Next Level Supply Chain with GS1 US

Imagine if barcodes not only speed up your grocery checkout but also transform logistics, healthcare, and the overall efficiency of global supply chains.

In this episode, hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl are joined by Rich Eicher, Director of codeREADr. With his extensive experience in barcode innovation, Rich shares insights into how modern camera-based barcode readers surpass traditional laser readers and why dedicated barcode scanning devices are preferred in specific environments.

Rich explains barcodes' critical role in various business applications, from facilitating accurate inventory management to preventing costly supply chain errors. He also elaborates on the industry's adaptation to consumer demands, the significant challenges of barcode inaccuracies and their impact on delivery services, and how advancements in AI and ChatGPT are poised to revolutionize data capture and processing across industries.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The differences between laser and camera-based barcode readers commonly used in grocery stores.

• The importance of barcodes in various business applications and the issues caused by barcode discrepancies in the supply chain.

• The upcoming GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiative is transitioning to QR codes for enhanced data capture.

Jump into the Conversation:

[00:00] Introducing Next Level Supply Chain

[01:01] Who Rich Eicher is, and what he does

[03:08] The different barcodes and their significance

[10:13] All about laser reading barcodes

[13:12] The importance of using barcodes and why companies are shifting to using them more

[16:22] The problems that come along with not using barcodes

[22:16] Other trends happening outside of barcodes

[27:22] Rich’s favorite technology he is using right now

[29:51] Closing

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guest:

Rich Eicher on LinkedIn

Imagine a world where combating climate change and protecting the environment is integrated into every step of global trade. 

In this episode, hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl are joined by Lea-Ann Bigelow, Director of Green Trade at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). With a wealth of experience in environmental regulation and sustainability, Lea-Ann shares how U.S. Customs is evolving to meet the challenges of climate change through innovative trade practices.

Lea-Ann discusses how CBP's efforts are not just about regulating imports but about leading the charge in reducing emissions, enhancing traceability, and fighting environmental crimes. By integrating sustainability into the global supply chain, these initiatives are paving the way for a cleaner, safer world.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How U.S. Customs and Border Protection is pioneering green trade practices to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability across global supply chains.

• The implementation of advanced traceability systems to combat environmental crime and ensure compliance in international trade.

• The collaborative strategies between government and industry that are shaping a more resilient and environmentally responsible future for global trade.

Jump into the Conversation:

[00:00] Introducing Next Level Supply Chain

[00:40] Lea-Ann Bigelow Discusses Green Trade Initiatives at CBP

[01:23] The Dark Side of Trade: Environmental Crime and Its Ties to Other Offenses

[01:52] Why GS1 Connect Is Crucial for Environmental Compliance

[02:55] The Role of GS1 Standards in Enhancing Global Trade Compliance

[04:41] Developing the Green Standard for Global Trade

[04:50] International Collaboration on Environmental Regulations

[05:31] Navigating Complex Global Environmental Regulations

[06:02] Closing Thoughts: The Future of Green Trade

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guests:

Lea-Ann Bigelow on LinkedIn

Imagine a world where ensuring patient safety and improving healthcare outcomes begins with something as simple as smart inventory management.

In this episode, hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl are joined by Chris Anderson, Director of Technical Program Management at VUEMED. Chris, with nearly a decade of experience in data management and analytics, shares the intricate world of inventory management solutions for hospitals—focusing on implantable medical devices. 

Chris also discusses how a unified system not only enhances the tracking of medical devices but also bolsters patient safety through more effective recall management and improved patient outcomes.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How unique device identification (UDI) standardization is transforming hospital inventory management, enabling more precise tracking and significantly improving patient safety outcomes.

• Insights into the seamless integration of GS1 standards within healthcare supply chains and learn practical approaches to overcoming compliance pitfalls and maximizing data utility.

• The emerging trends and legislative updates that are set to impact future supply chain regulations in healthcare, providing a strategic edge to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guests:

Chris Anderson on LinkedIn

Food safety is intricate, and for some, it can be emotional. But as food safety evolves, technology and innovation are more crucial now than ever.

