The Buzz: AI Hits the Factory Floor

From manufacturing data and AI adoption to workforce trends and the evolving role of women in industry, supply chain leaders are navigating a fast-changing landscape. In this episode of The Buzz, hosts Scott Luton and Karen Betancourt break down the latest global supply chain news and welcome Tracy Hyatt Bosman of Biggins Lacy Shapiro & Company to explore how economic signals, workforce dynamics, and site selection strategies are shaping the future of manufacturing and logistics. Buckle up and join us for this week’s insights and conversations — welcome to The Buzz powered by Project44!

This episode dives into the latest developments impacting global supply chains, including new data on U.S. manufacturing performance, the rapid rise of AI in factory operations, and the workforce dynamics influencing site selection and economic development. The conversation also highlights Women’s History Month, explores real-world examples of supply chain and marketing alignment, and examines how emerging technologies and shifting economic signals are reshaping industry strategy.

Tune in and learn:

1. What the latest U.S. manufacturing data signals about jobs, tariffs, and production costs
2. How manufacturers are deploying AI to improve productivity, quality, and resilience
3. Why workforce availability and skills remain the biggest factor in manufacturing site selection
4. The myths and realities surrounding manufacturing careers and workforce shortages
5. Key economic insights from leading economists on the outlook for U.S. manufacturing and global trade
6. How retailers like Target are investing in supply chain and fulfillment capabilities to compete in the omnichannel era
7. The role of women’s leadership in supply chain and manufacturing operations
8. Why data centers are becoming a critical (and sometimes controversial) part of modern infrastructure

Whether you're a supply chain leader, manufacturer, logistics professional, or industry enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspective on the economic forces, workforce realities, and technology shifts shaping the future of supply chain. Tune in to gain practical insights and stay ahead of the trends influencing how the world moves goods, data, and innovation.

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Project 44: https://www.project44.com/
2. With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-7-March-2026
3. National Supply Chain Day: https://bit.ly/NSCD-2026
4. American Supply Chain Summit: https://supplychainus.com/
5. FritoLay Chip Challenge: https://bit.ly/Karen-FritoLay-Chip-Challenge
6. US manufacturing activity steady, factory gate inflation surges: https://reut.rs/4roemtI
7. U.S. payrolls unexpectedly fell by 92,000 in February; unemployment rate rises to 4.4%: https://cnb.cx/4bgHFse
8. Manufacturers are making progress with AI, but barriers remain: Cisco: https://bit.ly/State-of-AI-in-Manufacturing
9. Target readies next-day delivery for 20 more metros this spring: https://bit.ly/Target-Expands-Next-Day-Delivery
10. Fox’s Burton’s Companies factory chief: “I was told being a woman would hold me back:” https://bit.ly/Women-In-Manufacturing
11. Decision44 Event: https://www.project44.com/events/decision44/
12. The Executives'​ Club of Chicago's Annual Economic Outlook 2026: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/traceyhyattbosman_before-it-gets-too-far-in-the-rearview-mirror-activity-7418784479105691649-Azng/
13. Connect with Tracey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceyhyattbosman/
14. Connect with Karen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karendbetancourt/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
15. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
16. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
17. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
18. Supply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lC
19. WEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfB
20. WEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKp
21. WEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3b

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Karen Betancourt, 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-hits-factory-floor-1557