In this insightful discussion, Alex Pradhan, founder of Alchemy Advisory with over 20 years in supply chain strategy, shares his expertise on the future of supply chains heading into 2026. They analyze the necessity of resilience amidst systemic disruptions and trade shifts. Key predictions include a U.S. manufacturing resurgence and the essential role of AI in enhancing decision-making. Alex emphasizes that true orchestration, rather than mere visibility, is vital for unlocking supply chain potential, as organizations must adapt strategies in an evolving landscape.
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insights INSIGHT
Systemic Disruption Is The New Normal
Systemic disruptions became the defining theme of 2025 across trade, labor, and natural disasters.
Alex Pradhan says leaders must rethink resilience as a core capability, not an exception.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Model Tariff Risk Into Planning
Bake policy risk and tariff uncertainty into your planning and scenario models today.
Alex Pradhan recommends supplier diversification, collaboration, and flexibility to manage tariff impacts.
insights INSIGHT
Timing Of Tariffs Amplifies Supply Strain
Tariff timing and volatility created upstream front-loading and congestion in 2025.
Karin Bursa highlights the need to model timing, inventory policies, and market indicators together.
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The future of supply chain is entering a defining chapter, and today, we dig into the signals, shifts, and strategic decisions shaping what’s ahead in 2026. From ongoing trade volatility and labor disruptions to the accelerating role of AI and integrated planning, this episode cuts through the noise to focus on what leaders must prepare for now. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EPG!
Listen in as hosts Scott Luton and Karin Bursa break down the most important developments influencing global supply chains — and how leaders can build resilience in the face of constant disruption. They’re joined by special guest Alex Pradhan, Founder of Alchemy Advisors, who brings practical perspective on how organizations are adapting strategy, technology, and decision-making for what’s next.
Together, they discuss:
Why systemic disruptions — from trade policy shifts and labor unrest to natural disasters — are no longer exceptions, and how leaders must rethink resilience as a core capability
Key predictions for 2026, including the normalization of tariff impacts, a potential U.S. manufacturing boom, and the continued maturation of integrated business planning
How AI is moving beyond experimentation to accelerate decision-making, supported by a real-world case study from a major beauty brand using AI to speed product development
Why orchestration matters more than ever, and how system-level decisions can move outcomes instead of simply reacting to disruption
How AI may soon become foundational to employee productivity, shifting the conversation from functional ROI to long-term human capital development
Tune in as we connect the dots, challenge assumptions, and explore what these trends mean for manufacturers, retailers, and supply chain leaders preparing for 2026 and beyond.
WEBINAR- Building the Foundation for Agentic AI in the Modern Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/4s634vN
This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-supply-chain-predictions-2026
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