Discussion on Red Sea tensions and the impact on shipping routes. The manufacturing industry shows contraction based on the PMI. The rise of automation in manufacturing to address talent shortages and increase efficiency. Casual conversation about drinks and rising costs. Challenges and opportunities in the new year, including the difficulties of dropshipping and the importance of taking action.

The podcast discusses the role of technology in revolutionizing supply chain management, the importance of using data effectively, a practical approach to data and technology, embracing digital transformation, and the significance of implementation in supply chain digitalization strategies.

Amazon Vendor Central is a cloud-based inventory management system that allows third-party sellers to upload their products directly to Amazon. Using technology and smart planning is crucial for businesses to expand and connect with more people, and Shawn Oleson, a Retail Insights Manager for Amazon at SupplyPike and former Amazon employee, suggests that before jumping into it, businesses should focus on creating solid plans, organizing data, and using technology to make their operations smoother.In today's episode, hosts Scott Luton and Greg White welcome Shawn to the show and discuss:The significance of data-driven approaches and understanding retailer-vendor dynamicsThe challenges businesses face with Amazon Vendor Central, and the need for strategic planning, compliance adherence, and effectively managing claims and finesThe evolving nature of e-commerce, the necessity of streamlined processes, and the pivotal role technology plays in adapting to changes in Amazon's policies The complexity of Amazon's ecosystem and the importance of having an intermediary or partner with expertise to navigate it successfullySupplyPike's role in providing software solutions for brands, manufacturers, and consumer packaged goods Listen in and learn more about the various challenges and best practices in managing Amazon Vendor Central, and take away key insights into optimizing operations, adapting to policy changes, and leveraging technology for efficient supply chain management in the e-commerce landscape.Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about SupplyPike: https://www.supplypike.com/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Greg White. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/tech-trade-ecommerce-evolution-amazon-vendor-central-1219

Delving into the art of content creation and storytelling within the business landscape, today's episode, one of the best livestreams of 2023, features award-winning content creators, Jason Hoch and Sean Kipe, and Supply Chain Now host Scott Luton.This conversation covers diverse topics from engaging audiences to navigating criticism, and emphasizing the significance of genuine storytelling. They share anecdotes, discussing the challenges and rewards of capturing unique stories, and highlighting the power of trust in business and content creation. Throughout the episode, practical tips emerge, such as the significance of quality over speed, the value of listening, and the necessity of investing in storytelling for lasting impact. Listen in and learn:How to craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audiences while navigating the ever-evolving landscape of digital content creation as a business professionalHow to emphasize authenticity, connection, and the value of investing emotionally in storytellingThe importance of patience, preparation, and quality in content creationHow a commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of storytelling in today's dynamic business environment can set your content apartAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/best-2023-talking-shop-jason-hoak-sean-kipe-1218

Supply chain leaders have certainly proven themselves to be fighters over the last few years. Gladis Araujo, Global Supply Chain Strategy Vice President at Mattel, believes they have earned the label ‘gladiator.’ They face many opponents: psychological challenges, physical challenges, constant pressure, and unfavorable conditions. And, like gladiators, supply chain leaders are unbeatable when they fight as a team.Gladis is a global business leader with over 25 years’ experience in quality and supply chain. Today she is responsible for the global quality digital transformation, licensing, nearshoring initiatives in LATAM, and logistics at the number one toy company in the world. Gladis is also dedicated to a number of initiatives and community organizations aimed at supporting women all over the world.In this classic episode, and one of the best of 2023, Gladis speaks with Scott Luton and guest co-host Astrid Aubert with Logistics with Purpose and Supply Chain Now En Español about:• The complex regulatory requirements that must be satisfied when manufacturing toys and products for children• Why companies and their suppliers have to work collaboratively to satisfy challenges like sustainability without raising costs for customers• Changing dynamics that make manufacturing a global exercise – and a highly localized one• Quick tips for becoming the best supply chain executive you can beAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Astrid Aubery. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/best-2023-forward-looking-industry-leadership-conversation-mattel-1217

The Supply Chain Now community is so professionally ambitious that the team regularly fields questions about what people can do to make the most of their career in supply chain management. Who better to ask for input than Mike Griswold?Mike Griswold is the Vice President of Research at Gartner, specializing in retail with a particular focus on forecasting and replenishment. He is responsible for Gartner’s annual Top 25 Supply Chain ranking and joins Supply Chain Now on a monthly basis to discuss the latest in retail supply chains from an analyst’s perspective.In this classic episode, and one of our best of 2023, Mike shares his best supply chain career advice with co-hosts Scott Luton and Jenny Froome:• Making sure you and your current organization are a good fit in terms of work/life balance expectations• Why a well-managed career often includes a broad collection of behaviors and experiences• The importance of active connection building inside of your company, and for your team if you are a manager• Reasons for anyone working in supply chain to encounter as many sub-disciplines as they canAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Jenny Froome. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/best-2023-4-ways-optimize-scm-career-1216

Although specific goals and challenges vary from company to company and industry to industry, there are also macro trends that all companies are trying to optimize against. How each leadership team chooses to navigate these trends will ultimately determine if they grow their market footprint or start to fall behind the competition.Rob Schaefer is the VP of Transportation Management Sales at Manhattan Associates and Bryant Smith is their Director of Product Management. They are in regular conversation with customers and decision makers, hearing their thoughts about what issues are the highest priority and which forms of value are the hardest to deliver.In this classic episode, and one of our best of 2023, Rob and Bryant join hosts Scott Luton and Greg White discuss three top supply chain trends:• Labor shortages – what is causing them and how companies are responding• Operational costs v. service levels – including the analytical capabilities required to keep costs low while keeping customer satisfaction high• Digitization – which means more things to more people than many of us realize, and ultimately leads to better connectivity and decision makingAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Greg White. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/best-2023-top-3-trends-supply-chain-today-manhattan-associates-1215

Many manufacturers leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) to gather data and streamline their operations. Lexmark has been applying that concept since long before the IoT was commonly understood, using sensors to gather data and provide their clients with an exceptional customer experience.Tonya Jackson is the Senior Vice President of Chief Product Delivery Officer at Lexmark. She has over 30 years of experience in the high-tech industry, and is currently responsible for Lexmark’s product delivery strategy, which includes supply chain, manufacturing, hardware, supplies development, and more.In this classic interview, and one of our best of 2023 and made possible through a partnership with the team at Microsoft, Tonya joins co-hosts Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson to discuss:• Initiatives that Lexmark has implemented to move their digital transformation forward, such as leveraging IoT capabilities to pinpoint variances and accelerate responses• Investing in supply chain resilience by institutionalizing lessons learned in preparation for the decisions she and her team will make in the future• How the cloud makes it possible for manufacturing companies, and supply chain leadership specifically, to access powerful computational resources on an as-needed basisAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/best-2023-building-disruptive-differentiated-offering-lexmark-1214

Rick McDonald, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Clorox, discusses the workforce crisis, supply chain digitization, and supply chain resilience in this episode. Topics include the challenge of finding skilled labor, cyber risk, and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. A must-listen for supply chain executives.

The Supply Chain 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 last Buzz of 2023, hosts Scott Luton and Greg White discuss some of the top news stories and trends in supply chain and industry today. Listen in and learn more about:The trouble in the Red Sea, and how shipping firms are avoiding the Suez CanalMacy's and if they're doomed to the same fate as Sears and Bed, Bath, & BeyondThe US Manufacturing output for November and what it means for industry Nacho Cheese booze for your New Year's Eve toasts?And more!Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Greg White. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/supply-chain-buzz-1212