In the second part of this 2 part series, host Chris Barnes sat down with Dr. Ron Ballou, Professor Emeritus of Operations at the Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University to learn more about the history of supply chain management and review some of his predictions made in 2006.
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competitive advantage
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October 6, 2025
Revolutionizing Retail Supply Chain Operations with AI and Automation
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton welcomes Angie Jula, Director of Product Management, and Matt Brolsma, Sr. Manager of Product Marketing at SPS Commerce, to discuss how AI and automation are transforming retail supply chains. Angie draws on more than a decade in product leadership, while Matt brings cross-functional expertise from both supplier and buyer perspectives. Together, they share how retailers can transform clean, connected data into actionable insights that enhance demand forecasting, supplier collaboration, and pricing strategy, all while reducing manual work that slows down their teams. From tackling organizational silos with cross-functional dashboards to equipping executives with real-time visibility, Angie and Matt emphasize why AI is no longer optional; it’s a strategic imperative. They highlight case studies on supplier scorecarding, automation-driven fill rates, and proactive exception management, showing how early adopters are gaining competitive advantages in resilience, agility, and customer loyalty. This discussion is a roadmap for retailers navigating tariffs, disruptions, and the rising expectations of today’s consumers. This episode is hosted by Scott Luton, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. Additional Links & Resources Check out all the great resources and information mentioned during the show: Connect…
FedEx returns
Podcast
May 1, 2026
The Buzz: Data Gaps, Boeing’s Comeback, & the $700B Returns Boom
In this episode of The Buzz, we unpack the growing complexity of returns, explore the gap between data and decision-making in manufacturing, and examine Boeing’s ongoing turnaround—plus a powerful conversation on leadership, execution, and empowering the frontline—welcome to The Buzz, powered by DOSS! Hosts Scott Luton and special guest host Ray Attiyah break down the $700B returns economy and how companies like UPS are turning reverse logistics into a competitive advantage. The conversation also dives into new data on manufacturing decision-making—and why visibility alone isn’t enough without clear action. Plus, the team explores Boeing’s slow but steady recovery and what it really takes to rebuild trust at scale. This episode delivers practical, real-world perspective on execution, leadership, and how organizations can stay resilient in uncertain times. Key Learnings & Takeaways: Returns are a $700B opportunity—customer experience now defines brand loyalty Easy, frictionless returns can drive repeat purchases and long-term loyalty Manufacturing data is improving—but decision-making frameworks are lagging Visibility isn’t enough—leaders need actionable insights, not just dashboards Only 9% of manufacturers can identify root causes in real time—leaving many stuck in firefighting mode Boeing’s recovery highlights the long road from lost trust to regained confidence Execution > strategy—top organizations are…