Behind every piece of fresh produce is a complex supply chain working to ensure food reaches store shelves safely, and new traceability requirements are changing how that work gets done.

In this episode, Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl chat with Christina Herrick, Produce Editor at The Packer, to discuss the realities of food traceability, the impact of FSMA 204 on the fresh produce industry, and why compliance requires far more than simply meeting a deadline.

Christina shares why produce presents unique traceability challenges compared to other food categories, how labor shortages, evolving regulations, and fragmented supply chains complicate implementation, and why organizations of every size need to begin preparing now. She also explains why successful traceability depends on better collaboration, standardized data sharing, and understanding the unique needs of every participant across the supply chain.

This is more than a regulatory requirement. It is an industry-wide effort to improve food safety, strengthen consumer confidence, and build more connected supply chains that can respond quickly when it matters most.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why FSMA 204 is transforming food traceability across the fresh produce industry

• The biggest challenges growers, distributors, and retailers face as they prepare for compliance

• How standardized data sharing can improve food safety, recalls, and supply chain visibility

Things to listen for: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain

(03:06) Why consumers rarely see the complexity behind food safety

(05:00) How produce traceability differs from other food categories

(08:35) Why traceability matters during recalls and outbreaks

(10:01) Why compliance is not a light switch

(11:07) How labor costs and regulations affect traceability investments

(15:16) Why many companies don't know where to begin

(17:00) The unique challenges facing smaller growers and distributors

(20:18) Why every produce operation approaches traceability differently

(22:18) Finding the right motivation for industry adoption

(23:17) Why GS1 standards help simplify data sharing

(24:35) Christina's favorite technology and what she wants to learn next

Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guest: Christina Herricks on LinkedInVisit The Packer at https://www.thepacker.com/

Supply chain transformation is no longer just about efficiency. It is about resilience, intelligence, and trust across every layer of the system.

In this episode, Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl were at GS1 Connect. Melanie Hilton sat down with Miguel Rodriguez Garcia from MIT, Frederik Bohn from Plug and Play Tech Center, and Lisa Morales-Hellebo from REFASHIOND Ventures to explore what supply chains could look like in 2050 and the challenges that must be solved today to get there.

The conversation spans cybersecurity risks that now extend into physical operations, the rise of robotics in logistics, and the growing need for verified, trustworthy data across global networks. The guests also explore how interoperability gaps inside large enterprises slow progress, why collaboration remains one of the biggest barriers across industries, and how emerging approaches like AI agents and materials verification could reshape decision making. Together, they highlight that the future supply chain will depend on aligning technology, standards, and human behavior in ways that are still being defined.

This is more than a discussion about emerging technology. It is an exploration of how supply chains must evolve into connected, transparent, and adaptive systems where data integrity, automation, and cross-industry collaboration determine long term success.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How cybersecurity is evolving from a digital risk into a physical supply chain challenge

• How robotics and automation are already reshaping warehouse and logistics operations

• Why data trust and verification are becoming essential for future supply chain systems

Things to listen for: (00:00) Opening remarks from Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl introducing the GS1 Connect session (01:26) Framing the 2050 supply chain discussion and key themes (07:40) Cybersecurity threats expanding into physical supply chain operations (11:00) Robotics moving from experimental to real warehouse deployment (15:00) Trust and verification of physical materials through data and scanning (19:30) Collaboration challenges across industries and supplier ecosystems (23:10) Interoperability gaps inside large enterprise systems (26:00) AI agents, hallucinations, and the importance of data quality (30:46) Real world visibility innovations using highway camera data networks (32:38) The future vision of standardized machine communication and interoperability

Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the speakers: Melanie Hilton on LinkedInMiguel Rodriguez Garcia on LinkedInMassachusetts Institute of Technology at https://web.mit.edu/Lisa Morales-Hellebo on LinkedIn REFASHIOND Ventures at https://www.refashiond.com/Frederik Bohn on LinkedInPlug and Play Tech Center. at https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/

Carter's has achieved a milestone that many retailers considered out of reach.

In only three months, Carter's implemented RFID technology in 700 stores, boosting inventory accuracy at the item level while simplifying operations for store associates and improving the customer experience.

In this episode, hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl sit down with Gina Maddaloni of Carter's , and Anna Marie Blackburn, formerly of Carter's, to discuss the company's RFID journey. They explore how the initiative gained support across the organization, the role RFID now plays in daily operations, and the business value it continues to deliver.

This episode is a replay of our conversation with Gina and Anna, brought back for anyone exploring RFID, inventory visibility, and large-scale retail technology rollouts.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Carter's achieved one of the fastest RFID deployments in retail

• Why RFID is no longer "too complex" or "too expensive"

• What's next as Carter's expands RFID use into its supply chain operations

Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (01:29) Anna Marie and Gina's backgrounds (03:52) What RFID technology means for retail (06:47) The process of rolling out RFID across Carter's stores (13:21) RFID's impact on Carter's operational efficiency (17:49) RFID as a recruiting tool for store teams (18:54) Asset protection benefits and peace of mind (19:34) Expanding RFID into DC operations (23:49) What's next, Carter's move toward serialization (25:15) Advice for companies starting their RFID journey (22:16) Busting RFID myths: cost, complexity, and adoption (28:43) Favorite tech beyond RFID (31:36) What Gina and Anna Marie want to learn next

Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.org GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guests: Gina Maddaloni on LinkedIn Anna Marie Blackburn on LinkedIn

Check out Carter's

Data might be abundant, but turning it into actionable insights is far more complex than it seems.

