On-Demand Programming

Freight costs are rising – but most shippers aren’t capturing the savings hiding in their own data. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Kimberly Reuter talk with Shannon Vaillancourt, President of RateLinx, about how companies can uncover 5–15% in transportation savings in weeks, not months, without running a full RFP. They discuss common overspending traps, the power of clean, unified data, optimizing carrier mix, and making smarter, data-driven decisions to reduce costs while improving operational efficiency. The episode unpacks key strategies for optimizing transportation spend without launching a full RFP, including identifying hidden costs across carriers, modes, and accessories, optimizing carrier mix with clean, unified data, and realizing anywhere from 5 to 15% in transportation savings in weeks rather than months. Listeners also get insights on managing LTL versus parcel shipments, evaluating carrier performance beyond on-time delivery, and understanding how poor master data can quietly inflate costs across networks. Together, they explore why real-time, integrated freight data is critical for decision-making, how companies can quickly act on actionable insights, and why relying solely on contracts or historical assumptions can leave money on the table. They share real-world examples where minor operational adjustments yielded millions in savings,…

The future of supply chain may depend on the things most people never think about. Pallets, materials, unit load design, transportation systems, and sustainability decisions quietly determine how products move through the world, yet packaging is rarely treated as strategic infrastructure. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by Mike Jones, CEO of The Pallet Alliance, Dr. Laszlo Horvath, professor and department head at Virginia Tech’s Department of Sustainable Biomaterials, and graduating senior Marta Ghigo for a conversation on packaging innovation, workforce development, sustainability, and the future of supply chain leadership. Dr. Horvath shares how Virginia Tech’s packaging program prepares students through hands-on projects and industry collaboration, while Marta reflects on entering the field with curiosity, creativity, and a focus on making sustainability practical without sacrificing performance or design. Mike brings the business perspective, explaining how The Pallet Alliance helps companies rethink pallet procurement, standardization, visibility, and long-term value. Together, they discuss why packaging is far more central to modern commerce than it appears and why the next wave of talent in the field could reshape global supply chains at their core.   This episode is hosted by Scott W. Luton. Produced by Trisha Cordes,…

The data doesn’t lie, and in Q1 2026, it’s telling a story the freight industry hasn’t seen in years. In this special episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa welcome Bobby Holland, Director of Freight Business Analytics at U.S. Bank, and Bob Costello, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President at the American Trucking Associations, for a deep dive into the latest U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index for Q1 2026. The episode unpacks seven critical takeaways from the quarter, including a historic 12.9% spike in freight spending, a rare supply-side recovery driven by tightening capacity and surging fuel costs, and regional breakdowns across the West, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast, with stops on tariff impacts, cross-border trade with Canada and Mexico, and what a $7.22-per-gallon diesel price in California means for the broader economy. Together, they explore why this recovery is unlike anything we’ve seen since the pandemic boom, what the Goldman Sachs recession outlook gets right (and wrong), and how supply chain leaders can use real, verified freight data, not feelings, to make smarter decisions in an unpredictable 2026.   This episode is hosted by Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa. Produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua…

Some of the strongest leaders don’t find their voice at the peak of their success. They find it in the moments when everything starts to fall apart. Shaped by humble beginnings, hard lessons, and a constant awareness of the paths he didn’t want to take, Dr. Keith “KC” Castille’s rise to Chief Master Sergeant was built slowly through mentorship, self-discovery, and a growing understanding that leadership isn’t about rank, it’s about responsibility. Behind the uniform, though, were deeper struggles. Loss, grief, and the weight of raising three sons on his own brought him to a breaking point that forced him to confront something he had spent a lifetime avoiding. In this episode of the Tango Tango podcast, sponsored by CareSource, host Lloyd Knight sits down with Dr. Keith “KC” Castille, CEO of C2H LLC, for an honest, unfiltered reflection on what it means to lead when you’re hurting. Together, they move through the defining chapters of KC’s life and the quiet battles that followed him along the way. KC shares the moment he realized he needed help, the decision to seek it, and how that choice reshaped not only his life, but his understanding of strength. They explore the realities…

