In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with two leaders shaping the future of reverse logistics from the floor to the classroom: Troy Campbell, Director of Reverse Logistics Centers at The Home Depot, and Dr. Glenn Richey, Jr., Harbert Eminent Scholar in Supply Chain Management at Auburn University. Troy opens the doors to Home Depot’s four Reverse Logistics Centers: Phoenix, Pittston (PA), McDonough (GA), and Indianapolis, showing why a people-first culture remains the operating system for returns at scale. He gets real about “automation when the box isn’t a box,” how rethinking inbound flows through 3PLs reduces touches and transportation cost, and why simple vendor conversations (like consolidating daily pallets into a single weekly load) can unlock outsized impact. His north star: make associates’ days easier, and the entire reverse network improves. Glenn zooms out to the macro shifts: the move from minimizing returns to maximizing returns within a circular economy, generative AI for scenario planning and real-time decision support, and reverse logistics as the operational backbone of sustainability. He maps the skills the next workforce will need, calls for clearer industry coding to separate reverse data from forward logistics, and outlines how universities can build…

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.