Supply Chain Now Radio

Ever wondered how AI is transforming the future of supply chains?In this episode, hosts Scott W. Luton and Kevin L. Jackson are joined by David Vallejo, Vice President and Global Head of Digital Supply Chain Product Marketing at SAP, and Ronny Horvath, Partner Digital Supply Chain at IBM Consulting, to explore the game-changing role of artificial intelligence in supply chain management. Together, they dive deep into the practical applications of AI, revealing how companies are leveraging this technology to enhance efficiency, drive innovation, and tackle the most pressing challenges in today’s supply chain landscape.Listeners will gain insights into the key motivators behind AI adoption, from improving data-driven decision-making to automating repetitive tasks and how these advancements are reshaping the industry. Plus, learn about the importance of data management, overcoming resistance to change, and what the future holds for AI-powered supply chains as we approach 2025.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) In

The Buzz is Supply Chain Now’s regular Monday livestream, held at 12 noon ET each week. This show focuses on some of the leading stories from global supply chain and global business, always with special guests – the most important of which is the live audience!In this week's episode of The Buzz, hosts Scott Luton and Marcia Williams welcome special guest Taylor Jackson, President and CEO of The Maritime Association of South Carolina, who discusses the potential impact of the ILA-USMX stalemate. Listen in as they discuss:The need for automation and better wages as a potentially crippling port strike loomsNASA's supply chain challengesOngoing shifts in retail sourcing practicesHalloween spending and the growing significant economic impact of the holiday Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about The Maritime Association of South Carolina: https://maritimesc.orgMost Recent Edition of With That Said: https://bit.ly/4defNnrLogiCon24- Reimagine Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/3AZf2BeNASA Supply Chain Issues: ht

How are supply chain leaders responding to the growing challenge of cargo theft in 2024?In this episode, hosts Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa are joined by Richie Daigle, Enterprise Account Executive at Tive, to discuss the alarming rise in cargo theft—up 50% this year—and the steps companies are taking to protect their freight. Richie shares how Tive’s real-time tracking technology is enabling businesses to secure shipments, minimize disruptions, and ensure goods arrive on time and intact.The conversation includes real-world examples of how businesses are using data to tackle both accidental and intentional risks in the supply chain. Richie highlights the importance of strong partnerships with suppliers and carriers, the critical role that buyers play in procurement, and how technology is reshaping supply chain visibility. Learn actionable steps to help safeguard your shipments and reduce losses in today's unpredictable supply chain environment.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Cargo theft trends in 2024 an

Supply Chain Now's latest episode features Scott Luton and special guest Mike Griswold from Gartner, discussing the intersection of supply chain management and popular TV shows. The conversation highlights how shows like MacGyver, Press Your Luck, and others offer valuable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and cross-functional teamwork. Listen in as they even touch on the rising issue of cargo theft, drawing a parallel with a memorable train heist from Breaking Bad. Tune in for an engaging discussion that blends entertainment with practical supply chain insights.Additional Links & Resources: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- Mastering Shipping: Insider Tips for Reliable and Cost-Effective Deliverie

The Buzz is Supply Chain Now’s regular Monday livestream, held at 12 noon ET each week. This show focuses on some of the leading stories from global supply chain and global business, always with special guests – the most important of which is the live audience!In this week's episode of The Buzz, hosts Scott Luton and Karin Bursa delve into the critical issues and opportunities in global supply chain management. Together they discuss:The potential impact of a looming strike by the International Longshoreman's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX)The importance of AI in supply chain optimization, with 99% of CEOs considering its implementationThe declining focus on sustainability among CEOs, despite increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly productsIconic trucking moments in media, celebrating National Truck Driver Appreciation WeekAdditional Links & Resources:Most recent edition of WTS: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/thank-trucker-supply-chain-now-gae4e/Top 10- Supp

