• 56 minutes 40 seconds
    Why the Theory of Constraints Is More Relevant Than Ever Before

    Most organizations don't have a technology problem. They have a focus problem.

    In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton, together with co-host Kim Humphrey, President and CEO of AME, is joined by Rami Goldratt, CEO of Goldratt Group, for a practical, no-fluff deep dive into the Theory of Constraints and what it actually takes to drive breakthrough performance in today's business environment. From why most companies are automating what they can instead of what they should, to the danger of spreading resources thin across too many initiatives, Rami brings decades of real-world experience helping organizations across manufacturing, retail, automotive, engineering, and logistics unlock significant gains in throughput and lead time reduction. Kim adds her lens on why continuous improvement and constraints-thinking are more intertwined than ever, and why the principles Rami's father Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt pioneered are not just still relevant but urgently needed right now.

    The conversation spans the full arc: inherent simplicity, managing uncertainty with buffers and fast feedback loops, the tug of war between local efficiency and global performance, and what it looks like when an entire engineering organization aligns behind a single constraint to achieve the impossible. The Mazda story alone is worth the listen. If you're navigating complexity, chasing results that keep falling short, or trying to build an organization that can actually adapt and execute, this one's for you.

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Intro

    (08:43) Rami's career journey and key lessons learned

    (15:26) The legacy and simplicity of Dr Eliyahu Goldratt

    (18:30) Biggest trends and challenges facing businesses today

    (23:39) What is Theory of Constraints and the three fears

    (28:09) Why forecasts keep getting less accurate over time

    (31:35) Common TOC misconceptions and local vs global efficiency

    (38:09) Why supply chain variety is destroying forecast accuracy

    (47:15) The Mazda case study and TOC in action

    Additional Links & Resources:


    This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/why-theory-constraints-more-relevant-than-ever-before-1586

    20 May 2026, 4:00 am
  • 36 minutes 43 seconds
    Supply Chain Now Classic Episode: Remade in America

    Every year, Americans return nearly a trillion dollars’ worth of products. But once those items leave our hands, most of us never think about where they go—or what happens next.

    In this Supply Chain Now Classic Episode, first published in early Februry 2026, host Deborah Dull takes listeners inside the little-known world of reverse logistics, where returned products are sorted, resold, recycled, repaired, or too often, discarded. What emerges is a complex and fragmented system struggling to capture more than $200 billion in lost value—along with critical materials that could power a more resilient, sustainable economy.

    This special feature explores the people, processes, and infrastructure behind returns, revealing both the challenges and the massive untapped opportunity hidden in plain sight. From outdated systems and disconnected networks to innovative approaches reshaping how products are recovered and reused, Remade in America uncovers what’s really happening after “return” is clicked.

    Along the way, Deborah asks a provocative question: Is “Made in America” still the right goal—or is the future about something more powerful?

    What if the real opportunity isn’t just making more, but making better use of what we already have?

    Through expert insights, real-world stories, and on-the-ground perspectives, Remade in America redefines how we think about returns, recovery, and the future of supply chains in a resource-constrained world.

    This is a story about waste, value, resilience—and how reimagining reverse logistics could help reshape American industry for the next generation.

    Additional Links & Resources:


    This episode is hosted by Deborah Dull and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/remade-america-1541

    18 May 2026, 4:00 am
  • 56 minutes 18 seconds
    The Buzz: How Reverse Logistics Is Reshaping Retail and Recommerce

    In this episode of The Buzz, we explore the future of reverse logistics, circularity, supply chain design, and the growing role of AI in transforming how businesses move, manage, and reuse products. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by OptiLogic!

    Hosts Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson break down several major supply chain developments, including the rise of AI-first supply chain design, the growing need for visibility in big and bulky retail deliveries, and Amazon’s expanding supply chain services. Special guest Sender Shamiss, CEO and co-founder of ReturnPro, joins the conversation to unpack why reverse logistics is becoming a major strategic opportunity, not just a cost center. From returns management and recommerce to circularity, fraud detection, and the future of reusable materials, this episode offers a practical look at how supply chain leaders can unlock value, reduce waste, and rethink what happens after the sale.

    Key Learnings & Takeaways

    • AI-first supply chain design is accelerating smarter, faster decision-making
    • Big and bulky retail delivery still needs better visibility and customer communication
    • Amazon’s supply chain services could reshape fulfillment, logistics, and recommerce
    • Reverse logistics is moving from a back-end function to a strategic growth engine
    • Reuse should come before recycling when building circular supply chains
    • Returns fraud is creating new challenges—and new technology opportunities
    • Circularity will require better data, smarter systems, and more investment

    As supply chains become more complex, the biggest opportunities may come from rethinking what already exists: returned products, reused materials, smarter networks, and better visibility. This episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to turn reverse logistics from a challenge into a competitive advantage.

