
Sustainable Supply Chain
Welcome to the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, hosted by Tom Raftery, a seasoned expert at the intersection of technology and sustainability. This podcast is an evolution of the Digital Supply Chain podcast, now with a laser-focused mission: exploring and promoting tech-led sustainability solutions in supply chains across the globe.Every Monday at 7 am CET, join us for insightful and organic conversations that blend professionalism with an informal, enjoyable tone. We don't script our episodes; instead, we delve into spontaneous, meaningful dialogues about significant topics, always with a touch of fun.Our guests are a diverse mix of influencers in the field - from founders and CxOs of pioneering solution providers to thought leaders and supply chain executives who have successfully implemented sustainability initiatives. Their stories, insights, and experiences are shaping the future of sustainable supply chains.While the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast addresses critical and complex issues, we aim to keep the discussions accessible, engaging, and, most importantly, actionable. It's a podcast that caters to a global audience, reflecting the universal importance of sustainability in today’s interconnected world.We are always eager to hear from our listeners. Your feedback and suggestions are invaluable to us, helping shape the podcast into a platform that truly resonates with its audience. Feel free to reach out via email or connect with us on social media to share your thoughts, ideas, or just to say hello.Subscribe to the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast and be a part of this crucial conversation. Together, let's explore how technology and innovation can lead the charge in creating more sustainable, responsible, and efficient supply chains for a better tomorrow.
Latest episodes

Jun 16, 2023 • 32min
Unpacking the Future of B2B eCommerce with Sana Commerce's CTO, Arno Ham
Send me a messageWelcome back to another episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast. In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of B2B eCommerce with Arno Ham, CTO of Sana Commerce.We kicked off our conversation discussing why digital transformation is essential in B2B commerce. It's a journey that involves a myriad of moving parts - from optimizing supply chains to enhancing customer experiences, and Arno delves into how his team at Sana Commerce is navigating these waters.Arno shared some astonishing statistics that reveal the surprisingly slow adoption of B2B eCommerce globally - it’s fascinating to see how the transition towards digital is creating new opportunities and challenges for businesses. Arno also touched upon the importance of implementing sustainable practices in B2B commerce, with the aim of reducing costs, improving efficiencies, and curbing environmental impact.But the road to digital transformation isn't without its bumps. One of the key challenges Arno highlighted is the struggle many B2B businesses face in selecting the right products, optimizing their journeys, and reducing returns. With the right strategies, this can be turned into an opportunity to improve overall sustainability.As we dove further into the discussion, Arno introduced a game-changing concept - generative AI. With generative AI, businesses can improve product information and optimize business processes, significantly reducing the manual effort currently needed in many B2B operations.The episode wraps up with Arno highlighting the importance of trust in B2B relationships, and how generative AI could potentially shape trust dynamics in the industry. As Arno aptly puts it - who can you trust when AI is part of the equation?Remember, we're all on this journey together.Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Jun 12, 2023 • 34min
Transforming Supply Chains: Sustainability, Automation, and Beyond
Send me a messageIn today's episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast I'm joined by two leading experts from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), Mark Baxa and Kevin Smith, for an inspiring chat on all things supply chain, as well as a look into the future of the industry.We dive into a rich discussion on how crucial supply chains are to our society and the role they play in shaping it. Both Mark and Kevin believe in the power of continuous learning and improvement to shape the future of the supply chain industry. And trust me, their enthusiasm is infectious!But what's a chat on supply chains without a bit of technology talk, right? We delve into how emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and automation are not only enhancing efficiency but are also driving sustainability in the industry. Don't worry, though, we're not forgetting about the human element! We delve into the importance of the human role in decision-making amidst the rise of automation.We've also got some great insights on the changing demographics of the workforce and how that affects supply chains. And of course, we discuss the exciting possibilities and challenges AI brings, especially when it comes to making sense of internet data.As we explore the role of CSCMP in fostering continuous learning, and the journey of supply chain improvements, we make it abundantly clear: the journey is just as important as the destination.So come join us on this journey and gain insights from these two passionate industry leaders, and remember, just like Leonardo da Vinci, we're all still learning! And remember you can check out the video version of this podcast episode at https:/Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Jun 5, 2023 • 31min
AI, Geopolitics & More: Unpacking Your Supply Chain Predictions
Send me a messageHello everyone, Tom Raftery here. This episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast is a bit different than our usual fare, and trust me, you're in for a treat! I threw out a question on podinbox.com/dsc about challenges we might face in the supply chain industry, and boy, did you all rise to the occasion.Rather than our usual one-on-one conversation, this episode features insights from a broad range of industry professionals who left their thoughts in audio format. We have viewpoints from:Marcell Vollmer, who discusses complexity and Cybersecurity in supply chains.Richard Donaldson asked about circular economy platformsJeff Winter who mentioned some of the top challengesAli Raza from Throughput, focusing on the critical role of budgeting and change.David Shillingford and Chris White, who delve into the intricacies of data privacy and cross-functional visibility.And last but not least, Rob Tiffany, who offers a fascinating geopolitical perspective on the supply chain industry.It's a whirlwind tour of insights, and I can't wait for you to hear it all.Looking forward, I'm asking you to consider sustainability in the supply chain industry for our next episode. I'm excited to hear your thoughts on exciting initiatives that you've seen or would like to see rolled out in organizations. Remember, you can leave your comment or answer at podinbox.com/dsc.As a quick heads-up, I'll be at the Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Jun 2, 2023 • 31min
Revealing the Balance: Automation vs. Human Intervention in Supply Chains
Send me a messageHello and welcome back to another episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast. I'm your host, Tom Raftery and today we're digging into a fascinating conversation about automation, human intervention, and collaboration in supply chain systems.Our guest is Tom Pierce, the Founder and President of Integrated Information Systems. In this episode, Tom takes us on a deep dive into the nuances of supply chain processes and the balance between automated systems and human involvement. We discuss the importance of understanding the entire project lifecycle, particularly in industries where projects span several years.Tom shares his insights on the importance of cross-functional collaboration and training. He emphasizes the need to understand the impact of decisions across the entire organization and the value of open communication.We also take a closer look at the world of software systems - the constant interplay between standardization and specialization, and the tension between proprietary systems and interoperability. Tom's philosophy? The more open, exposed, and transparent we can be about our automated processes, the better.This episode will make you think about the role of automation, the importance of visibility into processes, and the need for open, accessible information. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in how to make supply chains more efficient and collaborative.Whether you're deep in the world of supply chain management or just curious about how things work behind the scenes, you won't want to miss this conversation. So tune in and let's dive right in!Remember, you can find Tom Pierce on LinkedIn or reach out to him at Tom@i2s.us. For more grElevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