In this episode, Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl chat with Russ Hawkins, President and CEO of Agilence Inc., about how retailers, restaurants, and hotels are using operational analytics to improve revenue, control costs, and maintain compliance.

Russ discusses how organizations can leverage real-time data to drive smarter decisions in areas like loss prevention, inventory oversight, and sales growth, all while enhancing the customer experience. He also explores the complexities of ensuring that store managers and frontline teams are aligned with broader company goals, emphasizing that success comes from balancing people, processes, and technology.

This is more than just a tech upgrade. It's a continuous operational effort that relies on collaboration across leadership, operations, and analytics to deliver tangible results and lasting business impact.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How companies use data to increase revenue, manage expenses, and maintain compliance
• The importance of aligning internal teams and frontline staff with corporate objectives
• How emerging technologies like AI and RFID are shaping analytics and operational efficiency

Things to listen for: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (01:38) Russ's background: from telecom to three CEO roles (06:34) The three things every retailer is really trying to solve with data (09:10) What internal compliance actually means (09:51) Make money, save money, be compliant (16:33) Using data to know who's upselling and who's leaving money on the table (19:37) The treasure trove already in your transaction logs (25:51) Getting the right product in the right place (30:18) Operations is a people problem (34:37) Where analytics investments go wrong (38:15) AI is exciting and terrifying in equal measure (40:59) What Russ wants to learn next

Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn Register for GS1 Connect 2026, happening June 9 to 11 in Las Vegas, and get 10% off with the promo code GS1USPOD10 at connect.gs1us.org.

Connect with the guest: Russ Hawkins on LinkedInVisit Agilence Inc. at https://www.agilenceinc.com/

Most people don't think twice about the spice jar on their shelf. But behind it is a supply chain that can pass through 20 different hands — and that's exactly where quality, safety, and accountability break down.

In this episode, Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl speak with Ori Zohar, co-founder and co-CEO of Burlap & Barrel, about how they're reshaping the spice industry by sourcing directly from smallholder farmers across 22 countries. Ori shares how Burlap & Barrel built a transparent, trust-based supply chain — no formal contracts, just long-term relationships — and how that model has helped them navigate real-world pressures like the pandemic, tariffs, and rapid scaling. He also gets into the operational side: how GS1 Standards and barcoding became foundational tools for managing a 100+ SKU business across warehouses, retail, and direct-to-consumer channels.

This is a story about innovation, transparency, and the power of human relationships in building a sustainable supply chain.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why trust-based relationships with farmers outperform formal contracts

• How they responded to tariffs — without raising prices or passing costs to farmers

• The practical role GS1 standards play in managing a high-SKU, multi-channel business

Things to listen for: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (07:13) Third-wave spices and why a broad lineup demands better tracking (09:44) The Dr. Salunke story: transparency and traceability in action (13:23) Why contracts with farmers don't work (19:11) How to handle tariffs without raising prices (31:55) Navigating turbulence with a values-first strategy (32:36) How GS1 standards power their warehouse and retail operations

Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn Register for GS1 Connect 2026, happening June 9 to 11 in Las Vegas, and get 10% off with the promo code GS1USPOD10 at connect.gs1us.org.

Connect with the guest: Ori Zohar on LinkedInVisit Burlap & Barrel at https://www.burlapandbarrel.com/ Follow Burlap & Barrel on Instagram

If a product is contaminated, it can now be traced and removed from shelves within days, not weeks—thanks to the advanced technology available today. In this episode, Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl speak with Brian Schaneberg, Executive Director of the Institute for Food Safety and Health, about how modern traceability systems and innovations like 2D barcodes are improving food safety.

Brian explains how the shift from reactive to proactive food safety measures is changing the way the industry handles outbreaks. He also explores the impact of FSMA 204 on improving data sharing and enhancing the efficiency of recalls. This episode reveals how these advancements are making food safety smarter, faster, and more transparent than ever before.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why food recalls are increasing but becoming less severe

• How traceability improves recall speed and accuracy

• The role of data, AI, and 2D barcodes in food safety

Things to listen for: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (01:20) Brian's journey into food safety (06:27) Understanding food recall patterns and severity (15:57) Understanding FSMA and the traceability rule (18:12) Why food traceability is a data exercise (21:10) How traceability impacts farms, manufacturers, and restaurants (31:28) The future of food safety and prevention strategies (37:57) Brian's favorite technology

Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn Register for GS1 Connect 2026, happening June 9 to 11 in Las Vegas, and get 10% off with the promo code GS1USPOD10 at connect.gs1us.org.

