Podcast appearances and mentions of Scott W Luton

The annual release of a major industry index always sparks intense debate, but the true value lies in the core strategies driving the world's top performers. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by regular co-host Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, and special guest Laura Rainier, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner, to break down the defining macro trends from the Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 for 2026. The panel explores how leading organizations navigate global volatility by moving past tech experimentation to deliver true enterprise value. They dive into the realities of the autonomous workforce era, detailing how top-tier supply chains prioritize human-machine collaboration and systems thinking over simple digital literacy. Highlighting standout examples like Unilever's shared forecasting and Schneider Electric's disciplined process optimization, the discussion illustrates what it takes to build a resilient, network-centric operation. Laura Rainier also addresses critics directly, explaining why qualitative community opinion remains the ultimate "secret sauce" for capturing true excellence, while Mike Griswold wraps up by challenging leaders to leverage the supply chain as a primary engine for strategic growth.    Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introduction (00:44) Gartner's 2026 Top 25 preview (02:23) Meet Gartner analyst Laura Rainier (04:46) Laura's future supply chain research (07:28) Three supply chain macro trends (11:26) Network-centric strategies and orchestration (15:46) Top 25 companies leading change (21:41) Fix processes before deploying AI (24:30) What defines a Supply Chain Master (26:49) Why leaders invest in people (27:34) How Supply Chain Masters stay ahead (29:07) New and returning Top 25 companies (31:09) How companies earn their return (34:03) Why Schneider Electric ranks first (40:34) Walmart's rise and retail momentum (42:41) Why community opinion matters (47:38) 2027 ESG methodology changes (48:25) Gartner events and upcoming summits   Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Mike Griswold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/ Connect with Laura Rainier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-rainier-9087857/ Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA WEBINAR- The Automotive Industry's Next Digital Breakthrough: https://bit.ly/4vhUwT4 WEBINAR- From Disruption to Stability: Building Resilient Logistics Solutions in a Rapidly Changing Global Market: https://bit.ly/3TguZMt WEBINAR- SAP AI Inside the Supply Chain: From Silo to Orchestration: https://bit.ly/4bvpz6K   This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/macro-trends-micro-moves-inside-gartner-supply-chain-top-25-1618 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Freight rates have entered a new phase, and the signals pointing to it have been hiding in plain sight for anyone willing to look past the headlines and into the data. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by Jake Barr, Chris Caplice, Chief Scientist at DAT Freight & Analytics, and Bobby Holland, Vice President/Director of Freight Business Analytics at U.S. Bank, to dig into the newly launched U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index Rates Edition, a joint report combining U.S. Bank's $46 billion in annual freight payment processing with DAT's database of more than a trillion in freight market transactions. Chris breaks down why this tightening cycle isn't the surprise so many transportation executives believe it to be, explaining how capacity, not demand, is the real driver this time around, fueled by driver shortages, tighter regulations, and unprecedented data center build-out. Bobby brings the numbers to life, showing how spot rate movement has historically preceded shifts in contract rates and why shippers should treat that signal as an early warning system rather than an afterthought. The conversation lands on what shippers can actually do about it: stress-testing budgets, segmenting freight into dedicated, contract, and dynamic buckets, and using data to answer the question every CFO eventually asks, is it me, or is it the market? Jake closes with a blunt prediction for the shipper side and a challenge to turn the last few years of smooth sailing into real, productive reinvestment. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:54) What is the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index Rates Edition (05:18) What DAT Freight Analytics does (06:28) The U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index explained (08:47) Is the truckload market really turning (11:24) Why this cycle is capacity-driven, not demand-driven (17:57) Carriers gain pricing power in a tightening market (20:53) What's changed in the market since January (23:16) Why spot rates lead contract rate shifts (28:01) Elephants vs goldfish: how shippers and carriers remember the market (37:52) Prescribed actions: segmenting your freight network (55:23) Final predictions and one key takeaway for shippers Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Chris Caplice: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-caplice-1839/ Connect with Bobby Holland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-holland-4a9355/ Connect with Jake Barr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-barr-3883501/ Learn more about DAT Freight & Analytics: https://www.dat.com/ Learn more about U.S. Bank: https://www.usbank.com/index.html Learn more about BlueWorld Supply Chain Consulting: https://www.blueworldscc.com/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA WEBINAR- The Automotive Industry's Next Digital Breakthrough: https://bit.ly/4vhUwT4 WEBINAR- From Disruption to Stability: Building Resilient Logistics Solutions in a Rapidly Changing Global Market: https://bit.ly/3TguZMt This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Jake Barr, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/review-july-2026-us-bank-freight-payment-index-rates-edition-1615 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Enterprise technology has long promised to unlock operational potential, but the trade-offs between monolithic ERP systems and fragmented best-of-breed stacks continue to slow organizations down in ways most leaders don't fully account for. In this episode of Enterprise Unleashed on Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Wiley Jones (Co-founder at DOSS) are joined by Jindra Zitek (Partner and Head of Scale at Stripes), a former McKinsey consultant and C-level operator whose career spans Chobani, HelloFresh, and a range of board and advisory roles across industry. Together, they unpack what it actually takes to build operations that are truly AI-ready, and why the answer starts with people long before it reaches technology. Jindra draws on firsthand experience leading through hypergrowth and crisis to make the case that both ERP consolidation and best-of-breed ecosystems carry a hidden coordination tax, one that only gets more expensive the longer organizations avoid naming it. He challenges leaders to stop framing AI as a job automation tool and start treating it as a lever for dignity and purpose, giving people the ability to focus on the work that actually requires human judgment. The conversation lands on what separates organizations that experiment successfully from those stuck in pilot purgatory: shared business objectives, cross-functional coalitions, and guardrails that free people to move fast without losing control. Wiley grounds the discussion in what Doss is seeing in practice, where the complexity of edge cases is finally collapsing, and where the real work of comprehension still cannot be skipped. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro  (02:29) Jindra Zitek's background across McKinsey, Chobani, and HelloFresh (04:16) Lessons from family, farming, and leadership (06:09) Why people should come before systems (10:28) The trade-off between ERP and best-of-breed tools (15:24) The hidden cost of technology choices (17:09) How company DNA shapes technology strategy (20:57) Eliminating the human tax of broken systems (21:49) Automation should enable people, not replace them (25:57) The rise of agentic operations (28:57) Building trust and control with AI systems (31:34) Measuring real ROI from AI investments (35:17) Building cross-functional teams for AI success (37:30) Creating guardrails for enterprise AI adoption (40:40) The first workflow to transform with AI (42:10) Finding business problems AI can solve (47:56) How AI changes workflow design and implementation Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Jindra Zitek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jindrazitek/ Connect with Wiley Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wileycwjones/ Learn more about DOSS: https://www.doss.com/ Learn more about Stripes: https://www.stripes.co/ Learn more about Supply Chain Insights: http://www.supplychaininsights.com Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA WEBINAR- The Automotive Industry's Next Digital Breakthrough: https://bit.ly/4vhUwT4 WEBINAR- From Disruption to Stability: Building Resilient Logistics Solutions in a Rapidly Changing Global Market: https://bit.ly/3TguZMt This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Wiley Jones, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/beyond-erp-tradeoff-building-ai-ready-operations-1614 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The AI hype cycle is over. The scaling race has begun. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton welcomes special guest co-host Marina Mayer, Content Director of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Co-Founder of the Women in Supply Chain Forum, for a wide-ranging conversation on how AI is actually reshaping global supply chains, manufacturing, and the workforce behind them. Marina unpacks data showing the AI in logistics and supply chain market is set to grow from just over $20 billion to nearly $196 billion by 2034, and explains why the real driver isn't AI adoption itself but companies learning to target it to the specific parts of the business where it belongs. From there, the two dig into a 2026 AI Skills Enterprise Benchmark from Workera, revealing that manufacturers committed to structured upskilling are hitting 79% workforce readiness scores, and why employee confidence, not just capability, is the missing piece in so many transformation efforts. The conversation builds into how KPMG research shows 73% of businesses are now planning a comprehensive overhaul of their supply chain operating model within the next three years, up from just 11% a year prior, and what that means for hiring, training, and the next generation of talent entering the industry. Marina and Scott also explore how mid-sized businesses are using AI to manage expenses and detect fraud, and revisit a conversation on putting frontline AI directly into the hands of workers on the floor to speed up onboarding and decision-making. Along the way, Marina previews the 2026 Women in Supply Chain Forum in Charleston, including its new mentorship program and self-advocacy theme. If you want a grounded, data-backed read on where AI in supply chain is headed next, this conversation delivers.   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (00:25) Meet Marina Mayer (02:00) Balancing work and sports mom logistics (05:28) The 196 billion AI supply chain boom (06:05) Why AI adoption needs a targeted approach (10:36) The 2026 AI Skills Enterprise Benchmark (13:02) Building employee confidence with AI (16:18) Lessons from MODEX and workforce transformation (19:38) Why 73 percent are overhauling operating models (25:47) Mid market businesses tackle AI and expenses (28:35) Putting frontline AI in workers hands (35:27) Women in Supply Chain Forum 2026 preview   Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Marina Mayer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinamayer/ Learn more about Supply & Demand Chain Executive: https://www.sdcexec.com/ Learn more about Food Logistics: https://www.foodlogistics.com/ Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/ Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now   Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join   Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkps://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA WEBINAR- The Automotive Industry's Next Digital Breakthrough: https://bit.ly/4vhUwT4 WEBINAR- From Disruption to Stability: Building Resilient Logistics Solutions in a Rapidly Changing Global Market: https://bit.ly/3TguZMt This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/ai-transforming-supply-chain-jobs-skills-future-workforce-1612 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Freight audit is one of supply chain's most stubborn cost centers, and the traditional model of catching errors months after the fact is no longer good enough. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Marty Parker are joined by Jason Murray, CEO at Shipium, and Tim Meester, Vice President, Network Performance & Intelligence at Shipium, to discuss the shift from reactive freight audit to always-on, AI-native monitoring. The panel explores why the freight audit industry keeps growing at a 14.2% CAGR even as billing errors persist at 2 to 6% of all parcel invoices, and why every dollar lost to those errors can take 19 to 20 new revenue dollars to recover. They address how delayed, after-the-fact reconciliation lets small pricing mistakes snowball into major margin loss, outlining a vision for continuous, agentic auditing that catches issues before invoices even arrive. By leveraging live data, simulation, and autonomous AI agents, shippers can detect root causes in real time and act on them immediately rather than weeks later. Jason Murray concludes by challenging operators to start building a data-first culture now, before the competitive gap becomes impossible to close.   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro  (02:40) Meet Jason Murray and Tim Meester of Shipium (08:36) Jason's journey from Amazon to founding Shipium (12:30) Why freight audit keeps growing yet errors persist (12:47) Auditing as reconciliation hell and the GLP-1 analogy (17:55) Always On Audit reframes reconciliation as monitoring (22:08) Reframing leakage and loss spend as a margin tax (26:47) Where the money actually leaks in parcel billing (33:16) Always on audit versus traditional after the fact review (46:18) Why the data layer has to come first for AI (50:37) Real world use cases where AI catches hidden savings (56:21) Holistic differentiation and the next 24 months for audit Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Jason Murray: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-shipium/ Connect with Tim Meester: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meester/ Connect with Marty Parker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martyparker/ Learn more about Shipium: https://www.shipium.com/ Learn more about Adæpt Advising: https://www.adaeptadvising.com/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA WEBINAR- The Automotive Industry's Next Digital Breakthrough: https://bit.ly/4vhUwT4 WEBINAR- From Disruption to Stability: Building Resilient Logistics Solutions in a Rapidly Changing Global Market: https://bit.ly/3TguZMt This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Marty Parker, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/inside-shipium-plan-turn-freight-audit-into-real-time-monitoring-1611 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Supply chain benchmarking has been evolving rapidly, but the biggest shifts in driving true organizational value may still be unfolding. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Lora Cecere (Founder of Supply Chain Insights), are joined by Dave Winstone (Global Director, Supply Chain Excellence at Dow) and Wael Abdelmalek (CEO of Uthereal). Together, they explore what it truly means to define and measure supply chain excellence, moving from rigid historical spreadsheets to data-driven, dynamic benchmarking and human-AI partnership. The panel highlights how 32 top-performing companies outperformed the market by focusing on metrics that correlate directly to market cap rather than a simple popularity contest. Dave draws on nearly four decades of global leadership to make the case for focusing on portfolio rationalization and network design while bypassing traditional distractions like massive ERP implementations. Meanwhile, Wael shares how agentic AI platforms can condense 15 years of industry-leading research into minutes, creating a powerful learning engine that works alongside humans to scale organizational insights. The guests share the core operational pillars that separate top performers from the rest of the market: leadership alignment, clear strategic direction, customer focus, and balanced performance scorecards. By embracing data objectivity and the power of dynamic orbit charts, they demonstrate how leaders can have tough, uncomfortable conversations at the board level to navigate macroeconomic headwinds and unlock real, sustainable growth. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro  (02:29) The journey behind Ask Lora  (03:39) Dave Winstone's background at Dow  (08:18) Divisional benchmarking and collaboration history  (09:16) The data-driven origins of Supply Chains to Admire  (11:59) Building relevant industry sectors and peer groups  (13:30) Improvement vs. performance in maturity  (14:26) Measuring what matters over popularity contests  (15:58) Comparing Supply Chains to Admire with the Gartner Top 25  (16:36) Looking at industry headwinds through orbit charts  (19:45) Stripping out subjectivity in industry lists  (20:36) Why small companies outperform large ones  (21:42) Traditional best practices vs. historic pitfalls  (23:27) Revealing the 2026 Supply Chains to Admire winners  (26:05) Core pillars: What the top performers have in common  (30:27) Ask Lora: Dynamic benchmarking through agentic AI  (33:32) Wael Abdelmalek's deep tech and cloud architecture background  (37:32) Leveraging proprietary algorithms and agentic behavior  (41:45) Demonstration: How to use Ask Lora  (47:36) Testing scalability and breaking the model  (51:05) Shifting the cross-functional dialogue at the board level  (54:22) Key lessons from the panel Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Lora Cecere: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loracecere/ Connect with Dave Winstone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-winstone-79337a34/ Connect with Wael Abdelmalek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wwael/ Learn more about Supply Chain Insights: http://www.supplychaininsights.com Learn more about Dow: https://www.dow.com/en-us.html Learn more about Uthereal: https://www.uthereal.ai/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA WEBINAR- The Automotive Industry's Next Digital Breakthrough: https://bit.ly/4vhUwT4 WEBINAR- From Disruption to Stability: Building Resilient Logistics Solutions in a Rapidly Changing Global Market: https://bit.ly/3TguZMt This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/supply-chains-admire-2026-winners-dynamic-benchmarking-opportunities-1609 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E-commerce order volumes are climbing, but bottom-line profits aren't keeping pace.  In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Tevon Taylor are joined by Lori Boyer, Head of Content Marketing at EasyPost and host of Unboxing Logistics. They explore how to protect margins by moving away from broad averages and toward customer precision and AI-driven routing strategies.   Lori explains how unmanaged growth creates a hidden operational tax for businesses. She makes the case for focusing on order quality over pure volume, calculating the true contribution margin per order, and using technology to treat delivery as a customer retention tool rather than a standard cost center. She also shares a case study where an operator leveraged practical AI tools to save $2 million annually and drastically cut late deliveries without changing carriers or contracts.   Tevon and Lori discuss core operating principles for winning organizations; breaking free from baseline defaults, segmenting customers by economic value, and building multi-carrier optionality to safeguard against rate spikes. They highlight how moving past standard averages helps operators stop losing money and ensure top customers receive the elite experience they deserve. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (06:50) The e-commerce growth vs. profit gap  (08:41) How today's e-commerce complexity is different  (12:12) Shifting from broad growth to order profitability  (14:12) Rising customer acquisition costs and retention value  (18:22) Dashboard lies and the death of averages  (21:44) Breaking down the true cost of customer margin  (23:57) Starting with a simple profitability spreadsheet  (26:33) Segmenting customers by order economics  (28:18) Automating logistics decisions with practical AI tools  (37:18) Prioritizing reliability and visibility over delivery speed (41:00) Redefining optionality as a bottom-line margin strategy (44:34) Traits that separate winning operators from those struggling (48:39) Leveraging Luma AI workflows to locate hidden shipping costs (51:05) Prioritizing customer lifetime value over broad funnel acquisition Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Lori Boyer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loribboyer/ Connect with Tevon Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tevontaylor/ Learn more about EasyPost: https://www.easypost.com/ Learn more about Pegasus Logistics Group: https://www.pegasuslogisticsgroup.com Learn more about Unboxing Logistics: https://www.easypost.com/podcast/ Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/ Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA WEBINAR- The Automotive Industry's Next Digital Breakthrough: https://bit.ly/4vhUwT4 This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Tevon Taylor, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/more-orders-less-profit-whats-going-on-1608 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The real problem isn't that organizations don't have resilience plans. It's that those plans sit on paper, never operationalized, never tested, until the next disruption forces their hand. In this episode of Supply Chain Now's Never Normal series, Scott W. Luton is joined by regular Supply Chain Now hosts Karin Bursa, CEO of NIRAKIO, Scott DeGroot, Managing Director of the Global Supply Chain Institute at The University of Tennessee, and Jake Barr, CEO of BlueWorld Supply Chain Consulting, for a candid, experience-driven conversation on what it actually takes to lead through continuous disruption. Drawing from decades of collective experience across manufacturing, consulting, and academia, the panel unpacks why the pace and amplitude of today's disruption demands a fundamentally different leadership model, one built on adaptive intelligence, structured decision frameworks, and cultures that reward learning over blame. From separating reversible decisions from irreversible ones, to building teams with cognitive flexibility, to understanding why perfection is the enemy of progress, the discussion cuts through the noise on what separates organizations that thrive from those that stall. Together, they explore why supply chain deserves a permanent strategic seat at the C-suite table, why resilience must be woven into culture rather than sprinkled on top, and why the leaders of the next decade won't win with the best plans, they'll win with the best ability to diagnose, pivot, and execute when the plan expires.   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (03:41) Karin on trust, emotion, and the function of leadership (05:41) Jake on developing people until they no longer need you (07:33) Scott on self-improvement and not being self-righteous (09:18) Is disruption truly permanent, or just faster and louder? (14:12) Leading when you don't have all the answers: reversible vs. irreversible decisions (14:12) Building confident decision frameworks under uncertainty (17:20) Karin on confidence, clear frameworks, and trusting the process (21:46) What separates organizations that adapt from those that stall (22:34) Why perfection is the enemy of progress (29:42) What resilience actually looks like inside a high-performing team (33:01) You can't just sprinkle resilience on top, it has to be cultural (35:19) What role does culture play in organizational resilience (39:35) Geopolitical risk and its growing role in supply chain planning (41:40) The new premium skills: cognitive flexibility, AI fluency, and storytelling (48:39) What today's talent expects from their organizations and leaders (51:25) One leadership trait that has never mattered more Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Karin Bursa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinbursa/ Connect with Jake Barr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-barr-3883501/ Connect with Scott DeGroot: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-degroot-4600368/ Learn more about NIRAKIO: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nirakio/ Learn more about The University of Tennessee: https://haslam.utk.edu/ Learn more about BlueWorld Supply Chain Consulting: https://www.blueworldscc.com/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA WEBINAR- The Automotive Industry's Next Digital Breakthrough: https://bit.ly/4vhUwT4 This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/never-normal-successful-leadership-age-constant-disruption-1606 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Healthcare supply chain technology is evolving rapidly, but systemic data fragmentation and operational inefficiencies are moving even faster.    