Let's Talk Supply Chain

Sarah Barnes-Humphrey
Let's Talk Supply Chain

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. 2 DAYS AGO

    441: Leverage Drayage Rating and Quoting Best Practices to Improve Supply Chain Management, Visibility and Logistics Execution, with CargoWise Landside

    Tom Burke of CargoWise Landside talks about how drayage rating & quoting best practices can improve supply chain management, visibility, & logistics execution.    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.59] An introduction to Tom and his career journey, how he founded DrayMaster, and its current place in the extensive CargoWise Landise portfolio. “You could say that I’ve had my hand in every cookie jar when it comes to this industry, and I’ve gained valuable insights from each experience.” [09.49] Trend one: The importance of collaboration in supply chain management, the improving integration and interoperability between stakeholders, and how a shared access to pricing is helping to drive improvement. “A supply chain without collaboration would be fragmented, inefficient, and unable to meet the demands of modern commerce… It’s the glue that holds the entire industry together.” [13.23] Trend two: What visibility and transparency mean to CargoWise Landside, the areas of supply chain where they’re most impactful, and how they support drayage rating and quoting best practices. “Forwarders are working across multiple time zones, they need instant access to accurate rates… Waiting for hours or days just doesn’t cut it any more. And for trucking companies, if you’re not providing rates electronically, your likely missing out on opportunities to quote and move freight.” “Together, they’re the foundation of today’s drayage and quoting practices.” [18.05] Trend three: The role of automation in shipping logistics and supply chain management – how it’s reducing manual effort, breaking down data siloes, and ensuring accuracy across data, from quote to invoice. “Ultimately, it’s all about efficiency and transformation. Automation is changing the way businesses operate, enabling them to run leaner and more efficiently with the precision that’s now needed.” [21.05] From rising customer expectations to issues with change management, the biggest challenges these three core trends present to drayage operators. [26.26] How drayage operators are managing through these trends and challenges, and why digitalization is no longer a nice-to-have. [28.47] ‘Good, better, best’ – the three step approach to best practices, why best practices are needed across the industry, and how they pull together the key trends of collaboration, transparency, and automation. [32.52] How DrayMaster can help truckers to reduce quote turnaround times by up to a huge 95%. [34.59] A case study detailing how DrayMaster helped a 3PL to achieve 44% lower rates, resulting in annual savings of over $1.5 million, and drastically reducing invoice discrepancies by over 50% and counting. [39.30] How DrayMaster helps truckers and 3PLs to work together, deliver collaboration, visibility and data, and how drayage rating and quoting best practices can improve supply chain management and logistics execution. “When truckers and 3PLs work together seamlessly, the ripple effect benefits everybody involved.” RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to CargoWise Landside’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with CargoWise and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, X (Twitter) or Facebook, you can connect with Tom on LinkedIn. If you want to hear more from CargoWise, we have plenty more for you! Check out 412: Maximize Warehouse Efficiency and Profitability, with CargoWise, 406: Unlock the Opportunities of Cross-Border Ecommerce, with CargoWise, 346: Enable and Empower Your Supply Chain, with WiseTech, 367: Going Beyond Visibility – Unveiling The Invisible, 369: From Chaos To Clarity: Simplifying Global Customs Compliance, 371: Going Beyond Visibility – From Risk to Resilience: How Technology Is Transforming Global Supply chains, or 373: Going Beyond Visibility – Culture and Digitization.

