Supply Chain Now

Discover why Supply Chain Now is the #1 Voice of Supply Chain. Our hosts comprised of seasoned industry-leaders, practitioners, and solution providers address the industry’s challenges, trends, and innovations for our global audience. With engaging, informative, and on-trend content, our podcasts, livestreams, and webinars bridge expertise and entertainment, empowering supply chain professionals to elevate their businesses. Listen, watch, and subscribe to the #1 Supply Chain Podcast on Apple Podcasts, ranked in the Top 1% of all Global Podcasts!

  1. -1 J

    Solving Warehouse Execution Gaps in the SMB Market

    Warehouse operations often highlight the gap between business strategy and execution, particularly as small and mid-sized companies grow. Challenges like fulfillment pressure, inventory inaccuracies, and manual workarounds can turn warehouses into bottlenecks that hinder organizational efficiency. When teams lose confidence in their data, scaling becomes more difficult, leaving leadership reactive instead of proactive. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton speaks with Kurt Heusner, CEO of Endpoint Automation Solutions, about warehouse execution in the SMB market. Kurt discusses his experience with growth-focused businesses and emphasizes the importance of time-to-value, adoption, and simplicity over complexity. He explains how trust in systems affects team performance and why warehouses often reveal operational challenges first. The conversation also addresses ERP warehouse modules versus standalone WMS solutions as complexity grows, modular implementation approaches, the ongoing significance of barcoding, and how newer technologies fit into modernization strategies. The episode concludes with insights into Endpoint’s peer communities and grant programs designed to enhance warehouse execution without disrupting daily operations. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:36) Meet Kurt Heusner: career and insights (02:52) Kurt Heusner’s passion for music explained (04:58) Kurt's journey in SMB technology industry (06:22) Warehouse automation: SMBs’ needs and insights (10:46) Cultural impact on technology implementation (11:31) Serving SMBs: key challenges uncovered (14:56) Evolution of endpoint automation solutions explained (17:16) Modular approach to WMS for success (19:30) Final thoughts on SMB problem-solving (23:56) Experience and continuous learning in tech (24:36) The history and evolution of barcoding (26:05) Barcoding's role in modern supply chains (29:06) Integrating technologies with barcoding in operations (31:39) Signs your ERP system needs upgrading (34:05) Building trust in tech and teams (39:33) Peer communities and learning program value (43:00) Grant programs for small manufacturers explained Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Kurt Heusner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtheusner/Learn more about Endpoint Automation Solutions: https://endpointas.com/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comLearn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: a href="https://supplychainnow.com/join"...

    47 min
  2. -3 J

    What's New at MODEX 2026 & Why It is a Must Attend Event

    As manufacturing and supply chain industries evolve, events like MODEX 2026 are key in connecting professionals, driving innovation, and showcasing trends. With growing demands for efficiency, sustainability, and advanced tech, face-to-face gatherings offer vital opportunities to learn, compare solutions, and build relationships. MODEX stands as one of the largest platforms in North America, uniting exhibitors, educators, and live demos in a way hard to replicate elsewhere. In this episode, Scott W. Luton welcomes Daniel McKinnon, Chief Exhibitions Officer at MHI, for a behind-the-scenes look at MODEX 2026. Daniel discusses how MHI supports the industry year-round through standards, safety, and workforce development, and why face-to-face events remain essential for learning and networking. He also previews what attendees can expect in Atlanta, including how MODEX brings together exhibitors, education, and live demos on a grand scale. They also explore what's new at MODEX 2026, April 13 to 16 at the Georgia World Congress Center, including free registration, 200+ seminars, keynotes with Richard McPhail, Salim Ismail, and Dale Earnhardt Jr., and MHI Industry Night with Jim Gaffigan. Daniel shares advice for first-timers and returning attendees, from planning meetings to carving out time for networking on the show floor. He also highlights on-site experiences to recharge and connect, including lounges, food options, and the startup spotlight. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (03:00) Golf talk with Daniel (06:28) Daniel’s role at MHI (10:22) The importance of MODEX (15:02) The evolution of MODEX (18:58) What’s new at MODEX 2026 (24:22) Industry night and special guests (26:06) Growth and exhibitors (27:08) Experiential activations and lounges (29:13) Event apps and navigation (31:04) Attendee profiles and solutions (34:24) First-time attendee tips (38:03) Returning attendee tips Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Daniel McKinnon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-mckinnon-125691/Learn more about MHI: https://www.mhi.org/Learn more about MODEX 2026: https://www.modexshow.com/Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/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: a href="https://supplychainnow.com/join" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    48 min
  3. -6 J