In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Scott DeGroot are joined by Mark Holmes of InterSystems and Michael LaRocca of Ready Computing to discuss the shift from legacy networks to proactive, AI-driven decision intelligence.     The panel explores the severe consequences of a 10% global surgery cancellation rate due to supply failures, noting that a single canceled orthopedic procedure can cost up to $250,000, while the human toll can be tragic. They address how a lack of visibility leads to duplicate data entry and supply hoarding, outlining a blueprint for a smart data fabric. By leveraging real-time telemetry and agentic AI, healthcare organizations can automate inventory replenishment and resolve disruptions before they impact care. Scott DeGroot concludes by challenging healthcare leaders to audit their tech stacks and bridge the gap between clinical and supply chain data.   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro  (02:12) Meet InterSystems and Ready Computing leaders  (08:28) Ready Computing's 15-year history of system connection  (10:43) InterSystems' 48 years of mission-critical data tech  (12:29) The life-or-death stakes of healthcare supply chains  (17:29) Global surgery cancellations inflict severe financial penalties  (21:13) Interoperability standards stitch disconnected databases together  (24:43) The "swivel-chair effect" and supply chain hoarding  (30:40) Supply Chain Orchestrator powers proactive data orchestration  (34:45) Channels360 unifies case management and logistics workflows  (40:11) Practical applications of RAG and agentic AI  (55:16) Expanding rural healthcare infrastructure strains traditional supply lines   Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Mark Holmes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-s-holmes/ Connect with Michael LaRocca: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlaroccaready Connect with Scott DeGroot: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-degroot-4600368/ Learn more about InterSystems: http://www.intersystems.com Learn more about Ready Computing: https://readycomputing.com/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA   This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Scott DeGroot and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/how-readiness-drives-better-patient-outcomes-1605 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most companies don't have a transportation problem. They have a management problem. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton, together with co-host Kim Humphrey, President and CEO of AME, is joined by Onu Okebie, CEO of HTL, for a straight-talking conversation on freight, entrepreneurship, and what it actually takes to build a logistics company from scratch in one of the most volatile markets in recent memory. From buying his first truck to completing five acquisitions in five years and growing HTL 15X, Onu brings a grounded, finance-first perspective to questions most operators avoid. Kim adds her continuous improvement lens to the mix, drawing connections between change management, organizational culture, and the kind of problem-solving mindset that separates companies that adapt from those that stall. The conversation covers a lot of ground: how the freight recession really unfolded and what's actually driving the current shift in pricing, why transportation remains the most mismanaged cost on a shipper's P&L, where human judgment stays irreplaceable even as AI reshapes logistics, and what it looks like to build a company where entrepreneurial instinct and operational discipline coexist. If you're leading through change, thinking about growth through acquisition, or trying to figure out how to position your organization for what's coming next in freight and technology, this one is worth your time. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:44) Onu Okebie's background and entrepreneurial origins (09:30) HTL's growth story and five acquisitions in five years (16:27) Lessons from M&A and how people embrace change (20:27) Balancing entrepreneurial culture with systems and scale (24:10) The freight market breakdown and what's driving the current shift (29:19) Human judgment vs. AI in logistics and why both matter (35:19) The five-year outlook and going AI-led as an organization (39:37) Key takeaways on mindset, people, and embracing change Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Onu Okebie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/onuokebie/ Learn more about HTL Freight: https://gohtl.com/ Connect with Kim Humphrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlee-kim-h-5977474/ Learn more about AME: https://www.ame.org/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/how-entrepreneurial-leadership-drives-growth-innovation-supply-chain-1603 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What can classic vacation movies teach us about building stronger, smarter supply chains? In this episode, Scott W. Luton welcomes back Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, for another fun and insightful edition of Supply Chain Today and Tomorrow. With summer vacation season in full swing, Scott and Mike take a creative look at the supply chain and leadership lessons hidden inside classic vacation themed movies, from Vacation and Home Alone to Jurassic Park, Jaws, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Apollo 13. Mike breaks down three major themes every supply chain leader should keep in mind: preparing for disruption, improving visibility, and understanding how human factors drive outcomes. They also discuss the ongoing impact of AI on operating models, organizational design, talent strategy, and practical adoption. Mike shares why AI is no longer a question of “if,” but “how,” emphasizing the importance of augmentation over automation and the continued need for human oversight. From planning for disruption and avoiding single points of failure to listening to frontline warning signs and keeping teams focused during a crisis, the conversation delivers timely, actionable insights for leaders navigating today's complex supply chain environment with creativity, clarity, and resilience. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:03) Mike's favorite vacation story (04:34) Listener mail and practical AI adoption (08:29) Changing the CSCO perception (11:30) Supply chain lessons from classic movies (12:29) What National Lampoon's Vacation teaches about disruption (17:21) What Home Alone teaches about visibility gaps (23:11) What Jurassic Park teaches about human factors (26:13) Apollo 13 and leadership under pressure (32:09) Gartner events and the Top 25 preview Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Mike Griswold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/ Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/ Learn more about the Gartner Supply Chain Top 25: https://www.gartner.com/en/supply-chain/research/supply-chain-top-25 Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/supply-chain-lessons-vacataion-movies-pop-culture-chaos-1602 The content in this video, including all audio, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.  For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most companies aren't struggling with procurement because they're spending too little on technology. They're struggling because they're building intelligence on top of fragmented data, disconnected workflows, and outdated operating models. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa are joined by Mark Schenecker, VP of Manufacturing Industries at Coupa, for a data-driven conversation on the future of direct procurement. Drawing from Coupa's State of Direct Procurement 2026 report, Mark unpacks why procurement leaders are pulling away from the pack and why AI alone isn't the differentiator many organizations think it is. From fragmented data and disconnected workflows to the growing importance of supplier visibility and risk intelligence, the discussion explores what separates companies that react to disruption from those that anticipate it. Together, they explore why clean, connected data must come before AI, why leading organizations have moved beyond price-only sourcing decisions, and why procurement deserves a strategic seat at the table. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:04) Why procurement is becoming a strategic competitive advantage  (01:17) Moving away from a 1986 approach to procurement  (02:41) Meet Mark Schenecker: Three decades of supply chain innovation (07:13) Behind the State of Direct Procurement 2026 report (08:01) The critical leap from generative AI to agentic AI  (09:13) How a digital front door simplifies the employee experience (13:46) The $16 million cost of operating on fragmented infrastructure  (17:02) Why sophisticated analytics on messy data just produces more noise  (21:36) The three-pillar framework: Infrastructure and foundation first  (26:17) Moving beyond unit price to build supply chain resiliency  (28:25) Shifting from passive reporting to active decision intelligence  (30:09) Closing the procurement influence deficit at the executive table  (35:08) Breaking down the hidden silos between direct and indirect spend  (39:36) Real-world outcomes from Albemarle, Glencore, and ADM  (48:20) Key takeaways, maturity assessments, and closing thoughts Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Mark Schenecker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schenecker/ Learn more about Coupa Software: https://www.coupa.com/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/infrastructure-gap-direct-procurement-at-breaking-point-1600 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Supply chain technology is evolving rapidly, but cargo criminals are moving even faster. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Scott DeGroot are joined by Krenar Komoni (Founder & CEO of Tive) and Fernando Boom (Director of Transportation at Venture Metals +) to break down the massive shift from physical yard thefts to sophisticated, identity-based freight fraud. Fernando shares a thrilling firsthand account of how a family road trip turned into a real-time recovery mission for a hijacked $240,000 shipment of copper. While the driver successfully bypassed the physical bolt seals, covert tracking technology thwarted the heist and led to a first-degree felony arrest. Krenar pairs this narrative with over a decade of visibility expertise, unpacking how modern criminals leverage AI, chameleon carriers, fraudulent MC numbers, and double brokering to vanish with high-value freight. Moving past a reactive postmortem claims model, the panel outlines a definitive blueprint for proactive, layered defense. They explore how real-time telemetry, including route deviation alerts and light sensors, empowers logistics teams to stop fraud mid-transit. Scott DeGroot concludes by highlighting the critical enterprise costs of cargo loss, challenging shippers to audit their networks, tighten dock-level verifications, and eliminate the weak links that bad actors exploit. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:38) Meet Venture Metals and Tive leaders (03:53) Art shows and World Cup picks (06:04) Venture Metals recycling and logistics role (07:37) Tive delivers real-time shipment visibility (09:28) Fraud tactics driving cargo theft surge (16:29) Layered alerts detect theft in transit (23:03) Prepare before theft happens, not after (24:03) Light alerts trigger copper theft investigation (26:11) Telemetry exposes route diversion and deception (27:52) Alerts only matter when teams respond (30:19) Police intercept truck at Wichita Falls (31:24) Driver bypasses seal but gets caught (32:47) Trust data and involve law enforcement (36:10) Technology helps monitor risky driver behavior (38:16) Build six layers of cargo security (44:29) Use Tive before theft strikes (47:22) Resources for protecting high-value shipments Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Krenar Komoni: https://www.linkedin.com/in/komoni/ Connect with Fernando Boom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-boom-a06513372/ Connect with Scott DeGroot: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-degroot-4600368/ Learn more about Venture Metals +: https://venturemet.com/ Learn more about Tive: https://www.tive.com/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/240k-shipment-saved-venture-metals-realtime-rescue-1599 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Supply chain technology has been evolving rapidly, but the biggest shifts in operational excellence may still be unfolding. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Wiley Jones are joined by Ben Gordon, founder and managing partner of Cambridge Capital LLC. Together, they explore what it truly means to scale businesses in the global supply chain, from workflow automation and AI-driven predictive pricing to strategic M&A and operational leadership. Ben draws on nearly 25 years of experience investing in, building, and advising supply chain companies, including XPO, Greenscreens, and Everest. He makes the case for focusing relentlessly on “the one big thing,” executing with discipline, and using technology not just to cut costs but to enable growth. He also unpacks how AI and workflow automation are transforming logistics operations, creating triple-win outcomes for teams, customers, and the broader ecosystem. Ben shares the leadership principles that guide him: integrate external insights, be brutally honest in self-assessment, “simplify, focus, execute”, and know when bold, strategic moves are needed. He also highlights the importance of operational rigor and culture, demonstrating how leaders can turn competitors into partners and make businesses indispensable to customers. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:51) Deep Supply Chain Roots (05:08) Advisory vs. Growth Capital (06:38) Three Top-of-Mind Market Trends (11:33) Practical Value of AI in Logistics (14:47) Growth Focused Approach Not Cost Cutting (16:40) Leadership and Operational Discipline Create Value (19:19) Brad Jacobs Scaling Playbook Revealed (24:27) Volatility Demands Focus and Execution (28:21) Investors' Perspective on Tech Opportunities (31:15) Founder Reality Check Lessons Learned (35:11) Market Skepticism & The SaaSpocalypse (39:56) Who Wins and Scales Long Term (43:39) Final Advice Start With Outside In (48:13) BGSA Deals Pipeline and Highlights (51:59) Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Ben Gordon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengordon18/ Connect with Wiley Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wileycwjones/ Learn more about Cambridge Capital LLC: https://www.cambridgecapital.com/ Learn more about Doss: https://www.doss.com/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf WEBINAR- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/top-of-the-deal-table-ai-supply-chain-next-wave-value-1597 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Every organization relies on secure digital connections across suppliers, partners, and platforms. Yet many of the technologies that protect those connections were built for a world before quantum computing.  While practical quantum capabilities may still seem years away, the risks associated with them are already prompting concern, particularly as encrypted data collected today could potentially be decrypted in the future. For supply chain leaders, that creates a unique challenge: preparing for a technological shift that is still emerging while protecting information that remains valuable far into the future. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa sit down with Akhilesh Agarwal, President of P2P Solutions and Technology at apexanalytix, and William McNeill, Vice President of Market Intelligence, for a conversation on what the quantum era could mean for supply chains. Together, they unpack the growing conversation around quantum computing, the implications of "harvest now, decrypt later" strategies, and why supply chain ecosystems may be particularly vulnerable due to the vast amounts of supplier, financial, and contractual data that move across them every day. As digital transformation continues to accelerate, they discuss why understanding emerging risks today may be just as important as preparing for the opportunities quantum technologies could unlock tomorrow. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (00:42) Quantum risks supply chain leaders must know (02:13) Meet apexanalytix quantum risk experts (03:35) Space exploration lessons for innovation (07:03) Apexanalytix protects supplier data at scale (10:16) Why they wrote The Quantum Paradox (10:46) Harvest now decrypt later threat (15:46) Where to start with quantum readiness (21:38) Four major supply chain impacts (24:39) Supplier risk extends beyond tier one (26:27) Why supplier collaboration matters (27:42) Building a three-to-five-year quantum plan (33:20) Audit technology stack and supplier data (48:47) White paper resources and next steps (51:37) Gartner recognition and key takeaway (54:48) Act now on quantum readiness   Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Akhilesh Agarwal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhilesh78/ Connect with William McNeill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wimcneill/ Learn more about apexanalytix: https://www.apexanalytix.com/ Learn more about Qbiton: https://www.qbiton.com/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf WEBINAR- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/leader-briefing-quantum-risk-to-practical-action-1596 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most retailers don't have a return policy problem. They have an incentive problem. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by David Sobie, Co-Founder and CEO of Happy Returns, for a deep dive into the returns crisis and reverse logistics. David brings over a decade of real-world experience helping major retail brands turn post-purchase friction into customer loyalty. He shares critical data from their latest report with the NRF, exposing a staggering rise in retail fraud, the undeniable psychology of the in-person return, and why over 70% of merchants are moving away from free returns to save "dead stock" from rotting off store shelves. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (04:41) Career beginnings and lessons learned (08:15) Hautelook marketing sparks Happy Returns (12:00) BORIS revolutionizes online return experience (19:38) Speed and return fees impact retail (22:53) Combating returns fraud with technology (31:44) Expanding network to ten thousand locations (35:16) Expert advice for supply chain leaders (39:11) Future of personalization and growth Additional Links & Resources: Connect with David Sobie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-sobie-a37ab/ Learn more about Happy Returns: www.happyreturns.com Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf WEBINAR- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/driving-innovation-returns-management-happy-returns-1594 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Every industry talks about preparing for the future, but few spend enough time listening to the people who will ultimately shape it.  What often gets overlooked is that this generation may already be bringing exactly the mindset the industry needs: adaptability, systems thinking, technological fluency, and a willingness to challenge outdated assumptions. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott W. Luton and guest co-host Liz Raman, Founder and CEO of Supply Chain Gals, sit down with the winning team from the 2026 Supply Chain Gals Case Competition: Madeline Creasman, Founder and CEO of EverChain Solutions; Ashley Bailey, Inventory Analyst at InComm Payments; Thanmayee Maddipati, Global Supply Manager at Apple; and Katerina Folkin, Operations and Economics student at Minerva University. Drawing from backgrounds across agriculture, healthcare operations, entrepreneurship, procurement, technology, and global education, they explore what sets the next generation of supply chain leaders apart, and how younger professionals are navigating disruption with fresh perspectives shaped by diverse experiences, a global mindset, and a growing focus on sustainability and emerging technologies like AI. Along the way, they reflect on the role of curiosity, the importance of questioning long-standing ways of working, and why the strongest solutions are often those that balance today's operational realities with the needs of the future. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:17) Meet the 2026 Supply Chain Gals champions (04:21) Summer plans and personal introductions (07:27) How each leader found supply chain (13:37) The mission behind Supply Chain Gals (15:37) Inside the 2026 case competition (18:48) Solving a supply chain crisis under pressure (21:31) Playing to strengths as a team (22:06) The competition twist changes everything (24:23) Building a realistic supply chain war room (26:15) Why this team stood out (28:45) Are leaders underestimating young talent? (34:53) Information access creates new perspectives (38:55) Why communities like Supply Chain Gals matter (44:00) Advice for leaders and final takeaways Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Liz Raman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethramangrubbs/ Connect with Madeline Creasman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinecreasman47/ Connect with Ashley Bailey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-brantley056355/ Connect with Thanmayee Maddipati: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thanmayeevmaddipati/ Connect with Katerina Folkin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katerinafolkin/ Learn more about Supply Chain Gals: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supplychaingals/about/ Learn more about EverChain Solutions: https://everchainsolutions.com/ Learn more about InComm Payments: https://www.incomm.com/ Learn more about Apple: https://www.apple.com/ Learn more about Minerva University: https://www.minerva.edu Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf WEBINAR- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/few-supply-chain-gals-winning-case-competitions-transforming-industry-1593 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The future of supply chain may depend on the things most people never think about.Pallets, materials, unit load design, transportation systems, and sustainability decisions quietly determine how products move through the world, yet packaging is rarely treated as strategic infrastructure.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by Mike Jones, CEO of The Pallet Alliance, Dr. Laszlo Horvath, professor and department head at Virginia Tech's Department of Sustainable Biomaterials, and graduating senior Marta Ghigo for a conversation on packaging innovation, workforce development, sustainability, and the future of supply chain leadership.Dr. Horvath shares how Virginia Tech's packaging program prepares students through hands-on projects and industry collaboration, while Marta reflects on entering the field with curiosity, creativity, and a focus on making sustainability practical without sacrificing performance or design. Mike brings the business perspective, explaining how The Pallet Alliance helps companies rethink pallet procurement, standardization, visibility, and long-term value.Together, they discuss why packaging is far more central to modern commerce than it appears and why the next wave of talent in the field could reshape global supply chains at their core.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:21) Meet today's packaging industry panel(05:03) Graduation, family, and taekwondo stories(08:30) Building Virginia Tech's packaging program(10:41) Marta finds her packaging passion(14:10) Marta's Unilever packaging internship experience(16:24) Mike's journey from weather to pallets(18:59) Remembering Tyson Steffens' industry impact(21:02) Virginia Tech sustainable packaging programs(23:12) Hands-on packaging projects and sustainability(24:45) Marta's Virginia Tech student experience(26:32) Excitement about packaging industry careers(27:31) Why packaging culture feels exciting(28:16) Sustainable packaging without sacrificing design(28:49) How Pallet Alliance supports manufacturers(31:15) The hidden operational cost of pallets(32:25) Why Virginia Tech graduates stand out(34:25) Strong culture creates long-term employees(38:02) Tyson Steffens' humor and lasting legacy(39:09) Tyson Steffens memorial scholarship program(43:04) AI, sustainability, and packaging's future(47:36) Career advice for future packaging leadersAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Mike Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-jones-a97797b5/Connect with Dr. Laszlo Horvath: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laszlohorvathremeczki/Connect with Marta Ghigo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marta-ghigo22/Learn more about The Pallet Alliance: https://tpai.com/Learn more about Virginia Tech: https://www.vt.edu/index.htmlLearn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIqWEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7DWEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAfThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/investing-now-generation-supply-chain-leaders-1589

