Let's Talk Supply Chain

Sarah Barnes-Humphrey

My Name is Sarah Barnes-Humphrey and this is Let's Talk Supply Chain where I interview the top Supply Chain professionals in the industry. You will learn about best practices, changes in the industry and Hot Topics surrounding Supply Chain. Have a specific question you want answered? E-mail us at listener@letstalksupplychain.com

  1. 3D AGO

    521: Women In Supply Chain™, Ruth Rojas

    Ruth Rojas talks about her career journey; bridging the gap between frontline teams and supply chain tech; mentorship; & what drives her in her life & career.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [02.57] An introduction to Ruth and her company Tecsys. [04.04] Ruth's early interest in engineering and how she chose her major. [05.42] Why Ruth moved from Texas to New York, and her first industry job as a logistics coordinator. "It taught me how to interact with different cultures… It was a very enriching experience and I'm so happy I found it at that moment, because I wasn't planning it." [08.18] Ruth's experience at Canon, and how it allowed her to travel, learn and grow. "I was offered my dream job. It involved diverse cultures and travel… It was a turning point for me." [11.28] Ruth's current role as a Platinum Application Specialist at Tecsys. "I get to talk to different people, from a CEO to a warehouse worker picking an order." [13.32] An overview of the warehousing and distribution landscape right now, and the challenges impacting it. [15.42] Ruth's role as the bridge between frontline operational teams and sophisticated supply chain technologies, her advice for other leaders looking to bridge that gap effectively, and why it's so important to let teams know they're not alone. "Get into the frontline workers shoes! You can imagine… but if you don't go to the floor and actually see the warehouse space, the equipment they use, the tools they have available – you're not getting the real picture." [19.08] What makes Ruth a workforce innovator, and why workforce innovation is key. "It's all about adding value. And that can be as simple as having new ideas." [20.26] How Ruth found her voice. [21.35] Ruth's experience as a woman moving through engineering and logistics, and how these industries are changing for women. [23.05] Ruth's experience of mentorship, why finding a mentor is crucial to success, and how to find one. "Everybody should have a mentor – if you don't have one, get one!" [26.52] What drives Ruth in her life and career, and her commitment to personal growth. [28.50] The future for Ruth.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   You can connect with Ruth over on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more female leaders at Tecsys, check out episodes 509: Women In Supply Chain™, Nermine Saad or 433: Women In Supply Chain™, Annie Torikian. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

    34 min

  2. 5D AGO

    520: Enter the New Era of Supply Chain Management, with Infios

    Beth Hendriks talks about Infios: what they do; intelligent supply chain execution; moving AI from hype to outcomes; & what 2026 will bring for the industry.     IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [03.33] An overview of Beth's 30-plus year career and how she learned to balance it with motherhood. "I'm a mother of six, and that gave me a lot of skills to be effective in my everyday job… To balance challenges, to learn to prioritize, and how to have peace in the midst of chaos." [06.07] An overview of Infios and what they do, and what their recent mergers and acquisitions mean for their customers. "Being data-driven is crucial because, as we get into things like AI, it's only as good as the data that feeds it." "For our customers, the acquisitions translate into broader functionality with less integration complexity, so they benefit from a more connected platform that allows them to align inventory, fulfilment and transportation decisions." [08.57] The ideal customer for Infios. [11.06] From poor visibility and slow decision-making to an inability to coordinate across channels, the common challenges Infios customers experience, and how Infios help to solve them by delivering tighter control over planning and execution through unification. "Customers come to Infios when their operational complexity has outgrown either their existing systems or processes and is starting to impact from a cost, service level or scalability perspective." "They want to run a more agile, efficient, resilient supply chain while keeping pace with ongoing disruption and growth." [14.00] What 'intelligent supply chain execution' means, the benefits, and the impact it's driving for Infios customers. [18.04] How Infios' modular technology helps tackle historical tech stack issues and support quicker testing, flexibility, and transformation. "It ultimately results in a supply chain execution platform that evolves with the business, rather than constraining it, and it supports continuous improvement instead of periodic disruptive overhauls." [22.23] Beth's perspective on AI in the current market, the gap between hype and reality, and how Infios is driving AI with purpose. "Many organizations talk about AI in conceptual terms: 'AI is going to help transform my supply chain'… But, in practice, common challenges like fragmented data, legacy systems and unclear ROI means most are still in early stages of adoption." "Hype around AI hasn't fully materialized into broad operational impact." [27.00] A case study exploring how Infios helped a customer struggling with slow order-to-ship cycles and low inventory visibility by implementing an integrated stack that resulted in 70% fewer back orders, a 20% increase in customer satisfaction, and improved delivery accuracy as well as lowered inventory costs. [30.42] Why Infios believe that the future can be better if we make supply chains better, and their vision for moving toward it. "Supply chains quietly shape almost every aspect of modern life – people that aren't familiar with it don't even realize the impact it has." [34.13] What 2026 is going to bring for the industry, and for Infios. "2026 is going to be a year of practical AI adoption, tighter integration and smarter execution." RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Infios' website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Infios and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or YouTube, or you can connect with Beth on LinkedIn. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

