

The SupplyChainBrain Podcast
Bob Bowman
The SupplyChainBrain Podcast features in-depth conversations with industry practitioners, academics, consultants and other experts on every aspect of supply-chain management and international trade. Available for streaming or downloading.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 16, 2025 • 22min
The High Price of Economic Uncertainty
High tariffs are a major concern for traders, but the bigger problem is just figuring out what they’re going to be.

6 snips
May 9, 2025 • 20min
Will Tariffs Kill Mexico’s Manufacturing Boom?
Maggie Switek, an economist and research director at the Milken Institute, discusses the potential impact of Trump-era tariffs on Mexico's manufacturing sector. She explores how these tariffs could disrupt Mexico’s role as a key manufacturing hub for the U.S. market. The conversation also highlights the shift of companies from China to Mexico and the growing participation of women in STEM fields, which could bolster the labor market. Additionally, Switek discusses Claudia Sheinbaum's economic strategies and their implications for U.S.-Mexico relations.

13 snips
May 2, 2025 • 22min
The Evolution of ERP: Is It a Different Animal Today?
Wiley Jones, CEO of DOS and an expert in adaptive ERP solutions, discusses the evolution of ERP technology over three decades. He traces its journey from Material Requirements Planning to modern cloud-based systems. The conversation highlights the importance of organizational adaptation during ERP implementations and the challenges of upgrading legacy systems. Jones emphasizes how AI and new technologies are reshaping ERP functionalities, offering insights into the future of enterprise resource planning and the unique offerings of his company's adaptive solutions.

Apr 25, 2025 • 21min
Build or Buy? The Last-Mile Crossroads for Shippers Today
How do you build a truly efficient and cost-effective final-mile network?

Apr 22, 2025 • 23min
A Plan of Action for Complying With California’s Emissions-Reporting Bill
Doing business in California? Get ready for a tough new greenhouse gas emissions-dislcosure law.

Apr 11, 2025 • 19min
Will the Trump Tariffs Spark a Surge in U.S. Manufacturing?
The global trading system is in a state of chaos. Will American manufacturing benefit from it?

Apr 4, 2025 • 28min
An NBA Legend Shoots for ‘Coffee With a Cause’
Dikembe Mutombo was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and came to the U.S. — despite an initial ambition to attend medical school — to play basketball in the NBA.

10 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 27min
Why Technology Will Kill Physical Retail Sooner Than You Think
Jack Freeman, a partner at PeakScan Capital, dives into the rapid changes facing physical retail due to technology. He discusses how e-commerce is evolving, emphasizing the need for personalization to enhance the customer experience. The conversation explores the growing importance of niche markets and social media's influence on shopping habits. Freeman also highlights the challenges of logistics and product returns in the digital age, offering insights into how brick-and-mortar stores can adapt to survive amidst the e-commerce revolution.

Mar 26, 2025 • 22min
Why Manufacturing Lags in Protecting Against Cyberattacks
When it comes to effective cybersecurity, manufacturers are way behind the curve.

Mar 14, 2025 • 19min
Your Yard Robots Are ‘Imperfect’? That’s Good Enough
Robots are proving to be a boon to autonomous operations in the distribution yard — but the quest for the “perfect” robot is a futile one.