In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Deborah Dull welcome Will Mansard and Ahmed Arif of Bastian Solutions for a practical, field-tested conversation on retrofitting brownfield warehouses and the real cost of doing nothing. They frame retrofits as logistical projects first, unpack why so much existing space goes underutilized, and share how to minimize disruption while upgrading live operations. They discuss the playbook that works in the real world: start with discovery and reverse engineering when documentation is thin, build a phased mechanical plan, sequence electrical with quick-connect, preassembled components, and treat controls and software as the heart of the system using emulation and thorough testing. With rules one and two both being “get orders out the door,” they stress contingency planning, speaking the customer’s language, and orchestrating equipment, controls, and software to avoid faults and bottlenecks.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Deborah Dull, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton.   Additional Links & Resources Check out all the great resources and information mentioned during the show: Learn more about Bastian Solutions Strategy Guide: Consulting Strategies for Warehouse Distribution Operations Learn more about the Hercules Sealing Products…

Operating conditions in the freight and logistics industry are evolving rapidly, driven by shifting market dynamics and ongoing disruptions. With the freight market’s volatility, capacity constraints, and changing cost structures, leaders must adapt quickly to make informed decisions and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly uncertain environment. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by special guest host Jake Barr. Together, they talk to Bobby Holland, Vice President/Director of Freight Business Analytics at U.S. Bank, and Dr. Chris Caplice, Chief Scientist at DAT Freight & Analytics, to dive deep into the inaugural U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index, Rates Edition, a comprehensive resource that provides crucial insights into freight rates, spot and contract rates, fuel prices, and more. The panel explores how supply chain leaders can leverage this data to optimize freight strategies, anticipate market shifts, and make data-driven decisions with confidence. The discussion also highlights the importance of scenario analysis and flexibility in managing supply chain risks, emphasizing how agility can turn disruption into opportunity. The conversation wraps up with practical takeaways on building more resilient supply chains, improving forecasting accuracy, and preparing for the next phase of freight market evolution.   This episode is…