Supply Chain Now

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 organizations.The urgent need for educational institutions to adapt their supply chain curricula to better integrate emerging technologies and sustainability practices.Key lessons from recent environmental initiatives, including Earth Day 2025Listen in as we illuminate actionable strategies for organizations to enhance their operational efficiency while simultaneously addressing their environmental responsibilities amidst the evolving supply chain talent landscape. Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Claudia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiafreed/Connect with Rodney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scmtalent/Learn more about the Supply Chain Careers Podcast: https://supplychaincareers.com/Learn more about SCM Talent: http://www.linkedin/in/scmtalentLearn more about EALgreen: www.ealgreen.orgHow Innovation and Sustainability will Reshape Supply Chain Talent in 2025: https://bit.ly/4d3sWRHBuilding a Sustainable Supply Chain for a Competitive Advantage: https://bit.ly/3RRrKr8Learn 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/3XH6OVkThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton 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-talent-trends-1427

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 supply chain(21:58) Supply Chain Gals(27:24) Career advice and mentorship(27:41) Staying prepared in tough job marketsAdditional Links & ResourcesConnect with Liz Raman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethramangrubbs/ Explore Supply Chain Gals: https://supplychaingals.com/ Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now  Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join  Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Plug the Leaks: Where You’re Losing Money in Shipping (and How to Fix It): https://bit.ly/42iFW0ZWEBINAR- Altium 365: Integrated Supply Chain Management Across the Product: https://bit.ly/4bWSLmaWEBINAR- Cleared for Takeoff: Workforce Development in the Aviation Industry: https://bit.ly/42X4deyThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/amplifying-womens-voices-supply-chain-supply-chain-gals-1426

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 the key to achieving universal health coverage.Whether you're in global health, supply chain, or looking to make a difference, this conversation is a call to build smarter, stronger, and more connected systems.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Trip: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trip-allport-65aab3/Connect with Anderson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anderson-titimi/Learn more about VillageReach: https://www.villagereach.org/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- Plug the Leaks: Where You’re Losing Money in Shipping (and How to Fix It): https://bit.ly/42iFW0ZWEBINAR- Altium 365: Integrated Supply Chain Management Across the Product: https://bit.ly/4bWSLmaWEBINAR- Cleared for Takeoff: Workforce Development in the Aviation Industry: https://bit.ly/42X4deyThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/supply-chain-leadership-across-africa-increasing-private-sector-engagement-quality-healthcare-1425

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 global supply chains.Additional Links & Resources:With That Said: https://bit.ly/4jqpYJn Why Reverse Logistics Needs to Be a Priority in 2025: https://bit.ly/436mRAAConnect with Lars on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsrdzedek/Learn more about DHL: www.dhl.comConnect with Tony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-sciarrotta-235570/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- Plug the Leaks: Where You’re Losing Money in Shipping (and How to Fix It): https://bit.ly/42iFW0ZWEBINAR- Altium 365: Integrated Supply Chain Management Across the Product: https://bit.ly/4bWSLmaWEBINAR- Cleared for Takeoff: Workforce Development in the Aviation Industry: https://bit.ly/42X4deyThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Tony Sciarrotta produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-circularity-returns-management-reverse-logistics-1424

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) Why standard systems still lead to performance gaps(16:30) The margin cost of inefficiencies and workarounds(20:00) The impact of chaos on workers and operational morale(24:00) Real-world challenges in plant and warehouse coordination(26:00) The limits of ERP and WMS in dynamic environments(30:10) Why the most used tools are still Excel and whiteboards(32:00) The three stages: visibility, predictability, and orchestration(35:45) What AI is actually doing inside the warehouse(38:30) Creating calm out of chaos with real-time decision-making(41:00) What a modern logistics platform looks like in action(46:00) Tangible and intangible benefits of orchestration(49:00) Keith’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in logisticsAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Keith Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithdmoore13/Learn more about AutoScheduler.AI: https://www.autoscheduler.aiLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now  Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join  Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Plug the Leaks: Where You’re Losing Money in Shipping (and How to Fix It): https://bit.ly/42iFW0ZWEBINAR- Altium 365: Integrated Supply Chain Management Across the Product: https://bit.ly/4bWSLmaWEBINAR- Cleared for Takeoff: Workforce Development in the Aviation Industry: https://bit.ly/42X4deyThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Jake Barr and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/transforming-warehouse-opertaions-through-real-time-automation-1423

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 its importance(39:56) Decoding space acronyms(40:50) Impact of the space economy(42:37) Military and private sector collaboration(44:13) Global space race and competitors(48:22) Opportunities in the space economy(55:47) Innovations and developments in spaceAdditional Links & ResourcesConnect with Dr. David Beck: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeckmba/ Connect with Richard Donaldson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddonaldson/ Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now  Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join  Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Plug the Leaks: Where You’re Losing Money in Shipping (and How to Fix It): https://bit.ly/42iFW0ZWEBINAR- Altium 365: Integrated Supply Chain Management Across the Product: https://bit.ly/4bWSLmaWEBINAR- Cleared for Takeoff: Workforce Development in the Aviation Industry: https://bit.ly/42X4deyThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Kevin Jackson and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/inside-space-economy-supply-chain-innovation-opportunities-1422