    Additional Links & Resources:


    This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-reverse-logistics-reshaping-retail-recommerce-1584

    15 May 2026, 4:00 am
  • 57 minutes 34 seconds
    The Secret Sauce: Tips for Leaders that Want to Scale AI Effectively

    AI in the supply chain has moved well beyond the pilot stage, but for many organizations, it still hasn't moved far enough.

    In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton, together with co-host Jorge Morales, Global COO of ISCEA, is joined by Prabhat Pinnaka, Lead Product Manager for Supply Chain at Lowe's Companies, Inc., and Advisory Board Member at ISCEA for a practical, been-there-done-that deep dive on AI-driven supply chain transformation. From what separates organizations that actually scale AI from those stuck in endless experimentation, to the guardrails every enterprise needs before letting AI execute autonomously, Prabhat brings a hard-won perspective from working with Fortune 50 companies across fulfillment, warehouse operations, and enterprise decision support. Jorge adds his lens on what it means to be AI-competent, not just AI-aware, and why that distinction will define the next generation of supply chain professionals.

    The conversation spans the full arc: change management, data integrity, bonded autonomy, and what it looks like when AI shifts a DC manager's role from operational execution to strategic governance. If you're navigating your own AI journey or building the next generation of supply chain talent, this one's for you.

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Intro

    (06:03) Prabhat's career: lessons in adoption

    (08:29) AI competence: finding the sweet spot

    (11:26) Building AI foundations for success

    (18:21) Moving AI from pilots to scale

    (23:50) Recommendations vs. execution in AI use

    (28:04) Establishing guardrails for autonomous AI

    (33:44) Computer vision example in supply chain

    (47:06) Getting AI competent in six months

    Additional Links & Resources:


    This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/secret-sauce-tips-leaders-want-scale-ai-effectively-1583

    13 May 2026, 4:00 am
  • 1 hour 36 seconds
    Celebrating National Supply Chain Day 2026

    National Supply Chain Day started with a simple idea: the people who keep the world moving deserve to be seen.

    In this special episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Mary Kate Love, President of Supply Chain Now, welcome Dr. Stephanie Thomas, Associate Professor at the University of Arkansas and Executive Director of WISE, for a conversation on the people powering the global supply chain.

    The episode also features a keynote from Billy Ray Taylor, CEO and founder of LinkedXL, plus award recognition for Keith Moore of AutoScheduler.AI and Jim Opoka, recently retired from FEMA.

    Together, they celebrate the people behind hospital shelves, disaster relief, warehouse execution, and the next generation entering the field, while exploring clarity, ownership, people skills, AI, and why every supply chain professional should tell their story.

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:07) The mission behind National Supply Chain Day

    (03:08) Celebrating the anniversary: A look back at the first NSCD

    (06:11) Billy Ray Taylor keynote begins

    (07:13) Deliberate clarity & the 17-inch standard

    (10:59) Deliberate ownership

    (18:23) Unpacking Billy Ray's key takeaways

    (21:25) 2026 supply chain pressures & macro disruptions

    (31:03) Dr. Stephanie Thomas joins WISE & inspiring the next generation

    (32:39) Celebrating unsung heroes in supply chain

    (41:40) Supply chain trends, AI, resilience & people-first thinking

    (55:00) Leadership challenge

    Additional Links & Resources:


    This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Mary Kate Love and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/celebrating-national-supply-chain-day-1582

    11 May 2026, 4:00 am
  • 43 minutes 50 seconds
    The Buzz: The Supply Chain Powering the Met Gala

    In this special marketing edition of The Buzz, we explore the hidden supply chain behind one of the world’s biggest fashion and branding events—the Met Gala. From global sourcing and luxury logistics to influencer marketing and AI-driven fashion trends, this episode uncovers how artistry, supply chain precision, and marketing strategy all intersect—welcome to The Buzz, powered by OptiLogic!

    Hosts Mary Kate Love and Amanda Luton break down the massive global supply chain operation behind the Met Gala—from sourcing luxury fabrics and handcrafted beadwork across multiple countries to managing white-glove transportation, security, and just-in-time execution for one of fashion’s biggest nights. The conversation explores how viral fashion moments now directly influence manufacturing schedules, demand forecasting, and fast-fashion response times, while also examining the growing role of AI, wearable tech, and influencer marketing in shaping consumer trends. This episode offers a fascinating look at how logistics, branding, creativity, and technology come together behind the scenes of a global cultural event.

