Supply Chain Now Radio

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton and Matt McKinney, CEO and co-founder of Loop, welcome Suzanne Wilsbacher of Cengage and Ben Smith of Clemens Food Group for a data-driven discussion about the transformation AI is bringing to global supply chains.They dive deep into the messy reality of supply chain data, from disconnected systems and inconsistent formats to lagging digital transformation in transportation and logistics. Suzanne and Ben share real-world examples of how they’re leveraging AI—not just to clean data but to make faster, smarter decisions that avoid costly penalties and improve service quality.Matt highlights the growing importance of scenario planning and digital twins in modern supply chain operations, and how AI platforms like Loop are unlocking new levels of visibility and agility. Together, the panel explores how leading companies are creating decades-long competitive advantages by acting now, starting small, and scaling smartly.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(00

Join us today as we delve into the significant insights gleaned from the recent Gartner Supply Chain Symposium, and the importance of leveraging technology in supply chain management to enhance efficiency and responsiveness. Welcome to The Buzz!This week, Scott Luton and special guest host Rick McDonald welcomed PopCapacity Co-Founder & CEO, Matt Fain, to the show to discuss: The pressing need for digital fluency and the effective management of change within organizationsThe burgeoning demand for bonded warehousing and its implications for businesses amid current economic conditionsHow the chief supply chain officer's perspective is vital in understanding leadership priorities amidst current challenges and the need for supply chain leaders to foster trust and authenticity within their teams to navigate through periods of change effectivelyHow modern supply chains must adapt to the consumer's speed and convenience expectations to remain competitive in today's marketThe necessity of data accuracy in supply

In this special National Supply Chain Day episode, hosts Scott Luton and Mary Kate Love sit down with supply chain leaders Rahmel Wattley, Vic D’Arcy, and Dr. Stephanie Thomas to discuss the vital roles of transportation, reverse logistics, and talent development in today’s supply chain landscape. Rahmel, founder of Truck N’ Hustle, shares insights into the critical role of transportation professionals and how small carriers serve as the backbone of the global economy. He emphasizes the importance of representing these unsung heroes in the industry every day.Vic D’Arcy, a circular economy strategist, dives into the world of reverse logistics, highlighting the complexities of returns management, refurbishment, and sustainability. She explains how reverse logistics can unlock hidden value in products, from repair to recycling, and its growing significance in the circular economy.Dr. Stephanie Thomas, a professor at the University of Arkansas, discusses the increasing interest in supply chain careers among stude

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Tevon Taylor sit down with Agustin Lopez-Diaz, Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain for North America at Schneider Electric, to explore how the company is leading a transformative shift in supply chain operations. Agustin shares how Schneider Electric is driving efficiency, sustainability, and trust across its operations, focusing on automation, energy management, and manufacturing agility. Agustin talks about Schneider Electric’s key supply chain strategies, including how they use cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, advanced analytics, and sustainability consulting to optimize their operations. The conversation also highlights Schneider Electric’s approach to empowering employees and collaborators through skill-building programs and innovation, ensuring that people are at the heart of their supply chain transformation.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:00) Agustin’s career and leadership at Schneider Electric(07:30) Core pillars of Schn

Join us today as we discuss the necessity for organizations to adopt sustainable supply chain practices to enhance their competitive advantage in the marketplace, and also emerging supply chain talent trends. Welcome to The Buzz!This week, Scott Luton and special guests EALgreen CEO Claudia Freed, and Managing Partner of SCM Talent Group, Rodney Apple get into:The idea that understanding the entirety of natural resource management, including water footprint, is crucial for effective sustainability efforts.The importance of soft skills, particularly in leadership roles, as essential for navigating the complexities of modern supply chains.How innovation and sustainability will reshape supply chain talent in 2025 The growing significance of reverse logistics in supply chain management, asserting that its effective implementation can mitigate waste and enhance efficiency.The idea that active participation in sustainability initiatives is vital for fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within organiz

