Next Level Supply Chain with GS1 US

The apparel industry is working to be more sustainable, but verifying those claims is complicated. With over 70 certifications and no standardized way to share data, brands and retailers struggle to track sustainability efforts efficiently. In this episode, Amy Reiter, Senior Director of Customer Success for the Apparel and General Merchandise Initiative at GS1 US, joins hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl for a conversation on the challenges of sustainability certifications in apparel. Many companies still rely on PDFs and spreadsheets to verify organic cotton claims and responsible manufacturing. GS1 US is working to change that by improving data-sharing processes and exploring how GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers) can streamline certification tracking. Tune in to learn how the industry is tackling sustainability verification and what it means for brands, retailers, and consumers alike.   In this episode, you’ll learn: Why GTINs are critical for accurate sustainability claims How brands and retailers can replace inefficient certification tracking The growing role of machine-readable data in product transparency   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Sustainability Journey at GS1 US (03:16) Streamlining Textile Certification Data (06:51) GTIN Certification Process Overview (10:22) Gen Z Drives Eco-Label Awareness (13:04) Seamless Machine-Readable Data Sharing (18:28) Sustainability Practices in Business   Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.org GS1 US on LinkedIn   Connect with the guest: Amy Reiter on LinkedIn

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) compliance deadline is approaching quickly, giving companies less than a year to meet new food safety and traceability requirements. But beyond compliance, why does traceability matter? In this episode, Wiggs Civitillo, Founder & CEO of Starfish,  joins hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to discuss how product traceability can streamline recalls, reduce food waste, and build consumer trust. Inconsistent data and lack of interoperability are some of the biggest challenges companies face in food traceability. Starfish addresses these challenges by enabling secure, seamless data sharing across the supply chain. Tune in to hear FSMA 204 explained and discover solutions to help companies stay compliant. In this episode, you’ll learn: Practical solutions to meet FSMA 204 requirements efficiently The impact of real-time data on food safety monitoring How companies can use traceability to build consumer trust   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (01:41) Challenges and lessons from the IBM Food Trust (05:25) How Starfish connects supply chains (13:58) Recalls, food safety, and consumer trust (19:19) Understanding FSMA 204 and compliance (25:06) Benefits of product traceability (30:39) Wiggs’ favorite tech tool   Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.org GS1 US on LinkedIn   Connect with the guest: Wiggs Civitillo on LinkedIn Check out Starfish

Customers have endless options at their fingertips. If they can’t find what they need in your store, they’ll simply go elsewhere to shop. But this isn’t just a retailer’s problem, it’s a challenge that impacts the entire supply chain. In this episode, industry expert Mike Graen joins hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to break down the critical importance of on-shelf availability. Mike shares why ensuring products are accessible to customers is more essential than ever. He also shares how RFID, AI-driven algorithms, and robotics are transforming inventory accuracy, alongside actionable strategies to keep shelves stocked and customers satisfied.    In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between "in-stock" and "on-shelf availability" How technology is solving inventory challenges and boosting sales The evolving nature of customer loyalty and how to keep up   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (03:13) The importance of on-shelf product availability (OSA) (05:21) Why retailers are losing customers (07:41) Challenges with inventory management (14:15) The different ways customers shop  (18:52) Getting serious about measuring OSA  (22:47) Computer vision and RFID to track OSA (28:35) GS1 standards in the supply chain (32:52) Evolving together with technology (35:13) Mike’s favorite tech   Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.org GS1 US on LinkedIn   Connect with the guest: Mike Graen on LinkedIn

Traceability and supply chain integrity are more than just buzzwords—they’re the backbone of patient safety and industry innovation.  In this episode, host Reid Jackson welcomes Gary Lerner, Founder and CEO of Gateway Checker, to explore the transformative power of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). They discuss how the shift from lot-level to item-level traceability is revolutionizing healthcare, providing unprecedented safeguards against counterfeiting and channel diversion. From the mechanics of 2D barcodes to the role of AI in analyzing supply chain data, Gary shares practical insights from his 20+ years of experience navigating the intersection of digital and physical supply chains.   In this episode, you’ll learn: How DSCSA is transforming healthcare supply chains with item-level traceability The critical role of 2D barcodes in ensuring authenticity and patient safety Why data quality and interoperability are the next big steps for supply chain efficiency   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (02:18) From brand protection to healthcare supply chains (03:37) Innovating item-level traceability in goods (05:15) The importance of supply chain integrity in healthcare (06:48) Breaking down the “license plate” of pharmaceuticals (09:23) Understanding DSCSA and its impact on patient safety (12:38) How bad actors exploit supply chain gaps (13:49) Counterfeit prevention as part of national security (16:10) Using interconnectivity to uncover supply chain risks (19:16) Best practices for adapting to DSCSA regulations (21:09) How serialization enables better inventory accuracy (26:05) The future of supply chain integrity and AI innovation   Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.org GS1 US on LinkedIn   Connect with Guest: Gary Lerner on LinkedIn Gateway Checker

As 2025 approaches, supply chain trends like digital transformation, AI, sustainability, and smart logistics remain top of mind. In this episode, James Chronowski, Vice President of Strategic Account Management at GS1 US, joins hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to explore how data quality plays a crucial role in addressing these trends. James offers practical insights for businesses to tackle emerging challenges and seize opportunities in an evolving supply chain landscape.   In this episode, you’ll learn: The top trends shaping the supply chain industry in 2025  Why data quality and governance are essential for businesses How to build resilient supply chains in a rapidly changing environment   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (02:36) Current and future trends in the supply chain (08:20) The foundational role of data governance  (11:42) How businesses can be more resilient in 2025 (13:52) James Chronowski’s favorite tech   Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.org GS1 US on LinkedIn   Connect with the guest: James Chronowski on LinkedIn