    44 min

  3. JAN 28

    519: Overcoming The Perfect Storm: Moving Beyond Basic Automation To Realize AI's Full Potential, with Amazon Web Services

    Kris Orlowski of Amazon Web Services talks about their recent survey and what it reveals about data, trust, decision-making and AI readiness in supply chain.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [04.12] An introduction to Kris, his background, and his role at Amazon Web Services. "A good part of my role right now, as we're continuing to innovate, is understanding what supply chain practitioners actually want and need." [05.17] An overview of AWS – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. [06.20] An overview of Amazon Web Services' recent industry survey, who they spoke to, and what they were trying to understand. "We were really trying to understand the gap between aspiration and reality – because there's a lot of hype!" [08.12] The challenges businesses are currently facing when it comes to data and decision-making. "85% of supply chain teams take two or more weeks to resolve urgent issues… And it's partly because of the 'data gathering tax.'" [14.14] From engaging in less strategic work to the creation of a risk aversion culture, the business impact of slow and inaccurate decision-making. "When you spend your time firefighting, you're not doing strategic work." "The cost of a delayed decision can exceed the cost of an imperfect one." [17.20] The surprising results revealed by the AWS survey around how supply chain practitioners envision AI as part of their operations, and what the three-step 'execute, adapt, advise' approach could mean for businesses. "Organizations are envisioning AI as an operational partner, not just a tool… An assistant that can work alongside them." [21.21] The 'double barrier phenomenon' organizations see when trying to implement AI, and what those barriers to both adoption and utilization look like. "57% said the top barrier to realizing AI's full potential was a limited understanding of its capabilities, followed by a lack of trust in AI recommendations." "Organizations are buying AI technology, but they're not building AI readiness." [27.17] What businesses are looking for to help them build trust in new technology and AI-powered decision-making. [31.00] How vendors and developers should be thinking about partnership, trust and building the type of AI that businesses are actually looking for. "There's a trust paradox. Organizations want AI that is simultaneously autonomous, but controllable; intelligent, but explainable; proactive, but compliant. The vendors that understand this will build AI that organizations actually use, not just purchase." [35.02] The big opportunities for organizations that are able to make real strides in their decision-making, and how listeners can access the report. [37.36] The survey results that surprised Kris most, and what they might mean for businesses and AI adoption. [41.15] The practical next steps businesses can take to ensure their AI journeys are a success in 2026.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Amazon Web Service's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with AWS and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Kris on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from AWS, check out 489: Time To Swap Your Axe For A Chainsaw: The Power of Agentic AI. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

    49 min

  4. JAN 27

    518: From Automation to Intelligence: How AI Is Transforming the Modern Warehouse, with GreyOrange

    Saurabh Gupta of GreyOrange talks about how AI is transforming the modern warehouse, the role of partners, & why automation without orchestration underdelivers.    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [04.33] Saurabh's career journey and what he learned from being involved in software development for iPods and the very first iPhone at Apple. "The most powerful technology is one that works so seamlessly that it's invisible to the user." [09.39] Why Saurabh pivoted from a career in consumer robotics to supply chain and warehouse robotics. "In consumer robotics, we start with the technology first, then figure out what to do with it… And, beyond cleaning the house, not many robots are really changing your life in the home. In supply chain, the value is clear." [11.10] Why GreyOrange shifted from robotics company to an orchestration platform, and the importance of focusing on decision-making systems, not product. "Warehouses need a symphony – robots are the instruments, and orchestration is the conductor." [16.40] Why automation without orchestration underdelivers. [18.47] What AI orchestration actually means for complex, omnichannel warehouses, and the three-question framework to determine if software and systems are actually AI. "AI is not perfect, it's never going to be perfect. But it is going to make our lives better. It's about getting that balance right." [23.47] What hyperintelligence means in real operational terms. [27.23] What the warehouse of the future is going to look like when it comes to robotics, and how AI orchestration is going to help enable it. "It won't be a room full of robots. It will be a living ecosystem." [31.11] The role of system integrators, robot partners, and technology providers in scaling outcomes, and why orchestration platforms need strong partners to deliver real-world results. "We want to give system integrators the intelligence to more confidently predict performance. They should be able to do that before a single piece of hardware is put on the floor." [34.25] How GreyOrange thinks about collaboration and shared accountability and outcomes with their partners. [38.02] What warehouses will expect from AI orchestration platforms in the next few years that they don't expect today, and why they're going to get their 'ChatGPT moment.'   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to GreyOrange's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with GreyOrange and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or YouTube, or you can connect with Saurabh on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from GreyOrange, check out 495: Discover Hyper-Intelligent Orchestration, with GreyOrange. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

