Dr. Andrew Brown

At Supply Chain Now, we talk a lot about innovation, resilience, and what’s next for our industry. But behind every great conversation, great idea, and great community is something even more fundamental: curiosity. We read because we’re curious. We read to learn. We read to grow. And sometimes, we read simply because it’s fun! That’s why we created Between the Lines by Supply Chain Now, a space for our community to share what we’re reading, what’s making us think, and what we’re excited to recommend to others. This isn’t a traditional book club where everyone follows the same reading list. Instead, it’s a shared shelf, built by the Supply Chain Now team and our broader community. You’ll find business books and personal development reads alongside novels, memoirs, histories, and unexpected favorites. No required genres. No assigned chapters. Just real people sharing real recommendations. Because great books shape us in different ways. Some help us sharpen our skills. Some challenge how we see the world. Some help us slow down, escape, or recharge. And often, the most meaningful growth comes from reading something we never would have picked up on our own. With Between the Lines, our goal is to create…

In schools and childcare centers, every dollar counts. But there’s another resource that may be just as precious: time. In a recent conversation with Scott Luton, Ashley Hubka, SVP & GM of Walmart Business, explored the often-overlooked role procurement plays in education. From preparing for the back-to-school rush to managing staff shortages and embracing AI, Hubka’s message was consistent: Simplifying routine purchasing can give educators and administrators more time to focus on the people they serve. And that opportunity may be substantial: according to a recent survey of more than 500 decision-makers at businesses with 10–500 employees, 37% of business leaders spend 4–7 hours each week on routine purchasing. Different Organizations, Similar Challenges A school district serving 30,000 students and a childcare center supporting 500 children may operate at vastly different scales, but Hubka says their procurement challenges often look surprisingly similar. Both organizations must stretch budgets, stay stocked, support multiple users and locations, and respond quickly when needs change. When purchasing is fragmented across suppliers and systems, they face increased complexity and reduced visibility. The back-to-school season magnifies those challenges. “Back-to-school condenses months of planning and purchasing into a very short window,” Hubka explained. At the same time organizations…