Supply Chain Now

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 hi...

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:

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 stor...

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 th...

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:

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 empl...

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.

Th...

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:

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 corporat...

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...

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...

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 r...

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...

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:

Listen in for insightful analysis and expert commentary, as we highlight the manufacturing sector...

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...

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 st...

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:

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter are joined by Jeffrey Shih, CEO of Taiwan-based Dimerco Express Group, who brings over 35 years of logistics industry experience. The conversation covers a range of topics including the impact of tariffs, trade compliance, and the shifting dynamics of global sourcing strategies. Jeffrey shares invaluable tips on managing global relationships, the importance of technology in logistics, and the significance of understanding local cultures and practices.

Whether you're a supply chain professional or simply interested in the field, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and...

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Marty Parker welcome back Wiley Jones, Co-Founder and CEO of Doss, to discuss the evolving world of demand planning and supply chain optimization. Wiley shares his journey, from designing toys in factories in Asia to leading hardware projects in Silicon Valley, and how his diverse experiences shaped his mission to increase the agility of the global value chain.

They talk about the timeless truths in demand planning, such as the importance of aligning business inputs and outputs, and the transformative role of data integration in modern demand...

Join us as we discuss the paramount importance of nurturing relationships within the intricate tapestry of global supply chains, today on The Buzz!

This week, hosts Scott Luton and Jake Barr explore critical topics, alongside special guest Mark Gorlin, founder and CEO of Roadie. Listen in as they emphasize that successful leadership hinges upon the ability to cultivate rapport, and so much more. Listen in for:

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton welcomes Carolyn Lee, President and Executive Director of The Manufacturing Institute, to discuss the critical issues shaping the future of the manufacturing workforce. Carolyn shares her journey, from growing up in a manufacturing family to her leadership role at The Manufacturing Institute, where she works to bridge the skills gap and build the workforce of tomorrow.

They talk about the challenges of attracting and retaining talent, the importance of education and training programs like Heroes MAKE America and the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME), and how...

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton welcomes Bill Thorne, Senior Vice President of Communications, Research, and Marketing at the National Retail Federation (NRF) and host of the Retail Gets Real podcast. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of retail, from how customer insights drive innovation to the power of storytelling in shaping brand loyalty.

This engaging conversation covers the impact of COVID-19 on retail operations, how agility and speed became key to survival, and why retailers must embrace change to stay competitive. Bill also shares insights from his time at Walmart, lessons from...

The imposition of tariffs by the United States on various nations has emerged as a focal point of discussion, significantly impacting global trade dynamics.

In this episode of The Buzz, host Kevin L. Jackson delves into the ramifications of these tariffs, particularly on supply chain operations and international economic relations along with Warwick Powell, a distinguished expert in supply chain digitalization, who provides insightful analysis on the evolving landscape of trade and the necessity for agility amidst these challenges.

Listen in as they discuss:

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton explores the future of supply chain efficiency with Doug Wilson, Software Product Manager at PING Golf, and Shannon Vaillancourt, CEO of RateLinx. Together, they discuss how PING Golf is leveraging RateLinx’s TMS to streamline global shipping, improve real-time visibility, and enhance customer satisfaction.

This engaging conversation covers the challenges of managing a globally distributed supply chain, the benefits of seamless ERP and TMS integration, and how automation and data-driven decision-making are transforming logistics operations. Doug and Shannon share firsthand experiences of reducing shipping er...

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton welcomes Dr. Stephanie Thomas and Dr. Rod Thomas, associate professors of Supply Chain Management at the Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of supply chain education, talent development, and the critical role of collaboration between academia and industry.

Stephanie and Rod share insights on preparing the NOW generation of supply chain leaders, discussing the increasing awareness of supply chain careers, the importance of experiential learning, and how companies can build stronger internship pipelines. They also dive into the intersection of...

Join us as we tackle the imperative role of innovation within the supply chain sector, particularly as organizations endeavor to navigate the complexities of the current global business landscape, today on The Buzz!

This week, hosts Scott Luton and Enrique Alvarez explore critical topics, alongside special guest Jenny Froome, Director of Upavon, as they discuss:

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton highlights some of the most talked about topics in industry, including global economic trends, market news, the power of positive assumptions, and upcoming industry events.

Join us as Scott discusses insights on the top global economies projected for 2025, the bustling activity at US ports, the impact of tariffs on supply chains, Goodyear's transformation through AI and 3D printing, and the importance of maintaining positive assumptions in professional relationships.

Listen in for this great discussion, as well as a bonus preview of ProMat 2025 and National Supply...

Join Scott Luton and Mike Griswold for this new episode of Supply Chain Now, as they delve into the intersection of Hollywood and supply chain leadership. In this episode, they explore how movies like "Hoosiers," "World War Z," and "Jaws" offer unexpected yet valuable lessons for supply chain professionals. From the importance of teamwork and broadening supply chain definitions to fostering dissenting perspectives and aligning planning with execution, these films provide unique insights into overcoming challenges and driving success in the supply chain industry.

Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with practical takeaways and a touch...

Delve into the complexities of contemporary supply chain dynamics, with a particular emphasis on the increasing necessity for resilience amid various uncertainties, on this new episode of The Buzz on Supply Chain Now!

