a conveyor line to recommending alternative packaging methods, AI is opening the door to new efficiencies. He emphasizes that customers increasingly expect AI to be built into the tools they use, much like cloud features or mobile apps are today. The discussion expands into a broader look at how AI is reshaping the technology landscape. Drawing on his experience at AWS, Troy shares how enterprise customers once experimented with niche AI tools, only to demand that functionality become a standard part of larger platforms. He predicts that the same trend will reshape industries ranging from CRM to cybersecurity, where providers like CrowdStrike and SentinelOne already integrate AI directly into their services. Finally, Troy and Matthew tackle the big question: Will AI replace jobs or create them? Using examples from Toyota’s automation journey, Troy argues that AI will shift roles rather than eliminate them, generating more opportunities in quality control, robotics, and innovation. Rather than fearing job loss, businesses should focus on how technology enables growth and efficiency.