Podcasts about Supply chain management

On this episode of The Buzz, powered by Toyota Automated Logistics, hosts Scott Luton and Karin Bursa welcome Philip Vervloesem, Chief Commercial and Markets Officer at OMP, for a wide-ranging conversation on the forces reshaping global supply chains. From extreme weather and transportation disruptions to China's rapidly expanding automotive industry, the team explores today's biggest supply chain headlines before diving into AI, decision velocity, always-on planning, and the evolving role of supply chain professionals. Supply chain leaders have more data, technology, and intelligence at their fingertips than ever before, but the real competitive advantage comes from turning those insights into the right decisions faster. Scott, Karin, and Philip examine how organizations can use scenario planning, external market signals, AI agents, and connected decision-making to respond more effectively to disruption and uncertainty. They also explore why successful AI adoption isn't simply about automation or replacing people. Instead, the future belongs to organizations that combine intelligent technology with human judgment, collaboration, trust, and business context. Key Takeaways Resilience happens before disruption. Scenario planning and decision intelligence give organizations more options while there is still time to act. External signals matter. Weather, climate patterns, market conditions, and other syndicated data can help companies anticipate disruptions and continuously refine supply chain plans. Decision velocity is becoming a competitive advantage. Leading organizations aren't simply collecting more data—they're connecting data to decisions and executing those decisions across the enterprise faster. Agentic AI's greatest opportunity is augmentation. AI agents can identify issues, evaluate scenarios, coordinate information, and recommend actions, while people provide judgment, context, governance, and leadership. Always-on planning is changing traditional planning cycles. Planning isn't disappearing, but waiting for weekly or monthly cycles to respond to change increasingly will. The planner of the future needs strong human skills. Business knowledge, communication, influence, collaboration, storytelling, and the ability to navigate trade-offs will become even more valuable as technology advances. The future of supply chain planning isn't simply about moving faster—it's about making better decisions with greater confidence. As AI, intelligent planning platforms, and always-on capabilities continue to evolve, successful organizations will be those that connect technology with human expertise and turn complexity into action. Tune in to hear how leaders can prepare now for a more adaptive, resilient, and decision-driven supply chain. Additional Links & Resources: Toyota Automated Logistics: https://toyota-automated-logistics.com/ Enterprise Unleashed: The Biggest Lessons from 2026 So Far: https://streamyard.com/watch/CBk6F4Dgtwk3 The Peak Readiness Index Report 2026: https://bit.ly/Peak-Readiness-Report Low Rhine levels disrupting German industry: https://reut.rs/45BdaL8 Corporate concern over El Nino hits multi-year high: https://reut.rs/4xPGVnI There Aren't Enough Ships to Handle China's Booming Car Exports: https://on.wsj.com/4bXfZd8 OMP: https://omp.com/ Connect with Philip on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvervloesem/ 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/3XH6OVk WEBINAR- SAP AI Inside the Supply Chain: From Silo to Orchestration: https://bit.ly/4bvpz6K WEBINAR- Operational AI in the Supply Chain: How context empowers agents and humans to operate side by side: https://bit.ly/4x7Vd2Z WEBINAR- You Can't Manage What You Can't See: Using Visibility, KPIs, and AI to Optimize Logistics Operations: https://bit.ly/4ql6iem This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit the dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-decision-velocity-ai-agents-future-supply-chain-planning-1628 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.

Soft freight demand would normally suggest plenty of available trucking capacity. Q2 2026 told a different story.   In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by Karin Bursa, Bobby Holland, Director of Freight Business Analytics at U.S. Bank, and Dr. Jason Miller, Eli Broad Endowed Professor of Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University, to unpack the latest U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index. They examine why shipments remained subdued while shipper spending climbed sharply, including a nearly 28% year-over-year national increase in spending.   The conversation covers regional freight conditions, tightening capacity, housing weakness, import activity, fuel costs, and the surge in physical infrastructure supporting AI and data centers. Bobby and Jason also share what supply chain leaders should watch as the market moves through the second half of 2026.   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (06:51) The central theme of the Q2 2026 Freight Payment Index (09:29) How the Freight Payment Index works (11:29) National freight market outlook (16:40) West region: Strongest annual growth (20:49) Southwest: The largest volume-spending disconnect (23:59) Midwest: Data centers offset softer freight demand (27:18) Housing market headwinds (30:10) Northeast: Flat volume and rising spending (33:41) Southeast: Data centers drive freight growth (37:14) AI's rapidly expanding physical supply chain (44:42) Freight market predictions for the months ahead (48:55) Where to find the Freight Payment Index (50:34) Karin's biggest takeaway for supply chain leaders   Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Dr. Jason Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-miller-32110325/ 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 Eli Broad College of Business: https://broad.msu.edu/ Learn more about U.S. Bank: https://www.usbank.com/index.html Learn more about U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://www.usbank.com/corporate-and-commercial-banking/industry-expertise/transportation/freight-payment-insights.html 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- SAP AI Inside the Supply Chain: From Silo to Orchestration: https://bit.ly/4bvpz6K WEBINAR- Operational AI in the Supply Chain: How context empowers agents and humans to operate side by side: https://bit.ly/4x7Vd2Z WEBINAR- You Can't Manage What You Can't See: Using Visibility, KPIs, and AI to Optimize Logistics Operations: https://bit.ly/4ql6iem   This 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-q2-2026-us-bank-freight-payment-index-1627 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 Buzz, powered by Toyota Automated Logistics, is back with another timely look at the news and trends shaping global supply chain. In this episode, host Scott Luton is joined by Paul J. Noble and special guest Lora Cecere, founder of Supply Chain Insights, for a wide-ranging conversation on agentic AI, supply chain fraud, manufacturing, forecasting, lead times, and why decades of technology investment still haven't delivered better results for many organizations. From the growing role of AI agents in commerce to the increasing sophistication of supply chain fraud, this episode tackles some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing supply chain leaders today. Scott, Paul, and Lora explore why trust and data verification will become even more critical in an agentic world, what current manufacturing data really tells us about the economy, and why organizations need to rethink long-standing approaches to forecasting and inventory management. Lora also challenges the industry to move beyond so-called “best practices” that may actually be outdated historical practices. The conversation digs into the importance of dynamic lead-time data, predictive analytics, balanced scorecards, and cross-functional decision-making and asks a critical question: If supply chain technology has advanced so dramatically, why are so many supply chains still underperforming? Additional Links & Resources: Toyota Automated Logistics: https://toyota-automated-logistics.com/ With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-15-Aug-2026 Paul Climbing Mt. Rainier: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/pauljnoble_climbing-the-vertical-equivalent-of-everest-ugcPost-7480348179654275073-cwS1/ The 2026 MHI Annual Industry Report: https://www.mhi.org/annual-industry-reports Vitol, Cargill, Glencore cut ties with Radiant World - report: https://reut.rs/3UBBEkZ The AI Buildout and the Economy: Publicly Available Data to Assess AI's Impact: https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/notes/feds-notes/the-ai-buildout-and-the-economy-publicly-available-data-to-assess-ais-impact-20260717.html Manufacturing PMI® at 55.6%; July 2026 ISM® Manufacturing PMI® Report: https://prn.to/4xHjigG Syncing to Market Actuals: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/syncing-market-actuals-lora-cecere-ukgqe/ What Have We Learned Thus Far From AskLora.Ai? https://streamyard.com/watch/fxjWYRFvdfHe Blame Follows the Messenger: https://supplychainnow.com/blame-follows-the-messenger/ AskLora: https://asklora.ai/ VDSAI: https://www.vdsai.net/ Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauljnoble/ Connect with Lora on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loracecere/ 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/3XH6OVk WEBINAR- SAP AI Inside the Supply Chain: From Silo to Orchestration: https://bit.ly/4bvpz6K WEBINAR- Operational AI in the Supply Chain: How context empowers agents and humans to operate side by side: https://bit.ly/4x7Vd2Z WEBINAR- You Can't Manage What You Can't See: Using Visibility, KPIs, and AI to Optimize Logistics Operations: https://bit.ly/4ql6iem This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Paul Noble, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-fixing-supply-chain-performance-ai-era-1625 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 Chains waren schon immer komplex – 2026 kommt allerdings eine neue Dimension hinzu: politische und wirtschaftliche Rahmenbedingungen können sich innerhalb kürzester Zeit verändern. Wir sprechen darüber, warum klassische Planungsmodelle dadurch an Grenzen stoßen und weshalb die Suche nach dem perfekten Optimum zunehmend unrealistisch wird. Stattdessen rücken Flexibilität, Szenarien und schnelle Reaktionsfähigkeit in den Mittelpunkt. • Warum geopolitische Einflüsse Supply Chains zunehmend schwerer planbar machen • Weshalb fünf mögliche Szenarien heute wertvoller sein können als ein perfekter Plan • Wie politische Richtungswechsel langfristige Investitionen erschweren • Welche Rolle Daten, vernetzte Systeme und KI künftig bei der Planung spielen Am Ende geht es weniger darum, jede Entwicklung vorherzusagen. Entscheidend ist vielmehr, Supply Chains so aufzustellen, dass sie auch dann funktionieren, wenn die Realität vom Plan abweicht. Genau diese Fähigkeit könnte zu einer der wichtigsten Kompetenzen im modernen Supply Chain Management werden.

How will AI reshape supply chain teams, technology investments, and the future workforce? In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, for another conversation in the Supply Chain Today and Tomorrow series. Mike shares his perspective on AI strategy, supply chain technology, inventory management, and the decisions leaders must consider as business expectations continue to change. The conversation explores why organizations should be careful about replacing entry-level roles with AI, how supply chain teams can balance technology with human expertise, and what future leaders need to learn about data, decision-making, and operational excellence. Listeners will learn how to think differently about AI adoption, why high-tech companies offer valuable lessons for supply chain teams, and what skills may define supply chain leadership in the years ahead.  Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introduction (08:36) Why more data does not always create better decisions (09:48) The future of just-in-time inventory strategies (11:31) Building alignment across business, supply chain, and AI strategy (15:36) Supply chain technologies worth investing in (18:31) Mike's supply chain hot take on AI and workforce changes (24:44) What supply chain can learn from high-tech companies (28:10) The moments that shape supply chain transformation (31:31) What future supply chain leaders will study in 2050 (33:34) How supply chain education programs need to evolve   Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Mike Griswold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/ Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/ Gartner Announces 2026 Rankings of the Global Supply Chain Top 25: https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2026-06-17-gartner-announces-2026-rankings-of-the-global-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- 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 WEBINAR- Operational AI in the Supply Chain: How context empowers agents and humans to operate side by side: https://bit.ly/4x7Vd2Z WEBINAR- You Can't Manage What You Can't See: Using Visibility, KPIs, and AI to Optimize Logistics Operations: https://bit.ly/4ql6iem 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/lightning-round-returns-9-key-questions-1624 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.

