Supply Chain Now

Join Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, as he shares insights on supply chain resilience through the lens of football. He discusses the critical importance of returns management and treats reverse logistics with the same dedication as forward operations. Learn how AI-driven demand sensing can enhance agility and the risks of losing soft skills as technology advances. Griswold draws valuable parallels between NFL teams, illustrating core competencies and teamwork, while previewing Gartner’s upcoming planning summits focused on practical skills.

In this discussion, Pierre Abou Hamad, Managing Partner at Citwell, and Koray Kose, Founder of Koze Advisory, dive into the critical challenges of today's supply chain landscape amid rising geopolitical tensions. They explore how tariffs are affecting coffee prices and emphasize the need for innovation and adaptability. Drawing parallels from history, Pierre compares modern supply chains to lessons from WWII. They highlight the importance of effective communication and fostering resilience within organizations to navigate ongoing transformations.

Join a powerful panel of women in supply chain leadership, featuring Stephanie Beal from Hasbro, Tamera Fenske of Kimberly-Clark, Eliza Simeonova from Mars Pet Nutrition, Whitney Shlesinger at McCormick, and Sylvia Wilkes of Lamb Weston. They discuss transformative career moments and the game-changing role of AI in supply chain processes. The conversation dives into the significance of clean data, talent development, and fostering integrated value chains. Each leader shares heartfelt advice for the next generation about mentorship, confidence, and seizing opportunities.

Join Lushentha Naidoo, Managing Director of the European Supplier Diversity Program, who has journeyed from apartheid-era South Africa to global supply chain leadership. She shares her transformative experience at Unilever, emphasizing caring as a leadership superpower. Lushentha discusses how supplier diversity enhances innovation and resilience, dispelling the myth that it's merely charity. Discover insights on creating inclusive cultures, widening the supplier funnel, and the actionable strategies from ESDP’s mentorship programs and Inclusive Procurement Academy.

In today's episode of Supply Chain Now, we discuss the critical role of truck drivers in the supply chain, representing nearly 73% of freight delivery in the United States, as we celebrate Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EasyPost!!Today, hosts Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson welcome special guest Kevin Lawton, Founder & Host of The New Warehouse podcast. Listen in as Scott and 'Team Kevin" explore:The current state of the freight economy, highlighting the challenges faced by industry professionals amid a prolonged slump in freight pricingThe significant concerns raised by the largest rail industry labor union regarding the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, which may significantly impact safety practices and workforce environmentsTruck Driver Appreciation Week, acknowledging the essential role that truck drivers play in the supply chain and the pressures they endure, as evidenced by survey data revealing their dissatisfactionThe ramifications of the current freight market dynamics on operational efficiency, underscoring the necessity for innovation and adaptability in logisticsEmerging trends in warehouse technology, particularly the integration of computer vision to improve operational efficiencyJoin us as we advocate for a greater appreciation of professional truck drivers, especially during Truck Driver Appreciation Week, and celebrate their enormous impact and their vital contributions to the economy.Additional Links & Resources:With That Said: https://bit.ly/3JWppdN EasyPost: www.easypost.comManifest 2026: www.ManifestVegas.com/SupplyChainNow Trucker exodus: New survey reveals nearly 47% of drivers seeking new jobs: https://bit.ly/TruckDriverSurvey2025California Trucking Firms Go Under, Fueling Wider Industry Fears: https://on.wsj.com/4npetU8Coca-Cola aims to help solve the orange juice crisis with AI: https://bit.ly/SaveOrangesEasyPost’s Advanced Tracking: https://get.easypost.com/advanced-tracking The New Warehouse: https://www.thenewwarehouse.com/ Kevin Lawton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinclawton/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- From Compliance to Impact and Competitive Advantage: How to Decarbonize Your Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/47uXKKoWEBINAR- The Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators: https://bit.ly/3Ie1WUOWEBINAR- Reengineering supply chain planning: How to get more bang for your buck in 2026- https://bit.ly/3VahMCQWEBINAR- Optimizing End-to-End Logistics: Efficiency, Collaboration, and Innovation- https://bit.ly/4ml2TZhThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-truck-driver-appreciation-week-1482

