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.

ERPs are pivotal in streamlining operations; however, not all ERP solutions provide adequate inventory optimization functionality. SMBs need functionality that provides inventory visibility, automated processes to reduce excess stock and avoid stockouts, precise forecasting capabilities, and predictive analytics to minimize supply and demand risks. Customizing your ERP can lead to expensive challenges in the long term, especially when performing automatic upgrades. Consider using best-in-breed inventory solutions from Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to enhance ERP functionality without unnecessary complexity, ensuring long-term adaptability and efficiency To balance inventory and costs, businesses need to understand what tools are fit for purpose to help achieve inventory optimization, financial success, and market competitiveness.   From this discussion, the audience will have a better understanding of: – The functionality of ERPs – How to assess if ERPs deliver on inventory goals and capabilities – Identify missing gaps for better inventory planning and optimization – What key features to prioritize when selecting an inventory add-on solution – Rearview vs front window when it comes to forecasting and risk in your ERP – How to measure ROI – how best-of-breed solutions like Netstock show ROI when integrated with an ERP