In this episode of The Buzz, we explore the accelerating pace of supply chain transformation—from AI and automation to talent challenges, micro-fulfillment, and the evolving role of leadership in a volatile business environment. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by OptiLogic! Hosts Scott Luton and Rick McDonald unpack some of the biggest developments shaping global supply chain today, including Amazon’s expanding supply chain services model, the growing pressure on traditional logistics providers, and the continued rise of AI-first operations. The conversation also dives into key takeaways from MODEX 2026, highlighting trends in warehouse automation, robotics, talent development, forecasting, and change management. Along the way, the episode draws leadership lessons from legendary Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox and explores what today’s supply chain leaders must do to stay resilient, competitive, and customer-focused in an era defined by disruption and rapid innovation. Key Learnings & Takeaways AI is reshaping supply chain strategy, forecasting, and operational decision-making Amazon’s supply chain services expansion could significantly disrupt logistics markets Warehouse automation and robotics continue to accelerate across the industry Change management remains one of the biggest barriers to successful transformation Companies must rethink hiring strategies to secure future-ready talent Data only matters if it solves meaningful…

What does it really take to deliver lifesaving aid in the middle of war zones, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises? In this powerful episode of Logistics With Purpose®, Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter sit down with Noemi Pazienti and Kelly Bradley from the Logistics Cluster, the World Food Programme-led coordination platform supporting humanitarian operations across the globe. From Lebanon and Gaza to Burkina Faso and Ukraine, this conversation takes listeners behind the scenes of humanitarian logistics operations happening in some of the world’s most complex and dangerous environments. Learn how the Logistics Cluster coordinates global partnerships, activates emergency supply chain networks, and works with NGOs, governments, and private sector leaders to ensure aid reaches the people who need it most. Noemi and Kelly share firsthand stories from the field, including coordinating humanitarian convoys during active conflict, setting up emergency warehouse capacity in Beirut, navigating collapsed infrastructure in Gaza, and balancing operational efficiency with humanity and compassion. You’ll also hear valuable leadership lessons on adaptability, collaboration, communication, resilience, and why details matter in supply chain operations where every decision can impact lives. Whether you work in supply chain, logistics, humanitarian aid, or simply want a deeper understanding of how global relief…

Most organizations don’t have a technology problem. They have a focus problem. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton, together with co-host Kim Humphrey, President and CEO of AME, is joined by Rami Goldratt, CEO of Goldratt Group, for a practical, no-fluff deep dive into the Theory of Constraints and what it actually takes to drive breakthrough performance in today’s business environment. From why most companies are automating what they can instead of what they should, to the danger of spreading resources thin across too many initiatives, Rami brings decades of real-world experience helping organizations across manufacturing, retail, automotive, engineering, and logistics unlock significant gains in throughput and lead time reduction. Kim adds her lens on why continuous improvement and constraints-thinking are more intertwined than ever, and why the principles Rami’s father Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt pioneered are not just still relevant but urgently needed right now. The conversation spans the full arc: inherent simplicity, managing uncertainty with buffers and fast feedback loops, the tug of war between local efficiency and global performance, and what it looks like when an entire engineering organization aligns behind a single constraint to achieve the impossible. The Mazda story alone is worth…

In this episode of The Buzz, we explore the future of reverse logistics, circularity, supply chain design, and the growing role of AI in transforming how businesses move, manage, and reuse products. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by OptiLogic! Hosts Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson break down several major supply chain developments, including the rise of AI-first supply chain design, the growing need for visibility in big and bulky retail deliveries, and Amazon’s expanding supply chain services. Special guest Sender Shamiss, CEO and co-founder of ReturnPro, joins the conversation to unpack why reverse logistics is becoming a major strategic opportunity, not just a cost center. From returns management and recommerce to circularity, fraud detection, and the future of reusable materials, this episode offers a practical look at how supply chain leaders can unlock value, reduce waste, and rethink what happens after the sale. Key Learnings & Takeaways AI-first supply chain design is accelerating smarter, faster decision-making Big and bulky retail delivery still needs better visibility and customer communication Amazon’s supply chain services could reshape fulfillment, logistics, and recommerce Reverse logistics is moving from a back-end function to a strategic growth engine Reuse should come before recycling when building circular supply…

