Hammer Down

As global supply chains grow more complex, the need for precise tracking and quality control is critical. Traditional tracking systems often fall short, merely pinpointing the location without monitoring essential conditions like temperature or humidity. But for industries moving sensitive items—like high-value medicines and perishable foods—real-time insights into the condition of goods are essential to avoid losses. This is where Lamar IoT steps in. Lamar IoT’s cutting-edge tracking tech integrates advanced sensors for temperature, humidity, and velocity, addressing a major pain point for industries like pharmaceuticals and high-end food. With supply chains under constant strain, a key question arises: Can a more intelligent tracking solution reduce losses and ensure goods remain in top condition?

Welcome to Hammer Down. In this episode, host Mike Bush chats with Dr. Brantly Fulton, the CEO of Lamar IoT, and Raj Kupunaram, the company's Client Success and Growth Strategy Lead, to explore how the cutting-edge tracking tech provides real-time insights and tracks sensitive goods from origin to destination.

Key conversation points from the episode:

- Innovative Tracking Technology: Lamar IoT uses advanced sensors that measure conditions like temperature and humidity, making it an ideal solution for goods that require specific handling, such as vaccines and high-end seafood.

- Flexible Sensor Integration: The company’s “Peel & Stick” flexible sensors are developed using screen printing techniques, enabling precise, real-time tracking in small, lightweight tags.

- Global Connectivity for Real-Time Tracking: Lamar IoT leverages Bluetooth and cellular technology, along with developing mesh networks, to maintain connectivity even in challenging locations like ports.

Dr. Brantly Fulton, CEO of Lamar IoT, is an expert in materials chemistry with a focus on sustainable innovations in supply chain technology. His work at Lamar IoT centers on developing advanced, condition-sensitive tracking solutions to enhance quality control and traceability for high-value and perishable goods. With a career spanning roles in academia, venture capital, and research, he brings a deep understanding of chemistry, flexible electronics, and market-driven innovation to IoT applications in logistics.

Raj Kupunaram is a seasoned technology and product leader with expertise in process optimization, sustainability, and IT transformation for major organizations like Sony Pictures, Oracle, and Abbott Labs. At Lamar IoT, he leverages his skills in customer success and growth strategy, focusing on scalable and sustainable solutions for supply chain visibility. His career highlights include managing large-scale projects, optimizing systems to reduce costs, and successfully leading digital transformations that impact enterprise operations globally.

The logistics industry faces constant challenges as the need for efficient, cloud-based solutions intensifies. Many warehouses continue to operate manually; up to 53% of employee time is spent on non-value-adding tasks like walking and searching for items, according to industry studies. This manual approach not only hampers efficiency but leads to significant delays, errors, and resource waste. As demand for automated solutions grows, adoption remains limited. Many warehouses continue to rely on traditional methods that lack real-time capabilities.

How can leaders in logistics streamline operations, reduce manual work, and make data-driven decisions in an industry burdened by outdated systems?

In this episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush sits down with Neil McEvoy, head of customer success at C3 Solutions, to explore how C3’s cloud-based technology is reshaping logistics. McEvoy discusses C3’s tools for scheduling, driver management, and supply chain visibility, highlighting how the platform minimizes delays, improves flow, and supports data-driven decision-making.

Highlights of the Episode:

• Real-Time Platform: C3 Solutions' cloud software replaces manual systems with a transparent, real-time platform designed for warehouses and distribution centers.

• Enhanced Driver Communication: Their Hive technology enables real-time driver communication, which reduces bottlenecks and boosts operational efficiency.

• Resilience Through Simulation: Scenario-simulation capabilities help clients prepare for disruptions, such as port strikes or pandemics, enhancing supply chain resilience.

Neil McEvoy, VP of Business Development at C3 Solutions, has over 18 years of expertise in logistics and supply chain management. Leading C3’s sales and customer experience teams, he focuses on advancing innovative solutions to optimize logistics operations. His career includes senior roles at DPD UK and ArrowXL, where he managed complex hub and logistics functions, making him a seasoned leader in operational strategy and customer success.

