Never has such a bright spotlight been shone on the supply chain as a vital strategic component of business success. The industry is undergoing significant transformation across several key areas, from digitalization to sustainability and building resiliency. Sitting down with John Wharff, Senior Sales Engineering Manager at EasyPost, we walk through five critical aspects that organizations must focus on addressing, solving, and optimizing to futureproof their supply chain strategies in 2024 and beyond. 1. Sustainability: Sustainability is no longer a competitive advantage, but an expectation. So, how can companies most successfully embrace sustainable supply chain practices? 2. Returns: According to the National Retail Federation, returns for 2023 totaled 743 billion. So, how can companies make the returns process more efficient and cost effective? 3. Reliability: How can we best improve the performance and reliability of our supply chains, and what performance standards and metrics are both realistic and achievable? 4. Data: How we can access, translate, and use data, not just for better visibility, but to also empower teams with the ability to make more informed decisions? 5. Omnichannel: How important is omnichannel fulfilment, and how can approaches be optimized to cut costs, improve the customer experience, and improve operational…

What are point solutions? What problems can they solve? Why is it a good approach for companies that are starting out on their automation journeys? In this episode of Supply Chain Now, we have two experts with a combined experience of more than 35 years of experience in materials handling and global supply chain strategy. Both are from Bastian Solutions, a Toyota Advanced Logistics company that specializes in the design and delivery of distribution and production solutions for clients in the United States, Canada, India, the Middle East, Mexico and South America. Alex Haines is the company’s Manager of New Business Development, and he joins hosts Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson alongside VP of Global Sales and Applications, Matt Kuper. During the conversation, Alex and Matt introduce and explain the merits of a point solutions approach to automating supply chain and warehousing processes. With relatively few barriers to entry, they outline how ‘becoming smart’ can be broken down into manageable pieces and projects which can be taken care of one step at a time. Tune in as the duo draws on their vast experience to provide valuable insights on this and a range of other topics. Listen out for……