Lori Boyer, Director of Content at EasyPost, and John Wharff, Director of Sales and Solutions Engineering, dive deep into the evolving landscape of shipping carriers. They explore how UPS, FedEx, and USPS are adjusting their strategies for peak season and why regional players like Amazon are gaining traction. John emphasizes the necessity of diversifying carrier choices and leveraging data for better decision-making. The duo also discusses innovative shipping solutions that enhance customer satisfaction and build brand loyalty in challenging market conditions.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Tevon Taylor welcome Gaurav Malhotra, Partner and Supply Chain Technology Leader at EY, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming supply chains today and where it’s headed over the next five years. Gaurav shares how EY is helping organizations embrace emerging technologies to create competitive advantage, avoid “pilot purgatory,” and build more cognitive and resilient supply chains.They cover practical misconceptions holding companies back from adopting AI, the foundational elements required for successful implementation, and real-world examples of immediate impact in logistics, predictive maintenance, and warehouse operations. Gaurav also discusses how organizations can invest in workforce education, reskilling, and culture change to ensure that humans remain at the center of AI adoption. Looking ahead, he offers his perspective on how agentic AI will reshape supply chains into adaptive, orchestrated ecosystems while freeing people to focus on creativity, critical thinking, and enterprise differentiation.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(04:13) A personal story family pilgrimage to Kauai(07:34) The intersection of supply chain and humanitarian efforts(09:52) Ey’s role in global supply chain(15:20) Misconceptions about AI in factories(18:09) Overcoming pilot paralysis(22:29) Immediate benefits of AI in supply chain(26:25) AI’s impact on supply chain efficiency(27:18) The role of agentic AI in factories(31:43) Human element in AI-driven supply chains(36:17) Upskilling and reskilling for the AI era(43:05) Future predictions for AI in supply chainsResources:Connect with Gaurav Malhotra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravmalhotra/ Learn more about EY: https://www.ey.com/ Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now  Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join  Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Real stories: Fast-tracking value, a pioneering digital transformation with impactful results.: https://bit.ly/4mgp1EWWEBINAR- Real Shipping Stories. Real Money Saved.: https://bit.ly/45PegUmWEBINAR- From Compliance to Impact and Competitive Advantage: How to Decarbonize Your Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/47uXKKoWEBINAR- The Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators: https://bit.ly/3Ie1WUOWEBINAR- Reengineering supply chain planning: How to get more bang for your buck in 2026- https://bit.ly/3VahMCQThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Tevon Taylor and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua MIranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/ai-human-ingenuity-next-era-supply-chains-1480

In today's episode of Supply Chain Now, we present an incisive exploration of the current landscape within the global supply chain sector, focusing particularly on the essential role of leadership in navigating prevailing challenges. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EasyPost!Today, hosts Scott Luton and Tandreia Bellamy welcome special guest Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive, to discuss the Women in Supply Chain Awards and the upcoming Women in Supply Chain Forum. Listen as they cover:The rising demand for foreign trade zone accessThe state of the industry report by ColliersInsights from chief people officers on talent strategiesThe 2025 Women in Supply Chain Awards and the upcoming Women in Supply Chain Forum The importance of communication, strategic thinking, and inclusivity in navigating the complexities of the supply chain industryJoin us as we collectively seek to understand the implications of these developments on future supply chain operations.Additional Links & Resources:With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-7SEP2025 Colliers State of Industry Report: https://bit.ly/ColliersStateoftheIndustryReportChief People Officers Outlook 2025: Talent strategy amid global disruption: https://bit.ly/CPOviewsU.S. Foreign Trade Zones Draw New Demand as De Minimis Ends: https://on.wsj.com/4nrwm53Why AI Is the Conversation at Parcel Forum: http://bit.ly/4m7Q8kTConnect with Marina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinamayer/Learn more about EasyPost: https://supplychainnow.com/easypostCheck out the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: bit.ly/scn-us-bankLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Real stories: Fast-tracking value, a pioneering digital transformation with impactful results.: https://bit.ly/4mgp1EWWEBINAR- Real Shipping Stories. Real Money Saved.: https://bit.ly/45PegUmWEBINAR- From Compliance to Impact and Competitive Advantage: How to Decarbonize Your Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/47uXKKoWEBINAR- The Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators: https://bit.ly/3Ie1WUOWEBINAR- Reengineering supply chain planning: How to get more bang for your buck in 2026- https://bit.ly/3VahMCQThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Tandreia Bellamy and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-women-in-supply-chain-awards-1479

