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.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and special guest host Claudia Freed, President & CEO of EALGreen, welcome Chuck Johnston, Chief Strategy Officer at ReturnPro, for a deep dive into the “dark side” of supply chain: reverse logistics and returns management. They unpack why returns are a nearly trillion-dollar challenge in the U.S., how BORIS (buy online, return in store) strains store operations, and why many retailers still under-invest: leaders often can’t see the full cost across functions or make the ROI case for what’s treated as a cost center. Chuck shares how the space has evolved from yellow notepads to data-driven decisioning, highlighting intelligent algorithms that route items at the customer’s first return click, fraud mitigation with imaging and behavior signals, and how third-party innovation is compressing software build times. Claudia adds a nonprofit and circularity lens: donation channels, extended tax credits, and AI pilots (computer vision + MCP agents) that identify item condition and slotting in real time. Together, they explore where to start, why cross-functional “ambassadors” matter, and how partnerships across retailers, manufacturers, nonprofits, and 3PLs can turn returns from margin erosion into measurable value and social impact.   This episode is hosted by…