What should supply chain leaders be focused on as the second half of the year begins? This week’s episode of The Buzz, powered by Zebra Technologies, delivers practical leadership advice, industry news, and expert insights to help organizations prepare for what’s next. Supply Chain Now hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter explore the supply chain stories making headlines, from July 4th supply chain facts and rising food costs to the growing impact of GLP-1 medications on cold chain logistics and healthcare distribution. They also discuss why now is the time for supply chain leaders to conduct a mid-year operational review and begin planning for peak season. Later in the episode, Scott sits down with Todd Heimes, Vice President and General Manager of Amazon Business Worldwide, for an insightful conversation about AI, procurement transformation, automation, and Amazon Quick. Together, they discuss how organizations can reduce manual work, improve visibility, and use AI to build more agile procurement operations. The episode wraps with predictions for the remainder of 2026, including rising transportation costs, ongoing geopolitical disruptions, cargo theft, and what leaders should do today to stay ahead. Key Takeaways Conduct a mid-year operational review to compare projections against actual performance. Begin holiday…

Emerging innovative strategies and technological advancements are set to revolutionize the industry… are you ready for them? In this episode, host Scott W. Luton delves into the rapidly evolving world of supply chain management with special guests Tom Moore, Founder and CEO of ProvisionAi, and Jake Barr, CEO of BlueWorld Supply Chain Consulting. Listen in to gain invaluable insights into the significant shift towards outsourcing in manufacturing and its implications on supply chain dynamics and how predictive analytics and AI are becoming game-changers in managing supply chain efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Along the way you’ll also learn practical strategies for optimizing load management, highlighted through successful case studies from renowned companies like Unilever and Campbell Soup. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the future directions of supply chain management and how embracing technology and innovation can lead to substantial cost savings, improved operational efficiency, and more sustainable practices. Tune in to equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of modern supply chains and drive meaningful change in your organization.