In this episode, Jason explains why procurement and supply chain management must be treated as part of the same production system as construction. If materials, equipment, and information are not synchronized with the production plan, the entire project can be disrupted. Jason discusses the importance of starting procurement during design and pre-construction, packaging materials in the correct sequence, managing long-lead items, and reviewing procurement progress every week. What you'll learn in this episode: Why procurement and construction must operate as one connected production system. How starting long-lead procurement early helps prevent major schedule impacts. Why proper packaging and sequencing ensure materials arrive in the order crews actually need them. How weekly procurement reviews help teams identify supply chain problems before they affect field production. Is your supply chain synchronized with your production plan, or are your crews waiting for materials before they can build?   If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode.  And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two

From shifting commodity markets and explosive data center growth to drone delivery and AI-enabled workplaces, supply chain leaders are navigating change from every direction. In this episode of The Buzz, powered by Toyota Automated Logistics, Scott Luton and Dr. Rod Thomas are joined by Hans Kremer, partner and co-founder of Inchange, to unpack the latest supply chain headlines and explore what professionals and organizations need to thrive in a rapidly evolving business environment. The discussion shifts to professional development, where Hans shares why companies need to stop training in silos and create more cross-functional learning experiences. The group also explores lifelong learning, the value of hands-on operational experience, and why AI should be viewed as a capability multiplier, not simply a tool for cutting costs or increasing efficiency. They close with powerful insights on leadership, trust, empathy, and creating environments where people can succeed. Key Takeaways: Successful change starts with the people doing the work. Find true advocates early, listen carefully to resistance, communicate the “why” repeatedly, and give teams the time and resources needed to implement change. Supply chain has become a strategic differentiator. Competition increasingly happens between entire supply chain ecosystems, not simply individual companies. Tomorrow's supply chain professionals need more than technical expertise. Strategic inquiry, discernment, judgment, adaptability, communication, and influence will become increasingly important as AI expands access to technical capabilities. Copper and other critical resources could become major constraints on AI and electrification growth. Data centers, infrastructure investment, geopolitics, tariffs, and limited natural resources are creating complex global supply challenges. Professional development needs to become cross-functional. Giving employees opportunities to experience sales, operations, supply chain, finance, and other perspectives can help break down silos and improve organizational performance. AI should make people more capable, not simply more efficient. Organizations that use AI only to automate existing tasks may miss its greater potential to enable employees to solve problems and perform work they could not previously do. Leadership is about enabling the success of others. Strong leaders remove obstacles, protect their teams, model the right behaviors, build mutual trust, and create an environment people want to follow. This episode brings together timely supply chain news with practical lessons on leadership, learning, technology, and organizational performance. Whether you're preparing your workforce for AI, navigating major market shifts, developing the next generation of supply chain talent, or simply trying to become a stronger leader, Hans, Rod, and Scott offer actionable perspectives you can put to work right away.   Additional Links and Resources: Toyota Automated Logistics: https://toyota-automated-logistics.com/ With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-8-August-2026 Leading Beyond The Next Disruption: https://bit.ly/Mourad-Tamoud-SE Rod's LinkedIn Post: https://bit.ly/The-Perfect-SC-Manager Han's LinkedIn Post: https://bit.ly/Hans-Music-Stories Copper jumps to its highest level ever. What the metal is telling us: https://cnb.cx/4cvTGv8 Congo Issues Immediate Copper and Cobalt Ban as Smelters Pay Miners for Feedstock: https://bit.ly/DRC-Bans-Some-Exports Caterpillar sales surpass $20B as data center generators take off: https://bit.ly/CAT-has-big-2Q2026 DoorDash Takes to the Sky With Its Own Drones: https://on.wsj.com/4ccxIx7 Inchainge: https://inchainge.com/   The Readiness Rules: https://now.supplychainnow.com/the-readiness-rules Connect with Hans on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanskremer/ Connect with Rod on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rod-thomas-a409a41/ 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/3XH6OVk 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 Rod Thomas, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-ai-copper-drone-delivery-future-supply-chain-leadership-1622  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.

Ryan Jones from SAP discusses the new era of field service and asset management, covering AI agents, autonomous operations, and how integrated asset management drives supply chain resilience.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠=====Ryan Jones, Product Marketing Manager at SAP, joins us to explore the evolving landscape of field service and asset management. We talked about the risks of operational fragmentation, the ripple effects of asset downtime, and how AI agents transform maintenance from a cost center into a revenue driver. Ryan also shares success stories and discusses SAP's new unified offering, and outlines the journey toward autonomousoperations.===== Guest 1: Ryan Jones, Product Marketing Manager, Asset Management & Field Service, SAPRyan Jones has spent the last 10 years at SAP working across enterprise asset management, field service, and ERP. He has held roles in solution advisory, solution management, and product marketing, helping customers connect business processes with practical technology adoption. Before SAP, Ryan was an operations manager and SAP ERP user, giving him a grounded perspective on what it takes to make enterprise systems and AI work in real operations.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP  Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.   She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape.  ===== Show Links:SAP Field Service and Asset Management: The Next Evolution of SAP FieldService Management. LINKSupply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Oyku Ilgar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠      SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

Is AI eliminating jobs or creating better ones? Join us as we unpack how ERP roles, leadership, and skills are being redefined, and what it truly takes to thrive in the era of the autonomous enterprise.=====AI and automation are fundamentally changing what ERP expertise looks like, from entry-level roles to senior leadership. Trijoy Saikia from HCLTech shares how organizations are rethinking talent models, upskilling strategies, and management structures to keep pace. The conversation covers real-world human-AI collaboration, the barriers slowing AI adoption from pilot to production, and what SAP's Autonomous Enterprise roadmap means for every professional working in the ERP space today.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Useful Links:SAP Cloud ERPhttps://www.hcltech.com/Follow Us on Social Media!SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠=====Guest 1: Trijoy Saikia, HCLTech Business Acceleration Center for SAPHost 1: Richard Howells, SAPRichard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAPOyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.Follow Oyku Ilgar on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We explore how COOs can rethink supply chain security, from physical risks and open source vulnerabilities to AI threats, data sovereignty, and building a cyber-resilient culture across the business network.Download the ⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠=====We sit down with a cybersecurity expert to unpack the full scope of supply chain security, from physical risks like truck hijacking and component integrity to emerging digital threats like AI-driven attacks on open source software. We discuss why COOs must evaluate supplier capabilities, embrace data sovereignty, secure AI projects, and foster ecosystem collaboration to build truly resilient supply chains. ===== Guest 1: Jay Thoden van Velzen, Technical Advisor in SAP's Office of the Chief Security OfficerJay Thoden van Velzen is Technical Advisor in SAP's Office of the Chief Security Officer, where he covers and supports security process-, product-, and partner management, putting him in the middle of navigating rising security threats, an increasing compliance burden and rapid technology changes, to secure SAP's cloud platform expansion, Business AI and the Autonomous Enterprise. He previously led SAP's cloud infrastructure security operations during the Next Generation Cloud Transformation Program running 2020-2022, establishing key cloud security programs that SAP still relies and builds on today. His relationship to Supply Chain Management remains strong, having functioned earlier as its main Security Expert 2015-2019.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP  Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.   She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape.  ===== Show Links:Supply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Oyku Ilgar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠      SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

In this episode, hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby welcome back Jason Murray, co-founder and CEO of Shipium, and Thomas Deakins, VP of industry growth and adjunct lecturer in supply chain management at the University of Tennessee. The trio picks up where a previous conversation left off—only now, the AI landscape has shifted considerably.Murray offers a clear-eyed progression of where artificial intelligence actually stands today: from the machine learning roots that powered early wins at Amazon, through the generative AI wave that captivated the world with ChatGPT, and now into the era of agentic AI with systems that don't just respond to prompts, but act autonomously on behalf of organizations. He draws an important distinction between "human in the middle" and "human on the loop," and pushes back on the popular notion that dropping AI into an existing process will immediately deliver ROI. The real opportunity, he argues, lies in rethinking the process itself.The episode also touches on current supply chain headlines—tariff uncertainty, rising energy prices, and the growing infrastructure demands of AI data centers—before closing with a candid lightning round on AI myths, change management, and what Amazon got right that the rest of the industry is still catching up to.The episode was recorded virtually on July 22, 2026.Related links:Learn more about Shipium at shipium.comListen to Jason Murray's previous GSCI podcast appearance in March 2025Register for virtual SCM Academies in Leadership, Finance, Procurement, and TechnologySave the date for the Fall Supply Chain Forum, Nov. 10–12 Download free white papers from UT experts Become a GSCI partner to learn, network, and recruit with the top supply chain education institution in North America  Join the Advanced Supply Chain Collaborative to explore advanced concepts in SCM with top industry experts and scholars   Fill out Tom Goldsby's survey on warehouse automationFollow GSCI on LinkedIn   Subscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletter    Read the latest news and insights from GSCI.Text the Tennessee on Supply Chain Management team!

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.

Your cloud ERP holds the keys to your entire business: finance, HR, supply chain. But who actually controls the locks? This episode exposes the identity access gaps most organizations never see coming, and why AI is making them more dangerous than ever.=====Identity and access management (IAM) is often misunderstood. But getting it wrong can cost millions. EY's Joe Surmeier breaks down IAM in cloud ERP: from the most common mistakes organizations make during migration, to navigating the shared responsibility model between vendors, SIs, and customers. The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping both threats and defenses, and shares three actionable priorities for any organization starting its cloud ERP journey, and why cybersecurity must have a seat at the table from day one.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Useful Links: ⁠⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠⁠Follow Us on Social Media!SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠=====Guest 1: Joe Surmeier, Senior Manager, Cybersecurity at Ernst & Young LLPJoe Surmeier has spent more than a decade at the intersection of cybersecurity, business transformation, and risk management. He works with organizations to integrate security into complex transformation programs, helping leadership teams navigate evolving cyber risks while accelerating innovation, compliance, and operational resilience.Host 1: Richard Howells, SAPRichard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAPOyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.Follow Oyku Ilgar on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