In this episode, Scott Luton welcomes Liz Raman, founder and CEO of Supply Chain Gals, to share her dynamic career journey and powerful mission to amplify women’s voices in global supply chain leadership. Liz walks us through her career path—from routing trucks at Home Depot to leading assortment planning at Nike, and now empowering a growing global community of 20,000+ women through Supply Chain Gals. She shares how embracing discomfort, learning new skills like data analytics, and thinking beyond traditional supply chain roles can open up transformative career opportunities.The conversation explores how technology, mentorship, and storytelling are reshaping the future of supply chain careers. Liz also highlights why building meaningful human connections—and finding your voice—are essential to long-term growth in today’s evolving landscape.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:04) Tennis and personal interests(04:47) Liz’s professional journey(09:30) Non-traditional supply chain careers(14:33) Women in

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, we continue our popular series, Supply Chain Leadership Across Africa as host Scott Luton explores how public-private partnerships are reshaping access to healthcare across Africa, particularly when it comes to affordable, quality medicines. Joined by Anderson Ti-Timi of VillageReach and Trip Allport of XS2Meds, we dive into the complex pharma value chain and the urgent need to build up local private distributors through improved procurement systems, working capital access, and internal infrastructure.Anderson shares insights from the front lines—including a potential new partnership in the Democratic Republic of the Congo—and emphasizes the importance of trust, visibility, and scalable systems. Trip highlights how lessons from 15 years of outsourcing distribution can now be applied across the full value chain to accelerate innovation, integration, and cost reduction. Together, they underscore how collaboration among governments, donors, manufacturers, and distributors is

Join us today as we discuss the pressing issue of returns management within the realm of global supply chains, emphasizing the necessity for businesses to prioritize this area as we approach 2025. Welcome to The Buzz!This week, Scott Luton and special guest host Tony Sciarrotta, Executive Director of the Reverse Logistics Association (RLA) welcome Lars Dzedek, the Global Head of Returns & Circularity at DHL Supply Chain to the show, who shares insights on sustainable and circular logistics, including DHL's commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Listen in to learn more about:The staggering $890 billion in product returns in 2024The need for improved returns management to enhance customer loyalty and reduce costsInnovative strategies such as AI-powered return forecasting and shared infrastructure to optimize returns processing and protect product valueAnd more!Listen in and discover the critical role of leadership and education in advancing circularity and sustainability in globa

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Jake Barr welcome Keith Moore, CEO of AutoScheduler.AI, to unpack the logistics problem no one talks about: disjointed technology. Keith shares how a consulting engagement with Procter & Gamble turned into a mission-driven company focused on optimizing warehouse operations through real-time orchestration and AI.Keith walks through the three critical stages of warehouse intelligence—visibility, predictability, and orchestration—and explains how AutoScheduler is helping organizations move from firefighting to proactive, calm, and coordinated execution. The three explore how disconnected systems create hidden inefficiencies, from margin loss to employee burnout, and how modern tools can harmonize workflows without replacing your existing tech stack.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:00) How Keith got started in supply chain and AI(07:00) From consulting to launching AutoScheduler(10:50) The root of disjointed tech in supply chain operations(13:45)

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson welcome Dr. David Beck of the U.S. Space Force and Richard Donaldson, entrepreneur and circularity advocate, to explore the explosive intersection of space and supply chain.From launching satellites to building sustainable infrastructure beyond Earth’s atmosphere, the conversation dives deep into what it takes to support the growing space economy—projected to reach over $1.8 trillion by 2035. Dr. Beck, a veteran technologist and branch chief at the Space Force, breaks down space logistics as a system of innovation, sustainability, and national security.The panel discusses the rise of CubeSats, the critical need for space debris cleanup, how SpaceX’s rideshare model is revolutionizing orbital logistics, and why we’re no longer preparing for the future—we’re living it.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(00:39) Excitement about space(04:28) Early inspirations for space(12:05) Panelists' backgrounds and journeys(24:19) Space logistics and

