John Janson

At MODEX 2026 in Atlanta, Scott Luton caught up with Mike Harris, VP of OMRS at Ocado Intelligent Automation, to explore how robotics, software, and evolving customer expectations are reshaping modern warehouse operations. While robots may grab the spotlight, Harris makes it clear: the real value lies beneath the surface, as in the intelligence that powers them.   Rising Expectations and the Cost-to-Serve Challenge Warehouse operators are under increasing pressure from both ends of the supply chain. Costs continue to climb, while customer expectations are rising just as quickly. “Cost to serve is continuing to increase and customers expect things faster and completely accurate” Harris explains. This dynamic creates a constant balancing act. Organizations must improve speed and accuracy while controlling costs, a challenge that requires more than incremental improvements. It demands smarter, more adaptive systems.   Flexibility and Long-Term Thinking Take Center Stage In today’s volatile environment, Harris sees a clear shift in how companies approach automation investments. “We’re finding that customers are looking to invest in technologies and partners that they want to stay with for a while,” he notes. Rather than chasing one-off solutions, organizations are prioritizing long-term partnerships and scalable platforms that can evolve with their…

Another BIG week at Supply Chain Now! If you missed an episode, get a quick summary and listen here! We added another TWO additional episodes this week starting on Saturday, August 1st. If you didn’t catch our Supply Chain Buzz livestream last week, you got another chance to see Scott and Greg cover the top news in Supply Chain on Saturday. Supply Chain Now · “The Supply Chain Buzz for July 27th: Brand Rationalization, CSCO Diversity, & More”     On Sunday, we continued our Logistics with Purpose series with a great interview with Jon Thompson with Comunidad Connect.   Supply Chain Now · “Logistics with Purpose: Jon Thompson with Comunidad Connect”     On Monday, Scott and Greg spoke with Andrea Kerr, the VP of Product Management with SpotSee, all about optimizing supply chain visibility.   Supply Chain Now · “Optimizing Supply Chain Visibility: Angela Kerr with SpotSee”     On Tuesday we had ANOTHER great new program debut! We published the first episode of the Jamin Logistics & Transportation Experience, as Jamin Alvidrez interviewed our very own, Scott Luton!   Supply Chain Now · “Adapt & Thrive: Lessons from the Air Force, Andy Griffith & Granddad with Guest…