Retail Supply Chain: What's Changed and What Stayed

Global supply chains are navigating an era marked by evolving challenges and opportunities. As technological advancements such as AI continue to reshape the landscape, leaders must adapt to the constant pressures of global uncertainty.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Tony Zuazo, Interim CEO of the Community Resource Center, to explore the intersection of people, process, and technology in today’s supply chain environment. Tony shares insights from his extensive experience leading supply chains at Dollar General and his current work in nonprofit leadership. Together, they discuss the critical role of innovation in supply chain management, the growing significance of automation and AI, and the importance of adapting processes to meet both short-term needs and long-term goals.

Scott and Tony also touch on the complexities of decision-making in global supply chains, the balance between technology and human-driven processes, and the need for clear communication in change management. The episode concludes with advice for leaders on how to manage uncertainty, drive efficiency, and keep people at the heart of successful supply chain operations.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:42) Tony Zuazo’s background and supply chain leadership at Dollar General

(07:35) Retail supply chain’s evolution over the past decade

(08:16) Shifts in technology: automation and AI

(10:24) Unchanging global pressures in the supply chain

(11:18) Importance of micro decisions in operations

(13:52) Key non-negotiables at Dollar General

(16:49) Overengineering vs. oversimplifying technology solutions

(20:07) The importance of overcommunication in leadership

(23:20) CRC's mission: hygiene and security

(26:33) Ways to support the Community Resource Center

(30:15) Leadership lessons: people, process, and technology

(32:49) Standardizing processes with room for flexibility

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Tony Zuazo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyzuazo/
2. Learn more about the Community Resource Center: http://www.crcmidtn.org
3. Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
4. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
5. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
6. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
7. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
8. Supply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lC
9. WEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfB
10. WEBINAR- From Months to Days: How AI-Speed Supply Chain Design Is Breaking Traditional Org Models—And Talent Too: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3b

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/store-shelves-commnity-impact-journey-1556