Supply Chain Now

In this episode of The Buzz, powered by APL Logistics, Scott Luton is joined by Marty Parker and special guest Thomas Beil, founder and CEO of Perfect Planner, for a timely conversation on supply chain performance, workforce challenges, decision intelligence, and the future of planning. The conversation explores what leading supply chain organizations have in common, including customer focus, lead...

Most companies aren't struggling with procurement because they're spending too little on technology. They're struggling because they're building intelligence on top of fragmented data, disconnected workflows, and outdated operating models. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa are joined by Mark Schenecker , VP of Manufacturing Industries at Coupa , for a data-driven...

Supply chain technology is evolving rapidly, but cargo criminals are moving even faster. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Scott DeGroot are joined by Krenar Komoni (Founder & CEO of Tive ) and Fernando Boom (Director of Transportation at Venture Metals + ) to break down the massive shift from physical yard thefts to sophisticated, identity-based freight fraud. Fernando share...

On this episode of The Buzz, powered by APL Logistics, hosts Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson break down the latest developments shaping global supply chains, transportation, technology, and workforce safety. From geopolitical developments impacting global shipping lanes to autonomous trucking, World Cup logistics, and innovative warehouse safety solutions, this conversation delivers timely insig...

Supply chain technology has been evolving rapidly, but the biggest shifts in operational excellence may still be unfolding. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Wiley Jones are joined by Ben Gordon , founder and managing partner of Cambridge Capital LLC . Together, they explore what it truly means to scale businesses in the global supply chain, from workflow automation and AI-dr...

Every organization relies on secure digital connections across suppliers, partners, and platforms. Yet many of the technologies that protect those connections were built for a world before quantum computing.  While practical quantum capabilities may still seem years away, the risks associated with them are already prompting concern, particularly as encrypted data collected today could potentially...

On this episode of The Buzz, Scott Luton is joined by special co-host Dr. Muddassir Ahmed and special guest Anthony Reeves, Vice President of Global Brand & Creative at Kohler and author of Eat the Donkey: Why Great Companies Embrace Discomfort . Together, they explore the realities of AI adoption, decision-making optimization, innovation, leadership, and what separates organizations that thrive f...

Most retailers don't have a return policy problem. They have an incentive problem. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by David Sobie , Co-Founder and CEO of Happy Returns , for a deep dive into the returns crisis and reverse logistics. David brings over a decade of real-world experience helping major retail brands turn post-purchase friction into customer loyalty. He sha...

Every industry talks about preparing for the future, but few spend enough time listening to the people who will ultimately shape it.  What often gets overlooked is that this generation may already be bringing exactly the mindset the industry needs: adaptability, systems thinking, technological fluency, and a willingness to challenge outdated assumptions. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host S...

Artificial intelligence continues to dominate supply chain conversations, but why are so many organizations struggling to move beyond pilots and into enterprise-wide success? In this episode of The Buzz powered by APL Logistics, Scott Luton and Alex Pradhan explore the latest research and developments shaping the future of supply chain leadership, AI adoption, omnichannel fulfillment, workforce tr...

Supply chain is evolving rapidly and AI is changing how decisions are made. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton, Karin Bursa , and Jake Barr talk with Mike Griswold , Vice President Analyst at Gartner , about the key insights from the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium. They explore how supply chain leaders can leverage AI to improve operational efficiency, redesign workflows, and enhance...

Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:33) Welcoming Shannon Vaillancourt, CEO of RateLinx (03:12) Chicago Bears draft talk (quick icebreaker) (04:37) Why shippers overspend: hidden & unmonitored charges (05:54) Where technology falls short: data integration & visibility (07:28) Identifying red flags: underperforming carriers & dirty data (08:40) How RateLinx uncovers savings without a sour...

Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:21) Meet today’s packaging industry panel (05:03) Graduation, family, and taekwondo stories (08:30) Building Virginia Tech’s packaging program (10:41) Marta finds her packaging passion (14:10) Marta’s Unilever packaging internship experience (16:24) Mike’s journey from weather to pallets (18:59) Remembering Tyson Steffens’ industry impact (21:02) Virgi...

Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Bob Costello:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-costello-444bb670/ Connect with Bobby Holland:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-holland-4a9355/ Connect with Karin Bursa:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinbursa/ Learn more about American Trucking Associations:  https://www.trucking.org/ Learn more about U.S. Bank:  https://www.usbank.com/index.html Lea...

In this episode of The Buzz, we explore the accelerating pace of supply chain transformation—from AI and automation to talent challenges, micro-fulfillment, and the evolving role of leadership in a volatile business environment. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by OptiLogic! Hosts Scott Luton and Rick McDonald unpack some of the biggest developments shaping global supply chain today, including Amazon’...

Most organizations don't have a technology problem. They have a focus problem. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton, together with co-host Kim Humphrey , President and CEO of AME , is joined by Rami Goldratt , CEO of Goldratt Group , for a practical, no-fluff deep dive into the Theory of Constraints and what it actually takes to drive breakthrough performance in today's business env...

Every year, Americans return nearly a trillion dollars’ worth of products. But once those items leave our hands, most of us never think about where they go—or what happens next. In this Supply Chain Now Classic Episode, first published in early Februry 2026, host Deborah Dull takes listeners inside the little-known world of reverse logistics, where returned products are sorted, resold, recycled, r...

In this episode of The Buzz, we explore the future of reverse logistics, circularity, supply chain design, and the growing role of AI in transforming how businesses move, manage, and reuse products. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by OptiLogic! Hosts Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson break down several major supply chain developments, including the rise of AI-first supply chain design, the growing ne...

AI in the supply chain has moved well beyond the pilot stage, but for many organizations, it still hasn't moved far enough. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton, together with co-host Jorge Morales , Global COO of ISCEA , is joined by Prabhat Pinnaka , Lead Product Manager for Supply Chain at Lowe's Companies, Inc. , and Advisory Board Member at ISCEA for a practical, been-there-don...

National Supply Chain Day started with a simple idea: the people who keep the world moving deserve to be seen. In this special episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Mary Kate Love , President of Supply Chain Now, welcome Dr. Stephanie Thomas , Associate Professor at the University of Arkansas and Executive Director of WISE , for a conversation on the people powering the global supply cha...

In this special marketing edition of The Buzz, we explore the hidden supply chain behind one of the world’s biggest fashion and branding events—the Met Gala. From global sourcing and luxury logistics to influencer marketing and AI-driven fashion trends, this episode uncovers how artistry, supply chain precision, and marketing strategy all intersect—welcome to The Buzz, powered by OptiLogic! Hosts...

Most warehouse automation projects don't fail because of the technology. They fail because of the approach. In this episode, Scott W. Luton sits down with Don DeLash , Sales Director, Logistics Automation at SICK Sensor Intelligence , for a candid conversation on what it actually takes to modernize warehouse operations, and how to avoid the pitfalls that derail even well-funded initiatives. With m...

AI is everywhere in supply chain, but more AI does not always mean better decisions. In this episode, Scott W. Luton and special co-host Mike Griswold , Vice President Analyst at Gartner , sit down with Lindsay Azim , Senior Director Analyst for Supply Chain at Gartner, for a forward-looking conversation on how chief supply chain officers can lead into the autonomous business era. Lindsay shares w...

In today’s environment, complexity is rising, but clarity wins. Leaders who focus on execution, empower their frontline, and turn insights into action will outperform the competition. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change and looking to lead with confidence. In this episode of The Buzz, we unpack the growing complexity of returns, explore the gap between data and decision-maki...

Patient outcomes have become one of the most consequential responsibilities in the global pharmaceutical supply chain. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by guest host Régine Villain , founder of REHVEAL, and supply chain leader Rodrigo Alponti , SVP Global Supply Chain at STADA Group . With over 30 years of experience in leadership roles at multinational companies such...