How are supply chain leaders addressing disruptions and improving supplier relationships?In this episode, host Scott W. Luton speaks with Tom Kieley, CEO and co-founder of SourceDay, about how automation and AI are reshaping procurement and supplier collaboration. The conversation highlights SourceDay’s approach to reducing inefficiencies by automating purchase orders, predicting supply risks, and enhancing supplier reliability. Tom shares stories of companies that have reduced inventory costs, improved operations, and allowed their procurement teams to focus on strategic tasks.Listeners will gain insights into how buyers play a key role in procurement and how technology is being used to enhance communication with suppliers. The discussion also covers the benefits of data visibility and AI-driven decision-making, which are helping businesses avoid production delays and maintain a competitive edge in the global market.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) The Great Race: Tom’s family tradition and its connection

The advance of human capabilities has been led by people who were able to imagine things that were not possible and then muster the willpower to build them. That requires a combination of seeing the world a bit differently and being willing to take risks and push the limits to create something new.Eric Adolphe, CEO of Forward Edge-AI, Inc., is a technology-savvy executive with over thirty years of success building high-growth firms focused on mission impact, revenue, and margin attainment, primarily in the national security sector. But he isn’t interested in technology for technology’s own sake. Instead, he believes that it has the potential to generate enormous benefits for all of humanity.In this classic Supply Chain Now episode, sponsored by Microsoft, Eric joins co-hosts Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson to talk about his passion for innovation and willingness to go where no man has gone before:Eric’s opportunities to work first with NASA and now with the United States Space ForceWhy innovators must dedica

The Buzz is Supply Chain Now’s regular Monday livestream, held at 12 noon ET each week. This show focuses on some of the leading stories from global supply chain and global business, always with special guests – the most important of which is the live audience!In this week's Digital Transformers edition of The Buzz, hosts Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson discuss the state of the manufacturing industry, the impact of AI and digitization on supply chain visibility, and the role of transportation management technology in supply chain success. Listen and learn more about: How manufacturers are propelling their partners into the digital supply chain eraHow today's shippers are demanding effective transportation managementUniversities that are empowering high school students with AI and manufacturing skillsAnd much more!Additional Links & Resources:Most recent edition of With That Said: https://bit.ly/3zklhz19/10 Webinar- Optimizing Procurement Operations with Group Purchasing Organizations: https://bit.ly/3z1f

Is your marketing team prepared to make 2025 the best year ever?Join Supply Chain Now host Scott Luton, along with special guest host, CEO of The Robinson Group, Adam Robinson, for this special episode of Supply Chain Now as we share our recent webinar conversation with marketing dynamos Elaine Benfield and Gale Daikoku.Listen in and learn from these seasoned business leaders as they share their proven best practices, expertise, and perspective for marketing teams, especially those that serve the greater supply chain industry. Elaine and Gale will also share critical insights from their professional journeys, countless marketing campaigns, and shared experience in the supply chain marketing space. As you prepare for a successful close to 2024 and are getting ready for an even bigger 2025, make sure you tune into this conversation and learn from the experts!Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Gale: https://www.linkedin.com/in/galedaikoku/Connect with Elaine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainebenfield

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter delve into the intricacies of the airfreight industry, a critical yet often overlooked component of the global supply chain. Joined by special guest Sean Francisco, Chief Operating Officer for the Americas at Apex Logistics International, the conversation explores the current state of airfreight, the profound changes post-pandemic, and the evolving strategies companies must adopt to stay ahead.Listeners will gain valuable insights into how e-commerce is reshaping airfreight dynamics, the importance of selecting the right logistics partners, and the challenges of managing change in a rapidly shifting industry. Tune in to learn how to optimize your organization’s approach and stay competitive in a changing landscape.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Introduction to today's topic: the airfreight industry(09:15) Overview of the airfreight industry(14:16) Changes in the airfreight industry post-pandemic(18:28) The importance of picking the righ