PwC's Christian Sachse joins us to talk all things logistics. Discover recent trends such as automation, AI, nearshoring, and sustainability.Download the episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== In this episode, Christian Sachse of PwC Germany shares what supply chain leaders must prepare for in logistics, from automation and AI to sustainability, nearshoring, labor shifts, and resilience. He explains how planning, visibility, and control towers support better execution.  ===== Guest 1: Christian Sachse, Director, PwC Christian Sachse is a Director at PwC Germany, where he leads the transportation practice within PwC's global Center of Excellence for Logistics Transformation. With a career spanning over a decade in SAP logistics consulting — progressing from ABAP developer to senior leadership roles at firms including IBM, Deloitte, and PwC — he brings deep expertise in SAP Transportation Management and end-to-end supply chain optimization to global organizations across automotive, manufacturing, retail, chemicals, and beyond. In today's discussion, he shares his perspective on the future of supply chain technology and innovation.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP  Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.   She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape.  ===== Show Links:PwCSupply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠, Oyku Ilgar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠      SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Erin Van Zeeland, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Truckload and Dedicated Services at Schneider, to discuss the evolution of transportation and the power of strategic logistics. Erin shares insights from her 33-year journey at Schneider, exploring how the company leverages AI and "D4 science" to drive efficiency through platforms like Schneider Freight Power. She breaks down the critical difference between transactional and durable shipping rates, explaining why chasing the lowest cost per mile is often a false economy that leaves shippers exposed during market peaks. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on leadership, the importance of curiosity, and Schneider's commitment to developing talent through the Schneider Women's Network. Erin also reveals how real-time AI bots are transforming the driver experience by slashing resolution times for gate issues from 34 minutes to under three. Whether you're a student or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers a masterclass in balancing cutting-edge technology with a people-first philosophy. Takeaways: The strategic shift from transactional to durable shipping rates for long-term resilience. How Schneider utilizes AI and bots to enhance driver productivity and real-time problem-solving. Leadership lessons on the "human side" of logistics and the power of curiosity. Navigating the 18-20 month freight market cycles and long-term industry trends. Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us!  Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr  Guest Bio: Erin Van Zeeland is Senior Vice President and General Manager of Truckload and Dedicated Services at Schneider, a premier provider of transportation, logistics and intermodal services, enhancing the standard of living worldwide. Schneider Logistics Services is Schneider's fastest growing segment and in 2018 achieved the $1B revenue milestone for the first time. In this position, she is responsible for all aspects of the company's Logistics Service offerings, including Transportation Management (Brokerage), Supply Chain Management, Transloading and Distribution, Warehousing and Port Dray. Within her functional responsibilities, she ensures that over 34,000 third party carriers and service providers are effectively utilized to meet supply chain needs, service and profitability objectives across any mode of transportation and logistics services.‍ With 27 years of operations, commercial, transportation logistics experience, Van Zeeland has held several leadership roles in both Schneider's Logistics and asset-based divisions. She has also served as vice president of Business Transformation, where she managed the enterprise business process engineering and change management/change leadership efforts for the Schneider enterprise. Van Zeeland started her career at Schneider in 1993 as a service team leader at the Harrisburg Operation Center and was subsequently promoted to operations/customer service Integration manager, Van Operations in 1995 before becoming the operations center manager at Schneider's headquarters in Green Bay, Wis. in 1997. During her career with Schneider, Van Zeeland has served in a variety of leadership positions with increasing responsibility for customer growth and business expansion. Van Zeeland holds a bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from Silver Lake College in Manitowoc, Wis. Van Zeeland was recognized in Computer World's Premier 100 IT leaders in 2009, a WIT finalist for the 2019 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award and was named the recipient of the Supply & Demand Chain Executive's first-ever Women in Supply chain award. She currently serves on the board of directors for the United Way – Green Bay and she has in the past served on board at the Cerebral Palsy Center. She is an active member in women's ministries at her local church. She serves as a co-lead in the Schneider Women's network and various other women in leadership and business programs. She also represents Schneider in the Transportation Intermediaries Association.

This week, KPMG's Hernan De la Torre and Stefan Seitz join us to discuss neural supply chain orchestration, agentic AI, clean core governance, and why ERP remains essential for faster, smarter, more resilient supply chains.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== In this episode, we speak with KPMG's Hernan De la Torre and Stefan Seitz about the shift from experimental GenAI to industrial embedded AI. We talk about orchestration, agent-based decision-making, clean core governance, human-in-the-loop control, and how AI is reshaping supply chain roles, execution, and resilience. Sounds interesting? Come join us! ===== Guest 1: Hernan De la Torre, Principal, KPMG in the USHernan De la Torre is a Principal in Advisory at KPMG, leading SAP-enabled supply chain transformation across consumer, retail, and manufacturing sectors. With more than two decades of experience, he focuses on designing business-led operating models powered by SAP and advanced AI capabilities. He is an architect and recognized voice on Neural Supply Chain Orchestration (NSCO), a framework that embeds AI-driven decision intelligence directly into SAP workflows to strengthen supply chain execution, global operations, and trade responsiveness. Hernan partners with executive leaders to translate enterprise strategy into scalable execution, helping organizations navigate tariffs, geopolitical shifts, and cross-border complexity while driving measurable performance across finance and supply chain ecosystems.Guest 2: Stefan Seitz, Director, KPMG in GermanyStefan Seitz is leading KPMG's global SCM reference model in the SAP space and is at forefront of various digital supply chain transformations in automotive and industrial manufacturing.As an industrial engineer by trade he maintains a strong business focus in applying the newest technology trends.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP  Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.   She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape.  ===== Show Links:KPMGPublication: AI Is Moving Supply Chains from Reactive Execution to Autonomous Orchestration The IDC recognition: KPMG recognized as a ‘Leader' in the IDC MarketScape for Worldwide Supply Chain SAP Ecosystem Services 2025–2026 Vendor AssessmentSupply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Hernan De la Torre: LinkedInStefan Seitz: LinkedInRichard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠, Oyku Ilgar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠      SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

On this episode of The Buzz, powered by Zebra Technologies, hosts Scott Luton and special guest co-host Amber Salley are joined by Rich Carey of MFG.inc to break down the biggest headlines shaping global supply chain. From the future of the USMCA and the health of U.S. manufacturing to separating AI hype from real-world value, this conversation delivers practical insights for supply chain leaders navigating constant change. What does the latest manufacturing data really tell us? Is AI bringing meaningful transformation to supply chains or just creating more noise? And how can organizations build resilient operations while developing stronger leaders? Scott, Amber, and Rich tackle these questions by exploring North American trade policy, manufacturing growth fueled by AI infrastructure investments, energy challenges, and the realities of autonomous supply chains. Rich also shares actionable leadership lessons from decades of operational excellence work, emphasizing servant leadership, trust, quick wins, and developing frontline leaders who can successfully lead change. If you're looking for practical strategies, not just buzzwords, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Key Takeaways Why the annual review of the USMCA matters for supply chain planning and business certainty. What recent U.S. manufacturing data reveals about growth, hiring, and AI-driven demand. The difference between real AI applications and the growing "AI noise" across the supply chain industry. Why autonomous supply chains still face significant hurdles around data, governance, and decision-making. How servant leadership, trust, and quick wins accelerate successful operational transformation. Why investing in frontline leaders is one of the most effective ways to improve manufacturing performance. Whether you're leading supply chain strategy, manufacturing operations, procurement, or digital transformation, this episode provides thoughtful perspectives on today's biggest industry trends while offering practical leadership advice you can apply immediately. You'll leave with a clearer understanding of where the industry is headed and how great leadership remains the competitive advantage that technology alone can't replace. Additional Links & Resources: Zebra: https://www.zebra.com/machinevision With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-12-July-2026 USMCA: Retail, manufacturing and apparel groups call for preservation: https://bit.ly/USMCA-Annual-Review US factory activity eases off four-year high; input prices remain elevated: https://reut.rs/3SNyfPv Turning Supply Chain Volatility into Competitive Advantage with o9 Solutions: https://bit.ly/SCN-At-Gartner-2026 The Autonomous Supply Chain: Why We're Not There Yet (And What It Will Actually Take): https://bit.ly/Amber-Salley-AutonomousEra From Planning to Decision Making: https://bit.ly/From-Planning-to-Decision-Making Mfg.inc: https://mfg.inc/ Connect with Rich on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richcary/ Connect with Amber on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambersalley/ 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/3XH6OVk 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 Amber Salley, and produced by Trisha Cortes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-manufacturing-momentum-ai-reality-leadership-lasts-1610 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.

Cloud ERP is reshaping how organizations manage risk. In this episode with EY, we explore why security, governance, and AI must be built into ERP transformation from day one, not added later.=====As organizations accelerate their move to cloud ERP, managing risk is becoming less about reacting to issues and more about designing secure, resilient processes from the start. In this episode, EY's Natalie Freedline and Dan Crawley discuss how cloud transformations are reshaping risk management, from understanding the shared responsibility model to embedding security, governance, and automated controls early in every implementation. The conversation explores why successful ERP transformations depend as much on people, processes, and clear ownership as they do on technology. The speakers explain how organizations can strengthen governance, prepare teams for change, and build trusted data foundations that support long-term business resilience. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Useful Links: ⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠SAP-EY Allience5 common compliance myths when moving to S/4HANAThe role of governance in Continuous Controls Monitoring enablementDisclaimer: The views reflected in this video are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the global EY organization or its member firms.Follow Us on Social Media!SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠=====Guest 1: Dan Crawley, SAP Security and Identity Architect at EYDan Crawley is an SAP Security and Identity Architect with more than 15 years of experience providing strategic leadership and delivering scalable, maintainable solutions in application security and identity management within the SAP ERP space. Having delivered complex implementations and enterprise transformations across many different industries, he enjoys the challenges of learning new technologies and implementing them to provide more compliant and efficient solutions. Guest 2: Natalie Freedline - Principal, Technology Consulting, Ernst & Young LLP | EY - GlobalNatalie has more than 18 years of Technology consulting experience serving Industrial Products and Consumer Products clients undergoing transformations. Starting her career in audit, Natalie has a wide range of experience assisting clients with SAP and Oracle process and controls enablement/optimization, application security, business transformation, governance, risk and compliance (GRC) technology enablement and enterprise risk management (including IT risk). Natalie has delivered strategic programs for SAP S/4 HANA transformations and specializes in quantifying the business case to drive efficiencies and lower the cost of compliance through analytics and monitoring, security and GRC technologies.In addition to helping clients deploy risk and compliance programs, Natalie holds a leadership role managing the Risk Technology team focused on SAP of over 100 resources to streamline growth, collaboration, knowledge sharing and improve the quality of engagement delivery.Host 1: Richard Howells, SAPRichard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAPOyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.Follow Oyku Ilgar on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Michel Roger of Accenture joins us to discuss how AI, autonomy, robotics, and data governance are reshaping logistics, workforce skills, and supply chain leadership.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== This week, we, together with Michel Roger of Accenture explore the future of logistics, from agentic AI and physical robotics to connected workforce models and real-time digital twins. Come join us to learn how companies can scale AI beyond pilots, reshape warehouse operations, strengthen multi-tier visibility, and prepare talent for a more autonomous, exception-driven supply chain. ===== Guest: Michel Roger, Global SAP Supply Chain Leader, AccentureThroughout his career, Michel has specialized in designing, implementing and deploying SAP solutions for Supply Chain processes for global clients in North America, Latin America and Europe. He has worked mostly for Consumer Goods and Life Sciences clients. Internally to Accenture, he is responsible for developing Supply Chain & Operations capabilities of 5,000+ people specialized around SAP solutions covering planning, distribution, and manufacturing processes. Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP  Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.   She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape.  ===== Show Links:AccentureSupply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Michel Roger: LinkedIn Richard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, Oyku Ilgar: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠      SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

In this wide-ranging interview with Chris Steyn, Ian Cameron, the Chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police, details the shocking DNA testing backlog. “...this is literally how a child rapist, a child murderer, any murderer or rapist for that matter walks free. This is literally the way that the State, the inability of the State to process this evidence, becomes the reason for a rapist to continue raping.” Cameron discusses the widening scandal surrounding Crime Intelligence (CI) boss General Feroz Khan, the case of suspended Lieutenant General Molefe Fani, and others. “What the Madlanga Commission is showing us is that Khan was actually one of the key pieces of the puzzle for Fani to ensure that this procurement process for PPE during the COVID-19 period was smoothly operated with the South African Police Service……a lot of key players in SAPS knew that Fani had been involved in this irregular PPE procurement during his time as a Chief Procurement officer at National Treasury. And he was still appointed in SAPS as the Head of Supply Chain Management. That tells you that it was strategically done. That would be a key way of ensuring that a 360 million Rand Medicare 24 contract can come in. It's a key way of structuring your entire process before the contract could come in, in order for it not to be red flagged… lot of the things that are happening, make no mistake, it was done deliberately - and it was done deliberately to hollow out and to control the system in order to ensure that further criminality would be able to flourish.”