    47 min

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    440: Level Up Your Fulfillment Capabilities, with OneRail

    Bill Catania of OneRail talks about their recent Series C funding; collaboration with IBM Sterling®; & the challenges for retailers and wholesalers in 2025. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.46] An introduction to Bill, and how OneRail are empowering customers to design and execute their own brand of delivery solutions.  “I love what we do – we’re solving a shopper marketing problem with supply chain and logistics... We’re helping our customers fulfil excellence at scale.” [09.57] OneRail’s successful Series B funding round in 2022, and the exciting changes they implemented with this initial investment to position themselves for growth. [12.37] How OneRail are building on that growth with $42 million of Series C funding and an overview of the OneRail vision that this further investment will help propel them towards. “Venture capital for logistics and supply chain tech start ups has reduced by 90%. We just raised a Series C – a very difficult round under good circumstances – at a time when 90% of funding is gone. And there’s only one way to recognize that – the team.” [18.32] OneRail’s new partnership with IBM Sterling® Order and Fulfillment Suite, and how it aligns with Bill’s vision for creating frictionless experiences. “We’re trying to remove friction. When we look at the pandemic, there were a lot of point solutions, solving little pieces of the problem. And now we’re seeing a lot of deprecation in some of those platforms, because they’re not solving enough of the bigger problems.” [21.17] The customer benefits of the OneRail and IBM Sterling® collaboration. “The only way to build trust is repeatable success, and then you build a behavior, and then you build loyalty.” [26.20] Why OneRail built its own fintech platform expansion for freight audit pay and claims, how it helps customers and its pioneering place as the first solution in the market for this category. [31.49] The biggest challenges facing retailers and wholesalers in 2025. “Data siloes are what holds up optimization, but optimization is where the value is.” [33.32] With those challenges in mind, where retailers and wholesalers need to focus, and what they need to prioritize, for the year ahead. “A decentralized, fully interoperable solution is absolutely the future.”   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to OneRail’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with OneRail and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook or X (Twitter) or you can connect with Bill on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more from OneRail, listen to 419: Discover OmniPoint Inventory Visibility and Tackle Shrinkage, with OneRail, 349: Deliver a Frictionless Last Mile, with OneRail, and 393: Get 100% Visibility Over Your Final Mile, with OneRail.

    44 min

  3. DEC 9

    439: Discover The Power of Unified Supply Chain Planning, with Manhattan Associates

    Mandar Rahatekar of Manhattan talks about unified supply chain planning; breaking siloes; UI design; & leveraging AI and machine learning to reduce complexity.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.47] An introduction to Mandar, and an overview of Manhattan. [07.48] Mandar’s career, his journey from Manhattan customer to employee, and what he loves about supply chain. “I’m a mechanical engineer. I started my career in manufacturing and the first lesson I learned, day one on the shop floor, was: I knew nothing.” [11.13] Why the industry is starting to pay attention to unification, and why technology, the ever-growing complexity of supply chain, and increasing speed of business mean it’s more important than ever to merge supply chain planning with execution. “We’re at the right intersection of the requirement of us as customers, and the technology that will support it.” [16.07] Why supply chain has historically been so siloed, and how the changing speed of communication and evolution of siloed working led to a culture of tech integrations. “As humans, we need to solve problems that are manageable… There’s a limit to how much we can do, so we have departments… And everybody chose to solve the problem they can actually influence.” [21.38] How creating one single plan can help to break down siloes, and align all resources to a common business objective. “I learned, as a forecast analyst, as soon as I publish a forecast, I’m lying! Because it’s no longer right, things have already changed… The process is there, but the speed doesn’t match the speed of business. We have to use technology to match that speed.” [24.58] How organizations can simplify the planning process, to build a plan that works for everyone across departments and priorities. [29.59] The challenges of different internal and external data sources, and how businesses can leverage AI and machine learning to sift through them and produce more accurate demand forecasts. “More data is good, but it doesn’t always lead to accurate forecasts.” [36.29] The importance of UI design, and how it can bring simplicity and transparency for users. [41.26] Continuous order build – what it means, and why it’s important. [44.02] How having a broad unified view, and keeping everyone focused on a common business objective, benefits a business’s bottom line; and the key drivers of ROI for customers. “The biggest cost driver is inventory itself, with the cost of labor to add value and move it around, then warehousing and transportation. About 70% of the cost of goods sold is inventory.” [48.06] Why generative AI is the trend every supply chain professional should be thinking about in 2025.