AI in the supply chain has moved well beyond the pilot stage, but for many organizations, it still hasn’t moved far enough. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton, together with co-host Jorge Morales, Global COO of ISCEA, is joined by Prabhat Pinnaka, Lead Product Manager for Supply Chain at Lowe’s Companies, Inc., and Advisory Board Member at ISCEA for a practical, been-there-done-that deep dive on AI-driven supply chain transformation. From what separates organizations that actually scale AI from those stuck in endless experimentation, to the guardrails every enterprise needs before letting AI execute autonomously, Prabhat brings a hard-won perspective from working with Fortune 50 companies across fulfillment, warehouse operations, and enterprise decision support. Jorge adds his lens on what it means to be AI-competent, not just AI-aware, and why that distinction will define the next generation of supply chain professionals. The conversation spans the full arc: change management, data integrity, bonded autonomy, and what it looks like when AI shifts a DC manager’s role from operational execution to strategic governance. If you’re navigating your own AI journey or building the next generation of supply chain talent, this one’s for you.   This episode is hosted by…

National Supply Chain Day started with a simple idea: the people who keep the world moving deserve to be seen. In this special episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Mary Kate Love, President of Supply Chain Now, welcome Dr. Stephanie Thomas, Associate Professor at the University of Arkansas and Executive Director of WISE, for a conversation on the people powering the global supply chain. The episode also features a keynote from Billy Ray Taylor, CEO and founder of LinkedXL, plus award recognition for Keith Moore of AutoScheduler.AI and Jim Opoka, recently retired from FEMA. Together, they celebrate the people behind hospital shelves, disaster relief, warehouse execution, and the next generation entering the field, while exploring clarity, ownership, people skills, AI, and why every supply chain professional should tell their story.   This episode is hosted by Scott W. Luton and Mary Kate Love. Produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton.   Additional Links & Resources Check out all the great resources and information mentioned during the show: Connect with Stephanie Thomas Connect with Mary Kate Love Connect with Billy Ray Taylor Connect with Keith Moore Learn more about LinkedXL Learn more about AutoScheduler.AI Learn more…

In this special marketing edition of The Buzz, we explore the hidden supply chain behind one of the world’s biggest fashion and branding events—the Met Gala. From global sourcing and luxury logistics to influencer marketing and AI-driven fashion trends, this episode uncovers how artistry, supply chain precision, and marketing strategy all intersect—welcome to The Buzz, powered by OptiLogic! Hosts Mary Kate Love and Amanda Luton break down the massive global supply chain operation behind the Met Gala—from sourcing luxury fabrics and handcrafted beadwork across multiple countries to managing white-glove transportation, security, and just-in-time execution for one of fashion’s biggest nights. The conversation explores how viral fashion moments now directly influence manufacturing schedules, demand forecasting, and fast-fashion response times, while also examining the growing role of AI, wearable tech, and influencer marketing in shaping consumer trends. This episode offers a fascinating look at how logistics, branding, creativity, and technology come together behind the scenes of a global cultural event. Key Learnings & Takeaways The Met Gala relies on a highly complex global supply chain involving sourcing, logistics, security, and precision execution Luxury fashion production depends heavily on skilled artisans, handcrafted work, and long-lead-time procurement Viral social media moments now directly influence…

What if your company isn’t broken… just misaligned? In this episode of Logistics With Purpose®, Fred LeFranc shares powerful insights from decades of leadership experience—revealing why most organizations struggle not because of bad strategy, but because of a lack of alignment, clarity, and purpose. From navigating complex global supply chains to leading companies through chaos and transformation, Fred breaks down what it really takes to create sustainable results. You’ll learn how culture, purpose, and leadership mindset directly impact performance—and why emotional intelligence may be the most underrated skill in business today. This conversation goes beyond theory and into real-world application, with practical frameworks leaders can use immediately to improve alignment, decision-making, and long-term strategy. What You’ll Learn: Why misalignment—not failure—is the root of most business problems How to think strategically with a 2-year leadership lens The role of purpose in building high-performing organizations How emotional intelligence impacts leadership success Why culture is a company’s ultimate competitive advantage How AI is reshaping business—and what leaders must do now Whether you’re a supply chain leader, executive, or entrepreneur, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership, strategy, and the future of business.   This episode is hosted by Enrique Alvarez and…