Modern technology makes starting an online business easy. However, that also means stiffer competition.  How can aspiring entrepreneurs succeed in the world of e-commerce? In this episode, Jesse Ness, at Ecwid by Lightspeed, joins hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to discuss the essential steps and common pitfalls of starting and growing an online business. They discuss ways high-quality imagery, detailed product descriptions, and social media engagement can help your store stand out. Jesse also shares insights on emerging market trends like live selling and community engagement.   In this episode, you’ll learn: How storytelling helps brands stand out in a crowded e-commerce market The first steps to setting up a successful online store Tips to overcome growth plateaus and how to scale your business effectively   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (01:43) Online selling with Ecwid (04:02) How to set up an online store (08:27) Share your brand story (12:11) Why entrepreneurs give up too soon (17:10) The rise of live selling and other e-commerce trends (22:16) Jesse Ness’ favorite tech (24:34) Using AI to enhance daily life   Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.org GS1 US on LinkedIn   Connect with the guest: Jesse Ness on LinkedIn Check out Ecwid by Lightspeed

This year has been packed with incredible supply chain stories showcasing innovation, collaboration, and inspiring moments in supply chain logistics. In this episode, hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl take you through their favorite conversations of the year, featuring insights from industry leaders like Gena Morgan, Dr. Darin Detwiler, and Chuck Lasley. They discuss key topics that defined the year—data quality, traceability, retail automation, and the UPC barcode—all while looking ahead to what’s next in 2025.   In this episode, you’ll learn: Key trends that influenced supply chains in 2024 Innovations driving transparency and traceability Exploring the future of 2D barcodes and data quality   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (01:48) 2D barcodes, data quality, and GS1 standards  (05:20) E-commerce and supply chain challenges (06:37) Improving traceability and food safety (11:04) The adoption of the barcode and its multiple uses (13:11) Liz’s favorite episodes  (15:14) Reid’s favorite episodes   Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.org GS1 US on LinkedIn

What started as a college project has now become a pantry staple sold in over 5,000 stores.  In this episode, Matt Pittaluga, Co-Founder of Hank Sauce, joins hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to share how a homemade hot sauce grew into a beloved national brand. Matt explains how traceability and consistency have been key to scaling the business while keeping product quality high. Through detailed product codes and a robust production database, Hank Sauce tracks every ingredient from batch creation to store shelves, ensuring full transparency and control. This meticulous approach to data and process has fueled Hank Sauce’s growth from a local favorite to a nationwide success.   In this episode, you’ll learn: How Hank Sauce scaled its distribution to national retailers The importance of traceability in ensuring food safety and product quality Strategies for building networks to expand brand reach   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (01:34) The Hank Sauce story (06:38) Grassroots marketing and early sales strategies (10:09) Scaling up distribution to large retailers (13:22) The importance of traceability and food safety (16:11) Building a brand with a limited marketing budget (19:21) Advice for new entrepreneurs (26:30) Matt Pittaluga’s favorite tech   Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.org GS1 US on LinkedIn   Connect with the guest: Matt Pittaluga on LinkedIn Check out Hank Sauce

With disruptions becoming more frequent, companies must adapt or risk falling behind. To stay ahead, many are embracing new technology, with AI emerging as a powerful tool for enhancing supply chain agility and resilience. In this episode, Steve Hochman, VP of Research at Zero100, joins hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to talk about the key trends shaping the future of supply chains. He highlights the need for organizations to adapt by improving cross-functional collaboration and leveraging artificial intelligence. In today’s rapidly changing global environment, organizations must focus on their people, processes, and technology to build lasting supply chain resilience.   In this episode, you’ll learn: Effective ways to leverage AI for automating supply chain operations The importance of cross-collaboration for a more integrated and responsive system How to implement small-scale AI experiments for meaningful impact   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (03:10) The rise of supply chain volatility (08:12) Cross-functional collaboration in supply chains (15:35) Innovation through AI experiments (17:48) Case study: Shein’s use of AI for e-commerce (21:07) The importance of data management (25:40) Considering the ethical implications of AI (31:16) Future trends of AI in supply chains (32:39) Steve Hochman’s favorite tech   Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.org GS1 US on LinkedIn   Connect with the guest: Steve Hochman on LinkedIn Check out Zero100

With less than 10% of warehouses currently automated, the industry is on the verge of a major transformation.  As automation surges, one element will define success: the power of high-quality data. In this episode, Ries Bouwman, Product Manager at KNAPP, and Gasper Gulotta, Director of Software Consultancy at KNAPP, join hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to discuss how accurate data is essential to the future of warehouse automation. Reis and Gasper share examples of how poor data can disrupt automated systems, causing costly delays and inefficiencies. They emphasize that by improving data management, companies can not only prevent these issues but also unlock the full potential of automation.  Automation isn’t just about the machines—it’s about ensuring accurate, complete data that systems can rely on to function smoothly.   In this episode, you’ll learn: Why data accuracy is critical for successful warehouse automation The challenges and costs associated with incorrect or incomplete data The role of GS1 standards in improving data quality across supply chains   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (02:28) KNAPP and its journey in automation   (05:22) The importance of data quality in automation   (08:38) Connecting KiSoft to ERP systems (13:23) Verifying data accuracy   (18:13) Raising industry standards for better data (24:20) Bad data causing issues for warehouse automation   (30:39) Ries and Gaspar’s favorite tech (34:32) Smarter data collection through AI and quantum computing   Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.org GS1 US on LinkedIn   Connect with the guests: Ries Bouwman on LinkedIn Gasper Gulotta on LinkedIn