The data doesn't lie, and in Q1 2026, it's telling a story the freight industry hasn't seen in years.In this special episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa welcome Bobby Holland, Director of Freight Business Analytics at U.S. Bank, and Bob Costello, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President at the American Trucking Associations, for a deep dive into the latest U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index for Q1 2026.The episode unpacks seven critical takeaways from the quarter, including a historic 12.9% spike in freight spending, a rare supply-side recovery driven by tightening capacity and surging fuel costs, and regional breakdowns across the West, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast, with stops on tariff impacts, cross-border trade with Canada and Mexico, and what a $7.22-per-gallon diesel price in California means for the broader economy.Together, they explore why this recovery is unlike anything we've seen since the pandemic boom, what the Goldman Sachs recession outlook gets right (and wrong), and how supply chain leaders can use real, verified freight data, not feelings, to make smarter decisions in an unpredictable 2026.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:29) Introducing the dynamic duo: Bobby Holland & Bob Costello(06:23) Bobby's headline summary(09:47) How industry leaders use the Freight Payment Index(10:01) National-level results: spending jumps 12.9%(10:54) A rare supply-side recovery(13:10) West region: highest shipment levels since 2023(17:20) Southwest region: 10th straight quarter of declines(21:40) Midwest region: strongest quarter since Q1 2018(26:05) Winter storms break the streak(28:11) Canada & Mexico trade: tariff impact on cross-border freight(33:20) Southeast region: the only region posting declines(41:32) Goldman Sachs vs. economic reality(44:28) Freight market forecast: what's ahead in 2026Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Bob Costello: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-costello-444bb670/Connect with Bobby Holland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-holland-4a9355/Connect with Karin Bursa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinbursa/Learn more about American Trucking Associations: https://www.trucking.org/Learn more about U.S. Bank: https://www.usbank.com/index.htmlLearn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIqWEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7DWEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAfThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/analysis-q1-2026-us-bank-freight-payment-index-1588