    Key Learnings & Takeaways

    • The Met Gala relies on a highly complex global supply chain involving sourcing, logistics, security, and precision execution
    • Luxury fashion production depends heavily on skilled artisans, handcrafted work, and long-lead-time procurement
    • Viral social media moments now directly influence manufacturing schedules and consumer demand
    • Fast fashion brands can respond to runway-inspired trends in a matter of days
    • Fashion brands increasingly use influencer partnerships as a core marketing and brand strategy
    • AI and wearable technology are beginning to reshape fashion design, production, and personalization
    • Logistics and supply chain visibility are essential for managing high-value assets and event execution

    The Met Gala may look like a night of glamour and celebrity fashion, but behind every iconic look is a deeply connected global supply chain. This episode highlights how modern supply chains power cultural moments, influence consumer behavior, and drive rapid innovation across industries. Whether you work in logistics, marketing, procurement, or retail, there are valuable lessons here about speed, precision, creativity, and adaptability.

    Additional Links & Resources:


    This episode is hosted by Mary Kate Love and Amanda Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes and Joshua Miranda. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-supply-chain-powering-met-gala-1581

    8 May 2026, 4:00 am
  • 43 minutes 50 seconds
    Smart Logistics 101 for Modern Warehouse Operations

    Most warehouse automation projects don't fail because of the technology. They fail because of the approach.

    In this episode, Scott W. Luton sits down with Don DeLash, Sales Director, Logistics Automation at SICK Sensor Intelligence, for a candid conversation on what it actually takes to modernize warehouse operations, and how to avoid the pitfalls that derail even well-funded initiatives. With more than 25 years spanning project management, finance, sales leadership, and logistics automation, Don brings a refreshingly grounded perspective. Ditch the glossy pitch, focus on real operational impact, and lead with curiosity and clear communication.

    Together, they paint a vivid picture of today's warehouse floor, quieter, cleaner, and increasingly populated by AGVs, mobile robots, unmanned forklifts, and sensor-driven systems. Don walks through the full automation journey, from planning and piloting to scaling and long-term support, covering how to choose the right partners, define success upfront, build flexibility into implementation plans, and invest in aftercare. The conversation also digs into how AI and vision technology are reshaping decisions around package inspection, palletizing, and damage detection, and how smart automation ultimately frees people to focus on higher-value work.

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Intro

    (05:48) Don’s career path in logistics automation

    (07:24) What SICK Sensor Intelligence brings to modern warehouses

    (09:09) Earning trust as a technology partner

    (11:01) Don’s guideposts for supply chain success

    (13:15) What today’s warehouses look and sound like

    (15:03) Why smart automation matters more than ever

    (16:57) The role of experimentation in supply chain technology

    (21:02) Planning for successful automation projects

    (23:39) Choosing the right partners and defining success

    (26:08) Scaling automation from pilot to enterprise-wide impact

    (35:38) How vision technology and AI are improving warehouse decisions

    Additional Links & Resources:


    This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/smart-logistics-101-modern-warehouse-operations-1580

    6 May 2026, 4:00 am
  • 50 minutes 13 seconds
    3 Big Thoughts on Leading Supply Chain Into the Autonomous Era

    AI is everywhere in supply chain, but more AI does not always mean better decisions.

    In this episode, Scott W. Luton and special co-host Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, sit down with Lindsay Azim, Senior Director Analyst for Supply Chain at Gartner, for a forward-looking conversation on how chief supply chain officers can lead into the autonomous business era.

    Lindsay shares why AI should not be treated as a standalone strategy, but as an enabler tied to a broader vision for the future. She also previews her Gartner Supply Chain Symposium keynote, centered on three priorities for leaders preparing for what comes next: autonomous-ready operations, autonomous-ready intelligence, and an autonomous-ready workforce.

    They also discuss the risks of AI sprawl, the importance of stronger human-machine partnerships, and why supply chain leaders need to rethink decision-making through a “decision stack” that combines data, knowledge assets, and human judgment. From documenting tribal knowledge to preparing for “job chaos” rather than a job apocalypse, Lindsay and Mike offer practical insight for leaders navigating disruption, workforce change, and the rising role of versatile talent.