Join us today as we discuss significant developments in the global supply chain landscape, particularly focusing on the evolving dynamics of delivery services and the implications of recent changes in the United States Postal Service (USPS). Welcome to The Buzz!This week, hosts Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson welcome Max Garland, Senior Reporter With Supply Chain Dive to the show, who elucidates the intricacies of these developments and their impact on stakeholders across the supply chain spectrum. Listen in to learn more about:Walmart's innovative adoption of geospatial technology to enhance delivery efficiencyThe competitive delivery landscape, as alternatives to traditional carriers like FedEx and UPS gain tractionUSPS's recent operational adjustments and the potential ramifications of privatizationDe minimis shipping changes and implicationsHow China is finding ways to replace American farmersAnd more!Listen in as we embark on this exploration of pressing topics, one conversation at a time, and invite yo

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and special co-host Claire Fincham with SAPICS continue the “Supply Chain Leadership Across Africa” series with guest Marietjie Brown, Sustainability and Government Affairs Lead at CHEP for Africa, the Middle East, and Turkeiye. Marietjie shares how CHEP is leading the charge in regenerative supply chain initiatives—from ensuring zero waste to landfills to bringing clean running water to communities that have never had it.She also explains how CHEP’s closed-loop model is rooted in circular economy principles, and why feeding the world’s most vulnerable people isn’t a corporate goal—it’s part of the company’s DNA. The conversation highlights the power of connecting global multinationals with local SMEs, overcoming infrastructure and economic hurdles in Africa, and using supply chains as engines for social, environmental, and business transformation.Plus, with the SAPICS Conference just around the corner, the episode spotlights the role of community, innovation,

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton welcomes back Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, for another edition of "Supply Chain Today and Tomorrow." They discussed key insights from the 2024 Gartner Supply Chain Top 25, spotlighting industry leaders like Schneider Electric, Johnson & Johnson, and PepsiCo. Mike talks about how these companies are leveraging their supply chains as competitive weapons, from investing in AI-driven smart factories to embracing regenerative agriculture and reshoring production to the U.S.The conversation also touches on the broader impacts of the new U.S. tariff measures, the critical importance of supply chain scenario planning, and even how March Madness logistics mirror the complexity of global operations. Plus, with the 2025 Gartner rankings and the upcoming Gartner Supply Chain Symposium just around the corner, Mike and Scott look ahead to what supply chain leaders can expect in the year to come.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:14) Favorite

Join us today as we discuss the alarming prevalence of modern-day slavery, with an estimated 50 million individuals currently ensnared in various forms of exploitation worldwide. Throughout this episode, we delve into the implications of this crisis, emphasizing the responsibility of supply chain professionals to acknowledge and address these issues within their operations. Welcome to The Buzz!This week, hosts Scott Luton and Sofia Rivas welcome Tim Nelson, CEO of Hope for Justice & Slave - Free Alliance to the show, who shares invaluable insights into how organizations can harness technology and strategic partnerships to identify and eradicate slavery within their supply chains. Also listen in to learn more about:The importance of supply chain visibility, innovative technologies, and the impact of tariffs on various sectors, including the candy industryThe SFA Endorsed program, which aims to guide companies towards the most effective tools for enhancing supply chain visibility and accountabilityThe need

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter welcome Kary Jablonski, Vice President of Trucker Tools and Broker Growth, for an in-depth conversation on how freight brokers can combat the rising threat of freight fraud. Kary breaks down the most common types of fraud—double brokering, cargo theft, and identity spoofing—and explains how evolving tech tactics are making these threats harder to detect and more damaging than ever. She also shares how DAT’s acquisition of Trucker Tools is enhancing brokers’ ability to secure loads, vet carriers, and monitor activity in real time with a robust fraud prevention toolkit.Together, they explore how modern brokerages can move from reactive firefighting to proactive prevention using data, visibility, and strong technology partnerships. Kary emphasizes the importance of building trusted carrier networks, continuously monitoring for red flags, and leveraging tools like ELD tracking and real-time fraud alerts to reduce risk. Jump into the conversatio