Most organizations don't have a technology problem. They have a focus problem.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton, together with co-host Kim Humphrey, President and CEO of AME, is joined by Rami Goldratt, CEO of Goldratt Group, for a practical, no-fluff deep dive into the Theory of Constraints and what it actually takes to drive breakthrough performance in today's business environment. From why most companies are automating what they can instead of what they should, to the danger of spreading resources thin across too many initiatives, Rami brings decades of real-world experience helping organizations across manufacturing, retail, automotive, engineering, and logistics unlock significant gains in throughput and lead time reduction. Kim adds her lens on why continuous improvement and constraints-thinking are more intertwined than ever, and why the principles Rami's father Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt pioneered are not just still relevant but urgently needed right now.The conversation spans the full arc: inherent simplicity, managing uncertainty with buffers and fast feedback loops, the tug of war between local efficiency and global performance, and what it looks like when an entire engineering organization aligns behind a single constraint to achieve the impossible. The Mazda story alone is worth the listen. If you're navigating complexity, chasing results that keep falling short, or trying to build an organization that can actually adapt and execute, this one's for you.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(08:43) Rami's career journey and key lessons learned(15:26) The legacy and simplicity of Dr Eliyahu Goldratt(18:30) Biggest trends and challenges facing businesses today(23:39) What is Theory of Constraints and the three fears(28:09) Why forecasts keep getting less accurate over time(31:35) Common TOC misconceptions and local vs global efficiency(38:09) Why supply chain variety is destroying forecast accuracy(47:15) The Mazda case study and TOC in actionAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Rami Goldratt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramigoldratt/Learn more about Goldratt Consulting: https://goldrattgroup.com/Connect with Kim Humphrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlee-kim-h-5977474/Learn more about AME: https://www.ame.org/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/WEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfVWEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIqWEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7DWEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAfThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/why-theory-constraints-more-relevant-than-ever-before-1586

AI in the supply chain has moved well beyond the pilot stage, but for many organizations, it still hasn't moved far enough.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton, together with co-host Jorge Morales, Global COO of ISCEA, is joined by Prabhat Pinnaka, Lead Product Manager for Supply Chain at Lowe's Companies, Inc., and Advisory Board Member at ISCEA for a practical, been-there-done-that deep dive on AI-driven supply chain transformation. From what separates organizations that actually scale AI from those stuck in endless experimentation, to the guardrails every enterprise needs before letting AI execute autonomously, Prabhat brings a hard-won perspective from working with Fortune 50 companies across fulfillment, warehouse operations, and enterprise decision support. Jorge adds his lens on what it means to be AI-competent, not just AI-aware, and why that distinction will define the next generation of supply chain professionals.The conversation spans the full arc: change management, data integrity, bonded autonomy, and what it looks like when AI shifts a DC manager's role from operational execution to strategic governance. If you're navigating your own AI journey or building the next generation of supply chain talent, this one's for you.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(06:03) Prabhat's career: lessons in adoption(08:29) AI competence: finding the sweet spot(11:26) Building AI foundations for success(18:21) Moving AI from pilots to scale(23:50) Recommendations vs. execution in AI use(28:04) Establishing guardrails for autonomous AI(33:44) Computer vision example in supply chain(47:06) Getting AI competent in six monthsAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Prabhat Pinnaka: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prabhat-pinnaka-a9549421/Connect with Jorge Morales: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgeamorales/Learn more about Lowe's Companies, Inc.: https://www.lowes.com/Learn more about ISCEA: https://www.iscea.org/Learn more about SCTechShow: https://www.sctechshow.com/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/WEBINAR- How “Almost Right” Shipping Decisions Turn Into Six-Figure Losses: https://bit.ly/4mMov2TWEBINAR- There's No Finish Line in Leadership: Tips to Optimize Your Strategy & Execution: https://bit.ly/4tHOWJAWEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfVWEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIqWEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7DThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/secret-sauce-tips-leaders-want-scale-ai-effectively-1583

National Supply Chain Day started with a simple idea: the people who keep the world moving deserve to be seen.In this special episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Mary Kate Love, President of Supply Chain Now, welcome Dr. Stephanie Thomas, Associate Professor at the University of Arkansas and Executive Director of WISE, for a conversation on the people powering the global supply chain.The episode also features a keynote from Billy Ray Taylor, CEO and founder of LinkedXL, plus award recognition for Keith Moore of AutoScheduler.AI and Jim Opoka, recently retired from FEMA.Together, they celebrate the people behind hospital shelves, disaster relief, warehouse execution, and the next generation entering the field, while exploring clarity, ownership, people skills, AI, and why every supply chain professional should tell their story.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:07) The mission behind National Supply Chain Day(03:08) Celebrating the anniversary: A look back at the first NSCD(06:11) Billy Ray Taylor keynote begins(07:13) Deliberate clarity & the 17-inch standard(10:59) Deliberate ownership(18:23) Unpacking Billy Ray's key takeaways(21:25) 2026 supply chain pressures & macro disruptions(31:03) Dr. Stephanie Thomas joins WISE & inspiring the next generation(32:39) Celebrating unsung heroes in supply chain(41:40) Supply chain trends, AI, resilience & people-first thinking(55:00) Leadership challengeAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Stephanie Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniethomasuark/Connect with Mary Kate Love: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklove/Connect with Billy Ray Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billyrtaylor/Connect with Keith Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithdmoore13/Learn more about LinkedXL: https://linkedxl.com/Learn more about AutoScheduler.AI: https://autoscheduler.ai/Learn more about the University of Arkansas: https://www.uark.edu/Learn more about WISE: https://walton.uark.edu/departments/supplychain/wise.phpLearn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/WEBINAR- How “Almost Right” Shipping Decisions Turn Into Six-Figure Losses: https://bit.ly/4mMov2TWEBINAR- There's No Finish Line in Leadership: Tips to Optimize Your Strategy & Execution: https://bit.ly/4tHOWJAWEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfVWEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIqThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Mary Kate Love and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/celebrating-national-supply-chain-day-1582

Most warehouse automation projects don't fail because of the technology. They fail because of the approach.In this episode, Scott W. Luton sits down with Don DeLash, Sales Director, Logistics Automation at SICK Sensor Intelligence, for a candid conversation on what it actually takes to modernize warehouse operations, and how to avoid the pitfalls that derail even well-funded initiatives. With more than 25 years spanning project management, finance, sales leadership, and logistics automation, Don brings a refreshingly grounded perspective. Ditch the glossy pitch, focus on real operational impact, and lead with curiosity and clear communication.Together, they paint a vivid picture of today's warehouse floor, quieter, cleaner, and increasingly populated by AGVs, mobile robots, unmanned forklifts, and sensor-driven systems. Don walks through the full automation journey, from planning and piloting to scaling and long-term support, covering how to choose the right partners, define success upfront, build flexibility into implementation plans, and invest in aftercare. The conversation also digs into how AI and vision technology are reshaping decisions around package inspection, palletizing, and damage detection, and how smart automation ultimately frees people to focus on higher-value work.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(05:48) Don's career path in logistics automation(07:24) What SICK Sensor Intelligence brings to modern warehouses(09:09) Earning trust as a technology partner(11:01) Don's guideposts for supply chain success(13:15) What today's warehouses look and sound like(15:03) Why smart automation matters more than ever(16:57) The role of experimentation in supply chain technology(21:02) Planning for successful automation projects(23:39) Choosing the right partners and defining success(26:08) Scaling automation from pilot to enterprise-wide impact(35:38) How vision technology and AI are improving warehouse decisionsAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Don DeLash: don.delash@sick.comConnect with Don DeLash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dondelash/Learn more about SICK Sensor Intelligance: https://www.sick.com/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/WEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bWEBINAR- How “Almost Right” Shipping Decisions Turn Into Six-Figure Losses: https://bit.ly/4mMov2TWEBINAR- There's No Finish Line in Leadership: Tips to Optimize Your Strategy & Execution: https://bit.ly/4tHOWJAWEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfVWEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIqThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/smart-logistics-101-modern-warehouse-operations-1580