Reid Jackson and Darin Detwiler, Founder and CEO of Detwiler Consulting Group, discuss the intricacies of food safety. Darin, an expert with over 31 years of experience, opens up about his journey, which began with the tragic loss of his son to E. coli and evolved into a lifelong commitment to improving food safety standards.

They discuss the roles that new technologies and procedures play in fortifying food safety systems, the emotional and operational challenges faced by professionals in the field, and the essential human elements—like courage—that drive meaningful change. They also address the complexities of balancing short-term and long-term goals in food safety investments, emphasizing the importance of preparing and integrating cutting-edge solutions amid ongoing production challenges.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How integrating advanced digital solutions like data analytics and blockchain can simultaneously address long-term and short-term goals within the food safety sector, ensuring a sustainable and secure supply chain.

• The importance of cultivating courage within food safety leadership roles, emphasizing the critical need for a proactive approach in preventing and mitigating safety crises.

• The transformative role of social media in empowering consumers as active stakeholders in food safety, contributing real-time data, and enhancing industry transparency and responsiveness to potential risks.

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guests:

Darin Detwiler on LinkedIn

More about Detwiler Consulting Group  - https://www.herculeaneffort.net/

In the supply chain, technical requirements are the cornerstone for creating scalable and interoperable systems that ensure a seamless flow of information and enhance the accountability and traceability of materials and products throughout their lifecycle.

Liz and Reid got to talk about this with Elyse Tosi, the Vice President of Accounts and Implementation at EON, an innovator in product digitization. Elyse shares her extensive knowledge and experience in supply chain management, touching on her work with brands like Victoria's Secret and Eileen Fisher, to discuss the transformative impact of technology and standards on global supply chains.

They discuss enhancing value chain efficiency through interoperability, the significance of the EPCIS standard in scaling and achieving interoperability, and how EON, chosen by the EU to pilot digital product passports, is influencing legislation and standards adoption—an initiative critical for compliance, brand protection, and product authentication. They also explore emerging trends like digital twins, QR codes, digital links, and their game-changing potential for retail and customer engagement.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How EPCIS standards ensure interoperability and scalability for digital product passports, enabling seamless data exchange and lifecycle management in supply chains

• The transformative impact of digital twins, QR codes, and digital links on retail experiences, customer engagement, and product data connectivity, driving new commerce channels and incremental revenue opportunities.

• How Eon leverages compliance with EU legislation to provide commercial benefits such as brand protection and product authentication, reinforcing the importance of scalable and cost-effective blockchain applications.

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guests:

Elyse Tosi on LinkedIn

More about EON -https://www.eon.xyz/ 

Today, the speed of change in the market and on Amazon is rapid, making it difficult for brands to keep up and see continued success. But never fear, Shannon Roddy, of Avenue7Media, is here to give us insights into the brand-building strategies you need to succeed on Amazon, and beyond! 

Key takeaways:

1. Building a defensible brand is crucial for long-term success. Invest in building a brand that is recognizable, trustworthy, and unique to differentiate yourself from your competitors.

2. Amazon holds over 50% of the online market and can significantly impact the success or failure of a brand. Harnessing Amazon's data and feedback is crucial for identifying trends, understanding demographics, and developing new products.

3. Leveraging Amazon's platform and customer data can give you a competitive edge, but you need to adapt to changing customer preferences and market demands.

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1US on LinkedIn

Connect with our guest:

Follow Shannon Roddy on LinkedIn

More on Avenue7Media

Jump into the Conversation:

[1:42] Can you share a little bit of your background and what you’ve been working on in the last couple of years?

[4:31] The Amazon space is constantly evolving, are there some major trends or changes that have happened recently?

[10:33] You gave us some examples when we talked before of how things can go wrong for brands on Amazon, so how can you help them make things go right?

[14:45] What are some other tips and tricks that you can offer?

