Steve Laratta

Special Guest Blog Post written by Bernadine Henderson Ms. Henderson, senior director of procurement at Protolabs, lifts the lid on buying in manufacturing and why relationships are central to it.   Simply put, the job of a buyer is really about buying the right thing at the right time for the right price. It sounds simple, but it really is very complicated because everything that’s going on in the world impacts the timing, the availability, and the price of the product. This means that buying has recently got a lot more complicated. World events have very real consequences on global supply chains. Just one example is the way in which buyers have responded to tariffs in the U.S. by re-routing sourcing locations. It takes a certain amount of agility to be a buyer in 2025, and this quick responsiveness is helped along by one key ingredient, and that is strong relationships with suppliers. Relationships Built on Trust A widely held misconception is that buyers are only interested in getting to the lowest price possible. In fact, the most important thing to a buyer is for suppliers to bring solutions that deliver overall value. In my experience, a really strong supplier…

In today’s supply chain landscape, digital transformation is no longer optional—but as the panelists in the latest Supply Chain Now webinar revealed, it’s also not just about technology. Hosted by Scott Luton and Jake Barr, this conversation brought together two powerhouse leaders: Eliza Simeonova, Quality Supply Chain Operations Officer at Haleon, and Philip Vervloesem, Chief Commercial & Markets Officer at OMP. Together, they tackled one of the most pressing challenges of our time—how to lead meaningful, people-centered transformation in an age increasingly defined by AI. A few insights stood out: Technology isn’t the hero—people are. True digital transformation begins with clarity of purpose, disciplined simplification, and leaders who stay close to the work. AI amplifies human intelligence, it doesn’t replace it. The most successful organizations empower their teams to collaborate with technology, not compete against it. Waiting for perfection is the biggest risk. Progress comes from experimentation, agility, and the courage to act before every variable is known. From redefining leadership mindsets to practical strategies for upskilling teams, this discussion offered an inspiring roadmap for supply chain leaders ready to embrace what’s next. Watch the full webinar on demand: Register to view the replay »Download the companion resource: 5 Must-Know…