The Enlightened Family Business Podcast Ep. 164: Unlocking Inner Potential: Tools for Sustainable Leadership with Shalin Desai   In the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker welcomes Shailendra (Shalin) Desai, an engineer and longtime Art of Living teacher who has spent 20 years teaching breathing techniques and meditation in 64 U.S. cities, including Fortune 500 companies. They discuss shifting leadership needs, employee disengagement, and generational differences, emphasizing that calm, regulated nervous systems support trust, connection, and better decision-making. Desai explains Art of Living's SKY Breath (Sudarshan Kriya) and cites research, including a Yale study comparing outcomes with mindfulness-based stress reduction and an emotional intelligence program, noting benefits like reduced cortisol and anxiety and increased purpose. He guides listeners through a short bellows breathing (Bhastrika) exercise and brief meditation, recommends starting the day with the practice, and frames breathwork as daily "mental hygiene."   ·       00:54 Meet Shalin Desai ·       04:25 Leadership Engagement Crisis ·       08:34 Generational Leadership Shift ·       11:02 Breathwork For Calm Leaders ·       17:42 Why Breath Before Meditation ·       21:22 Guided 12 Minute Practice ·       36:02 When To Use It ·       36:35 Real World Impact Stories ·       42:22 Mental Hygiene Mindset ·       43:20 Resources And Farewell   Websites ·       artofliving.org ·       chrisyonker.com     About Shalin Desai Shalin Desai is the Director of Programs for the Art of Living Foundation, one of the world's largest nonprofit organizations, whose initiatives have positively impacted over 500 million people across 180+ countries. With more than 25 years of experience teaching breathwork and meditation, Shalin is known for integrating ancient wisdom with modern leadership and well-being practices. He also serves as Chief Revenue Officer of Sri Sri Tattva, a global wellness brand offering natural and Ayurvedic products that promote holistic health through a blend of tradition and science. For over 15 years, Shalin has designed and delivered corporate leadership and wellness programs for organizations including Microsoft, Dell, Boston Consulting Group, Accenture, Salesforce, Eli Lilly and Company, and Merck & Co.. His work helps leaders and teams manage stress, build resilience, and cultivate mental clarity while reconnecting with a deeper sense of purpose. Personally trained by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Shalin is among a select group chosen to train teachers of the Art of Living programs. Through his seminars and speaking engagements, he combines scientific insight with practical tools that help individuals and organizations unlock sustainable performance and well-being.He is also known for his Intuitive Life Scan, a breakthrough approach in which trained guides provide unbiased, highly accurate insights into an individual's unique situation. Using techniques that access the intuitive space—also called Absolute Intelligence—participants gain clarity and actionable guidance beyond what conventional knowledge can offer. A highly engaging speaker known for his relatable storytelling and humor, Shalin inspires audiences with practical techniques they can apply immediately to improve focus, leadership, and overall well-being. Shalin holds a degree in Supply Chain Management from the State University of New York and lives in Indianapolis with his wife and two children.

Want to know how to buffer your bottom line against crushing diesel costs in today's freight market, and how the nation's top carriers optimize their fuel spend without getting trapped by hidden fees?  This week's last guest, Josh Thomas from Prime Inc., talks about the massive cost savings available through their Prime Advantage Plus fuel card program! We're breaking down how smaller fleets can leverage the buying power of the nation's largest refrigerated carrier to combat wild market fluctuations using advanced fuel economy tools and route optimizers.  Josh also shares how they are bypassing standard credit traps, eliminating operational fees, and maximizing security with sophisticated fraud prevention tied directly to your unit's ELD.  If you are ready to stop bleeding cash at the pump and run your trucking business as efficiently as possible, you can't afford to miss this breakdown!   About Josh Thomas Director of Sales & Marketing for Prime Advantage+, responsible for driving growth strategy, sales leadership, marketing initiatives, and strategic partnerships for one of the nation's best fuel discount programs serving fleets across the United States. Experienced business leader with strengths in sales strategy, business development, partner relationships, customer acquisition, negotiations, revenue growth, process improvement, and operational leadership. Passionate about building high-performing teams, expanding market presence, implementing technology solutions, and creating long-term value for customers, partners, and stakeholders. Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Missouri State University.   Connect with Josh Website: https://primeadvantageplus.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-thomas-667739110/  

Ray White speaks to Dr Ernst van Biljon, Head Lecturer, Supply Chain Management, IMM Graduate School about the government's proposed overhaul of South Africa's fuel security strategy, which could introduce mandatory fuel stockholding, emergency supply measures and, in extreme scenarios, fuel rationing. In other interviews, Andrew Fulton, Director at Eighty20 talks about what South Africa's chocolate habits reveal as the world celebrated World Chocolate Day this week. While chocolate remains a firm favourite, fewer South Africans are buying it as soaring cocoa prices and inflation push up prices and shrink pack sizes. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape.    Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa     Follow us on social media   702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702   CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702 CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ray White speaks to Dr Ernst van Biljon, Head Lecturer, Supply Chain Management, IMM Graduate School about the government's proposed overhaul of South Africa's fuel security strategy, which could introduce mandatory fuel stockholding, emergency supply measures and, in extreme scenarios, fuel rationing. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape.    Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa     Follow us on social media   702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702   CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702 CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the key to successful AI in supply chains is not technology, but the human brain? In this episode, Benjamin Bargetzi reveals how AI can sharpen decisions, challenge bias, and help leaders navigate uncertainty.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== What does it really take for AI to transform supply chains successfully? In this episode with Benjamin Bargetzi, neuroscientist and tech entrepreneur, we explore why the answer may lie less in algorithms and more in the human brain. Benjamin shares how AI can become a sparring partner for better decisions, helping leaders challenge bias, build trust, and navigate uncertainty without losing human judgment. ===== Guest: Benjamin Bargetzi – Neuroscientist, Author & Tech Pioneer, Founder of Project MindGuard, and former Advisor to the Chairman of the World Economic ForumBenjamin Bargetzi is one of Europe's most-demanded pioneers on the intersection of artificial intelligence and the human brain. A Swiss neuroscientist, psychologist, bestseller author, and tech entrepreneur, he has held key roles with Google, Amazon, and the World Economic Forum, and studied the human brain in Oxford, London, Zurich, and Singapore. He is the personal advisor to key political figures around the world, and founder of MindGuard, a tech ecosystem combining neuroscience training methods with machine learning to help Ukrainian citizens, hospitals, and veterans deal with extreme stress, PTSD & trauma.Host: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Sin ToSin To brings over 15 years of experience in the digital media and technology industry – primarily in marketing, business development, thought leadership, and editorial. At SAP, they ensure that SAP's supply chain solutions are properly visible with a focus on future trends and sustainable innovations as part of the Thought Leadership & Awareness Supply Chain Team.===== Show Links:SAP Digital Supply Chain: www.sap.com/scmBenjamin Bargetzi Homepage: https://benjaminbargetzi.com/Book:  https://benjaminbargetzi.com/de/das-ende-der-leere/Book: Nie wieder sinnlos: 42 Impulse, die Dein Leben verändernBook: The End of Emptiness: 42 thoughts, that will transform your lifeFollow Us on Social Media : Benjamin BargetziLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-b-bargetzi/ Richard Howells:LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhowells⁠⁠⁠ Sin To: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/in/sin-to-5334208⁠⁠⁠ SAP Digital Supply Chain:LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/showcase/sapdsc/⁠⁠⁠ Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters: 00:00:00 Intro00:00:51 Meet Benjamin Bargetzi00:04:06 Why AI Transformations Fail00:07:11 AI as Sparring Partner00:09:13 Three Jobs of ML00:16:01 Biases Under Uncertainty00:24:19 Strengthening Decision Muscle00:28:18 Leading Change That Sticks00:32:02 Turn Complaints Into Innovation00:35:20 Dopamine and Meaningful Work00:36:41 The future of Supply Chain 00:37:54 Outro

The auto industry didn't lose USMCA on July 1st. It lost the assumption that the rules would sit still.The agreement isn't dead. Nobody packed their boxes. But the US declined to renew the deal as written, and it opened what could be a 10-year renegotiation of the trade framework that governs somewhere between 1.6 and 2 trillion dollars a year, with autos at roughly 18% of that. The proposal on the table increases North American content from 75% to 82%, with half of that produced specifically in the US, and 25% tariffs still in place as leverage.In this episode, Jan Griffiths and Tom Roberts bring back QAD trade experts Ian Berman and Joshua Guy to separate what actually changed from what only sounds like it did. The headline reads like an attack on trade with Mexico and Canada. Ian reframes it fast: the real target is China and Mexico, as the bridge suppliers have used to skate on tariffs. If you've been finding loopholes, this is the light being pointed at them.Nothing changes tomorrow. That's the trap. The suppliers who wait for final rules will be doing origin math under deadline pressure that the prepared ones have already finished. Qualifying under the new content thresholds forces every supplier to expose its true bill of materials, and then to know its supplier's supplier's supplier. That's not a sourcing problem first. It's a data problem first.Joshua makes the same case from the trade-zone side. Foreign-Trade Zones won't erase the origin issue, but used well, they're a lever that mitigates duty exposure, with ROI that usually lands inside year one. 2025 was the largest growth year FTZ usage has seen, and DC is staffing up for another record in 2026. Underneath it all, the hosts keep returning to one message: data quality is the survival trait, systems turn that data into decisions fast enough to matter, and agility is the posture, because the volatility isn't a phase to wait out.This episode is a reminder that global trade is not back-office reporting. It is a strategic infrastructure. Leaders who treat it as such gain flexibility, cash flow timing advantages, and margin recovery. Those who do not will absorb the cost and call it unavoidable.Themes Discussed in This EpisodeWhat actually changed on July 1, and what didn'tWhy the new rules target China, with Mexico as the transshipment bridgeRising US-content and regional-value thresholds under revised rules of originOrigin qualification as a data problem before a sourcing problemKnowing your supplier's supplier's supplier across the bill of materialsClean upstream data as a tier-two competitive advantageForeign-Trade Zones as a duty-mitigation lever, not a loophole around originMoving from reactive compliance to proactive planning before the rules are finalFeatured GuestName: Ian BermanTitle: Global Trade and Transportation ExpertAbout: Ian is the Manager of Business Consulting with QAD Supply Chain. Ian has been with QAD for 11 years and has 20 years of experience in global trade and transportation management. He holds a Masters Degree in Supply Chain Management as well as an ASCM CLTD Certification.Connect: LinkedInName: Joshua GuyTitle: Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) SpecialistAbout: For more than 25 years, Joshua has worked at the intersection of engineering, product leadership, and global trade, helping organizations bring structure and clarity to complex supply chains. Today, he leads strategy for Foreign-Trade Zone solutions that enable multinational importers to manage tariff exposure, reduce compliance risk, and strengthen financial performance. He also led the development of QAD FTZ, an industry-leading Inventory Control and Recordkeeping System that supports manufacturers, distributors, and 3PLs as they move from reactive compliance to proactive, resilient trade strategy in a volatile global environment.Connect: LinkedInAbout Your HostsJan GriffithsJan is the host and producer of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and The Automotive Leaders Podcast. A former automotive manufacturing and supply chain executive, Jan is recognized as a Champion for Culture Change in the automotive industry. She brings direct, grounded conversations to leaders navigating execution, disruption, and transformation across the global automotive ecosystem.Tom Roberts (Co-host)Tom is Co-host of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and Vice President of Strategic Industry Development at QAD. He works closely with automotive and industrial manufacturers to close the gap between insight and execution, helping leaders move from visibility to systems of action that drive real operational outcomes.Episode Highlights[01:43] Couples Therapy for Your Sourcing Strategy: Jan opens with Pete Mento's framing of the July 1 news, and the room agrees the metaphor fits: every sourcing decision now comes with an asterisk.[02:39] The Real Target Isn't Mexico: Ian reframes the headline. This is aimed at China and the Mexican bridge suppliers have used to skate tariffs, not at North American trade itself.[03:57] A Light on the True Bill of Materials: New content thresholds force origin math that exposes what a product is actually made of, and pushes visibility down to the supplier's supplier's supplier.[04:40] Tier Two Data Becomes an Advantage: Josh makes the case that clean, auditable upstream data is what separates the suppliers who survive this from the ones who scramble.[05:19] The Data Sensitivity Problem: Tom names the tension: OEMs want deeper visibility, and tier ones are wary of exposing their supply base and origin data outside their four walls.[09:02] FTZ as a Tool in the Toolbox: Josh explains what Foreign-Trade Zones can and can't do. They won't erase the origin issue, but they mitigate duty exposure in export-heavy flows.[11:06] A Record Year for Foreign-Trade Zones: 2025 was the largest FTZ growth year yet, and the DC board is staffing up for another record in 2026. Awareness of the lever is finally catching up.[13:04] The ROI Is a No-Brainer: Josh walks Tom through the math: most companies recoup FTZ setup and software costs inside year one or two, before the deeper savings even count.[15:50] Rules of Origin, in Plain Terms: Ian breaks down what a rule of origin actually is and why knowing your biggest BOM cost line matters more than any headline percentage.[19:48] Stress-Test the BOM Now: Jan lays out the starting move: run 82% regional and 50% US content against your bill of materials, prioritize the parts, then build the action plan.[22:32] The Monday-Morning Playbook: Ian, Josh, and Tom close on three moves: baseline your data, put systems in place, and stay agile, because the volatility isn't slowing down.Top Quotes[04:15] Ian Berman: “ If you're not doing FTA calculations and origin determinations today, my guess is you'll be doing them tomorrow because that's what's really gonna be tied in if you wanna keep being able to use these aspects.”[12:29] Joshua Guy: “You might not be able to get the full savings that you once might have had, but you can use these different tools available to squeeze out just enough margin to stay competitive.”[22:11] Jan Griffiths: “It's about reducing those decision-making cycle times, being able to grab the situation, grab the ball, and pivot and move with it quickly.”[24:40] Tom Roberts: “You got to have great data, and you got to make some decisions, and it's something you can't leave behind. You can't just kinda wait it out. It's good to get in front of it now.”Follow the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast for real conversations with leaders who are making hard choices, focusing their bets, and leading with intent.