Healthcare supply chains must be agile and cost effective, but all the efficiency in the world cannot guarantee a good patient experience. For that, organizations need to understand what patients expect and work closely with providers to ensure they have what they need for a range of treatment circumstances.  Tom Harvieux is the Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer at BJC Healthcare, one of the largest non-profit healthcare organizations in the United States. Tom is responsible for supply chain and logistics strategy, and his team’s achievements were recently recognized with an 8th place ranking in the Gartner Healthcare Supply Chain Top 25 list. In this classic Supply Chain Now episode, Tom joins hosts Scott Luton to discuss: • How his 22 years of experience in the U.S. Army allowed him to build the leadership and supply chain experience he now applies in the private sector • The changes he has observed in patient expectations about their healthcare experiences since the COV

Some of the Supply Chain Now team's favorite episodes are conversations featuring longtime friends who have achieved amazing things in their personal and professional lives. This episode features one of those special colleagues, Mark Preston, Founder and CEO of Lean Applications. Mark is a published author, a continuous improvement guru, and a sought-after keynote speaker. He has been driving positive change in manufacturing and sales environments for over 30 years, impacting people and organizations in equal measure. In this classic Supply Chain Now episode, host Scott Luton welcomes Mark back to the show to discuss: • What Lean really means to him, and what kinds of waste it truly eliminates • His five-step checklist to help organizations reinvigorate their Continuous Improvement Programs in 2023 • How we can all resist the ‘drama’ and become more focused and productive Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about Lean Applications: www.leanappl.com Connect with Mark

The Buzz is Supply Chain Now’s regular Monday livestream, held at 12 noon ET each week. This show focuses on some of the leading stories from global supply chain and global business, always with special guests – the most important of which is the live audience!In this week's episode of The Buzz, hosts Scott Luton and Marty Parker welcome special guest Kristi Porter, with Vector Global Logistics, to the show. Listen in as they discuss:The current needs for Vector's Leveraging Logistics for Ukraine initiativeWhat's next for the Logistics With Purpose podcast The threat to two-day or less shipping that Americans have come to expectThe slowing economy of the US compared to the resiliency of the global economyHow Supply Chain Leaders are Attracting and Retaining Talent in 2024And more!Additional Links & Resources:Recent edition of With That Said: https://bit.ly/4cBvcOs2024 Q2 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://bit.ly/scn-us-bankThe two-day or less shipping Americans have come to expect faces a climate ch

Ever wondered how supply chains are gearing up for the future in a world driven by technology and sustainability?In this episode, host Scott W. Luton sits down with Dr. Dinesh Davè, Director and Professor of Supply Chain Management at Appalachian State University, and Evan Junker, Chief Growth Officer at SPARQ360, to explore the cutting-edge trends shaping supply chain management today. They dive deep into the findings from the 2024 Supply Chain Trends and Attitudes Report, revealing how companies are prioritizing investments in AI, predictive analytics, and supply chain visibility platforms to stay ahead.Listeners will gain insights into the critical factors driving supply chain decisions, from customer demands to regulatory compliance, and how collaboration across supply chain is becoming more essential than ever. Plus, learn about the strategies companies are using to close the sustainability investment gap and the role of younger, tech-savvy talent in shaping the future of supply chains. Jump into the con

In this special crossover episode of Logistics with Purpose, produced in partnership with Vector Global Logistics, on Supply Chain Now, hosts Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter welcome former US Women's Soccer team goalkeeper Hope Solo to the show! Hope discusses her career, her advocacy for women's rights and gender equality, and her involvement with the Homeless World Cup. Listen in as she shares her journey from a young girl with a passion for soccer to becoming one of the world's top goalkeepers, and discusses the challenges she faced in advocating for equal pay and better conditions for women in sports. Also learn more about the Homeless World Cup, an organization that Hope supports and has a personal connection to, that uses soccer to inspire homeless people to change their lives. Tune in to gain insight into Hope Solo's remarkable journey, filled with resilience, passion, and a profound commitment to making a difference in the world through the game of soccer.Additional Links & Resources:Learn more

