Supply Chain Now

In this episode of The Buzz, we unpack the growing complexity of returns, explore the gap between data and decision-making in manufacturing, and examine Boeing’s ongoing turnaround—plus a powerful conversation on leadership, execution, and empowering the frontline—welcome to The Buzz, powered by DOSS! Hosts Scott Luton and special guest host Ray Attiyah break down the $700B returns economy and how companies like UPS are turning reverse logistics into a competitive advantage. The conversation also dives into new data on manufacturing decision-making—and why visibility alone isn’t enough without clear action. Plus, the team explores Boeing’s slow but steady recovery and what it really takes to rebuild trust at scale. This episode delivers practical, real-world perspective on execution, leadership, and how organizations can stay resilient in uncertain times. Key Learnings & Takeaways: Returns are a $700B opportunity—customer experience now defines brand loyalty Easy, frictionless returns can drive repeat purchases and long-term loyalty Manufacturing data is improving—but decision-making frameworks are lagging Visibility isn’t enough—leaders need actionable insights, not just dashboards Only 9% of manufacturers can identify root causes in real time—leaving many stuck in firefighting mode Boeing’s recovery highlights the long road from lost trust to regained confidence Execution > strategy—top organizations are…

Every warehouse operation has a workforce plan. The question is how resilient it is when conditions change. On any given day, volumes may shift. Customer priorities change. Demand profiles evolve. In a complex operating environment, variability isn’t unusual: it’s embedded in the operating model. And when labor productivity underpins service commitments, cost performance, and overall financial outcomes, even modest deviations between plan and reality can carry meaningful impact. How do leading operations teams close the gap between strategy and real-world execution? In this executive-level fireside chat, Brandon Wibben, VP of Workforce Planning + Productivity at GEODIS, joins Karl Koehler, COO of Easy Metrics, to discuss how high-performing operations teams manage productivity, performance, and profitability in complex, high-variability environments. Drawing from real-world operational leadership, they’ll explore how data-driven workforce planning, productivity management, and daily execution must come together to protect cost performance and deliver on fulfillment commitments. The conversation will look at the persistent planning-versus-reality gap that defines high-volume operations – and how leaders can close it. Attendees will gain practical insights on how to: – Strengthen the connection between workforce planning and daily operational performance – Optimize productivity across sites, processes, and shifts with greater precision and accountability – Preserve…

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 as Sanofi and Avon, Rodrigo offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by today’s supply chain professionals. Rodrigo delves into the balance between efficiency, adaptability, and human-centered leadership that is essential for success in today’s complex pharmaceutical supply chain. He discusses the challenges of global supply chain resilience in the post-pandemic era, the regulatory hurdles faced, and the transformative role of AI in streamlining operations. This episode offers valuable insights for both seasoned and emerging supply chain professionals on leadership, strategic thinking, and empowering decision-making.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Régine Villain, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton.   Additional Links & Resources Check out all the great resources and information mentioned during the show: Connect with Rodrigo Alponti Connect with Régine Villain Learn more about STADA…

For three decades, WiseTech Global has been quietly powering the movement of goods around the world, but the biggest transformation in the company’s history may still be ahead. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Wiley Jones are joined by Zubin Appoo, Chief Executive Officer at WiseTech Global, Australia’s largest ASX-listed technology firm and the world’s leading logistics, supply chain, and global trade technology company. Together, they explore what it truly means to build digital infrastructure for the global supply chain, from customs brokerage and freight forwarding to the full end-to-end trade lifecycle following WiseTech’s landmark acquisition of e2open. Zubin draws on nearly 25 years of experience, including 15 foundational years at WiseTech and seven years leading social purpose businesses, to make the case for being AI-first rather than AI-assisted. He also unpacks how decades of proprietary data, combined with large language models, are enabling WiseTech to solve problems that were previously out of reach, faster and more powerfully than ever before. Zubin also shares the leadership philosophy that has guided him across every role: reward success, reward failure, punish inaction. It’s a mindset built for an era where the pace of change demands bold experimentation,…

In this episode of The Buzz, we break down rising cargo theft, global supply chain disruptions, and the growing gap in AI readiness—plus what it all means for leaders trying to stay ahead—welcome to The Buzz, powered by DOSS! Hosts Scott Luton and Yaseen Ahmid break down major forces shaping today’s supply chains—from geopolitical disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and its ripple effects on fuel, fertilizer, and costs, to a surprising gap in AI readiness where most employees can’t apply what they’ve learned. Joined by Danny Ramon, the conversation dives into the rapid rise of cargo theft, how increasingly sophisticated criminal networks are exploiting digital systems and documentation, and why high-demand goods are more vulnerable than ever. This episode delivers clear, real-world insight into where supply chains are most exposed right now—and what leaders must do to stay ahead. Cargo theft is rising fast—with continued double-digit growth and increasing sophistication Criminal networks are exploiting digital gaps, paperwork fraud, and fragmented systems High-demand, easily resold goods (electronics, food, clothing) are top theft targets Global disruptions (fuel, fertilizer, shipping routes) are driving widespread cost increases AI training is falling short—most employees can’t apply it to real workflows Visibility—not just technology—is the…