In this episode of The Buzz, powered by APL Logistics, Scott Luton and Kim Reuter are joined by Edmund Zagorin, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Arkestro, for a timely conversation on the latest supply chain and business news shaping the second half of 2026. From U.S. manufacturing trends and Prime Day consumer behavior to AI's growing role in sourcing and supplier management, this episode explores how procurement is evolving from a cost-focused function into a strategic driver of resilience, speed, and value. Edmund shares practical insight into predictive procurement, why supplier relationships still matter in an AI-powered world, and how procurement leaders can prepare their teams for the future. Key Takeaways AI can support procurement teams, but humans still need to lead relationship-driven decisions. Predictive procurement helps teams move from reactive buying to proactive supplier engagement. Speed is becoming a major competitive advantage in uncertain supply chain environments. Supplier relationships, long-term agreements, and guaranteed access are becoming more important than lowest cost. Procurement teams must rethink how success is measured, moving from compliance to value creation. Culture, people, and execution remain critical, even as technology continues to advance. Tune in to hear how supply chain and procurement leaders can cut through today's volatility, use AI more strategically, and build stronger supplier partnerships that drive real business value. Additional Links & Resources: APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/ With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-28-June-2026 AI Is Good at Picking Qualified Suppliers. It Still Struggles to Pick the Best One.https://bit.ly/AI-Study-in-Procurement-Sourcing Venezuela Contacts: https://bit.ly/Venezuela-Contact-Gathering Info Call: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/HfnI1aaESm6Osbpb1qeADQ#/registration Manufacturing grows at fastest rate since 2021 amid big job cuts: https://bit.ly/USA-Mfg-Activity-Increases How Amazon Is Redefining Logistics and Fulfillment for Businesses of All Sizes: https://bit.ly/Peter-Larsen-ASCS Amazon's Prime Day kickoff was the biggest online shopping day of 2026: https://bit.ly/Prime-Day-2026 Big Tech Is Rewriting Procurement. The Rest of B2B Is Next: https://bit.ly/Rewriting-Procurement Learn more about APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/responsibility/apll_fixes_the_gap Arkestro: https://arkestro.com/ Your Supply Chain Isn't Broken. Your Data Is.https://bit.ly/Your-Data-Is-Broken Connect with Edmund on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmund-zagorin-41291b13/ Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/ Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/ 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 This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Kim Reuter. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-why-procurement-becoming-strategic-advantage-1604 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.

Moving ERP to the cloud doesn't mean security becomes someone else's problem. Discover how leading organizations balance shared responsibilities, AI-powered monitoring, and cyber resilience to protect the business around the clock.=====As ERP systems become the digital core of modern enterprises, security can no longer be treated as an afterthought. In this episode, EY's Michelle DeLiberty joins Richard Howells and Öykü Ilgar to explore 24/7 security monitoring, the realities of the shared responsibility model, and the growing impact of AI on cybersecurity. Learn where organizations often get security ownership wrong, how to improve cyber resilience, and what the future of ERP security looks like.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Useful Links: SAP Cloud ERPEY-SAP AllianceFollow Us on Social Media!SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠=====Guest: Michelle DeLiberty, EYHost 1: Richard Howells, SAPRichard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAPOyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.Follow Oyku Ilgar on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠=====Key Topics: Cloud ERP, Cybersecurity, Security Monitoring, Shared Responsibility Model, SAP Security, AI Security, Cyber Resilience, Cloud Security, ERP Transformation, Risk Management, Identity Access Management, Threat Detection, Security Operations, Incident Respo.

In this episode with Tamara Tomasevic, Head of Program Development at CIONET Germany, we discuss how cloud, data, and AI are driving digital transformation in supply chains. Tamara shares insights on fostering enterprise intelligence, encouraging cross-functional teamwork, and scaling AI through mindset and skill development. The episode explores leadership strategies and the future of supply chain connectivity and sovereignty.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== In this episode Richard and Sin talk with Tamara Tomasevic, Head of Program Development at CIONET Germany, about what really drives digital transformation. From digital sovereignty and exit strategies to re‑architecting processes around enterprise intelligence, Tamara cuts through the hype and gets real about what works. Learn why data quality makes or breaks AI, why mindset matters more than budget, and how leaders can scale AI with confidence in an increasingly complex supply chain world. ===== Guest: Tamara Tomasevic, Head of Program Development at CIONETTamara is Head of Program Development at CIONET Germany, connecting CIOs, CDOs, and CTOs across the country. She is passionate about building strong communities in the digital era. Previously, she helped establish the Bavarian State's AI Network and, as a communication scientist, believes communication is at the heart of digital disruption.Host: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Sin ToSin To brings over 15 years of experience in the digital media and technology industry – primarily in marketing, business development, thought leadership, and editorial. At SAP, they ensure that SAP's supply chain solutions are properly visible with a focus on future trends and sustainable innovations as part of the Thought Leadership & Awareness Supply Chain Team.===== Show Links:SAP Digital Supply Chain: www.sap.com/scmCIONET Germany: https://www.cionet.com/cionet-germanyFollow Us on Social Media : Tamara TomasevicLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-tomasevic-community/ Richard Howells:LinkedIn: ⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhowells⁠⁠ Sin To: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/in/sin-to-5334208⁠⁠ SAP Digital Supply Chain:LinkedIn: ⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/showcase/sapdsc/⁠⁠ Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters: 00:00:00 Sovereignty And Resilience00:00:31 Welcome And Power Triangle00:01:07 Meet Tamara And CIONET00:01:59 Digital Leaders Hot Topics00:05:10 Cloud Strategy In Supply Chain00:08:03 Data Quality And Ownership00:09:52 Turning Data Into Assets00:11:20 AI Misconceptions And Use Cases00:14:21 Scaling AI Beyond Pilots00:16:21 Why Networks Matter00:18:42 People Skills And Culture Shift00:20:46 90 Day Action Plan00:22:00 Future Outlook And Wrap Up

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.

This week, Ryan Misquita of IBM shares practical Gen AI use cases in supply chain planning, from exception management and forecasting to clean data foundations, KPI measurement, and avoiding pilot purgatory.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== In this episode, IBM's Ryan Misquita joins us to discuss practical Gen AI in supply chain planning, real-world use cases, data governance, integration, KPI measurement, and rollout challenges. The episode also explores how AI can elevate planners and what autonomous, agentic supply chains may look like next. ===== Guest 1: Ryan Misquita, Associate Partner, IBM Consulting, IBMRyan Misquita is an Associate Partner and the IBM SCM North America Practice Leader. He has over 20 years of experience in business strategy and technology solution design across the Manufacturing, Distribution, Life Science, and Retail industries. A specialist in SAP S/4HANA, Digital Supply Chain and SAP IBP - Integrated Business Planning , Ryan has a proven track record of leading large-scale consulting engagements that transform integrated planning and manufacturing supply chain operations.Host 1: Richard Howells, SAP   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.===== Show Links:IBM LinkIBM IBV Report : Unified ERP for the agentic enterprise          https://www.ibm.com/thought-leadership/institute-business-value/en-us/report/unified-erp IBM IBV - The SAP advantage for generative AI https://www.ibm.com/thought-leadership/institute-business-value/en-us/report/sap-generative-aiSupply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters:00:00:00: Intro00:00:59: Guest's Introductions00:02:13: Top Gen AI pain points in supply chain planning00:03:37: Practical use cases moving from pilot to production00:06:03: Building the foundation: clean data, governance, and process rigor00:07:54: AI as augmentation: elevating planners, not replacing them00:10:54: KPIs and how to measure Gen AI success00:12:40: Avoiding pilot purgatory and rollout mistakes00:17:10: How IBM supports supply chain transformation with AI00:21:50: What is the Future of Supply Chain?00:22:49: Outro

