Next Level Supply Chain with GS1 US GS1 US

In this episode, we dive into how QR codes are revolutionizing packaging, non-alcoholic beverages are making waves, and community networks are driving market success. 
Daniel Scharff is the CEO and founder of Startup CPG, a vibrant community supporting emerging consumer packaged goods brands. With a background in San Francisco's food tech scene, Daniel created a Slack community with over 20,000 members, offering resources and fostering collaboration. He hosts 100+ events annually and produces the Startup CPG podcast, sharing his insights from his experience as a former CEO of a beverage company. 
Daniel's unique approach to helping brands navigate the complex world of product development, market-entry, and supply chain logistics is driven by his firsthand experience as a former CEO of a beverage company. Daniel's innovative strategies and relentless drive to make dreams a reality have earned him a reputation as a visionary leader in the CPG community.
 
Key takeaways:
Learn how QR codes are transforming packaging, improving traceability, and enhancing consumer engagement
Understand the impact of the growing trend of non-alcoholic beverages on supply chain logistics and market dynamics
Discover the crucial role of community support in helping emerging brands succeed in the competitive market
Connect with GS1 US:
Our website - www.gs1us.org
GS1 US on LinkedIn
 
Connect with guest:
Daniel Scharff on LinkedIn
Check out Startup CPG
 

Social commerce is booming, and today’s conversation proves that if you haven’t considered selling on social media, then it’s time you did.
Wes Duquette is VP and GM of B2B and Retail at ShipBob, a tech-enabled 3PL that empowers small and medium businesses with advanced supply chain capabilities. In this episode, he speaks with Liz and Reid about the powerful impact of influencers and platforms like TikTok and Instagram in driving actionable purchases. And it’s no surprise that QR codes are revolutionizing the advertising landscape.
Wes shares invaluable insights on the critical importance of an omnichannel strategy, global expansion, and scalable infrastructure for brands aiming for growth. His pointers on barcoding, packaging, and back-office systems provide a stellar roadmap for future retail scalability. He discusses the evolving dynamics of direct-to-consumer channels and alternative marketplaces and understands why registering with giants like Amazon is crucial—even if you're a dedicated Shopify seller. 
 
Key takeaways: 
How influencers and platforms like TikTok are transforming retail engagement and driving omnichannel growth strategies for brands
Learn about the operational scalability challenges faced by SMBs during retail launches and discover strategies for effectively navigating high-volume demands and pivotal retail relationships.
Critical infrastructure elements such as barcoding, packaging, and robust back-office systems are essential for ensuring future scalability and seamless integration across various retail channels and marketplaces.
 
Connect with GS1 US:
Our website - www.gs1us.org
GS1 US on LinkedIn
 
Connect with guest:
Wes Duquette on LinkedIn
Check out ShipBob
 

Speedy and efficient traceability systems are vital for compliance, consumer health, and resilience in the food safety industry.
Andy Kennedy, Principal Traceability Advisor at New Era Partners, joins us to unravel the complexities of food safety in the supply chain. With 17 years of experience creating SAS food traceability businesses, Andy offers insights into the historical context of traceability regulations, the significance of technological progress, and how innovation will continue to shape our approach to food safety. He candidly describes the tension-filled environment of managing a food safety outbreak and the critical role of coordination during these investigations.
Andy touches on COVID-19 and the food supply chain, the transition challenges food items faced from food service to retail, and the astounding potential of 2D barcodes and digital receipts to engage consumers and ensure their safety. Learn how tracking contaminated products has been reduced from over a month to less than a week, the role GS1 Standards play in compliance, and how FSMA 204, compared to the Bioterrorism Act, is mandating a new era of data sharing. 
 
Key takeaways: 
Traceability systems play a critical role in effectively managing and shortening the timeframe of contamination investigations. 
Utilizing GS1 standards to comply with evolving regulatory demands illustrates how technology has progressed over two decades.
The pandemic has highlighted the need for resilience, real-time visibility, and interoperability in supply chains
 
Connect with GS1 US:
Our website - www.gs1us.org
GS1 US on LinkedIn
Food Safety Resources
 
Connect with guest:
Andy Kennedy on LinkedIn
Check out New Era Partners

Small tweaks in processes can result in unexpected financial windfalls and improved employee satisfaction.
 
