Supply Chain Now

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, and part of the Supply Chain Leadership Across Africa series, Scott Luton is joined by co-host Clare Fincham of SAPICS, with guests Nicole Petersen from the South African Graduate Employers Association, and Yaseen Ahmid, CEO of Luna, to explore the biggest takeaways from the SAPICS Annual Conference 2025 in Cape Town. Together, they discuss the rising demand for supply chain graduates, the growing emphasis on sustainability skills, and the widening gap between what universities teach and what employers need. Nicole shares how initiatives like Quantify Your Future are creating clear pathways for students, while Yaseen highlights the importance of tailoring resumes, building early employer relationships, and showcasing entrepreneurial soft skills. Clare emphasizes the role of community and collaboration in extending conference conversations into universities and businesses. This discussion offers a roadmap for addressing supply chain talent shortages and preparing Africa’s workforce to lead in global innovation.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Clare Fincham, 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 Nicole Petersen Learn more about the…

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with two leaders shaping the future of reverse logistics from the floor to the classroom: Troy Campbell, Director of Reverse Logistics Centers at The Home Depot, and Dr. Glenn Richey, Jr., Harbert Eminent Scholar in Supply Chain Management at Auburn University. Troy opens the doors to Home Depot’s four Reverse Logistics Centers: Phoenix, Pittston (PA), McDonough (GA), and Indianapolis, showing why a people-first culture remains the operating system for returns at scale. He gets real about “automation when the box isn’t a box,” how rethinking inbound flows through 3PLs reduces touches and transportation cost, and why simple vendor conversations (like consolidating daily pallets into a single weekly load) can unlock outsized impact. His north star: make associates’ days easier, and the entire reverse network improves. Glenn zooms out to the macro shifts: the move from minimizing returns to maximizing returns within a circular economy, generative AI for scenario planning and real-time decision support, and reverse logistics as the operational backbone of sustainability. He maps the skills the next workforce will need, calls for clearer industry coding to separate reverse data from forward logistics, and outlines how universities can build…

Today we’re discussing the top news in workforce development in manufacturing, reverse logistics, and circular economy. Welcome to The Buzz powered by AutoScheduler! Hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter, along with Founder & Chief Circularity Officer with All Things Circular, guest Rich Bulger, explore: The implications of large-scale investment announcements in U.S. manufacturing, such as Intel’s $28 billion project in Ohio The potential delays and challenges posed by the U.S. government shutdown The importance of workforce development in manufacturing, emphasizing the need for skilled trades and education Insights on the reverse logistics and circular economy, advocating for more returns in certain contexts to drive profitability and sustainability Orchestration in supply chains, showcasing platforms that streamline processes and enhance efficiency. Join us for this episode with expert perspectives and actionable insights, offering valuable guidance for navigating the complexities of modern supply chains.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Kim Reuter, 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 Rich Check out All Things Circular Supply Chain and Logistics Summit Check out AutoScheduler’s new Warehouse Decision Agent…

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton sits down with two industry leaders shaping the future of reverse logistics and circular supply chains. Joining the conversation are Sean Cleland, Vice President of Mobility and Asset Recovery at B-Stock, and Rich Bulger, Founder and Chief Circularity Officer at All Things Circular. Sean shares how B-Stock has pioneered the secondary market for retailers and brands, using data and AI to transform returns from a tactical afterthought into a strategic advantage. He explores how mobile technology sets the pace for the broader supply chain, why retailers like Best Buy are rethinking refurbished and resale programs, and how companies are shifting toward proactive planning and insourcing to better manage reverse flows. Rich reflects on his journey from building billion-dollar trade-in programs at Verizon and Cisco to launching All Things Circular, a platform dedicated to education, collaboration, and innovation in reverse logistics. He highlights the evolution of returns as a revenue driver, the urgent need for new training and curricula, and the importance of circular thinking in addressing a $1.6 trillion challenge. Together, Sean and Rich offer a candid look at where reverse logistics is headed, the role of AI in predicting…