This week, Chris Caplice is joined by Dr. Jason Miller, Professor of Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University's Eli Broad College of Business, for his fifth appearance on Freightvine.Chris and Jason break down why they believe the current truckload cycle began in December 2025, why it took a few months to confirm the shift, and why this expansion looks different from past freight cycles.In this conversation, they cover:Why this cycle appears to be supply-driven, not demand-drivenWhat spot and contract rate spreads can tell us about market shiftsHow capacity exits, Class 8 orders, and routing guide failures are shaping the marketWhether the AI boom can deliver real ROI or if the market is getting ahead of itselfWhat Michigan's logistics and supply chain work can tell us about manufacturing, food production, and tradeIf you're trying to understand where truckload pricing, capacity, and freight demand may be headed next, this is a timely conversation with one of the industry's sharpest data-driven voices.For previous episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, visit: dat.com/podcast/freightvineChapters00:00 Introduction 02:55 Identifying the Current Truckload Cycle04:16 Market Signals and Transition Points05:53 Comparing Cycles: 2017-2018 vs. 202509:00 Supply vs. Demand Driven Cycles12:15 Routing Guide Compliance and Market Dynamics16:15 Spot vs. Contract Rates: Current Trends20:38 Economic Factors Influencing Freight Rates22:47 AI and Memory Chip Demand: Future Implications26:10 The Future of AI and Profitability27:23 Electricity Infrastructure and AI's Role29:03 The Cost of AI and Model Maintenance31:28 AI's Impact on Labor and Employment34:04 AI in Academia and Content Creation38:04 The Economics of AI and Cost Structures45:33 Logistics and Supply Chain in Michigan51:09 Freightvine Market Update

This week, Mike Weisberg of Implement explains how AI is improving sales forecasting through trust, purpose, and accuracy, while reshaping the planner's role, reducing inventory bias, and separating prediction from human judgment.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== In this episode, Mike Weisberg shares practical guidance on using AI in sales forecasting, including the right data foundation, six implementation dogmas, and explainable models. He also outlines how planners evolve into business partners and why judgment still matters most. ===== Guest: Mike Weisbjerg, Partner, Implement Consulting GroupMike is a Partner at Implement Consulting Group, where he has spent the last decade working at the intersection of supply chain planning and technology. He specialises in demand planning and AI-driven forecasting and decision making. With a focus on implementing demand planning solutions, Mike helps organisations move AI from proof of concept to production - with forecasts that planners actually trust.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP  Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.   She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape.  ===== Show Links:Implement Consulting Group. LinkArticle: Beyond accuracy: Six dogmas for turning AI forecasting into real business valueSupply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠ ⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, Oyku Ilgar: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠      SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters:00:00:00: Intro00:01:06: Guest's Introductions00:02:05: Why traditional forecasting struggles in volatile markets00:03:25: The three fundamentals: trust, purpose, accuracy00:07:03: Which data matters most for AI forecasting00:10:12: Why bad data should not delay AI adoption00:13:26: The six dogmas for AI forecasting implementation00:14:38: The evolving role of the demand planner00:16:54: Measuring success beyond forecast accuracy00:18:35: How can Implement help companies in this latest AI-infused planning era?00:19:36: What is the Future of Supply Chain?00:20:17: Outro

The automotive industry spends a lot of time talking about supply chains, but not nearly enough time talking about the people who make them work.In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast, Jan Griffiths and Tom Roberts are joined by Leah Wolf, retired General Motors supply chain executive and professor at Central Michigan University, for a conversation about one of the industry's most important and often overlooked challenges: developing the next generation of supply chain talent.After spending 33 years leading supply chain operations at General Motors, Leah now brings real-world experience into the classroom, helping students bridge the gap between theory and execution. From case competitions and plant tours to supplier strategy and inventory management, she shares how universities can prepare students for the realities of today's manufacturing environment.The conversation explores how the skills required for supply chain success are evolving. Technical knowledge remains important, but leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving skills continue to set great supply chain professionals apart from the rest. As AI and automation reshape the industry, Leah and Tom discuss why technology will amplify human capability rather than replace it.This conversation challenges supply chain leaders to rethink their talent pipeline. The organizations that build strong partnerships with universities, invest in experiential learning, and engage future talent early will be better positioned to navigate disruption and lead the next era of automotive supply chain excellence.Themes Discussed in This EpisodeBuilding the automotive supply chain talent pipelineBridging academia and industry experienceWhy real-world learning matters in supply chain educationThe evolving role of AI in supply chain careersLeadership, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressureDeveloping future-ready supply chain professionalsUniversity partnerships and talent development strategiesThis podcast is powered by QAD RedZone.Featured GuestName: Leah Wolf Title: Professor of Supply Chain Management, Central Michigan University; Retired General Motors Supply Chain ExecutiveAbout: Professor Leah Wolf spent 33 years with General Motors, primarily serving in global supply chain leadership roles across North America and Europe. Since retiring from GM in 2016, she has focused on developing the next generation of supply chain professionals, teaching graduate and undergraduate supply chain management courses at Central Michigan University and Wayne State University while bringing decades of real-world industry experience into the classroom.Connect: LinkedInAbout Your HostsJan GriffithsJan is the host and producer of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and The Automotive Leaders Podcast. A former automotive manufacturing and supply chain executive, Jan is recognized as a Champion for Culture Change in the automotive industry. She brings direct, grounded conversations to leaders navigating execution, disruption, and transformation across the global automotive ecosystem.Tom Roberts (Co-host)Tom is Co-host of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and Vice President of Strategic Industry Development at QAD. He works closely with automotive and industrial manufacturers to close the gap between insight and execution, helping leaders move from visibility to systems of action that drive real operational outcomes.Episode Highlights[02:43] From the Plant Floor to Global Supply Chain: Leah reflects on her 33-year career at General Motors, beginning as a production supervisor and eventually leading supply chain operations across multiple countries and cultures.[04:28] Learning Beyond the Classroom: Students gain hands-on experience through case competitions, trade shows, plant tours, and real-world consulting projects before entering the workforce.[08:53] The Total Enterprise Cost Lesson: Jan and Leah discuss why great supply chain decisions require balancing piece price, inventory, logistics, quality, and supplier relationships rather than focusing on a single metric.[12:19] Teaching Real-World Problem Solving: Leah explains how she challenges students with current supply chain issues and forces them to think through implementation, execution, and business outcomes.[14:22] Making Supply Chain Exciting: Plant tours, warehouse visits, and real manufacturing environments help students understand the fast-paced and dynamic nature of supply chain careers.[18:28] The Skills That Never Go Out of Style: A sense of urgency, leadership, transparency, teamwork, and strong interpersonal relationships remain foundational skills for supply chain success.[19:46] The Blackout That Tested a Team: Leah shares a memorable story from the Northeast Blackout and how a highly engaged team found creative ways to keep production running.[22:31] Why AI Changes the Game: Tom and Leah explore how AI, automation, predictive analytics, and risk mapping are transforming supply chain operations and decision-making.[25:01] Preparing Students for an AI-Powered Future: Students are increasingly exposed to AI applications that automate routine processes and help supply chain professionals make faster, more informed decisions.[26:55] Building a Stronger Talent Pipeline: Leah encourages supply chain leaders to engage with universities early, support internships and experiential learning, and build relationships with future talent before graduation.Top Quotes[10:23] Leah Wolf: “Total enterprise cost is key, and I teach that all day long. You've got to run the numbers, and you've got to do the business case.”[15:18] Leah Wolf: "I would go into work every day thinking I've seen it all. And then, I'd go to work the next day, and something else that I'd never even dreamed would've happened would've happened. "[24:47] Leah Wolf: "Everything you just mentioned, I've done manually, and it's very difficult, and sometimes you can't get all the answers, and maybe until it's too late. But with AI, it's going to change all that. It's just gonna be amazing."Follow the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast for real conversations with leaders who are making hard choices, focusing their bets, and leading with intent.

In this episode, we speak with Leroy Roberts about preventing supply chain failures through accountability, leadership under pressure, and the role of AI, clarity, and collaboration in resilient decision-making.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== This week, we talked with Leroy Roberts about leadership under pressure, supply chain disruption, and preventing failure through clear accountability. We discussed psychological safety, the balance between firm control and burnout, the value of AI in risk management, and why future supply chains depend on collaboration, partnership, and better decision-making.  ===== Guest 1: : Leroy Roberts, British Army veteran, Non-Executive Director, and Executive Adviser,  Team-Worth SolutionsLeroy Roberts is a British Army veteran, Non-Executive Director, and Executive Adviser specialising in culture and conduct risk in high-pressure, regulated environments. He works with executive risk owners, including CEOs, CROs, COOs, CPOs, and CHROs, to strengthen decision-making, accountability, and truth-telling under pressure. Leroy helps organisations reduce culture and conduct risk signals within 90 days through practical, diagnostic-led interventions that restore operational grip and produce measurable, auditable improvement. Drawing on leadership experience from the British Army and the Jamaica Constabulary Force, alongside board-level governance experience, he brings a grounded perspective on how leadership behaviour under pressure either amplifies or contains organisational risk. He is the author of The Risk Owner's Reset and a contributing author to the international best-selling series Stand on the Shoulders of Giants.Host 1: Richard Howells, SAP   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.===== Show Links:Link to the book: amazon.com/dp/B0GMS2G361 The Culture and conduct scorecard: https://pro.speakerhub.com/speaker-feedback/?qr=e9a16245-4ab1-4c63-81e7-ce225d9e5372Supply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠, SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters:00:00:00: Intro00:01:00: Guest's Introductions00:01:59: Staying in control during disruption without micromanaging00:04:07: Accountability gaps and early warning signs00:07:40: Building a safe environment for constructive challenge00:11:08: Using AI for risk management with human judgment00:13:26: Accountability without burnout in volatile conditions00:19:20: Leadership under pressure during COVID logistics00:22:56: ''The Risk Owners Reset'' book00:25:55: What is the Future of Supply Chain?00:27:12: Outro

In this episode, hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby welcome Wally Shaw, CEO of Red Stag Fulfillment, to explore how a purpose-built 3PL is carving out a competitive edge by focusing on what others avoid.Shaw shares how Red Stag built its model around big, bulky products—an overlooked segment of the fulfillment market—and why that specialization enables stronger service performance, tighter quality control, and meaningful differentiation. He also discusses the company's distinctive approach to service guarantees, including zero tolerance for shrinkage and financial accountability when service levels are missed.The conversation spans how leading 3PLs are navigating today's most pressing challenges: AI adoption and automation readiness, geopolitical uncertainty, tariffs, and shifting global sourcing patterns. Shaw also offers perspective on why customer selectivity and long-term decision making  can lead to better outcomes for both providers and brands.The episode was recorded virtually on June 9, 2026.Related links:Complete the Annual 3PL Study survey for 2027Register for virtual SCM Academies in Leadership, Finance, Procurement, and TechnologySave the date for the Fall Supply Chain Forum, Nov. 10–12 Download free white papers from UT experts Become a GSCI partner to learn, network, and recruit with the top supply chain education institution in North America  Join the Advanced Supply Chain Collaborative to explore advanced concepts in SCM with top industry experts and scholars   Fill out Tom Goldsby's survey on warehouse automationFollow GSCI on LinkedIn   Subscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletter    Read the latest news and insights from GSCI Text the Tennessee on Supply Chain Management team!

