Today we delve into pressing cybersecurity issues, recent developments in warehouse demand, and the need for more operational efficiency in the cold chain industry.. Welcome to The Buzz powered by AutoScheduler! Hosts Scott Luton and Tandreia Bellamy welcome special guest Ilya Preston, Co-Founder & CEO of PAXAFE, to discuss: The ongoing tariff challenges and how companies like Lovesac are navigating these through strategic supplier negotiations, production shifts, price adjustments, and cost-cutting measures The warehouse industry, where a resurgence in demand is noted, reflecting broader economic trends The pressing issues surrounding cybersecurity within the supply chain, particularly during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, highlighting the alarming trend of declining budgets despite increasing cyber threats The burgeoning cold chain industry and the necessity for orchestration in ensuring operational efficiency Join us as we unpack these pivotal topics and their implications for the future of global supply chains, offering actionable insights for industry professionals. This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Tandreia Bellamy, 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 Learn more about AutoScheduler.AI SAP Supply Chain Orchestration Lovesac sees ‘strong…

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and special guest host Claudia Freed, President & CEO of EALGreen, welcome Chuck Johnston, Chief Strategy Officer at ReturnPro, for a deep dive into the “dark side” of supply chain: reverse logistics and returns management. They unpack why returns are a nearly trillion-dollar challenge in the U.S., how BORIS (buy online, return in store) strains store operations, and why many retailers still under-invest: leaders often can’t see the full cost across functions or make the ROI case for what’s treated as a cost center. Chuck shares how the space has evolved from yellow notepads to data-driven decisioning, highlighting intelligent algorithms that route items at the customer’s first return click, fraud mitigation with imaging and behavior signals, and how third-party innovation is compressing software build times. Claudia adds a nonprofit and circularity lens: donation channels, extended tax credits, and AI pilots (computer vision + MCP agents) that identify item condition and slotting in real time. Together, they explore where to start, why cross-functional “ambassadors” matter, and how partnerships across retailers, manufacturers, nonprofits, and 3PLs can turn returns from margin erosion into measurable value and social impact.   This episode is hosted by…