AI is everywhere in supply chain, but more AI does not always mean better decisions.In this episode, Scott W. Luton and special co-host Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, sit down with Lindsay Azim, Senior Director Analyst for Supply Chain at Gartner, for a forward-looking conversation on how chief supply chain officers can lead into the autonomous business era.Lindsay shares why AI should not be treated as a standalone strategy, but as an enabler tied to a broader vision for the future. She also previews her Gartner Supply Chain Symposium keynote, centered on three priorities for leaders preparing for what comes next: autonomous-ready operations, autonomous-ready intelligence, and an autonomous-ready workforce.They also discuss the risks of AI sprawl, the importance of stronger human-machine partnerships, and why supply chain leaders need to rethink decision-making through a “decision stack” that combines data, knowledge assets, and human judgment. From documenting tribal knowledge to preparing for “job chaos” rather than a job apocalypse, Lindsay and Mike offer practical insight for leaders navigating disruption, workforce change, and the rising role of versatile talent.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:11) Listener shoutouts and the AI workforce impact(04:38) Meet Lindsay Azim, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner(11:22) Lindsay's path from sustainability to Gartner(14:55) Storytelling for supply chain leaders(18:41) Today's top supply chain priorities(22:41) Why vision must come before AI(23:25) How leaders can avoid AI sprawl(25:34) Leading supply chains into the autonomous era(28:20) Building autonomous-ready operations(31:16) Introducing autonomous-ready intelligence(36:09) The idea behind the autonomous-ready workforce(39:52) Why leaders should attend Gartner Symposium(41:50) Pop culture lessons for supply chain leadersAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Lindsay Azim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-azim/Connect with Mike Griswold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/Learn more about the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo™ conference: https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/na/supply-chain-usLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/WEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bWEBINAR- How “Almost Right” Shipping Decisions Turn Into Six-Figure Losses: https://bit.ly/4mMov2TWEBINAR- There's No Finish Line in Leadership: Tips to Optimize Your Strategy & Execution: https://bit.ly/4tHOWJAWEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfVWEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIqThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/three-big-thoughts-leading-supply-chain-autonomous-era-1579

Patient outcomes have become one of the most consequential responsibilities in the global pharmaceutical supply chain.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by guest host Régine Villain, founder of REHVEAL, and supply chain leader Rodrigo Alponti, SVP Global Supply Chain at STADA Group. With over 30 years of experience in leadership roles at multinational companies such as Sanofi and Avon, Rodrigo offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by today's supply chain professionals.Rodrigo delves into the balance between efficiency, adaptability, and human-centered leadership that is essential for success in today's complex pharmaceutical supply chain. He discusses the challenges of global supply chain resilience in the post-pandemic era, the regulatory hurdles faced, and the transformative role of AI in streamlining operations.This episode offers valuable insights for both seasoned and emerging supply chain professionals on leadership, strategic thinking, and empowering decision-making.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:54) Meet Rodrigo Alponti, SVP Global Supply Chain at STADA(05:48) P&G, Avon, Sanofi & key leadership lessons(10:01) Inside STADA: 3 business segments & how supply chain serves them(12:45) How patient safety shapes every supply chain decision(16:05) Current state of global pharma supply chains: complexity & geopolitics(20:57) Resilience pre vs. post pandemic: integration, agility & follow-through(29:48) Practical AI in pharma: demand planning, supply & workforce training(35:47) Aligning teams through continuous change: strategy to execution(42:45) Key takeaways, empowering people & how to connectAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Rodrigo Alponti: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigo-alponti-a9873/Connect with Régine Villain: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginehonorevillain/Learn more about STADA: https://www.stada.com/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/WEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bWEBINAR- There's No Finish Line in Leadership: Tips to Optimize Your Strategy & Execution: https://bit.ly/4tHOWJAWEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfVWEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIqThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Régine Villain and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/people-performance-focused-leadership-stada-group-1577

For three decades, WiseTech Global has been quietly powering the movement of goods around the world, but the biggest transformation in the company's history may still be ahead.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Wiley Jones are joined by Zubin Appoo, Chief Executive Officer at WiseTech Global, Australia's largest ASX-listed technology firm and the world's leading logistics, supply chain, and global trade technology company. Together, they explore what it truly means to build digital infrastructure for the global supply chain, from customs brokerage and freight forwarding to the full end-to-end trade lifecycle following WiseTech's landmark acquisition of e2open.Zubin draws on nearly 25 years of experience, including 15 foundational years at WiseTech and seven years leading social purpose businesses, to make the case for being AI-first rather than AI-assisted. He also unpacks how decades of proprietary data, combined with large language models, are enabling WiseTech to solve problems that were previously out of reach, faster and more powerfully than ever before.Zubin also shares the leadership philosophy that has guided him across every role: reward success, reward failure, punish inaction. It's a mindset built for an era where the pace of change demands bold experimentation, deep problem-solving, and the courage to challenge assumptions that have gone unquestioned for years.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:56) About the enterprise unleashed series(06:50) Zubin's background & career journey(08:24) What Zubin loves most about being CEO(11:13) What WiseTech does for the world(15:18) Big opportunities for a global supply chain infrastructure company(20:48) WiseTech's acquisition strategy & AI-powered domain expertise(25:27) Embedding AI Into core workflows(31:43) Deploying AI at global platform scale(40:11) Experimentation culture: reward success, reward failure, punish inactionAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Zubin Appoo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zubinappoo/Connect with Wiley Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wileycwjones/Learn more about WiseTech Global: https://www.wisetechglobal.com/Learn more about Doss: https://www.doss.com/Learn more about CargoWise: https://www.cargowise.com/Learn more about e2open: https://www.e2open.com/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/WEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bWEBINAR- How “Almost Right” Shipping Decisions Turn Into Six-Figure Losses: https://bit.ly/4mMov2TThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Wiley Jones and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/wisetech-compounding-advantages-across-global-trade-1576

Speed has long dominated the conversation in shipping, but today's reality tells a different story. In a volatile and unpredictable environment, success comes down to smarter decisions, not just faster deliveries.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Tevon Taylor are joined by Lori Boyer, Head of Content Marketing at EasyPost and host of Unboxing Logistics. Together, they break down what's really driving shipping challenges today, from fragmented consumer demand to rising costs hidden in accessory fees, packaging inefficiencies, and routing decisions rather than just carrier rate increases.The discussion highlights how demand has become less predictable, with promotion-driven spikes creating operational strain and forcing reactive, costly decisions. At the same time, customer expectations have shifted. Cost, reliability, visibility, and accuracy now matter more than speed, pushing companies to rethink how they design their shipping strategies.Lori also shares how leading teams are responding by improving visibility, aligning service levels with customer needs, and using AI to support faster, data-driven decisions. This episode offers a practical look at how organizations can reduce costs, adapt to uncertainty, and build more resilient and efficient shipping operations.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(07:08) State of consumer demand(10:07) Rising costs and volatility(16:02) Do customers really value speed?(21:34) The role of artificial intelligence in the supply chain(25:16) Utilizing correct data before solving other problems(27:51) Aligning service level with customer expectations(32:25) About EasyPost(34:21) About unboxing logistics(36:01) Where sustainability comes in(39:09) LLMs and shipping: What teams are already doing, with or without permissionAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Lori Boyer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loribboyer/Learn more about EasyPost: https://www.easypost.com/Learn more about Tevon Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tevontaylor/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/WEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/uncertain-times-skittish-customers-impact-shipping-costs-1574

Most people don't think about supply chain until something goes wrong. But behind the scenes, it drives everything from sustainability progress to whether products even make it to your door.In this episode of Supply Chain Now and ongoing Now Generation series, Scott W. Luton is joined by Professor Catarina Carvalho, faculty member at Columbia University and Associate Principal at Arup, alongside Briana Stregiel from Columbia Business School, Curran Murphy, Distribution Planning Manager at Louis Vuitton, and Ingrid Eck, Graduate Student, M.S. in Sustainability Management at Columbia University. Together, they share how the next wave of supply chain leaders is already tackling complex challenges across sustainability, data, and global operations.The conversation highlights how diverse backgrounds, from luxury fashion and food systems to natural gas trading, help students bridge classroom learning to real global challenges. Topics such as decarbonization, scope 3 emissions, climate risk, and cross-functional collaboration take center stage as each guest shares what drives them most. Their perspectives reveal a generation that is not only career-focused but deeply motivated to create meaningful change.Catarina also shares insights into how Columbia's program intentionally develops well-rounded leaders by bridging academic rigor with hands-on, real-world practitioner expertise. This episode offers a glimpse of how the next generation is approaching the supply chain with curiosity, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:05) Meet the panel: Professor Catarina Carvalho and students(06:26) Student backgrounds, studies, and personal hobbies(18:30) What each guest loves most about the global supply chain(27:06) What will define the best supply chain leaders in 5 years(27:17) Briana: Transparency and closing the Scope 3 emissions gap(29:34) Catarina: Supply chain accounts for 94% of your emissions(37:30) The Columbia University student experience(52:37) Wise organization, closing thoughts, and how to connectAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Catarina Carvalho: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catarina--carvalho/Connect with Curran Murphy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curranjmurphy/Connect with Briana Stregiel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briana-stregiel/Connect with Ingrid Eck: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-eckLearn more about Arup: https://www.arup.com/Learn more about Columbia University: https://www.columbia.edu/Learn more about Columbia Business School: https://business.columbia.edu/Learn more about WISE by The University of Arkansas: https://walton.uark.edu/departments/supplychain/wise.phpLearn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/WEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/now-generation-columbia-university-fueling-top-talent-pipeline-1573

Warehouses have become one of the most important battlegrounds in modern supply chain.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by industry leaders Lance Olmsted, Chief Revenue Officer at IFS, and Patrick Maley, Chief Revenue Officer at IFS Softeon, to explore why warehouse execution now plays a much bigger strategic role across the business. As customer expectations rise and supply chains face more pressure to move faster, they explain how companies are rethinking the warehouse as a source of speed, flexibility, and competitive advantage.The conversation covers how real-time visibility, modern warehouse systems, and industrial AI can help teams make better decisions, respond faster to disruptions, and close the gap between planning and execution. Lance and Patrick also share their perspective on where warehouse operations are headed next and why adaptability will be critical moving forward.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:54) IFS acquires Softeon: what happened(07:34) Why warehouses became a strategic lever(09:31) Biggest pressures: AI adoption & tariffs(18:22) Closing the gap between planning and execution(20:36) Real-time visibility and faster decision-making(22:30) Industrial AI defined & applied in warehouses(29:05) Real-world operational improvements & customer examples(37:10) The warehouse of the next 3–5 yearsAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Lance Olmsted: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-olmsted-98708568/Connect with Patrick Maley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmaley/Learn more about IFS: https://www.ifs.com/enLearn more about IFS Softeon: https://www.softeon.com/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/WEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3b