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton welcomes Angie Jula, Director of Product Management, and Matt Brolsma, Sr. Manager of Product Marketing at SPS Commerce, to discuss how AI and automation are transforming retail supply chains. Angie draws on more than a decade in product leadership, while Matt brings cross-functional expertise from both supplier and buyer perspectives. Together, they share how retailers can transform clean, connected data into actionable insights that enhance demand forecasting, supplier collaboration, and pricing strategy, all while reducing manual work that slows down their teams. From tackling organizational silos with cross-functional dashboards to equipping executives with real-time visibility, Angie and Matt emphasize why AI is no longer optional; it’s a strategic imperative. They highlight case studies on supplier scorecarding, automation-driven fill rates, and proactive exception management, showing how early adopters are gaining competitive advantages in resilience, agility, and customer loyalty. This discussion is a roadmap for retailers navigating tariffs, disruptions, and the rising expectations of today’s consumers.   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…

Today we’re diving into the multifaceted dynamics of the global supply chain landscape, emphasizing the pivotal role of leadership and workforce management within this intricate system. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EasyPost! Hosts Scott Luton and Koray Kose welcome special guest Katie Date with Manifest to discuss: The implications of recent workforce surveys, revealing that a significant proportion of employees express discontent with their managerial relationships The critical understanding that effective leadership in supply chain management can either catalyze or hinder operational efficiency The influence of artificial intelligence in optimizing supply chain processes, positing it as a transformative force that can enhance decision-making and operational agility The importance of adaptability and proactive engagement with emerging technologies, advocating for a shift from reactive to proactive supply chain strategies to ensure resilience and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving marketplace Join us today as we focus on leadership development and technological integration as essential components of modern supply chain management.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Koray Kose, 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:   With That Said…

Join Supply Chain Now host Scott Luton for a timely conversation with Max Garland, Senior Reporter at Supply Chain Dive. In this episode, they break down the biggest stories shaping logistics and e-commerce right now—from Target’s next-day delivery expansion and FedEx’s 2026 rate hikes to the rise of regional carriers like OnTrac and Veho. They’ll also unpack how the end of the de minimis exemption is reshaping international e-commerce and what it means for businesses adapting to new rules. Packed with insights on technology, customer experience, and the future of supply chain operations, this discussion is a can’t miss for anyone navigating today’s rapidly evolving logistics landscape.   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 Max on LinkedIn Learn more about our hosts Want more Supply Chain Now? We know you can’t get enough Supply Chain Now! Don’t miss a single episode, livestream, or webinar: Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform Connect with the Supply Chain Now community…

Regulatory frameworks like the CSRD in the EU, SRS in the UK, and SB 253 & SB 261 in California are pushing sustainability to the top of the corporate agenda, but compliance is just the beginning. The real challenge and opportunity lie in taking the next step: decarbonizing the supply chain.   Join us for an interactive webinar where we bring together key perspectives of P3 Group, a strategic consulting partner with deep, hands-on sustainability experience in the automotive industry, and SAP, a leading enabler and technology provider supporting sustainable transformation.   Together, we’ll explore what it takes to move from reporting to real results. What changes are needed in your organization, your processes, and your technology stack to turn sustainability goals into measurable supply chain impact? How can decarbonization enhance your supply chain’s resilience and drive competitive advantage in international markets? Whether you’re just getting started or looking to accelerate your journey to net zero, this session will provide actionable insights you won’t want to miss.   Key takeaways   New regulatory frameworks are making sustainability reporting a mandatory part of corporate governance. Meeting regulatory requirements is essential, but the real value lies in going beyond reporting to drive…

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton welcomes Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, for a conversation on the future of supply chains. Mike explains why reverse logistics and returns management are now critical, how AI-powered demand sensing improves agility, and why organizations must treat reverse supply chains with the same discipline as forward ones. He also shares predictions on AI certification in hiring and the risk of losing soft skills as technology takes on a bigger role. Using football as a lens, Mike highlights resilience from the Buffalo Bills, core focus from the Ravens, and orchestration from the Patriots—lessons supply chain leaders can apply directly. He also previews Gartner’s Planning Summits, where strategy meets hands-on execution. From tackling fraud in returns to preparing talent for an AI-driven future, this episode offers clear takeaways for balancing technology, people, and process.   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 Mike Griswold Learn more about Gartner Learn more about our hosts Want more Supply Chain Now? We know you can’t…