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Tevon Taylor are joined by Lori Boyer, Head of Content Marketing at EasyPost and host of Unboxing Logistics. Together, they break down what’s really driving shipping challenges today, from fragmented consumer demand to rising costs hidden in accessory fees, packaging inefficiencies, and routing decisions rather than just carrier rate increases. The discussion highlights how demand has become less predictable, with promotion-driven spikes creating operational strain and forcing reactive, costly decisions. At the same time, customer expectations have shifted. Cost, reliability, visibility, and accuracy now matter more than speed, pushing companies to rethink how they design their shipping strategies. Lori also shares how leading teams are responding by improving visibility, aligning service levels with customer needs, and using AI to support faster, data-driven decisions. This episode offers a practical look at how organizations can reduce costs, adapt to uncertainty, and build more resilient and efficient shipping operations.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Tevon Taylor, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton.   Additional Links & Resources Check out all the great resources and information mentioned during the show: Connect with Lori Boyer Learn…

In this episode of Supply Chain Now and ongoing Now Generation series, Scott W. Luton is joined by Professor Catarina Carvalho, faculty member at Columbia University and Associate Principal at Arup, alongside Briana Stregiel from Columbia Business School, Curran Murphy, Distribution Planning Manager at Louis Vuitton, and Ingrid Eck, Graduate Student, M.S. in Sustainability Management at Columbia University. Together, they share how the next wave of supply chain leaders is already tackling complex challenges across sustainability, data, and global operations. The conversation highlights how diverse backgrounds, from luxury fashion and food systems to natural gas trading, help students bridge classroom learning to real global challenges. Topics such as decarbonization, scope 3 emissions, climate risk, and cross-functional collaboration take center stage as each guest shares what drives them most. Their perspectives reveal a generation that is not only career-focused but deeply motivated to create meaningful change. Catarina also shares insights into how Columbia’s program intentionally develops well-rounded leaders by bridging academic rigor with hands-on, real-world practitioner expertise. This episode offers a glimpse of how the next generation is approaching the supply chain with curiosity, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton, and produced…

In this episode of The Buzz, we unpack the latest manufacturing signals, leadership priorities, and the growing impact of AI—plus a candid look at corporate jargon and why clarity matters more than ever—welcome to The Buzz, powered by DOSS! Hosts Scott Luton and Billy Ray Taylor dive into March manufacturing data showing modest growth and improving job trends, while also highlighting ongoing cost pressures and global disruptions. From there, the conversation shifts to what’s really on the minds of business leaders today—uncertainty, decision-making challenges, and the widening gap between strategy and execution. This episode delivers practical, real-world perspectives on how organizations can move forward with confidence. Key Learnings & Takeaways: Manufacturing momentum is steady—but fragile with growth signals tempered by inflation and disruption Today’s labor market = “low hire, low fire” driven by uncertainty and hesitation AI isn’t transforming your business—it’s exposing it (data gaps, inefficiencies, misalignment) Execution beats strategy—most companies don’t fail from bad plans, but poor follow-through KPIs vs. KPAs—why actions (not just metrics) drive real performance Corporate jargon can damage performance by masking clarity and weakening decision-making Great leadership = clarity, standards, and accountability, not buzzwords Bottom line: In today’s complex environment, leaders who prioritize execution, clarity,…

Warehouses have become one of the most important battlegrounds in modern supply chain. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by industry leaders Lance Olmsted, Chief Revenue Officer at IFS, and Patrick Maley, Chief Revenue Officer at IFS Softeon, to explore why warehouse execution now plays a much bigger strategic role across the business. As customer expectations rise and supply chains face more pressure to move faster, they explain how companies are rethinking the warehouse as a source of speed, flexibility, and competitive advantage. The conversation covers how real-time visibility, modern warehouse systems, and industrial AI can help teams make better decisions, respond faster to disruptions, and close the gap between planning and execution. Lance and Patrick also share their perspective on where warehouse operations are headed next and why adaptability will be critical moving forward.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton.   Additional Links & Resources Check out all the great resources and information mentioned during the show: Connect with Lance Olmsted Connect with Patrick Maley Learn more about IFS Learn more about IFS Softeon Upcoming Live Programming Learn more about Hytrol…