The AI hype cycle is over. The scaling race has begun. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton welcomes special guest co-host Marina Mayer, Content Director of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Co-Founder of the Women in Supply Chain Forum, for a wide-ranging conversation on how AI is actually reshaping global supply chains, manufacturing, and the workforce behind them. Marina unpacks data showing the AI in logistics and supply chain market is set to grow from just over $20 billion to nearly $196 billion by 2034, and explains why the real driver isn’t AI adoption itself but companies learning to target it to the specific parts of the business where it belongs. From there, the two dig into a 2026 AI Skills Enterprise Benchmark from Workera, revealing that manufacturers committed to structured upskilling are hitting 79% workforce readiness scores, and why employee confidence, not just capability, is the missing piece in so many transformation efforts. The conversation builds into how KPMG research shows 73% of businesses are now planning a comprehensive overhaul of their supply chain operating model within the next three years, up from just 11% a year prior, and what that…

Most companies aren’t struggling with procurement because they’re spending too little on technology. They’re struggling because they’re building intelligence on top of fragmented data, disconnected workflows, and outdated operating models. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa are joined by Mark Schenecker, VP of Manufacturing Industries at Coupa, for a data-driven conversation on the future of direct procurement. Drawing from Coupa’s State of Direct Procurement 2026 report, Mark unpacks why procurement leaders are pulling away from the pack and why AI alone isn’t the differentiator many organizations think it is. From fragmented data and disconnected workflows to the growing importance of supplier visibility and risk intelligence, the discussion explores what separates companies that react to disruption from those that anticipate it. Together, they explore why clean, connected data must come before AI, why leading organizations have moved beyond price-only sourcing decisions, and why procurement deserves a strategic seat at the table.   This episode is hosted by Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa. 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 Mark Schenecker Learn…