This week, hosts Scott Luton and Tandreia Bellamy explore critical topics, alongside special guest Richard Howells, VP for ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain with SAP, and host of the podcast, The Future of Supply Chain. Join us as they discuss:

In the latest installment of The NOW Generation series on Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton welcomes special co-host Kevin Lawton, founder of the New Warehouse podcast and Adjunct Professor at Rider University, as they dive into the world of supply chain management with students Aiden Clements and Chase Tomlinson.

The discussion highlights the importance of sustainability, the hidden concentrations within supply chain roles, and the critical role of internships in shaping future supply chain leaders. Aiden and Chase share their aspirations and insights, emphasizing the global nature of supply chain and the power of data analytics. <...

In this crossover episode of Logistics with Purpose®, hosts Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter interview Miren Oca, founder of B Corp certified Ocaquatics Swim School. Miren shares her journey from aspiring orthopedic surgeon to successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of leadership, purpose, and community impact. Ocaquatics, which teaches lifesaving swimming skills, is now 100% employee-owned through an Employee Ownership Trust, fostering a culture of ownership and long-term commitment. Miren also discusses her involvement with Florida for Good and the nonprofit Ripples of Impact, which extends their mission to underserved communities.

Tune on for a conversation that underscores the v...

Embark on an insightful exploration of the top news and prevailing dynamics within the global supply chain in this new episode of The Buzz on Supply Chain Now!

Hosts Scott Luton and Marty Parker delve into the pivotal role of leadership and talent management within the supply chain secto and so much more, as they welcome special guests Kimberly Evans with Relations Research and David Sadler with RBW Logistics. Listen in as they discuss:

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton lauds the indispensable roles of maintenance professionals within both military and civilian contexts, highlighting their critical contributions to operational efficacy. He delves into the fascinating parallels between the discipline required for maintaining aircraft, particularly evidenced through accounts from McConnell Air Force Base, and the lessons that can be gleaned from the historic Apollo program. By exploring the narratives shared by seasoned maintenance personnel, Scott underscores the often unrecognized yet vital functions they perform, which are essential for sustaining various forms of transportation and manufacturing.

Listen in as...

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott W. Luton sits down with Melanie Salter, Director of Supply Chain Research at boom! Global Network, to discuss the evolving role of people in supply chain strategy. Together, they explore the intersection of data, strategic network design, and inclusive leadership—and why businesses that overlook workforce engagement risk falling behind.

Melanie shares insights on industry trends, from AI adoption and decision-making challenges to the importance of building diverse, resilient supply chains. She also breaks down the latest research on workplace inclusion and its direct impact on business performance.

In the contemporary landscape of supply chain management, the integration of sustainability and digital transformation into modern manufacturing is emerging as a paramount necessity, heralding a new industrial paradigm that embraces resilience and intelligence.

In this new episode of The Buzz on Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson cover this and other top headlines and welcome Vesna Deljosevic, CEO and Owner of Reforma Group, to the show. They discuss:

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, for a dynamic discussion that spans tariffs, the evolution of retail, and the ever-changing world of supply chain.

Scott and Mike discuss global supply chain challenges, including the impact of tariffs, risk management strategies, and the need for resilience in an unpredictable world.

The duo also dives into Amazon’s continued dominance in e-commerce and how it has reshaped consumer expectations, sustainability considerations, and retail competition. Plus, they explore the changing role of shopping malls—once a hu...

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Kim Reuter are joined by freight industry experts Bobby Holland, Director of Freight Business Analytics at U.S. Bank, and Ken Adamo, Chief of Analytics at DAT Freight & Analytics. Together, they break down the latest U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index and what it reveals about the current state of the freight market.

Bobby and Ken share data-driven insights on key industry trends, including sluggish manufacturing, shifts in freight demand, and the impact of tariffs on cross-border shipments. They also discuss the balance between supply...

Welcome to a special edition of The Buzz, as we explore the evolution of the marketing behind the NFL's biggest game of the year, The Super Bowl!

As host Scott Luton was away at Manifest 2025, special hosts Mary Kate Love, Amanda Luton, and Katherine Hintz step in to tackle the intricate relationship between marketing and the Super Bowl, an event that serves as a pivotal platform for brands to showcase their advertising prowess. Listen in as they examine the profound impact of this annual spectacle, which attracts over one hundred million viewers and generates billions in advertising...

In today's episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton shares his thoughts on leadership, empathy, and life experiences in a podcast recorded in Las Vegas before the Manifest 2025 conference. He emphasizes the importance of empathetic leadership, recounts a memorable trip to Dallas with his son, and reflects on his personal journey, including a challenging high school experience and his time in the United States Air Force. Scott also pays tribute to his late friend Greg Chapman, who pursued his passion for music while bravely battling cancer.

Join us for this episode, as Scott encourages listeners to...

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, sponsored by Microsoft, hosts Scott W. Luton and Kevin L. Jackson sit down with aerospace leaders Allison Giddens, President of Operations at Win-Tech Inc., and Tyler Kowalczik, Vice President and Co-owner of Component Products Corporation. Together, they explore how digital transformation is reshaping aerospace manufacturing—helping businesses scale, improve efficiency, and strengthen supply chain resilience.

Allison and Tyler share firsthand insights on the challenges of modern aerospace production, from navigating supply chain complexities to leveraging ERP systems and AI-driven decision-making. They also discuss the evolving role of cybersecurity and compliance, in...