    The Buzz: Trade Gaps and Supply Shortages

    The global supply chain landscape is shifting once again, and today, we break down the economic signals, market movements, and leadership strategies shaping what’s next. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EasyPost! Hosts Scott Luton and Tandreia Bellamy dive into the latest U.S. trade data, including a widening trade deficit that highlights the growing complexity of global commerce and policy. The conversation also explores renewed momentum in the warehouse market, with signs that companies are doubling down on long-term infrastructure and capacity planning. From looming shortages in critical minerals, medical supplies, and semiconductors to rising cost pressures in 2026, this episode unpacks what supply chain leaders need to be preparing for now. The discussion continues with insights from the World Economic Forum in Davos on the challenge of scaling AI across large enterprises, revealing why technology alone isn’t enough without the right organizational design and leadership mindset. Plus, Dyci Sfregola, Founder and CEO of New Gen Architects, joins the show to share how collaboration, executive alignment, and intentional change management are key to building resilient, future-ready supply chains. If you’re navigating uncertainty, investing in innovation, and building for long-term success, this episode delivers timely insights and practical takeaways you won’t want to miss. Additional Links & Resources: EasyPost: https://www.easypost.com/National Supply Chain Day: https://streamyard.com/watch/QtED7yJ4y9qW With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-1-Feb-2026 Cycle Labs: https://bit.ly/Meet-CycleLabs-At-Manifest Trade deficit soared 94% in November and was higher than a year ago, despite tariff efforts: https://cnb.cx/45GYb2JPrologis Revenue Climbs as Warehouse Demand Rebounds: https://bit.ly/3M7kyb1Supply chain shortages: What’s at risk in 2026? https://bit.ly/Shortages-And-RisingCostsNext Level Construction Management: https://amzn.to/3LXI36lDavos 2026: Leaders on why scaling AI still feels hard - and what to do about it: https://bit.ly/3O4sMkJWhy Can’t America Train Workers for a Trillion-Dollar Industry? https://bit.ly/Education-Problem-Reverse-LogisticsConnect with Dyci on...

    52 min
  4. 4 FÉVR.

    Remade in America: A Supply Chain Now Special Feature

    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 Remade in America, hosted by Deborah Dull, Supply Chain Now takes listeners inside the little-known world of reverse logistics, where returned products are sorted, resold, recycled, repaired, or too often, discarded. What emerges is a complex and fragmented system struggling to capture more than $200 billion in lost value—along with critical materials that could power a more resilient, sustainable economy. This special feature explores the people, processes, and infrastructure behind returns, revealing both the challenges and the massive untapped opportunity hidden in plain sight. From outdated systems and disconnected networks to innovative approaches reshaping how products are recovered and reused, Remade in America uncovers what’s really happening after “return” is clicked. Along the way, Deborah asks a provocative question: Is “Made in America” still the right goal—or is the future about something more powerful? What if the real opportunity isn’t just making more, but making better use of what we already have? Through expert insights, real-world stories, and on-the-ground perspectives, Remade in America redefines how we think about returns, recovery, and the future of supply chains in a resource-constrained world. This is a story about waste, value, resilience—and how reimagining reverse logistics could help reshape American industry for the next generation. Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Deborah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahdull/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- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Embedded AI that senses, explains, and optimizes: https://bit.ly/4pOGgyoWEBINAR- ChatGPT Is Just the Beginning for Shipping: https://bit.ly/3YLFGq7 This episode is hosted by Deborah Dull and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, Ric Stringer, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/remade-america-1541

    36 min
  5. 2 FÉVR.