Most warehouse automation projects don’t fail because of the technology. They fail because of the approach. In this episode, Scott W. Luton sits down with Don DeLash, Sales Director, Logistics Automation at SICK Sensor Intelligence, for a candid conversation on what it actually takes to modernize warehouse operations, and how to avoid the pitfalls that derail even well-funded initiatives. With more than 25 years spanning project management, finance, sales leadership, and logistics automation, Don brings a refreshingly grounded perspective. Ditch the glossy pitch, focus on real operational impact, and lead with curiosity and clear communication. Together, they paint a vivid picture of today’s warehouse floor, quieter, cleaner, and increasingly populated by AGVs, mobile robots, unmanned forklifts, and sensor-driven systems. Don walks through the full automation journey, from planning and piloting to scaling and long-term support, covering how to choose the right partners, define success upfront, build flexibility into implementation plans, and invest in aftercare. The conversation also digs into how AI and vision technology are reshaping decisions around package inspection, palletizing, and damage detection, and how smart automation ultimately frees people to focus on higher-value work.   This episode is hosted by Scott W. Luton. Produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua…

Purpose can be forged in the most unexpected crucibles. From growing up as a homeschooled “Grady baby” in Atlanta’s South Cobb area to serving as an Army infantry officer deployed to Afghanistan with Special Forces, Zack Knight’s path took him through the grind of blue-collar work, the discipline of law enforcement, the chaos of combat, and the depths of his own personal rock bottom, before finding healing and a renewed sense of mission. In this episode of the Tango Tango podcast, host Lloyd Knight sits down with Army veteran, entrepreneur, author, and ATLVets founder Zack Knight. Despite sharing a last name, the two are quick to clarify they’re not related, though they’ve become close brothers in the veteran community. Zack reflects on his Atlanta upbringing, his years with the Smyrna Police Department, his decision to join active duty at 28, and his deployment to Afghanistan in 2019 where his unit lost six soldiers. They discuss the physical and mental toll of combat and Zack’s spiral into survivor’s guilt and a near-fatal crisis. From that low point, a friend’s simple challenge sparked a transformational self-discovery. Zack also shares the unconventional healing practices that helped him rebuild, from Emory’s outpatient therapy program…

AI is everywhere in supply chain, but more AI does not always mean better decisions. In this episode, Scott W. Luton and special co-host Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, sit down with Lindsay Azim, Senior Director Analyst for Supply Chain at Gartner, for a forward-looking conversation on how chief supply chain officers can lead into the autonomous business era. Lindsay shares why AI should not be treated as a standalone strategy, but as an enabler tied to a broader vision for the future. She also previews her Gartner Supply Chain Symposium keynote, centered on three priorities for leaders preparing for what comes next: autonomous-ready operations, autonomous-ready intelligence, and an autonomous-ready workforce. They also discuss the risks of AI sprawl, the importance of stronger human-machine partnerships, and why supply chain leaders need to rethink decision-making through a “decision stack” that combines data, knowledge assets, and human judgment. From documenting tribal knowledge to preparing for “job chaos” rather than a job apocalypse, Lindsay and Mike offer practical insight for leaders navigating disruption, workforce change, and the rising role of versatile talent.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Mike Griswold, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and…

Customer expectations for service are at an all-time high, demanding speed, precision, and first-time resolution. At the same time, equipment complexity is rising, margins are squeezed, and resources are stretched. This webinar will explore how leading companies are using AI, predictive technologies, and equipment health monitoring to more accurately predict service demand, prescribe resolution, guide work execution and orchestrate supply chain, billing, and finance processes for both traditional and outcome-based service models where SLA’s, customer satisfaction and profitability are directly tied to asset performance, uptime and usage. Discover how to harness your data to deliver service precision, unlock new revenue streams and drive profitable growth. Webinar Key Takeaways: -The market is shifting from fixing what’s broken to proactively ensuring assets and services deliver promised value. -Predictive technologies & AI in Field Service are fundamental to improve performance, reduce the cost to serve, and respond to increasing customer demands -Eliminating data and process silos elevates performance, unlocks new business models, and enables end-to-end process orchestration across the service lifecycle with AI.

