Amazon Vendor Central is a cloud-based inventory management system that allows third-party sellers to upload their products directly to Amazon. Using technology and smart planning is crucial for businesses to expand and connect with more people, and Shawn Oleson, a Retail Insights Manager for Amazon at SupplyPike and former Amazon employee, suggests that before jumping into it, businesses should focus on creating solid plans, organizing data, and using technology to make their operations smoother. In today’s episode, hosts Scott Luton and Greg White welcome Shawn to the show and discuss: The significance of data-driven approaches and understanding retailer-vendor dynamics The challenges businesses face with Amazon Vendor Central, and the need for strategic planning, compliance adherence, and effectively managing claims and fines The evolving nature of e-commerce, the necessity of streamlined processes, and the pivotal role technology plays in adapting to changes in Amazon’s policies The complexity of Amazon’s ecosystem and the importance of having an intermediary or partner with expertise to navigate it successfully SupplyPike’s role in providing software solutions for brands, manufacturers, and consumer packaged goods Listen in and learn more about the various challenges and best practices in managing Amazon Vendor Central, and take away key insights into…

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton sits down with Todd Heimes, Vice President of Amazon Business, live from Amazon Reshape 2025 in Seattle. Todd—an Amazon veteran of 26 years and a Seattle resident for over 30 years—shares rare, behind-the-scenes insights on scaling Amazon Business across Europe, Japan, and India, and leading multiple global teams including small business, global marketing, Business Prime, and international expansion. Todd explains how AI and innovation are reshaping procurement, with Amazon working to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce manual drudgery, and empower organizations to make smarter, faster purchasing decisions. He underscores the enduring influence of Jeff Bezos’ principle: start with the customer and work backwards. Todd shares a fascinating look at how Amazon Business streamlines procurement for large-scale, high-stakes operations, and also breaks down Amazon’s newest AI-driven capabilities—like the Amazon Business Assistant and Spend Anomaly detection—designed to elevate customer experience and bring intelligence to purchasing workflows. Todd closes with advice for today’s supply chain leaders: master your data to navigate uncertainty and drive smarter decisions. Tune into this episode to hear how Amazon Business is using AI, innovation, and customer-obsessed strategies to transform procurement and empower organizations to work smarter and faster.   This…