[18:37] Does that also mean discontinuing product one and two while you expand out, or is that what you learn from the data?

[27:14] What do you see is next from Amazon’s perspective?

[29:06] What trends are you seeing that are blowing your mind?

[32:31] What’s your favorite technology?

Celebrating 50 Years of the Barcode, hosts, Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl speak to an impressive lineup of industry experts, direct from Orlando, at GS1 US’s yearly conference, Connect. They chat with:

• Dave DeLaus, CIO at Wegmans, dissects the complexities of integrating new technologies to enhance consumer experience and shares how Wegmans is tackling the challenges of implementing 2D barcodes for better product traceability.

• Sean Murphy from Cencora demystifies the Drug Supply Chain Security Act and emphasizes the necessity of unique serial numbers and digital backpacks for pharmaceutical products to ensure safety and compliance in the healthcare industry.

• Andrew Meadows is the founder and CEO of BL.INK introduces the intriguing world of 2D barcodes and digital resolvers. Learn how BL.INK’s platform, BL.INK CXP revolutionizes consumer engagement by providing personalized experiences and enhancing data privacy.

• JW Franz from Barcoding Inc. emphasizes the importance of supply chain automation innovation and the future of barcoding, including RFID and computer vision technologies.

They all speak on the gradual implementation of new technologies, the strategic importance of 2D barcodes, and the transformative potential of computer vision in inventory management. The episode also covers the crucial role of standardization and regulatory compliance in healthcare and explores the exciting advancements paving the way for smarter, safer, and more efficient supply chains.

Key takeaways:

• Discover how the integration of 2D barcodes and QR codes, paired with advancements in computer vision, is revolutionizing retail and supply chain management for enhanced consumer experiences and operational efficiency.

• Explore the significant impact of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act and the digital backpack concept on pharmaceutical traceability, with insights from Sean Murphy of Cencora on how serialization ensures compliance and safety.

• Learn about BL.INK’s innovative 2D barcode technology and digital resolvers, with Andrew Meadows explaining how these tools enable personalized consumer interactions and secure data privacy, driving a more direct and meaningful brand engagement strategy.

Jump into the Conversation:

[00:00] Welcome to Next Level Supply Chain

[00:48] Coming to you from GS1 Connect 2024 in Orlando

[02:45] Introducing Dave DeLaus, CIO at Wegmans

[03:42] Hot Topics with Wegmans

[04:47] Some insights on use of the 2D barcode at Wegmans

[06:01] How you can interact with the 2D barcode differently for your customer

[10:17] Introducing Sean Murphy with Cencora

[12:14] Cencora’s use of EPCIS or Electronic Product Code Information Service

[14:04] Leveraging RFID technology

[14:53] Focusing on DSCSA to create a smart, safe, and sustainable supply chain

[16:48] 2D barcodes in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry

[18:49] Introducing Andy Meadows, founder and CEO of BL.INK

[19:25] BL.INK platform and digital resolvers

[24:22] Advising product manufacturers about BL.INK

[25:37] Andy’s thoughts on the future of 2D barcodes

[27:53] Introducing JW Franz from Barcoding Inc.

[29:07] JW’s biggest takeaway fro attending Connect

[29:48] Barcoding Inc’s current focus

[30:28] JW’s thoughts on the future of RFID and 2D barcodes

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guests:

Dave DeLaus - CIO, Wegmans 

Sean Murphy - Senior Manager of Manufacturing Operations, Cencora

Andrew Meadows - Founder & CEO, BL.INK

JW Franz - IoT Automation Solution Director, Barcoding Inc.

In this episode, we dive into how QR codes are revolutionizing packaging, non-alcoholic beverages are making waves, and community networks are driving market success. 

Daniel Scharff is the CEO and founder of Startup CPG, a vibrant community supporting emerging consumer packaged goods brands. With a background in San Francisco's food tech scene, Daniel created a Slack community with over 20,000 members, offering resources and fostering collaboration. He hosts 100+ events annually and produces the Startup CPG podcast, sharing his insights from his experience as a former CEO of a beverage company. 