Most shipping decisions aren’t wrong. They’re just not totally right. The right carrier, just not for that shipment. The right service level, just slightly too fast. The right packaging, just a little off. Individually, these decisions look fine. But across thousands of shipments, they quietly turn into real cost, performance issues, and missed opportunities. At EasyPost, we’ve processed billions of shipments across 100+ carriers. And when you look at that volume of data, patterns start to emerge. The biggest cost drivers aren’t always obvious. They show up in small, everyday decisions that are almost right but just not quite there. In this session, we’ll break down the specific areas where companies are consistently losing money when they don’t need to be. More importantly, we’ll show you how to tighten those decisions so your operation runs more efficiently without adding complexity or slowing things down. What You’ll Walk Away With -How to pick the RIGHT carrier for you needs -How to choose the RIGHT service level -How to make the RIGHT packaging decisions -How to make the RIGHT routing decisions -How to execute the RIGHT decision every time

Great leaders know the truth: there is no finish line in leadership – – only new challenges, the next inflection point, and the next opportunity to align living & breathing strategy with consistent execution. In this dynamic session, Scott Luton of Supply Chain Now sits down with Billy Ray Taylor, CEO of LinkedXL and author of The Winning Link, and Regine Honoré Villain, Founder of REHVÉAL™, to explore what it really takes to build organizations that deliver sustained, high-performance results, by focusing on optimizing business leaders’ abilities to craft effective strategies while fueling reliable execution. Billy Ray Taylor brings deep expertise in connecting strategy to execution through disciplined operating systems. Drawing on a long-established, successful track record in demanding industries & transformational turnaround situations, Billy will share how organizations can create clarity, accountability, and alignment across people, processes, and assets to drive measurable outcomes. Industry hall-of-famer Régine Honoré Villain offers a powerful perspective shaped by decades operating in complex, high-stakes environments. From healthcare systems to global advisory work, she focuses on governance, operational leverage, and translating bold ideas into durable performance. Her insights highlight the importance of leadership conviction, structural alignment, and designing systems that can scale through complexity. Together,…

Your network design process took months. Now it takes days. Your scenario analysis took weeks. Now it takes hours. The technology moved fast. Your organization didn’t. In this webinar, we’re having an honest conversation about what it means to lead a supply chain design function when the old constraints are gone—and new ones have taken their place. The companies pulling ahead aren’t just using better tools. They’re rethinking who does the work, how teams are structured, and what supply chain careers actually look like when data wrangling is off the table. Join us to explore: Why AI-speed design exposes the gap between your technology and your org model—and what to do about it How leading companies are onboarding new analysts faster and getting value from day one What it looks like when your team spends their time on decisions and scenarios instead of fighting with data Why the wall between strategic design and operations is coming down—and what that means for how you hire, structure, and retain talent If you’re responsible for supply chain design strategy, team structure, or how your organization makes network decisions, this session will challenge how you think about what’s slowing you down.

In today’s “never normal” business environment, technology may enable supply chains, but talent powers them. Join hosts Scott Luton & Scott DeGroot for a dynamic conversation with longtime industry pros Rodney Apple and Chris Gaffney on what it truly takes to build a high-performing supply chain organization from the ground up. This session goes beyond org charts and job descriptions. We’ll explore how leading organizations attract, develop, and retain the talent needed to thrive amid disruption, digital transformation, and rising customer expectations. Expect practical insights on: Designing roles for agility and accountability Developing future-ready leaders Aligning talent strategy with business strategy Avoiding common organizational pitfalls Whether you’re scaling a team, restructuring for growth, or future-proofing your leadership bench, this conversation will equip you with actionable strategies to build a supply chain organization that wins – – today and tomorrow.   This content was made in collaboration with SCM Talent Group, a specialized supply chain recruiting & executive search firm.