In today's Cloud Wars Minute, I break down how DynaTech Systems enabled Solmax to turn operational complexity into global efficiency with D365, Power BI, and Microsoft Fabric. Highlights 00:03 — Today I want to take a bit of a dive into a specific case study: the story about the impact of digital transformation enabled by one company on the business outcomes of another. I love having the opportunity to explore stories like this because, as important as it is to discuss the technology itself, how it's implemented and what that implementation can lead to is just as critical. 00:41 — Solmax is a leading geosynthetics manufacturer focused on civil and environmental infrastructure, operating across four continents through 32 legal entities. This broad reach, although great from a growth perspective, was creating challenges such as data silos, inconsistent processes, and a lack of standardized reporting, which affected financial and operational insights. 01:08 — Beyond this, manual processes led to inefficiencies. Complex sales price calculations hindered productivity, and reliance on outdated Microsoft systems resulted in slower Power BI report refresh times. To address these challenges, Solmax had a core goal: the One Organization, One Data, One Reporting initiative. 01:52 — DynaTech has a number of solutions it will tailor to suit the outcomes of an individual client. In the case of Solmax, the company opted for its finance optimization solution. After process consulting, DynaTech enabled a greenfield implementation of D365 Finance and Supply Chain Management with unified processes across 32 entities. 03:17 — Beyond this, unified real-time dashboards enhanced global reporting, supported faster decision-making, and improved the company's audit readiness. Solmax was able to reduce freight costs, accelerate delivery cycles, improve truck utilization, minimize penalties, and shorten accounts payable and receivable processing times. Less manual intervention meant fewer errors. Visit Cloud Wars for more.

What if your ERP is secure… but still costing you millions? As AI and automation reshape enterprise systems, hidden gaps in security models can quietly undermine control, integrity, and trust.=====As ERP systems become the backbone of highly connected, AI-driven ecosystems, traditional security models are no longer enough. In this episode, PwC's Stuart Light explores why organizations must rethink security as a proactive, holistic discipline, focused on data integrity, ecosystem-wide access, and closing hidden gaps that can silently erode business value.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Useful Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Us on Social Media!SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠=====Guest: Stewart Light, PwCHost 1: Richard Howells, SAPRichard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAPOyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.Follow Oyku Ilgar on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠=====Key Topics: ERP security, cloud ERP, SAP, S4HANA, cybersecurity, identity access management, least privilege, AI, digital workers, ERP transformation, enterprise risk, access control, data integrity, ecosystem security, compliance

In this episode, PwC's Moritz Kramer shares practical GenAI use cases in supply chain planning, from decision support and scenario analysis to data harmonization, productivity gains, and guided decision-making with humans still in control.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== This week, Moritz Kramer of PwC explains how GenAI is moving supply chain planning from static analysis to real-time, decision-centric support. He covers data readiness, black-box transparency, productivity uplift, and why AI will augment planners rather than replace them. ===== Guest 1: Moritz Kramer, Director Integrated Business & Financial Planning, PwC GmbH WPGMoritz is a Director with over 10 years of experience shaping and delivering business‑led supply chain transformations for international organizations. He works across the full transformation journey—from defining strategic direction to translating vision into execution—covering SCM strategy, operating model innovation, organizational and process design, and the implementation of advanced planning solutions, like SAP. His work is driven by the ambition to build resilient, intelligent, and future‑ready supply chains, leveraging digital and AI technologies where they create clear business impact, while keeping a strong focus on value, scalability, and sustainable change.Host 1: Richard Howells, SAP   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.===== Show Links:PwCSupply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters:00:00:00: Intro00:01:30: Guest's Introductions00:03:04: Real value of GenAI in supply chain planning00:04:24: Scenario exploration and natural-language responsiveness00:05:12: Productivity uplift and automation of manual work00:05:53: Bridging business and IT with GenAI00:07:45: GenAI as the “black box” explainer00:09:42: Data readiness for GenAI rollout00:11:24: AI for data harmonization00:13:36: AI replacing or augmenting people00:20:20: Biggest implementation obstacles00:23:46: Future trends for AI and GenAI 00:27:09: What is the Future of Supply Chain?00:28:31: Outro

Send me a messageWhat if supply chain resilience is already too slow for the world we're now operating in?In this episode of the Resilient Supply Chain Podcast, I'm joined by Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of ASCM, the Association for Supply Chain Management. Abe has watched supply chain move from a quiet back-office function to a boardroom priority, and this conversation gets into why that shift matters now, as export controls, tariffs, climate volatility, cybersecurity, sustainability pressures, and supplier risk collide in real time.You'll hear how agility has become more than a contingency plan. Abe makes the case that resilient supply chains are no longer just about recovering after a shock. They are about seeing earlier, deciding faster, and building optionality before disruption turns expensive. We break down why supply chain visibility is now table stakes, but also why knowing who and what is in your supplier network creates a harder question: should those suppliers still be there?We also explore the tension between CFOs pushing for lower inventory and cash flow discipline, and supply chain leaders pushing for flexibility, resilience, and long-term capability. Abe explains why AI in supply chain, automation, data, and real-time visibility matter, but also why technology without talent and critical thinking can become another risk vector. And you might be surprised by the cybersecurity angle: connecting the extended supply chain solves one visibility problem, while opening up new exposure through smaller suppliers.

On this episode of The Buzz, Scott Luton is joined by special co-host Dr. Muddassir Ahmed and special guest Anthony Reeves, Vice President of Global Brand & Creative at Kohler and author of Eat the Donkey: Why Great Companies Embrace Discomfort. Together, they explore the realities of AI adoption, decision-making optimization, innovation, leadership, and what separates organizations that thrive from those that struggle to keep pace. As supply chains continue to evolve in the age of AI, organizations face critical decisions about technology adoption, data quality, change management, and leadership. Scott, Muddassir, and Anthony examine why many AI initiatives fail, what companies can learn from both successes and setbacks, and why strong decision-making remains one of the most valuable competitive advantages. The conversation also explores the growing importance of human connection, brand differentiation, organizational culture, and the willingness to embrace discomfort in pursuit of long-term growth. Drawing on experiences from Amazon, Kohler, Starbucks, and other global brands, Anthony shares powerful lessons on innovation, leadership, and staying true to what makes an organization unique. Key Takeaways: AI success depends as much on adoption, change management, and leadership as it does on technology. High-quality, contextualized data remains the foundation for effective AI implementation. Organizations must learn from failed initiatives just as much as successful ones. Soft skills, emotional intelligence, and human connection will become increasingly valuable as AI handles more routine work. Strong brands remain differentiated by purpose, customer experience, and authenticity—not technology alone. Great leaders make difficult decisions early rather than delaying action until opportunities have passed. Whether you're leading a supply chain transformation, evaluating AI investments, or building a stronger organization, this episode offers practical insights from leaders who have navigated innovation at the highest levels. You'll walk away with actionable advice on decision-making, change management, leadership, and creating organizations that can thrive amid constant disruption. Additional Links & Resources: Guest LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyreeves/ Guest Instagram Handle: @anthony.j.reeves Guest Company Website: anthonyreeves.co APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/ With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-7JUN2026 The Corner Market: https://bit.ly/The-Corner-Market Exclusive: Starbucks scraps AI inventory tool across North America: https://reut.rs/4vuPSkR 4 Supply Chain and AI Predictions for 2026: https://bit.ly/AI-Predictions-2026 AI Strategy Takes A Data Foundation That Cleansing Can't Provide: https://bit.ly/Paul-Noble-Gartner2026-Takeaways 5 Signs Your Supply Chain Has Outgrown How It's Managed Today: https://bit.ly/5-signs-your-SC-has-outgrown-mgmt Eat the Donkey: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G97CHK9F When Safety Technologies Backfire and How Managers Can Prevent It: https://bit.ly/When-Safety-Tech-Backfires Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/ Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/ Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyreeves/ SCMDOJO: https://sensei.scmdojo.com/ Connect with Muddassir on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muddassirism/ Follow Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ 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 Dr. Mudassir Ahmed. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-ai-adoption-brand-differentiation-embracing-comfort-1595 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.

Artificial intelligence continues to dominate supply chain conversations, but why are so many organizations struggling to move beyond pilots and into enterprise-wide success? In this episode of The Buzz powered by APL Logistics, Scott Luton and Alex Pradhan explore the latest research and developments shaping the future of supply chain leadership, AI adoption, omnichannel fulfillment, workforce transformation, and decision intelligence. Special guest Arash Aghlara, Founder and CEO of FlexRule, joins the discussion to share why better decisions—not just better data—may be the key to unlocking supply chain performance. From AI pilot purgatory and omnichannel profitability to talent shortages and protein supply disruptions, this episode tackles some of the most pressing challenges facing supply chain leaders today. Scott, Alex, and Arash dive into new research from leading organizations including MIT, Accenture, GEP, and the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Along the way, they explore the growing importance of governance, the role of decision intelligence in modern operations, and why organizations must move beyond visibility alone to create smarter, faster, and more effective business outcomes.   Key Takeaways: Why nearly three-quarters of organizations have yet to move AI initiatives beyond planning and pilot stages. How decision intelligence helps organizations bridge the gap between data, visibility, and action. Key findings from MIT's latest State of Supply Chain Omnichannel research. Why supply chain leaders must rethink workforce development amid a projected talent shortage. The critical role governance plays in scaling AI and improving operational decision-making. How organizations can identify and manage interconnected decisions across planning, logistics, inventory, and customer service. Why practical execution—not hype—is essential for successful digital transformation.   If you're navigating AI adoption, digital transformation, talent challenges, or increasing supply chain complexity, this episode delivers practical insights and actionable strategies from experienced industry leaders. You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how decision intelligence can help organizations move beyond visibility, improve execution, and build more resilient supply chains in an increasingly complex business environment.   Additional Links & Resources: APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/ With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-31-May-2026 5 Signs Your Supply Chain Has Outgrown How It's Managed Today: https://bit.ly/5-signs-your-SC-has-outgrown-mgmt Supply Chain AI Is Stuck in Pilot Purgatory Because the Operating Model Is Missing: https://bit.ly/4u4dPyj GEP Webinar: https://bit.ly/10-June-2026-Webinar State of Supply Chain Omnichannel Report: https://bit.ly/3RUcHju Turning the supply chain talent shortage into strength: https://accntu.re/4vkqNZQ Protein powder shortage threatens America's biggest food craze: https://bit.ly/3RIkrFd Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/ Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/ FlexRule: https://www.flexrule.com/ The Supply Chain Whisperer on Why Practicality Still Wins: https://bit.ly/Why-Practicality-Still-Matters Connect with Arash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arashaghlara/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandrapradhan/ Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes: https://supplychainnow.com/brands/supply-chain-now/ Subscribe to Supply Chain Now: https://linktr.ee/Supplychainnow Check out the Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/ Work with Us! Download the Supply Chain Now 2026 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 For everything else, start here: https://supplychainnow.com This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Alex Pradhan, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychiannow.com/buzz-how-decision-intelligence-transform-supply-chain-performance-1592 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.

Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:33) Welcoming Shannon Vaillancourt, CEO of RateLinx (03:12) Chicago Bears draft talk (quick icebreaker) (04:37) Why shippers overspend: hidden & unmonitored charges (05:54) Where technology falls short: data integration & visibility (07:28) Identifying red flags: underperforming carriers & dirty data (08:40) How RateLinx uncovers savings without a sourcing event (18:12) What RateLinx reveals first: data quality & routing context (20:20) Using the right carrier for the right product (22:15) Real-world example: the toilet company & a $200K routing fix (24:32) Parcel vs. LTL: how to know when to shift modes (38:10) Flash poll results: biggest freight cost headaches (53:00) Key takeaways & free savings snapshot from RateLinx   Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Shannon Vaillancourt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-vaillancourt/ Connect with Kimberly Reuter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-reuter-csg/ Learn more about RateLinx: https://www.ratelinx.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 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 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.