    46 min

  5. JAN 22

    517: 'Useful AI': Your Key to Visibility Project Success, with Shippeo

    Lucien Besse of Shippeo talks about navigating supply chain chaos; data quality & continuous improvement; AI; and the keys to visibility project success.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [03.38] An introduction to Lucien and the journey that led him to co-found Shippeo. [07.07] The biggest sources of chaos for supply chain teams, and why they need flexibility and visibility. "Supply chain managers need to make hundreds of decisions every day, every hour, every minute – they need to navigate uncertainty every single day, and that hasn't changed… What has really changed is the number of disruptions." [09.28] Why supply chain professionals are 'the calm in the storm,' what even small problems amidst the backdrop of chaos mean for businesses, and how Shippeo help customers with both inbound and outbound challenges. [15.00] The big issues that sit behind supply chain chaos, and why trust in data is crucial. "Visibility is a commodity, everybody needs it. But accurate visibility is not a commodity. The reliability of the information you provide to the customer needs to be correct, and they need to have the ability to take action. Because the end goal is not just to look at an ETA on a platform, it's to take an action." [18.02] The importance of data quality and why it's a continuous improvement project. "When we talk to our customers, we tell the truth. There is work to be done, there's no magic wand. It's continuous improvement." "Visibility is about technology, but also about process and people." [23.47] The importance of honesty and setting clear expectations in communications with customers, and why three-way collaboration between vendors, carriers and customers is key. [28.37] How data issues impact the success of AI, and how Shippeo is leveraging AI for customers. "There are two main pillars when it comes to AI – data quality and automation of manual tasks, and making visibility actionable through workflows." [33.31] What success looks like, how organizations can ensure their visibility projects are a success, and why change management relies on understanding people and their daily habits. [40.13] The two core areas Shippeo will be focusing on in 2026.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Shippeo's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Shippeo and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Lucien on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Shippeo, check out: 494: The Digitization Dilemma: Overcoming Transformation Failures with Shippeo 443: Mastering Visibility: Insights from LogTech Live with Shippeo 486: Revealed – The Number One Way To Make Your Supply Chain Future-Proof 475: Leverage Real-Time Transportation Visibility, with Shippeo Check out our other podcasts HERE.

    47 min

  6. JAN 19

    516: Innovation, Transformation, and Modern Supply Chains, with Blue Yonder

    Andrea Morgan-Vandome of Blue Yonder explores what true end-to-end supply chain transformation looks like amidst unprecedented complexity and disruption.  IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [03.47] An introduction to Andrea and her role, and how Blue Yonder helps their customers. "We bring the physical and digital worlds together, and that's key in supply chain." [06.05] Why end-to-end planning will be crucial in navigating supply chain complexity and disruption in 2026. "When people look to drive transformation, they can sometimes get mired down in the complexity. So how do you drive clarity in outcomes?" [08.19] What true end-to-end supply chain transformation looks like today, and why how we think about transformation has changed. "It's become a lot more practical… and it's the breaking of siloes that allows you to bring it all together." [13.48] Why companies need to see supply chain as a new business enabler, not a cost center; how agile supply chains help facilitate new business initiatives, deliver services and keep promises; and how Blue Yonder is doing this for customers through increased personalization. [18.56] As many companies continue to navigate legacy systems, why a shift from reactive to proactive is essential for competitive advantage and, from AI to your supplier network, the key elements of a modern solution. "If you think about businesses as differentiators, it comes down to speed and precision. And the only way you can do that is by moving from a reactive to a proactive supply chain." [23.44] The businesses leveraging AI within their supply chain to achieve real results, and how Blue Yonder helped a grocer minimize waste whilst improving on-shelf availability to ultimately gain market share. "I'm a firm believer that AI and agents are critical going forward, but it has to be done in a pragmatic way." [28.10] The challenge of inventory amidst omnichannel complexity, how organizations can get it right, and the huge opportunities when they do. [33.50] As companies continue to invest in technology but struggle to achieve true transformation, what differentiates the ones that succeed, and the importance of interoperability and unified data. [39.29] The biggest opportunities in 2026 for businesses that commit to successful transformation, and some of the practical steps they can take to start the new year strong.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Blue Yonder's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Blue Yonder and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Andrea on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Andrea or Blue Yonder, check out: 503: Women In Supply Chain™, Andrea Morgan-VanDome 497: Transform Your Returns Management and Delight Customers, with Blue Yonder 434: Synchronize Your Supply Chain Execution, with Blue Yonder 417: Fulfill Your Potential, with Blue Yonder. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