    56 min

  4. DEC 5

    438: Women In Supply Chain, Maria Madrigal

    Maria Madrigal talks about her career journey; overcoming challenges in a male-dominated industry; her leadership style; & the achievement she’s most proud of.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.56] An introduction to Maria and WSI. [07.20] Maria’s 24-year tenure at WSI, and what she loves about the business. “I built relationships, I just love WSI, it’s like a family… like home.” [08.02] Maria’s first role as a window clerk and what it taught her. “I saw a lot of disgruntled drivers, but that started my journey of building a thick skin!” [09.27] Maria’s perspective on formal education within the industry, and finding the balance between real-life experience and academic learning. “Education is important, but there’s no textbook that’s going to teach you what you learn hands-on.” [11.27] The challenges Maria faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry. [14.27] How WSI supported Maria in her journey to becoming their first female Director of Operations, and the role of both mentors and advocates in her growth. [17.45] The three key qualities every mentor should have and Maria’s advice for mentees. “You’ve got to be brave enough to raise your hand – it’s OK to ask for help… And if you don’t ask, you don’t get.” [19.25] The biggest challenge, and opportunity, for the industry right now. “I know we have to be automated to be competitive… but, in doing so, the challenge is making sure we don’t lose the connectivity with individuals, that personal one-on-one touch. With automation, we lose that.” [21.33] Maria’s leadership style, and how it translates to success for her team. [24.32] Maria’s biggest achievement. “I felt vindicated. The fact that I’m here, I am who I am now – that’s a testament to my success.” [27.37] What winning the Women In Supply Chain ‘Trailblazer’ award means to Maria. “For those that doubted me, here I am today as a trailblazer and a Director.” [28.31] Maria’s biggest inspiration. [29.27] The future for Maria, and WSI.

    35 min

  5. NOV 25

    437: Women In Supply Chain, Mercedes Pina

    Mercedes Pina talks about her career journey; her experience as an immigrant; her passion for logistics; and why she believes that anything is possible.     IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.05] Mercedes’ experience as a young immigrant in Long Island, and why her parents instilled in her a sense of hard work and perseverance. “The sacrifices my parents made gave me the opportunity to strive for excellence in everything I do.” [08.47] The challenges Mercedes faced as a young immigrant in a new country, her approach to tackling them, and how those experiences shaped the woman she is today. [10.11] Where Mercedes’ career began, and how she discovered a passion for logistics. “Initially, I thought logistics would be something temporary. But as I got deeper into the industry, I became captivated by it’s vastness and complexity, and by the challenges of understanding the full scope of it.” [11.58] Mercedes’ role as Vice President of Client Services and Expedited Pricing at STG Logistics, and the importance of collaboration. “I focus on nurturing relationships, and understanding our clients evolving needs.” [14.25] The increasing focus on client services, and how businesses are leveraging customer experience as a competitive advantage. “The rising focus on client services marks a pivotal shift in how businesses approach customer relationships. Exceptional service is now vital for retention and brand loyalty, which sets companies apart in the market.” [15.39] How Mercedes approaches pricing strategies, and finds the balance between value and cost. “Navigating pricing amongst inflation – it is challenging. We focus on transparency and value creation.” [17.38] Mercedes’ trend predictions for logistics in 2025. “In today’s world, it’s hard to predict anything! But, come 2025, I anticipate several key trends with automation, AI and sustainability… And more sophisticated final mile solutions – people want everything faster!” [18.42] What Mercedes’ Rising Star award at this years Women in Supply Chain Awards means to her, as a young woman and immigrant. [20.01] Mercedes’ passion for mentoring, and how she’s bridging the gap and meeting young women where they are. “Mentoring is crucial, especially in supply chain where diversity and inclusion can significantly enhance innovation and problem-solving. My experience as a young woman gives me a unique insight into the challenges people face entering this field.” [21.41] The biggest challenge for young women looking to find their place in the industry. [23.23] Mercedes’ belief that anything is possible, and her advice for translating a positive mindset into action. “Failure is just a stepping stone to success.” [24.55] The future for Mercedes. [25.31] Mercedes’ advice for senior leaders thinking about creating safe spaces for young women in the industry.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from incredible women in the industry, check out 433: Women In Supply Chain, Annie Torikian, 425: Women In Supply Chain, Josephine Coombe or 422: Women In Supply Chain, Kiran Mann.