Ava Barnes, Alvys VP of Marketing, shares the company modernizing the trucking industry to reduce inefficiencies and carbon footprints.

After four years of supply chain disruptions triggered by COVID-19, natural disasters and geopolitical tensions, businesses are finally returning their focus to supply chain cost management. Sourcifi, a company specializing in cost savings, is at the forefront of this shift.

But how can companies leverage strategic relationships and cost-saving technologies to thrive in today's supply chain landscape?

Welcome to Hammer Down, the podcast for industry professionals looking to optimize their business operations. Hosted by Mike Bush, today’s episode delves into supply chain cost management with Tim Perkins, the CEO of Sourcifi. Together, they explore how Perkins’ company helps organizations slash costs across equipment, fuel, and distribution through well-vetted partnerships and a relationship-first approach.

Main Points of Conversation:

- How Sourcifi helps businesses save on operational costs, from equipment to fuel and parking, by connecting them with vetted providers.

- The importance of maintaining relationships and transparency in business dealings, especially when scaling a company.

- Tim Perkins' insights on the future of technology, AI, and relationships in the supply chain industry.

Tim Perkins is a seasoned supply chain executive with expertise in sourcing, fleet procurement, and 3PL services. As CEO of Sourcifi, he leverages his extensive network of industry connections to deliver cost-saving solutions in areas like transportation, warehousing, and robotics. His career highlights include scaling a transportation startup to nearly $100M in revenue and successfully managing multimillion-dollar procurement projects.

The supply chain industry is becoming an increasingly vital field, especially after the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the industry continues to grow, new talent is key to meeting the evolving logistics, planning, and operations challenges. Recent trends, such as the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics, are reshaping the landscape, making this a dynamic time for newcomers to enter and make an impact.

As the demand for supply chain professionals soars, what advice and experiences can guide those just starting out in the field?

This episode of Hammer Down, hosted by Mike Bush, explores the fresh perspective of Baden Schrab, a junior studying Operations and Supply Chain Management at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. In an industry where many professionals "fall into" their careers, Schrab offers insights into his purposeful decision to enter the supply chain field and how he envisions shaping his future. Bush and Schrab dive into career advice for newcomers, how COVID-19 influenced career choices, and what excites Schaub most about the industry’s rapid growth.

Key Discussion Points:

• How legacy family influence and international experiences guided Baden Schrab into supply chain management.

• The impact of COVID-19 on Schrab's decision to pursue a career in supply chain, as well as his desire to tackle industry challenges head-on.

• Schrab’s thoughts on AI, technology trends, and how he uses tools like ChatGPT in both his academic and daily life.

Baden Schrab is currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, pursuing a degree in Operations and Supply Chain Management. With a family background in the industry, Schrab has participated in various educational experiences, including an international exchange program in Germany. His exposure to global supply chain roles and his father's work as an Associate Director at ProMEGA have inspired him to seek a career in planning within the sector.

The supply chain industry is becoming an increasingly vital field, especially after the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the industry continues to grow, new talent is key to meeting the evolving logistics, planning, and operations challenges. Recent trends, such as the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics, are reshaping the landscape, making this a dynamic time for newcomers to enter and make an impact.

As the demand for supply chain professionals soars, what advice and experiences can guide those just starting out in the field?

This episode of Hammer Down, hosted by Mike Bush, explores the fresh perspective of Baden Schrab, a junior studying Operations and Supply Chain Management at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. In an industry where many professionals "fall into" their careers, Schrab offers insights into his purposeful decision to enter the supply chain field and how he envisions shaping his future. Bush and Schrab dive into career advice for newcomers, how COVID-19 influenced career choices, and what excites Schaub most about the industry’s rapid growth.