Daniel's unique approach to helping brands navigate the complex world of product development, market-entry, and supply chain logistics is driven by his firsthand experience as a former CEO of a beverage company. Daniel's innovative strategies and relentless drive to make dreams a reality have earned him a reputation as a visionary leader in the CPG community.

Key takeaways:

• Learn how QR codes are transforming packaging, improving traceability, and enhancing consumer engagement

• Understand the impact of the growing trend of non-alcoholic beverages on supply chain logistics and market dynamics

• Discover the crucial role of community support in helping emerging brands succeed in the competitive market

Timestamps:

[00:00] Welcome to Next Level Supply Chain

[01:32] Introducing Daniel Scharff, CEO and founder of Startup CPG

[04:18] The basics a startup would need to get off the ground

[06:26] Deciding on UPC vs. 2D barcode 

[12:42] Common supply chain issues and questions when building your startup

[14:12] How to ask and give critical feedback on your product

[17:47] What trends Daniel is seeing with small CPGs

[23:18]  Trends Daniel is seeing in 2D barcodes, specifically

[29:39] Daniel’s favorite technology right now

[31:32] Trend that has blown Daniel’s mind recently

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with guest:

Daniel Scharff on LinkedIn

Check out Startup CPG

Social commerce is booming, and today’s conversation proves that if you haven’t considered selling on social media, then it’s time you did.

Wes Duquette is VP and GM of B2B and Retail at ShipBob, a tech-enabled 3PL that empowers small and medium businesses with advanced supply chain capabilities. In this episode, he speaks with Liz and Reid about the powerful impact of influencers and platforms like TikTok and Instagram in driving actionable purchases. And it’s no surprise that QR codes are revolutionizing the advertising landscape.

Wes shares invaluable insights on the critical importance of an omnichannel strategy, global expansion, and scalable infrastructure for brands aiming for growth. His pointers on barcoding, packaging, and back-office systems provide a stellar roadmap for future retail scalability. He discusses the evolving dynamics of direct-to-consumer channels and alternative marketplaces and understands why registering with giants like Amazon is crucial—even if you're a dedicated Shopify seller. 

Key takeaways: 

• How influencers and platforms like TikTok are transforming retail engagement and driving omnichannel growth strategies for brands

• Learn about the operational scalability challenges faced by SMBs during retail launches and discover strategies for effectively navigating high-volume demands and pivotal retail relationships.

• Critical infrastructure elements such as barcoding, packaging, and robust back-office systems are essential for ensuring future scalability and seamless integration across various retail channels and marketplaces.

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with guest:

Wes Duquette on LinkedIn

Check out ShipBob

Speedy and efficient traceability systems are vital for compliance, consumer health, and resilience in the food safety industry.

Andy Kennedy, Principal Traceability Advisor at New Era Partners, joins us to unravel the complexities of food safety in the supply chain. With 17 years of experience creating SAS food traceability businesses, Andy offers insights into the historical context of traceability regulations, the significance of technological progress, and how innovation will continue to shape our approach to food safety. He candidly describes the tension-filled environment of managing a food safety outbreak and the critical role of coordination during these investigations.

Andy touches on COVID-19 and the food supply chain, the transition challenges food items faced from food service to retail, and the astounding potential of 2D barcodes and digital receipts to engage consumers and ensure their safety. Learn how tracking contaminated products has been reduced from over a month to less than a week, the role GS1 Standards play in compliance, and how FSMA 204, compared to the Bioterrorism Act, is mandating a new era of data sharing. 

Key takeaways: 

• Traceability systems play a critical role in effectively managing and shortening the timeframe of contamination investigations. 

• Utilizing GS1 standards to comply with evolving regulatory demands illustrates how technology has progressed over two decades.

• The pandemic has highlighted the need for resilience, real-time visibility, and interoperability in supply chains

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Food Safety Resources

Connect with guest:

Andy Kennedy on LinkedIn

Check out New Era Partners