Automation is showing up everywhere in supply chain planning, but the winners aren’t the ones automating the most. They’re the ones choosing the right decisions to automate, bringing people along early, and using AI to build speed and confidence in planning. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and special guest host Karin Bursa, CEO of NIRAKIO, welcome Noha Samara, Senior Director, Global Supply Chain at Gartner, to share key takeaways from the Gartner Supply Chain Planning Summit in Denver. Noha unpacks why AI is shifting from “side experiment” to a core part of planning’s operating model, and why the most successful organizations define a clear human-machine strategy instead of trying to “spread AI like peanut butter.” The conversation spotlights the “people side” of transformation: change management, capability-building, and involving planners early so AI is implemented with teams, not to them. The group also dives into end-to-end data and scenario-driven range planning, including how top performers extend those range discussions with suppliers, customers, and trading partners. They close by emphasizing agility through targeted automation, clarity on humans “in/on/off the loop,” and why leaders can’t afford to sit on the sidelines as the pace of disruption and innovation accelerates.…

In the latest episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton and guest Mike Griswold from Gartner discuss a variety of topics including the impact of the pandemic on smaller suppliers, the transformation of Macy’s, the use of AI in supply chain optimization, and the importance of networking and continuous learning in supply chain careers. Listen in as Scott and Mike emphasize the importance of understanding customer needs, investing in smaller suppliers, and improving visibility in the supply chain. Mike also highlights the need for supply chain professionals to have a clear career path and to be open to lateral moves to gain necessary skills and experiences.