    32 min

  6. NOV 13

    435: Leave Excel Behind, with Parabola

    Alex Yaseen of Parabola talks about his founder journey; the future of spreadsheets; empowering teams with workflow control; and embracing AI.    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.34] An introduction to Alex, his background, and the journey that led him to found Parabola. “Most people seem to engage with new tech with fear and a lack of agency… People describe fighting against technology. And that’s a shame, because you could have such a positive, productive, empowering relationship with technology once you know how to use it.” [12.48] The challenges Alex saw as a consultant at Deloitte, and the problems he still sees across the industry, when it comes to people and technology. “Even at Fortune 50 companies, people were still doing incredibly non-scalable, crazy, manual processes on spreadsheets.” [16.46] An overview of Parabola – who they are, what they do and how they help their customers – and Alex’s take on the mismatch between operations and IT that Parabola is helping to solve. [21.09] The growing importance of AI, and how Parabola are integrating it into their solution with impact in mind. “Combining two things together is important – the ability to grab the data, and the ability to action on it.” [26.16] The ideal client for Parabola. [28.23] A closer look at the Parabola platform, its intuitive drag-and-drop workflow, and how teams can use it. [31.37] Why integration isn’t something you need to be scared of with Parabola. “When people hear the word ‘integration’ they get scared. It’s normally a big long process, you have to work with your IT team and they’re going to get mad at you… We want to do things differently.” [34.23] How the Parabola platform can help supply chain teams optimize processes from scorecarding and management to audits and track and trace. [39.43] From improving productivity and facilitating growth, to saving time and giving teams ownership over their own workflows, the impact of that optimization on businesses and their bottom lines. “Operations people are probably the most important people at a company – they know how things work and have great ideas… We’re trying to shine a spotlight onto them… And our best users have a track record of being promoted pretty quickly.” [42.05] The impact of leveraging the power of Parabola on the industry. [45.02] A case study detailing how Parabola helped a large retail brand achieve multiple levels of ROI – saving them money, but also boosting team engagement and job satisfaction, and helping the Director of Operations get a better seat at the table in leadership conversations. [49.51] From AI to nurturing a better understanding of business problems, what we can expect from the industry in 2025. “Increasingly, the hard thing within companies is actually understanding the problem... It’s that knowledge of what’s important within the company, and having people on your team who know where the bodies are buried! Companies who are great at cultivating and empowering their people are going to rise to the surface.” RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Parabola’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Parabola and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Alex on LinkedIn.