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 you to engage with us in this multifaceted discourse.Additional Links & Resources:Connect With Max on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxgarland/Learn more about Supply Chain Dive: https://www.supplychaindive.com/USPS begins implementing new service standards: https://bit.ly/42zXo1aWhat privatizing the US Postal Service could mean for prices, coverage: https://bit.ly/4cKP0R9Walmart expands same-day delivery reach with geospatial technology: https://bit.ly/4jkQiVyDe minimis shipping from China ending in May, other countries at risk: https://bit.ly/44yF8rpDe minimis’ future: 4 questions shippers should consider: https://bit.ly/4lKsADKSupply Chain Dive Newsletter: https://bit.ly/443Lwa3The State of E-commerce Delivery Event: https://bit.ly/42AY46jChina is Finding Ways to Replace American Farmers: https://bit.ly/4d0oOlPFedEx, UPS alternatives grew market share in 2024: ShipMatrix: https://bit.ly/42TYTIMLearn 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- Adapting to Volatility: Navigating Trade Wars, Supply Chain Disruptions & AI: https://bit.ly/4kqSv2DWEBINAR- Plug the Leaks: Where You’re Losing Money in Shipping (and How to Fix It): https://bit.ly/42iFW0ZWEBINAR- Altium 365: Integrated Supply Chain Management Across the Product: https://bit.ly/4bWSLmaWEBINAR- Cleared for Takeoff: Workforce Development in the Aviation Industry: https://bit.ly/42X4deyThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-evolving-dynamics-delivery-servicces-1421

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, and cross-sector collaboration in shaping the future of supply chain on the continent.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:52) Marietjie Brown and her passion for sustainability(11:58) Regenerative supply chain initiatives in Africa(16:06) Bringing running water to underserved communities(18:28) Inside CHEP’s circular economy model(27:23) Sustainability goals: planting trees and feeding millions(32:48) Challenges and solutions in African supply chains(37:41) Supporting small enterprises and unlocking growth(41:21) Looking ahead to the SAPICS Conference(46:03) What’s next for CHEP and the global supply chainAdditional Links & ResourcesConnect with Marietjie Brown: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marietjie-coertzen-brown-543a1327/?originalSubdomain=zaLearn more about CHEP: https://www.chep.com/Learn more about SAPICS: https://www.sapics.org/Check out the 47th Annual SAPICS 2025 Conference: https://conference.sapics.org/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now  Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join  Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Adapting to Volatility: Navigating Trade Wars, Supply Chain Disruptions & AI: https://bit.ly/4kqSv2DWEBINAR- Plug the Leaks: Where You’re Losing Money in Shipping (and How to Fix It): https://bit.ly/42iFW0ZWEBINAR- Altium 365: Integrated Supply Chain Management Across the Product: https://bit.ly/4bWSLmaWEBINAR- Cleared for Takeoff: Workforce Development in the Aviation Industry: https://bit.ly/42X4deyThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Claire Fincham and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/zero-waste-clean-water-millions-fed-look-CHEP-impact-across-africa-1420

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 Masters Week moments(05:26) Discussing tariffs and supply chain uncertainty(08:08) Spotlight on Schneider Electric(12:39) Johnson & Johnson's big investment(17:16) PepsiCo's regenerative agriculture initiative(22:25) Logistics of the NCAA tournamentsAdditional Links & ResourcesConnect with Mike Griswold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/ Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Adapting to Volatility: Navigating Trade Wars, Supply Chain Disruptions & AI: https://bit.ly/4kqSv2DWEBINAR- Plug the Leaks: Where You’re Losing Money in Shipping (and How to Fix It): https://bit.ly/42iFW0ZWEBINAR- Altium 365: Integrated Supply Chain Management Across the Product: https://bit.ly/4bWSLmaThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Mirnada, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/gartner-25-expanding-north-american-supply-chains-regenerative-agriculutre-1419

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 for companies to take proactive steps in addressing human rights violations and offers practical advice on how to prepare and act when such issues are discoveredThe invasion of humanoid robotsAnd more!Listen in as we navigate these critical topics, and reflect upon their role in fostering ethical practices and to take actionable steps towards making a meaningful impact.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timnelson-uk/Hope for Justice: https://hopeforjustice.org/en-us/ Slave Free Alliance: https://www.slavefreealliance.org/With That Said: https://bit.ly/4icKtbiBusiness Insider’s Instagram reel: https://bit.ly/43TiF8u Supply Chain Now en Espanol: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now-en-espanol/ Connect with Sofia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-rivas-herrera/Invasion of the Home Humanoid Robots: https://bit.ly/4j3VsoALearn 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- Lessons Learned from the Trenches: How AI Will Impact the Future of Work: https://bit.ly/3DUnROxWEBINAR- Adapting to Volatility: Navigating Trade Wars, Supply Chain Disruptions & AI: https://bit.ly/4kqSv2DWEBINAR- Plug the Leaks: Where You’re Losing Money in Shipping (and How to Fix It): https://bit.ly/42iFW0ZWEBINAR- Altium 365: Integrated Supply Chain Management Across the Product: https://bit.ly/4bWSLmaThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Sofia Rivas, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-addressing-modern-slavery-scross-supply-chains-1418