John Conte

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping supply chain operations. From improving demand forecasting and inventory management to increasing operational efficiency, organizations across industries are investing heavily in AI to gain a competitive edge. Yet many companies overlook a critical requirement for AI success: access to trusted, high-quality data shared across the supply chain ecosystem. Supply chains have always relied on collaboration among suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. In the AI era, that collaboration must become more intelligent. Organizations need timely, secure data exchange, both upstream and downstream, to provide AI systems with the information required to generate accurate insights and recommendations. When suppliers share real-time information about inventory levels, delivery schedules, and raw material quality, manufacturers can improve planning, reduce risk, and respond more quickly to disruptions. Likewise, when retailers share data about customer demand, inventory positions, and satisfaction levels, manufacturers can better align production and distribution with actual market needs. The result is a leaner, more agile, and more profitable supply chain. Despite these benefits, many organizations are still hesitant to share data. Concerns about security, intellectual property protection, competitive exposure, and integration complexity continue to create barriers. However, these challenges can be addressed through strong data governance, clear…

Stay up to date on all the latest conversations, interviews, and episodes we released this week here at Supply Chain Now. We started our week off by publishing a Digital Transformers episode hosted by Kevin L. Jackson. This week he welcomes special guest Trina Limpert with RizeNext. On This Week in Business History, Scott shares a special story that is near and dear to his heart. This episode highlights Scott’s grandfather Dick Rutland. Scott highlights his grandfather’s experiences with Winn-Dixie and Kimberly Clark. On Tuesday, we released an episode of TEKTOK with hosts Scott Luton and Karin Bursa. These two had the amazing opportunity to interview Matthew Harding SVP of Data Science & Engineering, and Ben Cubitt, SVP of Consulting and Network Services at Transplace. For this episode of Supply Chain Now Scott and Greg had the opportunity to interview two important UPS figures: Daniel Gagnon, Vice President of Global UPS Healthcare Marketing and Strategy, and Tim Fosnough, Senior Director of UPS Global Freight Forwarding. During this conversation, UPS responses to the COVID-19 pandemic were discussed. On Thursday, we also released another episode of the Supply Chain Buzz featuring Aaron Meredith from Verusen. Scott, Greg, and Aaron covered all the…