Returns are no longer just a headache, they're a strategic opportunity. As the circular economy gains momentum, reverse logistics is quickly becoming one of the most important levers in modern supply chains.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Deborah Dull are joined by Scot Case, Vice President of Sustainability at the National Retail Federation (NRF), and Tony Sciarrotta, Senior Director of Reverse Logistics and Circularity at NRF, to share key insights from the NRF Rev event and discuss why reverse logistics deserves a seat at the strategy table.The conversation explores how resale, repair, and recycling are moving into the mainstream, and why returns should no longer be treated as a cost center. From the surge in e-commerce returns to increasing legislative pressure through extended producer responsibility, the group breaks down how these forces are changing retail and supply chain operations.Deborah adds perspective on how technology improves visibility and accountability across the returns process. Together, the guests outline practical ways companies can turn reverse logistics into a competitive advantage while improving customer experience and advancing sustainability goals.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:31) Meet the guests: Scot Case and Tony Sciarrotta(06:31) NRF's sustainability mission: Business value meets reverse logistics(10:46) RLA + NRF: Bringing returns out of the “dark side”(15:22) Macro trends shaping reverse logistics: Reuse, resale, repair & more(20:40) Tariffs, EPR laws & the circular economy's next push(24:52) Inside NRF Rev: The reverse logistics & revenue “revolution” event(26:05) NRF Rev: Bringing reverse logistics into the spotlight(27:32) Why retailers are the center of the returns universe(28:18) Refurbished products mindset shift: The ‘restaurant fork' story(29:24) Deborah's practitioner lens: Why this conference matters(31:00) Key takeaways: Collaboration, EPR, and no single silver bullet(34:04) Urban mining & the resale economy (and why brands must engage)(36:32) What's next: NRF working groups, global scale, and policy influence(40:16) Remade in America: A story-driven podcast on ‘where returns go'Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Scot Case: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotcase/Connect with Tony Sciarrotta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-sciarrotta-235570/Connect with Deborah Dull: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahdull/Learn more about the National Retail Federation (NRF): https://nrf.comLearn more about NRF Rev:

As supply chain technology accelerates, the ability to translate operational knowledge into scalable systems is becoming a defining advantage for both companies and early-career talent. In this episode of Supply Chain Now's Now Generation series, Scott W. Luton sits down with Ryan Goodwin, Sr. Director of Supply Chain Technology & Innovation at Trinity Industries and an adjunct professor at Texas Christian University, alongside Titus Fagan, TCU Student Body Vice President and a third-year accounting major with a minor in energy business.Ryan shares how his team is integrating planning, MRP, and financial data into platforms that enable faster automation and application-building, often with the help of AI and “vibe coding,” where non-traditional builders can create real tools without a formal software background. Titus brings the student lens, explaining why practitioner-led teaching changes the classroom experience, how simulation-based learning builds cross-functional thinking, and why early responsibility and collaboration are top priorities when evaluating future employers.Together, they explore how AI can lower barriers to entry, accelerate skill development, and reduce manual work while also raising bigger questions about infrastructure, power demand, and the bottlenecks that can slow even the most innovative systems. From freight reporting automation to energy transmission constraints, this conversation connects the dots between learning, leadership, and the fast-evolving reality of global supply chains.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(00:37) The Now Generation and why TCU stands out(02:23) Introducing Ryan and Titus(04:20) Titus' weather forecasting hobby(06:28) Ryan's board game community(09:13) Ryan's work at Trinity Industries(11:32) AI, platforms, and “vibe coding”(20:00) Bottlenecks and infrastructure strain(27:34) A discussion on nuclear power(28:21) Modernizing the accounting path(30:25) Cross-functional collaboration matters(33:30) What Titus wants from employers(38:14) Learning through simulation games(40:37) Why professors keep evolving(42:49) TCU's teacher-scholar approach(46:53) Trade shows and career exposureAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Ryan Goodwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancgoodwin/Connect with Titus Fagan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/titus-fagan-77b547291Learn more about Trinity Industries: https://www.trin.net/Learn more about TCU's Neeley School of Business: https://www.neeley.tcu.edu/Learn more about WISE by The University of Arkansas:

Supply chains are recalibrating, and the Middle East and Africa are investing aggressively to meet the moment.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and special guest co-host Yaseen Ahmid welcome Toby Maier, CEO for Middle East and Africa at DHL Global Forwarding, for a wide-ranging conversation on what is changing trade and logistics across the region. Toby breaks down how recent tariffs are redirecting export flows into the Middle East and Africa, why GCC countries are racing to build world-class logistics hubs, and how production is shifting from Turkey toward markets like Egypt and Morocco.They also explore what it will take to build stronger, more reliable supply chains across Africa, from investment in life sciences and healthcare infrastructure to modernized regulation that reduces delays at customs. Toby shares how DHL's publicly announced $300 million investment through 2030 prioritizes end-to-end capability that helps medicines, vaccines, and other critical products reach communities across a fast-growing population. The conversation also tackles the practical realities of energy access, data centers, and the cost to deliver goods, plus how sustainability efforts like electrified fleets and sustainable aviation fuel can support performance and emissions goals at the same time.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:13) Getting to know guest Toby Maier and co-host Yaseen Ahmid(06:05) Toby's journey in global logistics leadership(11:17) Trade shifts and what they mean for Africa(15:24) DHL's investment focus across Africa(18:18) Infrastructure and power realities on the ground(22:50) Building efficiency and sustainability into the network(24:22) Renewable energy progress and practical pathways(26:37) What commitment to sustainability looks like at DHL(30:26) Developing talent and leadership across the continent(40:09) Why emerging markets belong on your career mapAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Toby Maier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-maier/Connect with Yaseen Ahmid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaseen-ahmid/Learn more about DHL Global Forwarding: https://www.dhl.com/Learn more about Luna: https://luna-resume.com/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here:

Warehouse operations often highlight the gap between business strategy and execution, particularly as small and mid-sized companies grow. Challenges like fulfillment pressure, inventory inaccuracies, and manual workarounds can turn warehouses into bottlenecks that hinder organizational efficiency. When teams lose confidence in their data, scaling becomes more difficult, leaving leadership reactive instead of proactive.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton speaks with Kurt Heusner, CEO of Endpoint Automation Solutions, about warehouse execution in the SMB market. Kurt discusses his experience with growth-focused businesses and emphasizes the importance of time-to-value, adoption, and simplicity over complexity. He explains how trust in systems affects team performance and why warehouses often reveal operational challenges first.The conversation also addresses ERP warehouse modules versus standalone WMS solutions as complexity grows, modular implementation approaches, the ongoing significance of barcoding, and how newer technologies fit into modernization strategies. The episode concludes with insights into Endpoint's peer communities and grant programs designed to enhance warehouse execution without disrupting daily operations.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:36) Meet Kurt Heusner: career and insights(02:52) Kurt Heusner's passion for music explained(04:58) Kurt's journey in SMB technology industry(06:22) Warehouse automation: SMBs' needs and insights(10:46) Cultural impact on technology implementation(11:31) Serving SMBs: key challenges uncovered(14:56) Evolution of endpoint automation solutions explained(17:16) Modular approach to WMS for success(19:30) Final thoughts on SMB problem-solving(23:56) Experience and continuous learning in tech(24:36) The history and evolution of barcoding(26:05) Barcoding's role in modern supply chains(29:06) Integrating technologies with barcoding in operations(31:39) Signs your ERP system needs upgrading(34:05) Building trust in tech and teams(39:33) Peer communities and learning program value(43:00) Grant programs for small manufacturers explainedAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Kurt Heusner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtheusner/Learn more about Endpoint Automation Solutions: https://endpointas.com/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comLearn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform:

As manufacturing and supply chain industries evolve, events like MODEX 2026 are key in connecting professionals, driving innovation, and showcasing trends. With growing demands for efficiency, sustainability, and advanced tech, face-to-face gatherings offer vital opportunities to learn, compare solutions, and build relationships. MODEX stands as one of the largest platforms in North America, uniting exhibitors, educators, and live demos in a way hard to replicate elsewhere.In this episode, Scott W. Luton welcomes Daniel McKinnon, Chief Exhibitions Officer at MHI, for a behind-the-scenes look at MODEX 2026. Daniel discusses how MHI supports the industry year-round through standards, safety, and workforce development, and why face-to-face events remain essential for learning and networking. He also previews what attendees can expect in Atlanta, including how MODEX brings together exhibitors, education, and live demos on a grand scale.They also explore what's new at MODEX 2026, April 13 to 16 at the Georgia World Congress Center, including free registration, 200+ seminars, keynotes with Richard McPhail, Salim Ismail, and Dale Earnhardt Jr., and MHI Industry Night with Jim Gaffigan. Daniel shares advice for first-timers and returning attendees, from planning meetings to carving out time for networking on the show floor. He also highlights on-site experiences to recharge and connect, including lounges, food options, and the startup spotlight.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:00) Golf talk with Daniel(06:28) Daniel's role at MHI(10:22) The importance of MODEX(15:02) The evolution of MODEX(18:58) What's new at MODEX 2026(24:22) Industry night and special guests(26:06) Growth and exhibitors(27:08) Experiential activations and lounges(29:13) Event apps and navigation(31:04) Attendee profiles and solutions(34:24) First-time attendee tips(38:03) Returning attendee tipsAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Daniel McKinnon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-mckinnon-125691/Learn more about MHI: https://www.mhi.org/Learn more about MODEX 2026: https://www.modexshow.com/Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform:

In this classic episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott W. Luton sits down with Melanie Salter, Director of Supply Chain Research at boom! Global Network, to discuss the evolving role of people in supply chain strategy. Together, they explore the intersection of data, strategic network design, and inclusive leadership—and why businesses that overlook workforce engagement risk falling behind.Melanie shares insights on industry trends, from AI adoption and decision-making challenges to the importance of building diverse, resilient supply chains. She also breaks down the latest research on workplace inclusion and its direct impact on business performance.For supply chain leaders, business strategists, and professionals navigating change, this episode delivers practical takeaways on creating supply chains that are both efficient and people-focused.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:15) The unexpected career pivot for Melanie(07:42) A major industry shift that changed business operations(12:08) How AI and automation are transforming workflows(16:30) The biggest challenge facing professionals today(20:51) Strategies that helped companies stay competitive(25:14) A case study on adapting to rapid market changes(29:37) How strong leadership drives real innovation(34:05) The biggest misconception about industry growth(38:22) boom! Global Network's role in shaping market trends(42:19) How businesses can prepare for upcoming shifts(46:03) Why mentorship is critical for long-term success(54:10) What's next for the industryAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Melanie Salter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniesalter/Learn more about boom! Global Network: https://boomglobalnetwork.com/Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Joshua Miranda. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/eureka-moments-research-data-supply-chain-journey-1395

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Deborah Dull welcome Will Mansard and Ahmed Arif of Bastian Solutions for a practical, field-tested conversation on retrofitting brownfield warehouses and the real cost of doing nothing. They frame retrofits as logistical projects first, unpack why so much existing space goes underutilized, and share how to minimize disruption while upgrading live operations. They discuss the playbook that works in the real world: start with discovery and reverse engineering when documentation is thin, build a phased mechanical plan, sequence electrical with quick-connect, preassembled components, and treat controls and software as the heart of the system using emulation and thorough testing. With rules one and two both being “get orders out the door,” they stress contingency planning, speaking the customer's language, and orchestrating equipment, controls, and software to avoid faults and bottlenecks. Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(09:27) What defines a brownfield warehouse site(12:19) Addressing customer concerns about cost(15:53) Viewing retrofits as logistical projects(20:14) Why orchestration matters in automation(22:44) Critical considerations for warehouse retrofits(24:26) Setting realistic project expectations upfront(25:53) Deborah's favorite retrofit planning framework(26:36) Minimizing disruption with new technologies(29:37) Speaking the customer's language effectively(32:40) Examples of successful retrofit projects(40:35) Enterprise-level considerations for customersResources:Learn more about Bastian Solutions Strategy Guide: Consulting Strategies for Warehouse Distribution Operations: https://info.bastiansolutions.com/warehouse-operations-strategy-guideLearn more about the Hercules Sealing Products Case Study: https://www.bastiansolutions.com/resources/case-studies/industrial-distribution/hercules/?srsltid=AfmBOoqy12r2gfk64cuMt6Heyoz8Ts5lAJwZ-4qAejswM0oZVEuW5pPKConnect with Will Mansard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-mansard-b90a2b25/Connect with Ahmed Arif: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmedarif001/Connect with Deborah Dull: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahdull/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us!...