Connect with the guest: Brian Schaneberg on LinkedIn Visit the Institute of Food Safety and Health at iit.edu/ifsh

NDC-12 might seem like a minor data change. But in practice, it affects far more than the code itself.

In this episode, Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl speak with Rose Campasano, Principal Consultant of Global Compliance & Enterprise Systems at Criterion Consulting, about what companies need to do now to prepare for the NDC-12 transition.

Rose explains how NDC-12 impacts labeling, scanning, software systems, and business processes across the healthcare supply chain. She also highlights the complexity of supporting both 10-digit and 12-digit codes during the transition, and why coordination across partners is critical.

This is not just an IT task. It is a long-term program that requires alignment across finance, quality, regulatory, and operations teams.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why NDC-12 affects systems, processes, and partners across the supply chain

• How the transition period creates complexity with multiple code formats

• The steps companies can take now to prepare for a smoother rollout

Things to listen for: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (02:07) What NDC-12 means and its impact (05:32) The transition from NDC 10 to NDC-12 (12:41) Why NDC-12 is not just an administrative update (16:44) How Sunrise 2027 overlaps with NDC-12 planning (19:49) The departments that need to be involved in the NDC-12 transition (27:30) First steps for NDC-12 readiness (35:13) Rose's favorite tech

Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn Register for GS1 Connect 2026, happening June 9 to 11 in Las Vegas, and get 10% off with the promo code GS1USPOD10 at connect.gs1us.org.

Connect with the guest: Rose Campasano on LinkedInVisit Criterion Consulting at criterionc.com

What happens when a single digit in your product data is wrong?

In this episode of Next Level Supply Chain, Steve Madsen, Founder and CEO of RxERP, joins hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to explore the critical role of master data in pharmaceutical logistics. When product information like GTINs, NDCs, and trading partner data don't align, entire warehouse operations can grind to a halt.

Steve shares how his team experienced these challenges firsthand and how that led them to build a new approach to serialized inventory management and automated master data.

You'll learn how trusted data sources, automation, and GS1 standards help supply chains move faster, stay compliant with DSCSA, and reduce costly human errors.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why small data errors can disrupt supply chains

• How automation reduces human error in master data management

• Why trusted data sources are essential for DSCSA compliance

Things to listen for: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (01:20) Steve's journey in building a pharmaceutical ERP platform (05:29) Why serialization matters (14:17) The benefits of automating master data management (16:54) Connecting master data to DSCSA compliance (30:03) Steve's favorite technology Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn Register now for this year's GS1 Connect and get an early bird discount of 10% when you register by March 31 at connect.gs1us.org.

Connect with the guest: Steve Madsen on LinkedIn Visit RxERP at https://rxerp.com/

Automation in supply chains often brings to mind robots and conveyor belts. But one of the most impactful forms of automation happens behind the scenes: labeling.

In this episode, Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl speak with Nick Recht, Director of Sales at TEKLYNX, about how labeling automation improves accuracy, reduces costly manual steps, and connects critical data across supply chain systems.

Nick explains why the industry still relies on the risky "file, open, print, and pray" process and how integrating labeling directly with business systems like ERP and WMS platforms can eliminate errors and save hours of manual work.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why labeling automation reduces costly errors and manual processes

• How integrating labeling with business systems improves efficiency

• What the shift to 2D barcodes and RFID means for supply chain visibility

Things to listen for: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (01:17) Nick Recht's journey at TEKLYNX (06:52) What automation really means in labeling (08:48) The "file, open, print, and pray" problem (15:08) Measuring the ROI of labeling automation (21:01) The shift from 1D to 2D barcodes (27:15) How automation supports 2D barcodes and RFID (31:50) A real-world automation success story (37:37) Nick Recht's favorite tech

Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn Register now for this year's GS1 Connect and get an early bird discount of 10% when you register by March 31 at connect.gs1us.org.

Connect with the guest: Nick Recht on LinkedInVisit TEKLYNX at teklynx.com

MSG has been labeled as the villain of the food world, but Jennifer Ko is rewriting the story and bringing it back with a bold new twist.

In this episode, Reid Jackson sits down with Jennifer Ko, the founder of Dime, a company that's reinventing how we think about MSG. Jennifer shares her personal connection to MSG, the cultural beliefs that shaped her family's avoidance of it, and how she's working to debunk common myths about this misunderstood ingredient. She also discusses the challenges of packaging, logistics, and the supply chain that come with launching a product in the competitive CPG space.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Jennifer's curiosity about MSG turned into a business idea

• The challenge of changing consumer perceptions

• The importance of streamlining packaging and logistics in CPG

Things to listen for: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (01:57) Jennifer's entrepreneurial journey (06:08) Breaking down the misconceptions about MSG (11:33) Building a brand around a stigmatized product (18:28) The challenges of building a business in the food industry (29:17) Advice for startups and aspiring entrepreneurs (33:19) Jennifer Ko's favorite tech

Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn Register now for this year's GS1 Connect and get an early bird discount of 10% when you register by March 31 at connect.gs1us.org.

Connect with the guest: Jennifer Ko on LinkedInVisit Dime at dimemsg.com