May 29, 2023 • 3min
A New Way to Engage - Introducing the DSC Fan Page on Podinbox
Send me a messageHi there, Digital Supply Chain enthusiasts! In this special episode, I'm thrilled to share some exciting news that I've been eager to reveal.I've launched a new feature that will let us engage with each other in a whole new way: a Digital Supply Chain podcast fan page on Podinbox. This isn't just a place to catch up on episodes; it's a platform where you can connect directly with me, share your thoughts, ask questions, make suggestions, or even record an audio message that might be featured in future episodes.You can find this interactive space at podinbox.com/dsc. Here, I invite you to turn our podcast into a conversation. Let's learn from each other, share insights, and create a community around our shared interest in the digital supply chain.In today's episode, I also kick off our first discussion with a question that's been on my mind: "What do you think is the most significant challenge facing the digital supply chain industry in the next 5 years, and what potential solutions do you foresee?" I'm eager to hear your thoughts. Record an audio message on the page with your response, and you might just hear it on the next episode.Podcasting can often feel like a one-way street, but I believe in the power of dialogue. That's why I'm inviting you to make this podcast a two-way conversation. Your engagement is what makes this podcast come alive, and I can't wait to see how our discussions unfold on the fan page.As always, thank you for your continued support and engagement. This podcast wouldn't be the same without you. Until next time!Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

May 26, 2023 • 22min
Paving the Way for Autonomous Supply Chains with Real-time Data, AI, and Machine Learning
Send me a messageWelcome back to another compelling episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast! I’m your host, Tom Raftery, and this time around we’re going deep into the world of real-time data, AI, and machine learning in the supply chain with Sanjay Sharma, the CEO of Roambee.In this exciting episode, Sanjay and I explore the workings of Roambee, a company revolutionising supply chain management by utilizing real-time data, AI, and machine learning. This means keeping an eye on your goods in transit has never been easier or more precise - just one of the ways Roambee is moving us towards autonomous supply chains.Sanjay shares some truly intriguing real-world examples showing how AI and machine learning are creating supply chains that can adjust and react dynamically. We’re talking about a future where supply chains self-adjust in response to hiccups and disruptions, even those as unexpected as a ship stuck in the Suez Canal.If you're a business owner or involved in the supply chain management, you might be wondering where to start. Good news! Sanjay provides great insights on starting the journey towards a digitized supply chain, focusing on incremental improvements rather than being overwhelmed by the bigger picture. His advice is practical, applicable, and will put you on the path towards an efficient, technology-driven supply chain.So, come join us as we dive into the future of supply chains in this dynamic episode with Sanjay Sharma. You'll discover the fascinating world of technology-driven supply chains and maybe even get a few ideas to implement in your own business.I'm left wondering if I will need to re-brand this podcast to the Autonomous Supply Chain podcast!Enjoy the listen and don't forget to check out the video version of this podcast at https://youtu.be/BjcNB9tIcmISupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