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton talks with Brett Johnson, IT Director at A&A Global, and Shannon Vaillancourt, President and Founder of RateLinx, about A&A Global’s journey to transform their shipping operations. Brett details how they addressed inefficiencies in their old TMS, implementing RateLinx’s flexible toolkit to streamline processes, reduce costs, and scale operations without adding staff.The conversation explores how A&A Global overcame challenges like manual data entry, slow carrier onboarding, and inaccurate rate quoting through powerful integrations like ScanForce, Cubiscan, and mobile printing. Brett and Shannon also highlight the role of Lean Six Sigma practices in driving continuous improvement and achieving significant cost savings, faster shipping, and enhanced efficiency.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:39) Meet the industry leaders(02:46) Challenges faced by A&A Global(05:56) Issues with previous TMS(08:30) The need for speed and efficiency(13:42) Selection process for a new TMS(18:03) Integration and implementation(27:55) The new car vs. new software analogy(29:42) Challenges with previous TMS(30:44) Choosing RateLinx and ShipLinx TMS(32:29) Implementation philosophy(37:29) Automation and labor cost savings(45:42) Advice for IT and operations leadersResources:Learn more about A&A Global: http://www.aaglobal.com Connect with Shannon Vaillancourt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-vaillancourt/ INSIGHT 2025 Conference: https://www.ratelinx.com/ratelinx-insight-conference/Learn more about RateLinx: https://www.ratelinx.com/ Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now  Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join  Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Real stories: Fast-tracking value, a pioneering digital transformation with impactful results.: https://bit.ly/4mgp1EWWEBINAR- Real Shipping Stories. Real Money Saved.: https://bit.ly/45PegUmWEBINAR- From Compliance to Impact and Competitive Advantage: How to Decarbonize Your Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/47uXKKoWEBINAR- Reengineering supply chain planning: How to get more bang for your buck in 2026- https://bit.ly/3VahMCQThis 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/toys-tech-tms-1478

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Deborah Dull welcome Will Mansard and Ahmed Arif of Bastian Solutions for a practical, field-tested conversation on retrofitting brownfield warehouses and the real cost of doing nothing. They frame retrofits as logistical projects first, unpack why so much existing space goes underutilized, and share how to minimize disruption while upgrading live operations. They discuss the playbook that works in the real world: start with discovery and reverse engineering when documentation is thin, build a phased mechanical plan, sequence electrical with quick-connect, preassembled components, and treat controls and software as the heart of the system using emulation and thorough testing. With rules one and two both being “get orders out the door,” they stress contingency planning, speaking the customer’s language, and orchestrating equipment, controls, and software to avoid faults and bottlenecks. Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(09:27) What defines a brownfield warehouse site(12:19) Addressing customer concerns about cost(15:53) Viewing retrofits as logistical projects(20:14) Why orchestration matters in automation(22:44) Critical considerations for warehouse retrofits(24:26) Setting realistic project expectations upfront(25:53) Deborah’s favorite retrofit planning framework(26:36) Minimizing disruption with new technologies(29:37) Speaking the customer’s language effectively(32:40) Examples of successful retrofit projects(40:35) Enterprise-level considerations for customersResources:Learn more about Bastian Solutions Strategy Guide: Consulting Strategies for Warehouse Distribution Operations: https://info.bastiansolutions.com/warehouse-operations-strategy-guideLearn more about the Hercules Sealing Products Case Study: https://www.bastiansolutions.com/resources/case-studies/industrial-distribution/hercules/?srsltid=AfmBOoqy12r2gfk64cuMt6Heyoz8Ts5lAJwZ-4qAejswM0oZVEuW5pPKConnect with Will Mansard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-mansard-b90a2b25/Connect with Ahmed Arif: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmedarif001/Connect with Deborah Dull: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahdull/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now  Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join  Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Real stories: Fast-tracking value, a pioneering digital transformation with impactful results.: https://bit.ly/4mgp1EWWEBINAR: Real Shipping Stories. Real Money Saved.: https://bit.ly/45PegUmWEBINAR: From Compliance to Impact and Competitive Advantage: How to Decarbonize Your Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/47uXKKoThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Deborah Dull and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/brownfield-breakthrough-evolving-operations-retrofits-1477