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:11) Listener shoutouts and the AI workforce impact

    (04:38) Meet Lindsay Azim, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner

    (11:22) Lindsay’s path from sustainability to Gartner

    (14:55) Storytelling for supply chain leaders

    (18:41) Today’s top supply chain priorities

    (22:41) Why vision must come before AI

    (23:25) How leaders can avoid AI sprawl

    (25:34) Leading supply chains into the autonomous era

    (28:20) Building autonomous-ready operations

    (31:16) Introducing autonomous-ready intelligence

    (36:09) The idea behind the autonomous-ready workforce

    (39:52) Why leaders should attend Gartner Symposium

    (41:50) Pop culture lessons for supply chain leaders

    Additional Links & Resources:


    This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/three-big-thoughts-leading-supply-chain-autonomous-era-1579

    3 May 2026, 4:00 am
  • 55 minutes 46 seconds
    The Buzz: Data Gaps, Boeing's Comeback, & the $700B Returns Boom

    In today’s environment, complexity is rising, but clarity wins. Leaders who focus on execution, empower their frontline, and turn insights into action will outperform the competition. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change and looking to lead with confidence.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 doubling down on operational excellence
    • Empowered frontline teams unlock speed, clarity, and better business outcomes

    In today’s environment, complexity is rising, but clarity wins. Leaders who focus on execution, empower their frontline, and turn insights into action will outperform the competition. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change and looking to lead with confidence.

    Additional Links & Resources:


    This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Ray Attiyah, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/the-buzz-data-gaps-boeing-comeback-returns-boom

    1 May 2026, 4:00 am
  • 52 minutes 33 seconds
    People & Performance Focused Leadership: Rodrigo Alponti with STADA Group

    Patient outcomes have become one of the most consequential responsibilities in the global pharmaceutical supply chain.

    In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by guest host Régine Villain, founder of REHVEAL, and supply chain leader Rodrigo Alponti, SVP Global Supply Chain at STADA Group. With over 30 years of experience in leadership roles at multinational companies such as Sanofi and Avon, Rodrigo offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by today's supply chain professionals.

    Rodrigo delves into the balance between efficiency, adaptability, and human-centered leadership that is essential for success in today's complex pharmaceutical supply chain. He discusses the challenges of global supply chain resilience in the post-pandemic era, the regulatory hurdles faced, and the transformative role of AI in streamlining operations.

    This episode offers valuable insights for both seasoned and emerging supply chain professionals on leadership, strategic thinking, and empowering decision-making.

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Intro

    (01:54) Meet Rodrigo Alponti, SVP Global Supply Chain at STADA

    (05:48) P&G, Avon, Sanofi & key leadership lessons

    (10:01) Inside STADA: 3 business segments & how supply chain serves them

    (12:45) How patient safety shapes every supply chain decision

    (16:05) Current state of global pharma supply chains: complexity & geopolitics

    (20:57) Resilience pre vs. post pandemic: integration, agility & follow-through

    (29:48) Practical AI in pharma: demand planning, supply & workforce training

    (35:47) Aligning teams through continuous change: strategy to execution

    (42:45) Key takeaways, empowering people & how to connect

    Additional Links & Resources:


    This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Régine Villain and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/people-performance-focused-leadership-stada-group-1577

    29 April 2026, 4:00 am
  • 54 minutes 1 second
    How WiseTech Is Compounding Advantages Across Global Trade

    For three decades, WiseTech Global has been quietly powering the movement of goods around the world, but the biggest transformation in the company's history may still be ahead.

    In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Wiley Jones are joined by Zubin Appoo, Chief Executive Officer at WiseTech Global, Australia's largest ASX-listed technology firm and the world's leading logistics, supply chain, and global trade technology company. Together, they explore what it truly means to build digital infrastructure for the global supply chain, from customs brokerage and freight forwarding to the full end-to-end trade lifecycle following WiseTech's landmark acquisition of e2open.

    Zubin draws on nearly 25 years of experience, including 15 foundational years at WiseTech and seven years leading social purpose businesses, to make the case for being AI-first rather than AI-assisted. He also unpacks how decades of proprietary data, combined with large language models, are enabling WiseTech to solve problems that were previously out of reach, faster and more powerfully than ever before.

    Zubin also shares the leadership philosophy that has guided him across every role: reward success, reward failure, punish inaction. It's a mindset built for an era where the pace of change demands bold experimentation, deep problem-solving, and the courage to challenge assumptions that have gone unquestioned for years.

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Intro

    (01:56) About the enterprise unleashed series

    (06:50) Zubin's background & career journey

    (08:24) What Zubin loves most about being CEO

    (11:13) What WiseTech does for the world

    (15:18) Big opportunities for a global supply chain infrastructure company

    (20:48) WiseTech's acquisition strategy & AI-powered domain expertise

    (25:27) Embedding AI Into core workflows

    (31:43) Deploying AI at global platform scale

    (40:11) Experimentation culture: reward success, reward failure, punish inaction

    Additional Links & Resources:


    This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Wiley Jones and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/wisetech-compounding-advantages-across-global-trade-1576

    27 April 2026, 4:00 am
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