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Kevin L. Jackson sit down with Antonio Bustamante, CEO of bem, to explore how automation is reshaping the supply chain landscape in 2025. Together, they unpack the hidden costs of manual workflows, the pitfalls of outdated systems, and the massive opportunity in eliminating data friction.Antonio shares how bem helps teams move away from time-consuming email and PDF-based processes toward self-healing, AI-powered systems that learn from every operator input. He discusses why the freight world is especially burdened by unstructured data, and how automation can free up teams to focus on serving customers, not fixing typos.The conversation also covers the limitations of RPA and email triage, the challenge of achieving interoperability across legacy systems, and why meeting operators where they are (even if that means faxes and handwritten notes) is key to meaningful digital transformation. Plus, Antonio offers a peek at bem's upcoming Command Center, a tool that gives ops teams the power to correct, route, and improve workflows without relying on engineering.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:49) The importance of automation in supply chain(06:57) Challenges of manual data entry(13:47) Unstructured data in supply chain(21:06) The role of communication in logistics(22:34) Understanding multimodal communication(23:45) Challenges with RPA and email triage(24:44) Embracing real-world data(27:09) The role of handwritten notes(27:49) BIM's impact on manual processing(30:39) Introducing the command center(40:08) Composable infrastructureAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about bem: https://blog.bem.ai/ Connect with Antonio Bustamante: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abmirayo/ Loop automates data transformation at scale for new clients with bem: https://www.bem.ai/customer-stories/loop-automates-data-transformation-at-scale-for-new-clients-with-bemThe Supply Chain Back Office Is Broken: https://lp.supplychainnow.com/bemFor more content with bem and Supply Chain Now, check out the bem Campaign Landing Page: https://supplychainnow.com/bem Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- In Chaos We Create: Bridging the Critical Raw Materials Gap Through Strategic Convergence: https://bit.ly/459BzIQWEBINAR- Transforming Operations: Flowers Foods Unveils Its Digital Supply Chain Revolution:

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa sit down with Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), to unpack the latest insights from the 2025 Supply Chain Salary and Career Report. Together, they explore how the role of supply chain professionals is evolving, and what the data tells us about compensation, career satisfaction, and the path forward for the industry.Abe shares what's changed since the report began in 2017, from a $78,000 median salary to over $103,000 today, and why supply chain roles are now seen as strategic—not just operational. They discuss trends in workforce demographics, flexible work, and the narrowing gender pay gap, as well as the impact of certifications on career growth.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(00:50) Supply chain salary and career report(02:08) Introducing special guest: Abe Eshkenazi(02:38) Early career memories(04:20) History of the research report(04:48) Compensation and job satisfaction(07:34) Gender pay gap insights(08:09) Diversity and career satisfaction(11:18) Technological advancements and opportunities(12:14) Top takeaways from the report(17:53) Surprising elements of the report(19:02) The importance of supply chain professionalsResources:Connect with Abe Eshkenazi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeshkenazi/ Learn more about Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM): https://www.ascm.org/ Connect with Karin Bursa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinbursa/Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration with SAP: https://bit.ly/4jFJn9qWEBINAR- When to Walk Away from Warehouse AI - and When to Go All In: https://bit.ly/4dFgCYqThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/key-takeaways-ASCM-2025-supply-chain-salary-career-report-1436

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott W. Luton sits down with Melanie Salter, Director of Supply Chain Research at boom! Global Network, to discuss the evolving role of people in supply chain strategy. Together, they explore the intersection of data, strategic network design, and inclusive leadership—and why businesses that overlook workforce engagement risk falling behind.Melanie shares insights on industry trends, from AI adoption and decision-making challenges to the importance of building diverse, resilient supply chains. She also breaks down the latest research on workplace inclusion and its direct impact on business performance.For supply chain leaders, business strategists, and professionals navigating change, this episode delivers practical takeaways on creating supply chains that are both efficient and people-focused.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:15) The unexpected career pivot for Melanie(07:42) A major industry shift that changed business operations(12:08) How AI and automation are transforming workflows(16:30) The biggest challenge facing professionals today(20:51) Strategies that helped companies stay competitive(25:14) A case study on adapting to rapid market changes(29:37) How strong leadership drives real innovation(34:05) The biggest misconception about industry growth(38:22) boom! Global Network's role in shaping market trends(42:19) How businesses can prepare for upcoming shifts(46:03) Why mentorship is critical for long-term success(54:10) What's next for the industryAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Melanie Salter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniesalter/ Learn more about boom! Global Network: https://boomglobalnetwork.com/Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- AI Insights for Smarter Shipping Strategies: https://bit.ly/40wwSWDWEBINAR- Embracing Agility for better TMS ROI: https://bit.ly/40CrwIaWEBINAR- Bridging the Gap: Investigating the Disconnect Between Supply Chains and the People Who Run Them: https://bit.ly/3F1iZr2This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Joshua Miranda. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/eureka-moments-research-data-supply-chain-journey-1395

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Kim Reuter are joined by freight industry experts Bobby Holland, Director of Freight Business Analytics at U.S. Bank, and Ken Adamo, Chief of Analytics at DAT Freight & Analytics. Together, they break down the latest U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index and what it reveals about the current state of the freight market.Bobby and Ken share data-driven insights on key industry trends, including sluggish manufacturing, shifts in freight demand, and the impact of tariffs on cross-border shipments. They also discuss the balance between supply and demand, regional freight challenges, and how businesses can use data to navigate economic uncertainty.For logistics professionals, shippers, and supply chain leaders, this episode provides actionable intelligence on market conditions, freight costs, and what to expect in 2025.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:27) U.S. Bank and DAT's new freight data partnership(05:54) How the Freight Payment Index tracks market shifts(11:26) Key freight trends: manufacturing slowdowns, inventory buildup(15:56) Are we in a freight recession? Market signals explained(19:36) The ‘magic middle': balancing freight supply and demand(23:30) Cross-border freight and tariff concerns in the Southwest(27:58) How retail and housing impact freight in the Northeast(32:41) National freight trends: stabilization and future outlook(34:42) 2025 freight predictions: housing, automotive, and tariffsAdditional Links & Resources:Download the U.S. Bank Q4 2024 Freight Payment Index: bit.ly/scn-us-bankConnect with Bobby Holland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-holland-4a9355/ Connect with Ken Adamo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-adamo-8481611a/ Learn more about U.S. Bank.: https://www.usbank.com/index.htmlLearn more about DAT Freight & Analytics: https://www.dat.com/Connect with Kim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-reuter-csg/ Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- The Rise of the Decision Makers: https://bit.ly/42z5GYUWEBINAR- AI Insights for Smarter Shipping Strategies: https://bit.ly/40wwSWDWEBINAR- Embracing Agility for better TMS ROI:

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, sponsored by Microsoft, hosts Scott W. Luton and Kevin L. Jackson sit down with aerospace leaders Allison Giddens, President of Operations at Win-Tech Inc., and Tyler Kowalczik, Vice President and Co-owner of Component Products Corporation. Together, they explore how digital transformation is reshaping aerospace manufacturing—helping businesses scale, improve efficiency, and strengthen supply chain resilience.Allison and Tyler share firsthand insights on the challenges of modern aerospace production, from navigating supply chain complexities to leveraging ERP systems and AI-driven decision-making. They also discuss the evolving role of cybersecurity and compliance, including CMMC, and how manufacturers can stay ahead of shifting regulations. For supply chain professionals and industry leaders, this conversation offers key insights into the tools, strategies, and innovations driving the next era of aerospace success.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:31) How digital transformation shapes aerospace manufacturing(08:01) Win-Tech Inc.'s role in aerospace and defense(11:00) CPC's expansion into defense, space, and tech(14:28) Key challenges in aerospace supply chains, compliance(19:47) How manufacturers use digital tools to win bids(23:15) Leveraging ERP and AI to improve operations(28:59) Strengthening supply chain resilience, reliability(34:30) The impact of CMMC on cybersecurity, contracts(39:42) Navigating supplier trust and regulations(46:05) Practical advice for digital transformation(52:04) How CMMC is evolving for contractors(57:34) Insights on innovation, leadership, and future trendsAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Allison Giddens: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisongiddens/Connect with Tyler Kowalczik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerkowalczik/ Learn more about Win-Tech, Inc.: https://win-tech.net/ Learn more about Component Products Corp: https://cpc-web.com/ Connect with Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kjackson/Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson, and produced by Joshua Miranda. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/powering-aerospace-manufacturing-forward-digital-innovation-1389

In this episode, host Scott W. Luton dives into the evolving state of the freight industry with an expert panel featuring Lee Klaskow, Senior Analyst for Transportation & Logistics at Bloomberg Intelligence and host of Talking Transport, and Brian Oxley, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Vector Global Logistics. Together, they discuss the biggest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping global freight in 2025.This insightful conversation covers the rise of the zero-click environment in logistics, the transformative impact of automation at ports, and the shifting dynamics in air, ocean, rail, and truckload freight. From freight theft and geopolitical disruptions to the potential of nimbleness as the key to success, the panel shares data-driven perspectives and actionable takeaways to help supply chain leaders navigate the road ahead.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(06:24) Lee's insights on Bloomberg Intelligence and the freight market(09:30) Freight theft and geopolitical disruptions in 2024(11:09) Key takeaways from the state of freight in 2024(15:38) The impact of automation on port operations and labor dynamics(19:03) Air freight trends: E-commerce drivers and China's role(22:24) Ocean freight challenges and the Red Sea's impact on capacity(27:06) Railroads and the potential of north-south connectivity(29:33) Freight volumes and pricing trends across modes(32:34) Truckload and LTL trends: Recovery signs and spot market dynamics(36:47) Nimbleness as the key to supply chain success in 2025Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Lee Klaskow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeklaskow/Connect with Brian Oxley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-oxley-98319a/Learn more about Bloomberg Intelligence: https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/products/bloomberg-terminal/research/bloomberg-intelligence/#overviewLearn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- The Rise of the Decision Makers: https://bit.ly/42z5GYUWEBINAR- AI Insights for Smarter Shipping Strategies: https://bit.ly/40wwSWDWEBINAR- Embracing Agility for better TMS ROI: https://bit.ly/40CrwIaThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Amanda Luton and Trisha Cordes. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at:

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa sit down with Mike Griswold from Gartner to dig into some of the biggest challenges and opportunities in the supply chain today.They discuss what we learned from the 2024 holiday shopping season, the growing problem of returns, and how AI is changing the game when it comes to managing risk. Karin and Mike also share their thoughts on why respect matters more than ever in keeping teams engaged and what supply chain leaders can do to prepare their people for the future.It's a conversation packed with practical advice on building stronger, smarter supply chains and staying ahead in a world that's always changing.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(06:47) Reflecting on the 2024 holiday shopping season(12:15) Addressing the challenges of returns and reverse logistics(18:30) The growing role of AI in supply chain risk management(24:05) Key trends shaping supply chains in 2024(31:20) Predictions for 2025: Risk management and diversification(37:42) The evolving role of talent in supply chains(44:18) Why respect matters in workforce retention(50:05) Final takeaways on building resilient supply chainsResources:Connect with Mike Griswold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/enConnect with Karin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinbursa/ Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