The Buzz is Supply Chain Now’s regular Monday livestream, held at 12 noon ET each week. This show focuses on some of the leading stories from global supply chain and global business, always with special guests – the most important of which is the live audience!In this week's episode of The Buzz, hosts Scott Luton and Marcia Williams welcome special guests Jenny Froome with ASCEA and Echo Nomsa VanderWal with The Luke Commission. Together they discuss:The incredible work that Echo and The Luke Commission are doing in Eswatini, Africa, providing comprehensive healthcare to underserved communities, and why the work has recently been recognized by the Africa Supply Chain Excellence AwardsThe importance of choosing the right partners in supply chain The progress of women in supply chain leadership rolesThe recent slowdown in inflation ratesAnd much more!Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Echo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/echo-vanderwal-4197522b5/Connect with Jenny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-froo

Africa is open for business! In this new episode in the Supply Chain Leadership Across Africa Series on Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton & special guest host MJ Schoemaker dive into the dynamic landscape of Africa's supply chain industry alongside Thato Moloi, a head of contract logistics in Southern Africa and the islands, and Vanya Jansen, Managing Director of Optigrow. Listen in to learn how collaboration, innovation, and resilience are driving transformational change within the continent's supply chain sectors. The team also discusses the crucial role of empathetic leadership, the importance of sharing ideas for sustainable solutions, and how embracing technology and collaboration can position Africa as a global supply chain leader. Jump into the conversation:00:00 Introducing MJ, Thato, and Vanya13:59 Leadership development and coaching17:41 Why successful collaboration is key in supply chain23:00 South Africa avoids load shedding through coalition24:45 Standardization and adaptability in supply chai

Discover the critical insights shaping the future of the freight market from Q2 2024, as industry experts unveil data-driven trends and forecasts.In this episode, Scott W. Luton is joined by Bobby Holland, Lee Klaskow, and co-host Tandreia Bellamy. They discuss the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index, based on $42 billion in transactions processed by U.S. Bank in 2023. Together, we hear about the domestic freight market's approaching bottom, decreased shipper spending, and regional economic variations.Listeners will walk away with a nuanced understanding of national and regional shipment trends, the impact of inflation on consumer habits, and forecasts for future market recovery.Jump into the conversation:00:00 Introduction of Bobby Holland and Lee Klaskow08:59 Dissecting the US Bank Freight Payment Index10:41 Analyst's approach to industry and economic research13:58 Improvement predictions in retail demand22:57 Supply chains disrupted by unforeseen events26:39 ISM manufacturing index31:54 Low-income impact of in

The Buzz is Supply Chain Now’s regular Monday livestream, held at 12 noon ET each week. This show focuses on some of the leading stories from global supply chain and global business, always with special guests – the most important of which is the live audience!In this week's episode of The Buzz, hosts Scott Luton and Billy Ray Taylor welcome Kathy Fulton and Lexi Nobles with American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) to the show. Listen in as they share more about ALAN, an organization that provides supply chain assistance to humanitarian organizations when disasters hit, the importance of community building, and their role in disaster response and recovery. They also discuss the top industry news of the week including:Boeing’s chaotic factory cultureWhat Works in Taiwan Doesn’t Always in ArizonaBilly Ray's recent time with Marcus LemonisAnd much more!Additional Links & Resources:Most recent With That Said: https://bit.ly/3WZXKwAU.S. Bank Freight Payment Index for 2nd Quarter 2024: https://bit.ly/scn-us-bankBi

Ever wondered how supply chains adapt in the face of global challenges and technological advancements?In this episode, host Scott W. Luton sits down with Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, to explore the dynamic world of supply chain management through the lens of current events and industry transformations. They dive deeply into Hasbro's strategic moves to tackle inventory challenges, navigate the shifting tides of global manufacturing, and leverage AI innovations in the grocery sector. Discover how Hasbro is balancing the rise in digital toy demand and the decline of physical toys, and how they are utilizing data analytics for effective supply and demand planning.Listeners will uncover a comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape as nations like China, South Korea, and the US ramp up their investments in domestic manufacturing to secure market share. Learn about the surging importance of e-commerce, the controversial role of self-checkouts, and the potential retail repercussions