    48 min

  7. JAN 14

    515: Experience Precision Supply Chain Operations, with Brecham Group

    Chris Hamley & Andy Smith of Brecham Group talk about what they do; what makes them different, Precision Supply Chain Operations; & helping you suck less.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [03.58] Chris's background and the journey that led him to co-found Brecham Group. "I started out loading trucks!... And it got to a point where I got frustrated trying to broker conversations. People didn't pay attention to details, I found myself translating – and that was the catalyst." [06.04] Andy's  30+ year industry career, and his role at Brecham Group. [08.26] An overview of Brecham Group – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. [09.00] The ideal client for Brecham Group. [10.46] What makes Brecham Group's consultants different to traditional strategic supply chain consultants, and how their unique thought process helps customers scale solutions up and down. "We have real-world experience and take a practical approach to problems… We can always get to a consistent outcome, although every problem and solution looks very different." [15.31] Brecham Group's 'Precision Supply Chain Operations,' what that means, and how it applies in the real world. [19.56] Brecham's tagline "suck less," how it was developed, and what it means for customers. "I'm watching people get pulled in a thousand different directions, get yelled at… That sucks. So let's make it suck less tomorrow. How do we do that?... Everyone wants to get better, but nobody knows how." [24.07] How Brecham Group works with clients to determine their problem, identify the disconnect between best practice and reality, and widen everybody's view to help them tackle it with an aligned approach. "We're often approached by senior leadership – "go solve this problem for me" – but they may or may not have a strong understanding of what's happening on the shop floor. So we'll listen, but then we'll go see." [28.07] How Brecham Group use a unique value system to prioritize customer problems, and how they recently helped an organization reduce overall labor spend in their network by 9%. [30.19] Brecham Group's special offer for LTSC listeners. "So much of what we do is education, it's about teaching people how to think a little differently about their problem." [31.43] The biggest trend exciting Brecham Group for 2026. "The most interesting thing is how we use AI in our industry and in the tactical execution of work." RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Brecham Group's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Brecham and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Chris or Andy on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Brecham Group, check out their brand new live show Performance Paradox, where operators and engineers talk about turning strategy into execution. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

    41 min

  8. JAN 12

    514: Turn Strategic Planning Into Retail Profitability, with Anaplan

    Scott Jennings of Anaplan talks about retail inventory optimization, planning challenges, AI & how Anaplan enables retailers to sell more and carry less.   [03.37] An introduction to Scott, his background, and experience in the industry. "Siloes are present functionally across different pieces of the business, whether it's merchandise, supply chain or finance. But they're also persistent inside the systems that support those different groups – and that's where it gets tricky." [05.53] An overview of Anaplan and what they do. [06.53] How retail planning has historically worked, and the limitations of that approach. "Retail suffers from siloed planning, disconnected processes and latent decision-making, which leads to buying the wrong inventory and having the wrong inventory at the wrong place at the wrong time, with little ability to adjust based on market feedback." [09.58] Why retail planning is arguably more complex than CPG or consumer goods supply chain planning. "Retail is detail." [12.55] How challenges and limitations have impacted the industry, particularly in light of additional external factors like increasing customer demand. "Getting ahead is important. But being able to react in an agile way, in season, is also extremely important. Retailers have fallen behind because that demand signal is all over the place." [16.14] From data to specificity, the foundations needed for retailers considering AI solutions, and the problem of 'testing fatigue.' "People are sick of testing and learning." [22.25] How retail planning technology will continue to evolve over the next 12 to 24 months. [24.28] Scott's advice for retailers looking to implement AI in their planning and ensure successful implementations. "It starts with the ROI you're looking to drive… If you can't define the ROI: skip it." [28.39] The biggest opportunities for retailers embracing evolving technology and a new approach to retail planning. [30.08] How Anaplan Intelligence and its retail engine enables retailers to harness the power of AI to plan at a granular level not possible before, and the importance of hyper-localization. [33.01] How Anaplan focuses on retail-specific best practices to achieve higher forecast accuracy and boost sell-through rates for their customers, ultimately helping them sell more and carry less. [34.37] What Anaplan is focusing on for 2026.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Anaplan's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Anaplan and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or YouTube, or you can connect with Scott on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Anaplan, listen to Emily Nicholls talk about how integrated business planning helps automotive OEMs navigate EV growth on episode 499: Navigating the EV Revolution, with Anaplan. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

    42 min
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4.5
out of 5
60 Ratings

About

My Name is Sarah Barnes-Humphrey and this is Let's Talk Supply Chain where I interview the top Supply Chain professionals in the industry. You will learn about best practices, changes in the industry and Hot Topics surrounding Supply Chain. Have a specific question you want answered? E-mail us at listener@letstalksupplychain.com

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