In this first episode of 2025 here at Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton sits down with Alan Amling, Distinguished Fellow at The University of Tennessee Supply Chain Institute, and Don Maier, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, for an insightful conversation on navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in the evolving supply chain landscape.Alan and Don share insights on the competitive dynamics between industry giants like FedEx and UPS, the growing influence of retail logisticians, and the critical role of automation and technology in addressing workforce and operational hurdles. The discussion also explores the geopolitical factors reshaping global supply chains and how businesses can build resilience through strategic planning and innovation.Tune in for practical takeaways, including how organizations can adapt to shifting customer expectations, leverage collaborative planning, and maintain agility in the face of ongoing disruption.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(08:12) Reflecting on personal highlights from 2024(14:07) Exploring career journeys: From UPS to academia(18:53) Insights on UPS and FedEx competition dynamics(25:42) The role of drivers in building strong supply chains(28:33) Discussing cultural shifts and the challenges of trust-building(32:48) Maritime logistics trends: Sustainability and automation(38:17) Challenges with automation in U.S. ports(42:11) Addressing geopolitical risks and supply chain resilience(47:30) The rise of retail logisticians and their impact(51:23) Lessons from Netflix on organizational agility and courage(57:08) Key takeaways from 2024(01:02:33) Bold predictions for 2025(01:09:21) Anticipating the impact of automation and tariffsAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Alan Amling: http://linkedin.com/in/alanamlingConnect with Don Maier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-maier-2795431/Learn more about Haslam College of Business, UTK: https://haslam.utk.edu/supply-chain-management/Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- E2E Demand Planning – Tactics for Driving Value at Scale: https://bit.ly/4g5VdaDWEBINAR- Breaking Through the Chaos: Supply Chain Maturity in an Age of Economic Volatility: https://bit.ly/49N8IKyThis episodes was hosted by Scott W. Luton and produced by Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/maritime-logistics-organizations-nimbleness-predictions-2025-1374

Now's the time to learn to stay ahead of supply chain disruptions and improve your materials management capabilities for a competitive edge.In this classic episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Kim Reuter explore the evolving landscape of materials management in the fast-moving consumer goods supply chain space. Joined by Michael King, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Nulogy, and Kevin Wong, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at Nulogy, the discussion uncovers the critical role of technology in managing unpredictable demand, increasing product complexity, and the overall efficiency of supply chains.Expect actionable advice, expert opinions, and a masterclass in leveraging technology to drive supply chain success. Jump into the conversation: 00:00 Introduction to Michael King and Kevin Wong06:54 Leveraging technology for global supply chain success09:56 Increasing awareness and tools for materials management14:09 Understanding how high fines impact supply chain operation efficiency17:33 Enterprise organization's move towards integrated supply chain20:05 Embracing change in technology for leadership23:50 The role of data collection and predictive analytics in reshaping business27:07 How new technology reduces invoicing latency and improves cash flow33:51 Why enterprise software complexity and cybersecurity are critical35:40 Assess interactions, embrace change, and surf through41:59 Empowering your team's successAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/knwong/ Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeking33/ Learn more about Nulogy: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nulogy/ Nulogy's eBook- Waste Not: Solving Materials Management Challenges in the External Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/3zdnqfKNulogy's Industry Report- Contract Manufacturing: The Value of a Contract-Based Approach: https://bit.ly/4cfoRZOConnect with Kim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-reuter-csg/ Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comSubscribe to Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com/joinCheck out Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- E2E Demand Planning – Tactics for Driving Value at Scale: https://bit.ly/4g5VdaDThis original episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Kim Reuter. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/materials-management-mastery-external-supply-chain-1293

Ever wondered how AI is transforming the future of supply chains?In this classic episode, hosts Scott W. Luton and Kevin L. Jackson are joined by David Vallejo, Vice President and Global Head of Digital Supply Chain Product Marketing at SAP, and Ronny Horvath, Partner Digital Supply Chain at IBM Consulting, to explore the game-changing role of artificial intelligence in supply chain management. Together, they dive deep into the practical applications of AI, revealing how companies are leveraging this technology to enhance efficiency, drive innovation, and tackle the most pressing challenges in today's supply chain landscape.Listeners will gain insights into the key motivators behind AI adoption, from improving data-driven decision-making to automating repetitive tasks and how these advancements are reshaping the industry. Plus, learn about the importance of data management, overcoming resistance to change, and what the future holds for AI-powered supply chains as we approach 2025.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Introduction with David Vallejo and Ronny Horvath(09:19) The current state of supply chain and AI(16:52) Overcoming challenges in AI implementation(22:31) Predictions for AI and digital supply chains by 2025(28:46) The human factor in AI adoption(35:17) Use cases and selection criteria for AI solutions(49:29) Final thoughts and advice for AI implementationAdditional Links & Resources:Generative AI - ERP study 2024: Achieving enterprise-scale improvements with SAP-specific generative AI: https://www.ibm.com/account/reg/us-en/signup?formid=urx-52881Connect with David Vallejo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vallejodavid/ Connect with Ronny Horvath: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronhorvath/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- E2E Demand Planning – Tactics for Driving Value at Scale: https://bit.ly/4g5VdaDThis original episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/insights-digital-transformation-unlocking-potential-ai-supply-chain-1331

Prepare your supply chain for peak season success with actionable insights from industry experts. In this classic episode, hosts Scott W. Luton and Kim Reuter are joined by special guests Wes Arentson and Tony Thrasher from SPS Commerce to discuss essential strategies for navigating the busiest time of the year. From making the right investments in Q4 preparation to the importance of post-mortem reviews in Q1, our experts share invaluable advice on optimizing your logistics and retail operations. Gain insights into building strong vendor relationships, embracing automation, and leveraging data analytics for demand forecasting. Whether you're a logistics professional or a retail supply chain enthusiast, this episode equips you with the knowledge to enhance efficiency, prevent disruptions, and, ultimately, delight your customers. Tune in for a comprehensive guide to mastering peak season logistics and making strategic decisions that drive success throughout the year.Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about SPS Commerce: https://www.spscommerce.com/ Accelerate time to revenue with SPS for 3PLs: https://bit.ly/4bAQqM4Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- E2E Demand Planning – Tactics for Driving Value at Scale: https://bit.ly/4g5VdaDThis origianl episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Kim Reuter. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/sync-success-tips-tackle-peak-season-1288

In this episode, host Scott W. Luton is joined by Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, for a thought-provoking discussion on the most impactful supply chain trends of 2024 and bold predictions for 2025. Together, they explore how advancements in generative AI are reshaping supply chain operations and the renewed emphasis on investing in people to drive innovation and productivity.Mike shares insights from Gartner's Supply Chain Top 25, spotlighting companies like P&G for their mastery of digital innovation and Diageo for leveraging sustainability as a business driver. The conversation also delves into AstraZeneca's ambitious plans for carbon neutrality and medical breakthroughs by 2030. For supply chain leaders, this episode highlights the importance of adopting proven technologies in innovative ways, prioritizing employee well-being, and embracing sustainability as a path to both profitability and positive change.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:40) Reflecting on key supply chain takeaways from 2024(06:15) The rise of generative AI in supply chain operations(09:50) Practical applications of AI: Efficiency and decision-making(13:30) People-centric strategies and the evolving employee value proposition(17:45) Highlights from Gartner's Supply Chain Top 25: P&G and Diageo(21:10) Sustainability as a business driver(24:30) AstraZeneca's bold goals for 2030 and supply chain innovation(28:50) Geopolitical challenges and the democratization of technology(32:15) Tariffs and network modeling: Preparing for uncertainty in 2025(36:40) The importance of scenario planning for demand and supply(40:25) Predictions for 2025Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Mike Griswold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/enConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- E2E Demand Planning – Tactics for Driving Value at Scale: https://bit.ly/4g5VdaDThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Joshua Miranda. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/reflections-projections-global-supply-chain-2024-2025-1366

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott W. Luton sits down with David Morin, Vice President of Client & Retail Strategy at Narvar, to explore the evolving world of returns management and the operational complexities shaping today's retail landscape. David shares insights into how Narvar is enhancing customer experiences post-purchase while addressing the critical challenges of returns logistics. From the role of AI in improving returns processing to strategies for fostering a seamless omnichannel experience, David emphasizes the importance of customer and retailer satisfaction alike.For retail and supply chain leaders, this episode uncovers the delicate balance between delivering exceptional customer experiences and managing costs in a world of increasing returns. Tune in to discover how innovative practices and cross-functional strategies can help retailers drive loyalty, enhance inventory management, and optimize reverse logistics for the future.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(04:32) The role of Narvar in the post-purchase customer experience(08:05) Key trends from Shoptalk 2024: AI and unified commerce(13:23) How AI is transforming retail and consumer interactions(16:03) Understanding return fraud and its impact on retailers(20:23) The challenges of managing reverse logistics(24:46) Financial impact of return fraud and rising costs(28:40) Operational impact of returns management and quality control(33:15) Approaches to mitigating return fraud(37:13) Leveraging customer data for tailored returns programs(40:12) Using AI to enhance returns processes and detect fraud(42:30) Final takeaways and Narvar's strategic visionResources:Connect with David Morin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmorinsf/Learn more about Narvar: https://corp.narvar.com/Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkUPCOMING WEBINAR- E2E Demand Planning – Tactics for Driving Value at Scale: https://bit.ly/4g5VdaDThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/reinventing-retail-returns-management-improving-fraud-prevention-1365

In this episodeof Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Kim Reuter explore the world of retail supply chain innovation with an outstanding panel featuring Venky Avunoori, Vice President of eCom and Customer Technologies at Spencer's & Spirit, Jim Ray, Divisional Vice President of Supply Chain Technology at Spencer's & Spirit, and Justin Cramer, Co-founder at ProShip. Together, they uncover the behind-the-scenes strategies powering the iconic retail brands Spencer's and Spirit Halloween.Their insightful discussion reveals how these retail giants master the art of omnichannel fulfillment, navigate seasonal supply chain complexities, and ensure seamless customer experiences. From the challenges of opening 1,500 pop-up stores in weeks to leveraging AI-driven insights and custom-built technologies, this episode is packed with actionable insights and innovative approaches.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(04:00) Half marathons, hockey, and ballroom dancing(07:35) Overview of Spencer's & Spirit's unique retail model(12:32) The year-round planning behind Spirit Halloween(16:11) Inventory optimization and the role of pop-up stores(20:15) Omnichannel strategies: BOPIS and ship-from-store(25:00) Overcoming challenges with inventory visibility in stores(29:07) Leveraging custom technology for temporary distribution centers(33:19) AI and gen AI innovations for seasonal operations(37:42) Future of retail fulfillment: Mini fulfillment centers and q-commerce(42:10) Managing customer expectations in a volatile carrier environment(46:00) Launching Spirit Christmas: A new seasonal challenge(48:50) The importance of customer and employee experience(51:35) Key takeaways from Spencer's & Spirit's supply chain strategies(54:00) Evolving with customer needs and technologyResources:Download the ProShip Report- https://bit.ly/408liBeSchedule a Discovery Call- https://bit.ly/3XTM0weConnect with Justin Cramer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincramer/Connect with Jim Ray: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-ray-ohio/Connect with Venky Avunoori : https://www.linkedin.com/in/venkyavunoori/Learn more about ProShip: https://proshipinc.com/Learn more about Spencer's & Spirit: https://www.spencersonline.com/Connect with Kim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-reuter-csg/Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Introduction to Microsoft Supply Chain: Enabling Scale and Complexity: https://bit.ly/40K1rszWEBINAR- How Ferguson's Metrics-Driven Strategy Drove an 18% Improvement in Operational Efficiency: https://bit.ly/3YBbsFzWEBINAR- E2E Demand Planning – Tactics for Driving Value at Scale: https://bit.ly/4g5VdaDThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Kim Reuter, and produced by Amanda Luton and Trisha Cordes. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/unmasking-omnichannel-secrets-retail-giant-conversation-spencers-gifts-1363