Kevin Lawton, warehouse operations expert and Founder of The New Warehouse podcast, 
discusses a wealth of insights into current trends and the critical role of foundational process improvements. The conversation shifts towards the importance of automating mundane tasks, the profound potential for digital transformation across companies, and the surprising financial benefits companies can reap from small operational adjustments.
 
Kevin explains Modex trends and spotlights the value of low-tech solutions and how maintaining standardized and actionable data is pivotal for leveraging advanced robotics and automation systems. The episode emphasizes systemic change, interoperability between solutions, and harnessing robotics and automation to address labor challenges and elevate operational efficiency.
 
Key takeaways: 
Trends at Modex, where robotics took center stage, show that robotics is not just a fascinating concept — it's becoming a practical part of warehouse operations.
Companies need to streamline processes to create a strong foundation that can truly leverage the efficiency of new technologies.
While robots and automation can address labor challenges and efficiency, the orchestration layer will make or break the integration.
 
Resources: 
Learn More About 2D Barcodes
Resources for the Transition from 1D to 2D Barcodes 
Behind the Barcode: Mastering 2D Barcodes with GS1 US
 
Connect with GS1 US:
Our website - www.gs1us.org
GS1 US on LinkedIn
 
Connect with guest:
Kevin Lawton on LinkedIn
Check out The New Warehouse

In this episode of Next Level Supply Chain’s special series Behind the Barcode, Liz and Reid speak with Jess Urriola, the VP of Product Management at GS1 US, about GS1 US Data Hub - a tool built to secure data sharing between brand owners and trading partners. They talk about why this service is pivotal for maintaining data quality across the global supply chain, both from the strategic and technical aspects, from creating UPC barcodes to combating GTIN misuse.
Learn how GS1 US Data Hub supports regulatory compliance, the importance of global location numbers in traceability, and the benefits of ensuring each product has a unique identifier—similar to a license plate. 
 
Key takeaways: 
How GS1 US Data Hub's user-friendly SaaS platform empowers both small and large businesses to effortlessly manage and authenticate product identifiers and location data, ensuring accuracy and trust throughout the global supply chain.
The critical role of the GS1 Registry Platform (GRP) in combating Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) misuse and fostering global transparency by enabling real-time, cross-border verification of core product attributes for reliable traceability and inventory management.
The strategic advantages of GS1's identification system as Jess Urriola highlights its integral part in compliance with healthcare and food safety regulations, streamlining the entire traceability process from manufacturer to end-point via Global Location Numbers (GLNs).
 
Resources: 
GS1 US’s Data Hub
Data Hub Help Center
Connect with GS1 US:
Our website - www.gs1us.org
GS1 US on LinkedIn
 
Connect with guest:
Jess Urriola on LinkedIn

Chuck Lasley, IT Director at Dillard’s, explains the pivotal role of 2D barcodes in retail innovation, illustrating Dillard's strategy of incorporating these versatile codes into their products, which range from apparel to accessories. Amidst the growing demand for intricate product details, Chuck emphasizes the imperative for sales associates to be adept in product knowledge facilitated by 2D barcodes. As Chuck explains, 2D barcodes can lead to improved inventory management, better customer service, and enhanced consumer storytelling possibilities.
The conversation also explores AI's potential in customer service, the impact smartphones have had on computing power, and the potential of automated vehicles in altering supply chain dynamics. Chuck applauds the implementation of evolving technologies like RFID, which are crucial in the industry-wide 'Sunrise 2027' initiative. Sunrise 2027 aims for widespread adoption of 2D barcode scanning by 2027, with Dillards ambitiously targeting an earlier date. This episode covers automation, innovation, and the pursuit of a unique identity within the global supply chain.
 
Key takeaways: 
Technology in customer service is advancing with tools integrating RFID and 2D barcode technologies in supply chain operations to improve accuracy and efficiency.
The retail industry recognizes the importance and advantages of transitioning from 1D to 2D barcodes and RFID technology for improved inventory management, customer service, and access to detailed product information.  
Technological advancements create enriched consumer experiences through unique transaction identifiers and product storytelling.
 
Resources: 
Learn More About 2D Barcodes
Resources for the Transition from 1D to 2D Barcodes 
Behind the Barcode: Mastering 2D Barcodes with GS1 US
 
Connect with GS1 US:
Our website - www.gs1us.org
GS1 US on LinkedIn
 
Connect with guest:
Chuck Lasley on LinkedIn
Check out Dillard’s