Every warehouse operation has a workforce plan. The question is how resilient it is when conditions change. On any given day, volumes may shift. Customer priorities change. Demand profiles evolve. In a complex operating environment, variability isn’t unusual: it’s embedded in the operating model. And when labor productivity underpins service commitments, cost performance, and overall financial outcomes, even modest deviations between plan and reality can carry meaningful impact. How do leading operations teams close the gap between strategy and real-world execution? In this executive-level fireside chat, Brandon Wibben, VP of Workforce Planning + Productivity at GEODIS, joins Karl Koehler, COO of Easy Metrics, to discuss how high-performing operations teams manage productivity, performance, and profitability in complex, high-variability environments. Drawing from real-world operational leadership, they’ll explore how data-driven workforce planning, productivity management, and daily execution must come together to protect cost performance and deliver on fulfillment commitments. The conversation will look at the persistent planning-versus-reality gap that defines high-volume operations – and how leaders can close it. Attendees will gain practical insights on how to: – Strengthen the connection between workforce planning and daily operational performance – Optimize productivity across sites, processes, and shifts with greater precision and accountability – Preserve…

En Latinoamérica, la cadena de suministro farmacéutica no opera en condiciones ideales. Opera en entornos de variabilidad térmica extrema, infraestructura desigual, tránsitos prolongados, exposición a robo de carga y presión regulatoria constante. Y aun así, muchas organizaciones siguen tomando decisiones críticas con información tardía. Cuando una desviación se detecta al arribo, el problema ya ocurrió. Cuando un incidente de seguridad se confirma horas después, la trazabilidad ya se comprometió. Cuando la evidencia para auditoría se construye manualmente, el riesgo regulatorio ya está latente. En Pharma, la falta de visibilidad en tiempo real no es una limitación tecnológica: es una vulnerabilidad operativa.

Right now, teams are poking at LLMs like ChatGPT to see what they can do. In 2026, those abilities will become sharper, faster, and far more operational. This webinar walks you through how large language models are currently being used in shipping and how that usage is evolving in real-time. Expect real examples, honest limits, and a preview of the industry’s first shipping-specific LLM, Luma Advisor.

In today’s rapidly evolving supply chain planning landscape, staying ahead demands more than incremental tweaks—it requires reimagining how AI is embedded into every planning decision. Join Supply Chain Now hosts Scott Luton and Jake Barr for a forward-thinking discussion with industry experts Tod Stenger and Dr. Laura Tozzo from SAP. This session will explore the strategies, trends, and approaches for AI that are reshaping supply chain planning. Learn how innovation, data-driven decision-making, and AI tools can enhance resilience, improve planner efficiency, and create more agile, customer-focused supply chains. Walk away with: Fresh strategies to strengthen planning resilience in a volatile environment A closer look at AI and emerging innovations transforming supply chain planning Practical ways to boost efficiency and streamline end-to-end processes Whether you’re navigating disruption, evaluating emerging technologies, or looking to improve planner efficiency, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to help future-proof your operations.

In this Agentic Age, Supply chain leaders are racing to adopt AI—but isolated solutions and disconnected systems often limit real impact. The true promise of AI emerges only when we reimagine the supply chain as a fully connected enterprise, breaking down decades-old silos across planning, logistics, materials, finance, and sustainability. In this session, Manik Sharma, Head of Supply Chain GTM AI at Celonis—magic quadrant leader, recognized globally and ranked #3 on the Fortune 50 Most Promising Companies list—will unpack how a modern AI-enabled tech stack can unify fragmented data, systems, and processes through a connected semantic layer that digitizes the physical value chain. Once established, this semantic layer becomes a dynamic foundation for intelligent, data-driven operations by infusing it with enterprise context—from rules, constraints, and parameters to policies and proven models—unlocking true end-to-end enterprise intelligence. This intelligence can then be democratized across the organization to power self-serve analytics, build composable AI solutions, and orchestrate workflows, collaboration, agents, and actions at scale. We’ll explore how companies are using this approach to unlock self-serve analytics, accelerate development of composable AI applications, and orchestrate autonomous workflows and agents at scale. This is not a future vision but a proven path for organizations that…