    Building AI-Ready Operations in Advanced Manufacturing

    Operating conditions in advanced manufacturing are changing fast as organizations push to modernize operations while navigating quality requirements, long lead times, and increasingly complex supply chains. As leaders look to apply AI across the physical world, many discover that technology alone is not enough. Success depends on strong operating fundamentals, clean master data, and a culture that aligns teams around execution, accountability, and continuous improvement. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by special guest host Wiley Jones to kick off a new 2026 series, Enterprise Unleashed, powered by the DOSS team. Together, they sit down with Garuth Acharya, investor at 8090 Industries and former operator with experience across GE, SpaceX, and Blue Origin, to explore what it really takes to build AI ready operations in advanced manufacturing. The conversation examines why AI initiatives often fail in industrial environments when data hygiene is weak, and why clean, correct, actionable data and disciplined master data practices are foundational to any successful transformation. The discussion also emphasizes practical ways AI can unlock value, from accelerating work instructions to improving shortage detection, surfacing procurement anomalies, and strengthening quality feedback loops. The panel returns to the human side of transformation: mission alignment, cross functional collaboration, clear ownership, and spending time on the shop floor before deciding what to build, buy, or partner for. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (00:47) Introducing the new series for 2026 (01:32) Focus on AI-ready operations and advanced manufacturing (02:44) Special guest: Garuth Acharya (03:31) Guru's background and career journey (04:31) Rattlesnake wrestling and early career adventures (06:52) Experiences at SpaceX and Blue Origin (10:27) The importance of culture in high-stakes environments (14:59) AI in manufacturing and supply chain (20:10) Challenges and solutions in AI implementation (25:17) The importance of clean master data (26:22) Engineering and production challenges (27:26) Operational insights and red flags (29:47) Building a culture of clarity and ownership (33:35) Prioritizing modernizing operations (41:42) Advice for AI-ready operations Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Wiley Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wileycwjones/Learn more about DOSS: https://www.doss.com/Connect with Garuth Acharya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garuthacharya/Learn more about 8090 Industries: https://www.8090industries.com/Connect with Scott Luton: a...

    50 min
  6. 30 JANV.

    The Buzz: AI and the Two-Day Work Week Debate

    The pace of change in global supply chains isn’t slowing down — and on this week’s episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Marty Parker are back to break down the headlines, trends, and real-world implications leaders need to watch. From winter storms in metro Atlanta to rising cost pressures and workforce challenges, this episode cuts through the noise to explore what’s shaping supply chain strategy in 2026 and beyond. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EPG! Scott and Marty welcome featured guest, Heidi Benko, VP Product Management and Strategy for Infor Nexus, to join in diving into the biggest stories impacting supply chains today — and what they mean for operators, planners, and executives alike. Together, they discuss: Why analysts are forecasting a challenging year ahead for the automotive industry and what slow post-pandemic recovery means for manufacturers How the American Logistics Aid Network continues to meet urgent needs — and the growing impact of the “Never Normal” leadership series How Walmart is using AI-driven tools to boost performance during extreme weather events New survey data revealing how tariffs are driving up costs, fueling layoffs, and raising recession concerns across the industry The growing skills gap in manufacturing and why upskilling in data and analytics is becoming mission-critical How AI and digital tools are reshaping retail operations, according to new insights from Infor Bill Gates’ prediction of a future two-day workweek — and why Scott and Marty aren’t fully convinced The episode also spotlights Infor’s recognition as a leader in global trade management and offers a look ahead at the innovations shaping what’s next. Tune in for timely insights, thoughtful analysis, and practical takeaways to help you stay ahead in an increasingly unpredictable supply chain landscape. Additional Links & Resources: EPG: https://epg.com/ With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-25-JAN-2026 American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN): https://www.alanaid.org/operations/ Our Never Normal Series: https://streamyard.com/watch/yrx5yigeuzvF The Best Logistics Trade Shows and Conferences in 2026: https://bit.ly/4sYCGV9U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://bit.ly/scn-usbank-wtsWalmart taps ‘AI-driven systems’ to reroute supply ahead of winter...

    53 min
  7. 28 JANV.