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Tandreia Bellamy welcome John Wharff, Senior Manager of Sales Engineering at EasyPost, to dive into the critical world of load planning and shipping optimization. John shares insights on how companies can drive cost savings and efficiency through better cartonization, palletization, and the implementation of advanced tools like MagicLogic. He explains the importance of data-driven decisions, human error reduction, and the evolving role of automation and AI in modern supply chains. The conversation also covers real-world examples of how businesses can make simple yet impactful improvements to their shipping operations.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:16) E-commerce boom and warehouse challenges(03:14) John Wharff from EasyPost(07:32) Understanding load planning(11:38) Cartonization and palletization insights(19:01) MagicLogic: Optimizing space and reducing costs(24:44) The impact of returns and damages(25:39) Common warehouse challenges(29:1

Join us today as we discuss the current state of the US manufacturing sector, the impact of recent tariff changes, and the importance of contract manufacturing.. Welcome to The Buzz!This week, hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter welcome Keith Smith, President & CEO of Vonco Products to the show, to share his perspective on a variety of pressing topics, including: Insights into the healthcare manufacturing marketCritical factors to consider when selecting a contract manufacturerLeadership advice for aspiring executivesTariff updatesAnd more!Listen in for insightful analysis and expert commentary, as we highlight the manufacturing sector on this Manufacturing Monday!Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Keith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-smith-725508b/Learn more about Vonco Products: https://www.vonco.com/Latest edition of WTS: https://bit.ly/4ch2pQAKim’s blog post on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4lkRR7fManufacturing Economy Stalls Amid Tariff Confusion: https://www.manufacturingdive.com/news/pmi-mar

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Marty Parker welcome Justin Sears, Head of Product Marketing for SaaS at Altium, to explore how manufacturers can stay resilient amid rising tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and evolving global risks. Justin shares how his career journey—from early SaaS solutions to leading cloud-based collaboration tools for electronics design—has shaped his approach to visibility, agility, and innovation.Together, they unpack the complex impact of new tariffs on electronic components, why just-in-time is being replaced by just-in-case, and how companies are shifting procurement strategies to adapt. Justin also talks about the role of cloud platforms like Altium 365 in improving real-time collaboration across design, procurement, and manufacturing—bridging gaps, reducing errors, and increasing speed to market.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:14) Electronics industry and trade landscape(02:21) Altium's history(07:24) Impact of US tariffs on electronics(14

In this new episode of the NOW Generation series on Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and guest host Deborah Dull welcome Dr. Peter Haug, Sam Nocera, and Joshua Young from Western Washington University to explore how the NOW generation is shaping the future of supply chain management.They discuss a first-of-its-kind case competition hosted by the university, where student teams tackled the challenge of creating a circular supply chain model for industrial pumps—an ambitious problem grounded in real-world complexity. Sam and Joshua, both first-year students, share how their team designed an innovative and decentralized repair hub strategy that leveraged predictive maintenance, digital passports, and augmented reality tools.Deborah and Dr. Haug offer context about the program’s industry-partnered education model and share how mentorship, internships, and case-based learning are preparing students to solve tomorrow’s challenges today.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:16) Getting to know the “now generation

Join us as we delve into the intricate dynamics of contemporary supply chain challenges, with a particular emphasis on the newly imposed automotive tariffs. Welcome to The Buzz!This week, hosts Scott Luton and Allison Giddens' discussion unfolds a variety of pressing topics, including: The ripple effects these tariffs are anticipated to have on the automotive industry and consumer pricesThe plight of British Steel, which faces potential shutdowns amidst ongoing struggles Significant movements in retail, where companies are racing to enhance delivery capabilities in response to evolving consumer expectationsWhat the US government is doing abroad to ease egg prices at home And more!Listen in for insightful analysis and expert commentary, as we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of these critical developments across the global supply chain landscape.Additional Links & Resources:With That Said: https://bit.ly/426lNuYNational Supply Chain Day: https://supplychainnow.com/nscd/How automakers are naviga