As strategic forces push manufacturing back to America, one obstacle threatens progress: finding the right people with the right skills. Before new factories can produce anything, they must be built—requiring a new generation of skilled tradespeople such as electricians, welders, and technicians. And once these modern facilities are operational, companies report an unexpected challenge: the biggest talent gaps aren’t just technical, but also in core soft skills like leadership, critical thinking, and communication. Join Supply Chain Now hosts Scott Luton and Allison Giddens as they welcome Alan Amling and Darrell Edwards from the University of Tennessee–Knoxville to explore a practical approach to developing a comprehensive workforce from the ground up. Learn what it truly takes to build, staff, and sustain the next generation of American manufacturing.

Procurement teams already shoulder immense pressure to deliver margin, resilience, and stronger supplier partnerships — and 2026 is only going to heighten those expectations. Fortunately, teams already have a powerful, often under-looked resource at their disposal: rebates. In this webinar, Supply Chain Now hosts Scott Luton and Marty Parker welcome rebate and procurement experts Mark Gilham from Enable and Keith Wright from K. Wright Consultancy to help you understand how rebates, incentive programs, and joint business planning can create alignment, unlock hidden value, and make your supplier relationships far more strategic. They will reveal what most procurement teams don’t know about rebates, the full spectrum of incentive programs available, and how these programs can transform suppliers and buyers into a unified go-to-market force. Join us to learn how organizations are leveraging AI to overcome traditional rebate management barriers, empowering suppliers to offer richer incentives — and giving procurement unprecedented visibility to ensure no money is left on the table.

Owens Corning, one of the world’s largest manufacturer of roofing shingles, insulation, and doors, needed a fundamental shift in how they managed fuel costs. In this new webinar, join Supply Chain Now hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter as they welcome Charlie Dahlke from Owens Corning and Nick Skeen from Breakthrough. Together, they’ll discuss how Breakthrough’s Fuel Recovery solution provided Owens Corning with the foundational framework necessary to drive significant advancements in their fuel management and broader transportation network strategy. Through a strategic partnership with Breakthrough, Owens Corning: • Saw immediate fuel savings within the first month. • Unlocked network-wide efficiencies and a clear path toward decarbonization. • Gained control of their fuel efficiency, bringing it closer to the industry average.

Economic and geopolitical shifts may change the landscape—but they don’t change the fundamentals of building a strong, resilient supply chain. In this webinar, hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter welcome Dave Pollard, VP of Supply Chain & Logistics for OMNIA Partners and Jaron Klopstein, Director of Sales at WWEX Group to explore how organizations can improve supply chain performance and drive business results regardless of market conditions. We’ll discuss how to assess the current environment—economic trends, geopolitical influences, and operational pressures—to identify the right areas for improvement. You’ll learn how our proven sourcing methodology delivers consistent, measurable results by applying the same core building blocks with tailored adjustments to reflect today’s realities. Attendees of this webinar will walk away with tangible, proven best practices to enhance their next transportation and logistics sourcing event and position their business for success. Whether the economy is expanding or contracting, the need for effective supply chain solutions never disappears. Join us to discover how a disciplined, strategic approach can bring rigor, value, and lasting impact to your organization.

Go behind the scenes of Outdoor Cap’s warehouse to hear how the company tackled picking inefficiencies and discovered a better way forward with voice technology in this new webinar. Join hosts Scott Luton and cohost, as well as Peel Chronister with Outdoor Cap and Javier Esteve with EPG as they share their real-world experience—from identifying operational challenges and evaluating solutions to achieving measurable gains in productivity, accuracy, and employee satisfaction. Outdoor Cap’s operations team and EPG’s voice expert will walk through the selection process, implementation insights, and the tangible results of adopting EPG’s LYDIA Voice. Whether you’re exploring new warehouse technologies or looking to optimize your current picking process, this session offers practical takeaways and proven lessons you can apply in your own operation. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how voice picking drives daily results inside Outdoor Cap’s warehouse—powered by EPG.