    58 min

  7. NOV 11

    434: Synchronize Your Supply Chain Execution, with Blue Yonder

    Tiffany Brewer of Blue Yonder talks about synchronizing supply chain execution; building resilient businesses; & helping clients reduce spend & drive growth. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.23] An introduction to Tiffany, her background, and the expertise she brings to her role at Blue Yonder. “I’ve been in the shoes of our customers, and I’m able to speak to the product teams and say: “Hey – this is what’s going on in the industry, this is what our customers need.” [08.24] What synchronizing supply chain execution means to Blue Yonder and their customers. “We’ve historically had point solutions that solve each problem, from warehousing to transportation… but they’re not really separate processes to the point that systems shouldn’t be talking to each other.” [12.35] The macro challenges rocking the industry right now; why a lot of current tech architecture isn’t capable of keeping up; and how connected solutions can help. [20.35] How those big challenges impact Blue Yonder customers, and the challenge of navigating the push and pull between the different perspectives on the right amount of synchronization. [25.28] What it means to be a resilient and agile company; why it’s so important; and how synchronizing supply chain execution can help achieve that resilience and agility. “What it comes down to is focusing on bringing the most value to the business.” [30.09] The paradigm shift that’s needed to increase that resilience and agility; the benefits that will come out of it; and the importance of measuring the right things. “Getting all of the opinions and perspectives into the room is key… How can we, as an organization, make these decisions together and figure out which thing is the most important for the business, instead of the most important for individual business areas.” [34.27] An overview of Blue Yonder’s platform and solutions that are enabling a synchronized approach to handling supply chain execution and disruption for customers. [36.55] The benefits of synchronizing supply chain execution, and how Blue Yonder are helping to reduce transportation costs by 30-40%, decrease labor costs by 10-15%, and lower inventory costs by 8%. [40.14] What Blue Yonder’s recent Supply Chain Executive Survey can tell us about what teams are thinking about, and focusing on, for 2025. “Over 80% of execs are getting ready to bring more AI/ML into their businesses.” 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 Tiffany on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Blue Yonder, check out 417: Fulfill Your Potential, with Blue Yonder.

    47 min

  8. NOV 4

    433: Women In Supply Chain, Annie Torikian

    Annie Torikian talks about her career journey; her passion for innovation; balancing professional and social responsibility; and being named a trailblazer.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.47] The journey that led Annie from Lebanon to Canada, and what she learned along the way. “When I first came to Canada, I was really ready to embrace a new chapter in my life. I came looking for stability and security… It was a big shift… and it gave me a new perspective on life.” [08.30] The surprisingly practical reason that led Annie to supply chain, and how she fell in love with the industry. “Over the years… I realized how impactful and important the job I was doing was... As I discovered the complexities and global impact of supply chain, it became a no-brainer for me, I thought ‘I’m going to stay in this industry and thrive’… Sometimes, the most rewarding paths are the ones we never planned to take.” [10.37] An overview of Tecsys, what they do, and how they help their customers. [11.54] Annie’s role as Vice President of Enhanced Business Solutions at Tecsys, and how she became a driving force in innovation, spearheading initiatives and incorporating new automation technologies. “Automation in itself is not a new concept, but there’s such a rapid shift in the technology that it’s become a gamechanger. And any company that needs to remain competitive has no choice but to deploy some kind of automation in their warehouses.” [16.28] Annie’s 26 year tenure with Tecsys, how she evolved from analyst to VP, and some of her biggest challenges and achievements along the way. “For anyone to stay so long in the same company, there needs to be an alignment between your personal and company values. For me, it was integrity, professionalism, respect and teamwork.” [20.35] How supply chain and technology has changed over the course of Annie’s career. “It’s cool to have a front row seat in this evolution.” [23.07] With a historic lack of women in leadership, how the industry has changed for women. [25.53] Annie’s take on mentorship. [30.36] The importance of balancing professional and social responsibility, and why volunteering is key to good leadership. “For me, it became an integral part of my leadership  identity, and I think its crucial for any executive that wants to be impactful to do some kind of volunteering… You meet so many people, of different backgrounds, characters, and personalities… It sharpens your leadership skills and prepares you for complex roles.” [33.57] Annie’s recent Women in Supply Chain Forum award win, and what it means to be named a ‘trailblazer’ in the industry. “Never assume that you’ve reached your full potential.” [35.17] The future for Annie.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   You can connect with Annie over on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from women who have moved countries and continents to excel in supply chain, check out 389: Women in Supply Chain, Carmit Glik, 326: Women in supply chain™, Paige Wei-Cox, or 275: Women in supply chain™, Amani Radman.

    42 min
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4.5
out of 5
57 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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