    Review of the Inaugural U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index - Rates Edition

    Operating conditions in the freight and logistics industry are evolving rapidly, driven by shifting market dynamics and ongoing disruptions. With the freight market's volatility, capacity constraints, and changing cost structures, leaders must adapt quickly to make informed decisions and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly uncertain environment. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by special guest host Jake Barr. Together, they talk to Bobby Holland, Vice President/Director of Freight Business Analytics at U.S. Bank, and Dr. Chris Caplice, Chief Scientist at DAT Freight & Analytics, to dive deep into the inaugural U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index, Rates Edition, a comprehensive resource that provides crucial insights into freight rates, spot and contract rates, fuel prices, and more. The panel explores how supply chain leaders can leverage this data to optimize freight strategies, anticipate market shifts, and make data-driven decisions with confidence. The discussion also highlights the importance of scenario analysis and flexibility in managing supply chain risks, emphasizing how agility can turn disruption into opportunity. The conversation wraps up with practical takeaways on building more resilient supply chains, improving forecasting accuracy, and preparing for the next phase of freight market evolution. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:24) Introducing the Q1 2026 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index Rates Edition (02:52) Meet the experts Bobby and Chris (03:26) Fun warmup: Football playoff talk (06:05) Exploring DAT Freight and Analytics (07:32) Understanding the US Freight Payment Index (13:11) Spot vs. contract rates: Key insights (16:11) National and regional freight market trends (22:26) Agricultural impact on spot rates (22:59) Regional driver challenges and shortages (23:46) Treasury data and regional observations (24:50) Actions supply chain leaders should take (29:02) Future predictions and tariff impacts (33:35) Manufacturing activity and automation (41:04) Leadership takeaways from the panel Additional Links & Resources: Download the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index—Rates Edition: bit.ly/scn-us-bankConnect with Bobby Holland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-holland-4a9355/Learn more about U.S. Bank: https://www.usbank.com/index.htmlConnect with Chris Caplice: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-caplice-1839/Learn more about DAT Freight & Analytics: a href="https://www.dat.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    47 min
  8. 26 JANV.

    A Sitdown with Legendary Supply Chain Storyteller Dave Nemo

    As the trucking industry continues to evolve, drivers and industry leaders must stay ahead of technological advancements and trends to remain competitive. With a history spanning over 50 years, Dave Nemo, a legendary radio host and current on-air host at Radio Nemo, has dedicated his career to engaging and educating truckers about the industry’s most pressing issues. His career has navigated through the transition from AM radio to satellite and now streaming, providing content that is purpose-built for professional drivers. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton and special guest host Tony Sciarrotta sit down with Dave Nemo to dive into his legendary broadcasting career and discuss how he has shaped the trucking community through his diverse media platforms. They explore the importance of adapting to new technologies, the evolution of trucking media, and how Dave’s storytelling connects with drivers nationwide. They talk about the intersection of trucking and technology, highlighting how advancements such as satellite radio and streaming have transformed the way drivers stay informed, entertained, and safe on the road. They also discuss Dave's insights into the impact of AI on the trucking industry and how drivers can benefit from embracing new digital tools. This conversation highlights the significance of continuously adapting to changes in the industry, where innovation and communication will continue to shape the future of trucking. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:17) Today's special guest: Dave Nemo (02:20) Dave Nemo's broadcasting career beginnings (06:54) Musical influences and New Orleans culture (13:04) Early career and military service insights (17:13) Dave's transition to trucking radio (21:52) Joining XM radio and Road Dog (34:27) The evolution of trucking radio (46:14) Memorable listener interactions with Dave (54:29) Key challenges in the trucking industry (58:38) Advice for future trucking broadcasters (01:03:09) Final reflections on broadcast Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Dave Nemo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-nemo-582294231/Learn more about RadioNemo: https://www.radionemo.com/Connect with Tony Sciarotta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-sciarrotta-235570/Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/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: a href="https://supplychainnow.com/join" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1 h 8 min

À propos

Discover why Supply Chain Now is the #1 Voice of Supply Chain. Our hosts comprised of seasoned industry-leaders, practitioners, and solution providers address the industry’s challenges, trends, and innovations for our global audience. With engaging, informative, and on-trend content, our podcasts, livestreams, and webinars bridge expertise and entertainment, empowering supply chain professionals to elevate their businesses. Listen, watch, and subscribe to the #1 Supply Chain Podcast on Apple Podcasts, ranked in the Top 1% of all Global Podcasts!

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