Welcome back to another episode of The Unconventional Path. In this special reissue from our archives, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman dive deep into the inspiring story of an entrepreneur who turned a passion for crafting into a global e-commerce success.Our guest today is Nicole Snow, the visionary founder of Darn Good Yarn. While many might assume the company is strictly about selling yarn, Nicole reveals how she has grown a multifaceted retail e-commerce business that serves a $44 billion crafting industry. Surprisingly, more than 70% of her revenue now comes from clothing and apparel, alongside a thriving subscription model with over 13,000 monthly members in her yarn club.In this interview, we explore the "human touch" required to build a brand from the ground up. Nicole shares her insights on the grit needed to manage complex international supply chains and the beauty of small business, where job roles often morph into robust, high-impact careers.Key topics discussed in this episode include:Building Community and Trust: Learn how Nicole leveraged these two core values to create a sustainable business model that remains resilient against changing trends and competition.The Power of Subscriptions: Discover how Darn Good Yarn uses a subscription-based model to simplify choices for customers and build long-term loyalty.Scaling a Small Business: Nicole discusses the evolution of her team and how hiring value-driven people allows a company to grow while maintaining its soul.Sustainable Success: Insights into creating a long-lasting business that identifies with the needs of everyday entrepreneurs.Connect with The Unconventional Path:Email: bela.and.mike@gmail.comListen on: iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon, and other major platforms.SEO Search Terms:Entrepreneurship, Small Business Growth, E-commerce Success, Sustainable Business Models, Building Brand Community, Darn Good Yarn, Nicole Snow, Value-Driven Business, Subscription Model Strategy, Supply Chain Management, Unconventional Career Paths, Crafting Industry Trends, Bela Musits, Mike Wasserman, Women in Business.

In this episode, hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby welcome Todd Steffen, market leader at KBC Advisors, to discuss how the industrial real estate market is both a mirror and a leading indicator of supply chain health.Steffen, a longtime GSCI Advisory Board member, brings a practitioner's eye to the industrial market, drawing on his background running distribution and logistics technology at Walgreens and years advising major occupiers and investors.The conversation spans how data centers are upending traditional site selection by competing for the same power infrastructure and land that distribution centers need; how sublease space and landlord concessions are creating hidden opportunities for occupiers; and why modular automation and AI are finally moving the needle on productivity inside the four walls.Related links: Fill out Tom Goldsby's survey on warehouse automationSave the date for the Fall Supply Chain Forum, Nov. 10–12 Download free white papers from UT experts Become a GSCI partner to learn, network, and recruit with the top supply chain education institution in North America  Join the Advanced Supply Chain Collaborative to explore advanced concepts in SCM with top industry experts and scholars   Follow GSCI on LinkedIn   Subscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletter    Read the latest news and insights from GSCI Text the Tennessee on Supply Chain Management team!

In "The TRAFFIX Report: The Strategic Forecast for North American Freight" Joe Lynch and Alex Fuller, Sr. Director of Revenue Management & Solutions at TRAFFIX, discuss the end of the freight recession and how rising rates, nearshoring, and market volatility are reshaping North American supply chains. About Alex Fuller Alex Fuller, Sr. Director of Revenue Management & Solutions at TRAFFIX, focuses on understanding market trends and helping customers grow through customized supply chain solutions, technology, and AI integration. Passionate about supply chains and business growth, Alex earned his undergraduate degree in Supply Chain Management from BYU before beginning his career with a CPG company managing imports from China and distribution across the United States. He later completed his MBA at the University of Virginia and went on to build extensive industry experience with UPS and UPS Supply Chain Solutions prior to joining TRAFFIX. Outside of work, Alex is a former professional triathlete and recently completed the Boston Marathon, reflecting the same discipline and endurance he brings to his professional career. About TRAFFIX TRAFFIX is a leading North American 3PL that has been delivering customized supply chain solutions since 1979. With a customer-first approach, TRAFFIX partners with shippers to create flexible, scalable logistics strategies tailored to their unique business needs. The company offers a full suite of services, including truckload, flatbed, intermodal, drayage, expedited, LTL, managed transportation, and specialized government solutions. Backed by experienced logistics experts, TRAFFIX provides real-time visibility, optimized freight management, and agile solutions that help customers adapt to changing market demands. With U.S. headquarters in Chicago, IL, TRAFFIX employs more than 840 logistics professionals across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, helping businesses improve supply chain performance through customized supply chain optimization. Key Takeaways: The TRAFFIX Report: The Strategic Forecast for North American Freight In "The TRAFFIX Report: The Strategic Forecast for North American Freight" Joe Lynch and Alex Fuller, Sr. Director of Revenue Management & Solutions at TRAFFIX, discuss the end of the freight recession and how rising rates, nearshoring, and market volatility are reshaping North American supply chains. The 2026 Market Inflection: Following a brutal, multi-year freight recession post-COVID, the North American freight market has officially turned. As of mid-2026, contract rates have climbed 10% year-over-year, while spot rates have exploded by 40%. The Tariff & Pull-Ahead Wrench: Volatility in 2025 trade policies forced shippers to radically alter inventory strategies. Many pulled massive volumes ahead to beat tariffs, briefly spiking intermodal demand, before aggressively pivoting back to lean, just-in-time supply chains. Fuel Cracking the Budget Dam: Skyrocketing diesel rates in early 2026 acted as a major catalyst for rate hikes. Unlike previous years where carriers absorbed fuel spikes, tight capacity means these costs are hitting shippers directly, forcing corporate CFOs to expand logistics budgets. The Nearshoring Reality: Shorter, responsive supply chains are replacing long-distance sourcing. A massive wave of nearshoring to Mexico is underway, trading complex ocean freight for direct, highly automated cross-border trucking networks. Immediate Capacity Threats (Q2 2026): Roadside inspection events like DOT Week, combined with driver pullbacks over Memorial Day weekend, are actively squeezing summer capacity. Spot rates are projected to remain highly elevated for the next 9 to 12 months as a result of these seasonal disruptions. The Death of the Annual RFQ: High market volatility means annual freight bids are breaking down. Savvy shippers are shifting to agile 3-month and 6-month mini-bids, allowing 3PLs to price lanes accurately without adding heavy risk premiums to the rates. TRAFFIX Corporate Profile: Established in 1979, TRAFFIX is a premier North American 3PL operating across the US, Canada, and Mexico. As an asset-light partner, they leverage mid-market agility, cross-border expertise, and on-demand warehousing to protect shipper capacity in volatile cycles. Learn More About The TRAFFIX Report: The Strategic Forecast for North American Freight Alex Fuller | Linkedin TRAFFIX | Linkedin TRAFFIX | Facebook TRAFFIX | Instagram TRAFFIX | X TRAFFIX | YouTube TRAFFIX TRAFFIX Trends Q2 2026 TRAFFIX Bi-Weekly Market Update The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

Most conversations about nearshoring assume you're moving away from Chinese manufacturing. Kerim Kfuri, president and CEO of The Atlas Network, has a harder truth: a lot of "nearshoring" is just Chinese foreign direct investment building factories in Vietnam and Mexico. The geography changes. The supply chain dependencies don't necessarily change with it.In this episode, recorded live on the expo floor at the Logistics World Summit in Mexico City, Kerim breaks down what 20 years of building end-to-end supply chains for small and mid-sized businesses has taught him — and what most operators still get wrong.In this episode:How The Atlas Network manages the full supply chain lifecycle for SMBs, from product idea to inventory management, across a network of 2,000 vetted factoriesWhy "nearshoring" in Vietnam and Mexico often means Chinese-owned factories with Chinese standardization — and why that matters for your tariff and sourcing strategyThe US manufacturing reality: why technology (not policy) is the actual leveler, and why we can't snap our fingers and rebuild a workforce we stopped training decades agoKerim's keynote framework from Logistics World: people, process, and innovation — and why "people" is the most undervalued of the threeWhat Kerim (MIT degree in AI and Strategy) says you actually give up when you hand too much to AI: creativity, human factor, and the interpersonal relationships that drive real businessThe signal-versus-noise framework for entrepreneurs: how to identify the three things that must get done today and stop letting everything else winWhy the most common thing Atlas Network hears from new clients is: "I wish we knew about you sooner"A bonus live interview with the founder of Logistics World Summit, who walked up mid-recording on the expo floorWatch this episode on YoutubeLinks & Resources:The Atlas NetworkKerim's book and speaking websiteBlythe's Logistics World + Mexico City Recap -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!SPI Logistics has been a Day 1 supporter of this podcast which is why we're proud to promote them in every episode. During that time, we've gotten to know the team and their agents to confidently say they are the best home for freight agents in North America for 40 years and counting. Listen to past episodes to hear why.CargoRex is the search engine for the logistics industry—connecting LSPs with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve.Digital Dispatch maximizes and manages your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers. 

Scott Kramer of Infios talks about intelligent supply chain execution; why visibility & optimization are key building blocks; & leveraging AI the right way.  IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [02.25] An introduction to Scott, his role at Infios, and his background. [03.20] An overview of Infios, who they are, and what they do. [03.50] The ethos that has informed Infios's journey with AI and new technology. "From the beginning, our solution has been based around adaptability and openness. And now, with the advent of not just AI but AMRs, that openness has allowed us to navigate these waters more easily. We're flexible in how we can operate in this environment." [05.51] Why visibility and optimization are the building blocks for AI-enhanced execution. "Visibility and optimization are still important… But when we add the agents, they can understand what's going on, prescribe solutions, and take away a lot of the heavy lifting of research and analysis." [06.41] What Infios's recent supply chain execution readiness report reveals about how leaders are thinking about execution and optimization, particularly around manual workflows. "Some workflows have been optimized, but only within their silo. They may have optimized a workflow for transportation or warehouse – but how do you connect them?" [09.14] The biggest issue in the market right now with AI understanding and adoption. "People are asking us: "What are you doing right now with AI?" And that's the wrong question." [11.15] Where Scott sees companies on the reactive vs proactive scale right now, why mindset is still a limiting factor, and how visibility is changing. "People are still thinking in the ways they've traditionally solved problems. They're thinking about automating a single task; they're not thinking about connecting the dots together." [13.25] How leaders are thinking about the future of technology. "The art of what's possible has changed." [15.03] Why many AI pilots still aren't getting off the ground, and how we can actually create value from AI investments. "I've seen all too often: 'I have a great technology, now let me go and search for a problem.' We really need to start with the problem, then define the technology. AI is an amazing tool, when leveraged correctly." [18.13] What intelligent, connected execution should actually look like. [20.54] Training AI slowly, how bias is holding us back, and discovering what's really possible with AI. [22.53] The benefits to teams and businesses when they achieve intelligent, connected execution. [24.18] The small steps teams can take now to position for success. "Don't think of it as an LMS problem, WMS problem or TMS problem. Ultimately, it's a customer problem." RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Infios' website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Infios and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or YouTube, or you can connect with Scott on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Infios, check out 520: Enter the New Era of Supply Chain Management, with Infios or 532: Turning Purposeful AI into Business Outcomes, with Infios. Check out our other podcasts HERE.