Key Discussion Points:

• How legacy family influence and international experiences guided Baden Schrab into supply chain management.

• The impact of COVID-19 on Schrab's decision to pursue a career in supply chain, as well as his desire to tackle industry challenges head-on.

• Schrab’s thoughts on AI, technology trends, and how he uses tools like ChatGPT in both his academic and daily life.

Baden Schrab is currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, pursuing a degree in Operations and Supply Chain Management. With a family background in the industry, Schrab has participated in various educational experiences, including an international exchange program in Germany. His exposure to global supply chain roles and his father's work as an Associate Director at ProMEGA have inspired him to seek a career in planning within the sector.

The supply chain and logistics world is rapidly evolving, especially within niche sectors like produce transportation. The cold chain market is projected to grow from $233.8 billion in 2023 to $340.3 billion by 2028, highlighting the increasing demand for temperature-sensitive goods and the need for efficient logistics solutions. Professionals in this field face unique challenges in maintaining product quality, particularly when handling perishable items like berries and bananas.

What does it take to master the logistics of perishable goods? And how do industry veterans tackle these challenges while maintaining efficiency?

On the latest episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush engages with Mike Diamond, Senior Transportation Manager at Sunrise Logistics. The conversation sheds light on the complexities of produce logistics, from managing temperature controls to the importance of fostering strong industry relationships.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Challenges in Temperature-Sensitive Freight: Diamond shares insights into the intricacies of transporting delicate produce like blueberries, focusing on the exact temperatures needed to preserve quality during transit.

• Problem-Solving in Supply Chain Management: With extensive experience across multiple roles, Diamond emphasizes the importance of adapting quickly and solving day-to-day challenges in a fast-moving logistics environment.

• The Power of Networking: Known for his wide-reaching network, Diamond discusses how building strong, organic relationships has been key to his success in the industry.

Mike Diamond is an experienced logistics professional who transitioned from a military finance background into the supply chain industry. Starting at Swift Transportation, Mike quickly mastered the complexities of planning and brokerage operations, gaining valuable insights into the fast-paced logistics environment. Currently, as Senior Transportation Manager at Sunrise Logistics, he manages the intricate logistics of produce shipping, where temperature control and timely deliveries are crucial. Known for his problem-solving skills and vast professional network, Mike has built a strong reputation as a leader in the logistics industry.

As global supply chains continue to evolve in response to new challenges, the need for innovation and adaptability has never been more critical. In Part 1 of this discussion, Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), joined Hammer Down host Mike Bush to preview the themes of the upcoming ASCM conference. Eshkenazi outlined the importance of staying ahead of industry trends, discussing the potential impact of new technologies and the evolving role of supply chain professionals.

But what insights did industry leaders share at the conference itself?

In Part 2 of this special Hammer Down episode, we dive deeper into the action, as Mike Bush takes us on-site at the ASCM conference to explore live discussions and trends shaping the future of supply chains.

Key Points:

• Supply Chain Resilience: Building on themes from Part 1, speakers emphasized the critical role of resilience and innovation to withstand future disruptions.

• AI-Driven Solutions: The discussion focused on AI and machine learning technologies like those from Kinaxis, which are helping companies improve visibility and decision-making in real-time.

• Education and Inclusivity: Speakers stressed the need for educational outreach and collaboration, especially with non-supply chain professionals, to broaden perspectives and foster innovation.

The ASCM conference emphasized that the future of global supply chains is one of complexity and unpredictability. However, by embracing innovation—whether through AI-driven platforms, real-time data, or collaborative education—companies can turn these challenges into opportunities. As the stakes for supply chain resilience grow, those who adopt these forward-thinking solutions will find themselves better positioned to thrive in the years ahead.

Abe Eshkenazi, key organizer for the ASCM conference, discusses the current state and future of supply chains.

Morgan MacDermaid, Senior Recruiter at Journey, discusses recruitment, training, and consulting in the transportation and logistics industry.