May 22, 2023 • 32min
Marcell Vollmer on Innovating Supply Chain Management for a Sustainable Future
Send me a messageHello everyone, welcome to another exciting episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into the future of supply chains with the brilliant Marcell Vollmer, CEO of Prospitalia Group.We explore a host of topics, from the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in enhancing supply chain processes, to how autonomous vehicles and drones might be key players in the logistics and supply chain space. We discuss about real-life applications of these technologies and how they've been tested around the world in places like California, Pittsburgh, and Phoenix.We touch on sustainability issues as well, especially how the electrification of transportation impacts our climate and our supply chains. Get ready to learn how the trend of electrifying transport, including drones and electric trucks, is a promising step towards cleaner air, less noise pollution, and reduced climate emissions.Marcell shares insightful perspectives on globalization and the necessity to distribute manufacturing while maintaining strong international connections. We delve into the inevitable reality of a world post-oil, and how renewable energies like solar and wind power may shape our supply chains.You won't want to miss our exchange on potential future technologies that could impact supply chains, like blockchain, and the path to a more sustainable, efficient, and interconnected world of commerce.We wrapped up our conversation with Marcell's views on how we need to prepare the world for significant change and how supply chains will be central to this transformation.I hope you enjoy this enlightening conversation as much as I did. Don't forget to connect with MarcellElevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

May 19, 2023 • 28min
Resilience and Innovation in Global Supply Chains - e2open's CEO Weighs In
Send me a messageWelcome to another insightful episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast! Today, I had the pleasure of chatting with Michael Farlekas, the CEO of e2open, and he had a wealth of knowledge to share.From the get-go, we dived deep into the crucial role that data accuracy plays in today's supply chain processes. Michael made it clear that having the right data is like the oxygen that keeps the supply chain system alive and running smoothly.We also talked about the increasing importance of AI in supply chain management and how it's changing the game in predicting and meeting supply chain needs. Michael has some fascinating insights on this,Next, we ventured into the future – quantum computing. Michael enlightened us on the potentials of this groundbreaking technology, predicting it to be the next big leap in handling massive amounts of data for more efficient decision-making.Next we explored the idea of geographic diversity in supply chains. As industries worldwide are realizing the risks of relying on a single region, the concept of supply chain resilience has become more important than ever. Michael shared his thoughts on this trend and its implications for future supply chains.In closing, we touched on the increasing trend of diversified manufacturing, especially highlighted by recent developments such as Foxconn's plant in India. It's a change that promises to foster resiliency and improve living standards in underdeveloped economies.Whether you're a supply chain veteran or just curious about the field, there's something in this episode for you. So why wait? Dive right in and join us for this exploration of the digital supply chain universe.The video version of the podcast is at https://youtu.be/Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

May 15, 2023 • 34min
The AI Transformation: How AI and Big Data are Shaping the Future
Send me a messageWelcome to another exciting episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast! I'm your host, Tom Raftery, and today, I'm thrilled to bring you an insightful discussion I had with Keith Hartley, the CEO of LevaData.In this episode, Keith delves deep into how LevaData is revolutionising the way sourcing professionals in the manufacturing industry understand, manage, and optimise their supply chains. With an innovative approach that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence and large language models, LevaData is making significant strides in the industry.Keith shares the fascinating journey of LevaData and its mission to provide unparalleled insights into parts, ingredients, and metals data. He underscores the critical importance of data in the current digital era and how it can be leveraged to drive strategic decisions, optimise operations, and gain a competitive edge.But that's not all. Keith also outlines the future of LevaData and the broader supply chain management landscape. He envisions a world where procurement and supply chain planning converge, with a focus on part-level and ingredient-level intelligence. This vision, as he explains, will undoubtedly revolutionize the way we approach supply chain planning and management.Finally, Keith invites listeners to experience LevaData for themselves. He extends a personal challenge to all, to engage with the software and see firsthand the transformative potential it holds.So, if you're a professional in the manufacturing industry, a big data geek, or simply someone interested in the intersection of AI and supply chain management, this episode is a must-listen. Don't miss out on these valuable insights! As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments.Stay tuned for more enlighteningElevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

May 12, 2023 • 39min
Transforming Supply Chains: An Insightful Discussion with NEC Labs President, Chris White
Send me a messageWelcome to another episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast! I'm your host, Tom Raftery, and today we're diving deep into the fascinating world of automated negotiation and optimization in supply chains with a very special guest - Chris White, President of NEC Labs America.In this episode, we unpack the immense potential of technology in making our supply chains more efficient, and above all, more sustainable. Chris shares insights about a proposed digital platform that could be a game-changer in how we manage resources and energy use among various entities. Think of it as a marketplace where devices and companies negotiate the best energy deals, contributing to a greener planet while optimizing costs. Fascinating, right?We also touch on the concept of demand-side management, and how everyday household devices, if made smart and responsive to grid signals, could help us reduce our carbon footprint. From freezers to EVs, Chris highlights how time-flexible loads can be managed better to suck in excess energy during low-demand periods.Plus, we reminisce about the promise of smart grids and where we went wrong. The discussion takes an optimistic turn as Chris talks about the revival of smart grid use cases and how a more open, standardized model can pave the way for more success in the future.Whether you're into supply chains, tElevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.
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