The pace of change in global supply chains isn’t slowing down — and on this week’s episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Marty Parker are back to break down the headlines, trends, and real-world implications leaders need to watch.

From winter storms in metro Atlanta to rising cost pressures and workforce challenges, this episode cuts through the noise to explore what’s shaping supply chain strategy in 2026 and beyond. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EPG!

Scott and Marty welcome featured guest, Heidi Benko, VP Product Management and Strategy for Infor Nexus, to join in diving into the biggest stories impacting supply chains today — and what they mean for operators, planners, and executives alike.

Together, they discuss:

1. Why analysts are forecasting a challenging year ahead for the automotive industry and what slow post-pandemic recovery means for manufacturers
2. How the American Logistics Aid Network continues to meet urgent needs — and the growing impact of the “Never Normal” leadership series
3. How Walmart is using AI-driven tools to boost performance during extreme weather events
4. New survey data revealing how tariffs are driving up costs, fueling layoffs, and raising recession concerns across the industry
5. The growing skills gap in manufacturing and why upskilling in data and analytics is becoming mission-critical
6. How AI and digital tools are reshaping retail operations, according to new insights from Infor
7. Bill Gates’ prediction of a future two-day workweek — and why Scott and Marty aren’t fully convinced

The episode also spotlights Infor’s recognition as a leader in global trade management and offers a look ahead at the innovations shaping what’s next.

Tune in for timely insights, thoughtful analysis, and practical takeaways to help you stay ahead in an increasingly unpredictable supply chain landscape.

Additional Links & Resources:

1. EPG: https://epg.com/
2. With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-25-JAN-2026
3. American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN): https://www.alanaid.org/operations/
4. Our Never Normal Series: https://streamyard.com/watch/yrx5yigeuzvF
5. The Best Logistics Trade Shows and Conferences in 2026: https://bit.ly/4sYCGV9
6. U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://bit.ly/scn-usbank-wts
7. Walmart taps ‘AI-driven systems’ to reroute supply ahead of winter storm: https://bit.ly/Walmart-AI-Storm
8. Trump’s tariffs trigger rising rate of job layoffs inside supply chain: ASCM/CNBC survey: https://cnb.cx/3M7qMHR
9. Major factory construction projects to watch in 2026: https://bit.ly/Major-Mfg-Projects
10. Building the New Manufacturing Workforce: https://bit.ly/Mfg-Workforce-Webinar
11. EPG Develops AI-Driven Logistics Solutions Powered by NVIDIA Metropolis: https://bit.ly/EPG-News-2026
12. NRF 2026: The technology shaping the next era of apparel, footwear & retail leadership: https://bit.ly/49IWFiY
13. Forget the four-day workweek: https://yhoo.it/4rguNIV
14. Infor team recognized as a leader in the IDC MarketScape for Global Trade Management for Retailers & Importers for 2025 2026: https://bit.ly/Infor-Named-IDC-MarketScape
15. Infor: www.infor.com
16. Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidibenko/
17. Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
18. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
19. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
20. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
21. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Marty Parker and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-ai-two-day-workweek-debate-1539

Operating conditions in the freight and logistics industry are evolving rapidly, driven by shifting market dynamics and ongoing disruptions. With the freight market's volatility, capacity constraints, and changing cost structures, leaders must adapt quickly to make informed decisions and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly uncertain environment.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by special guest host Jake Barr. Together, they talk to Bobby Holland, Vice President/Director of Freight Business Analytics at U.S. Bank, and Dr. Chris Caplice, Chief Scientist at DAT Freight & Analytics, to dive deep into the inaugural U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index, Rates Edition, a comprehensive resource that provides crucial insights into freight rates, spot and contract rates, fuel prices, and more. The panel explores how supply chain leaders can leverage this data to optimize freight strategies, anticipate market shifts, and make data-driven decisions with confidence.

The discussion also highlights the importance of scenario analysis and flexibility in managing supply chain risks, emphasizing how agility can turn disruption into opportunity. The conversation wraps up with practical takeaways on building more resilient supply chains, improving forecasting accuracy, and preparing for the next phase of freight market evolution.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:24) Introducing the Q1 2026 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index Rates Edition

(02:52) Meet the experts Bobby and Chris

(03:26) Fun warmup: Football playoff talk

(06:05) Exploring DAT Freight and Analytics

(07:32) Understanding the US Freight Payment Index

(13:11) Spot vs. contract rates: Key insights

(16:11) National and regional freight market trends

(22:26) Agricultural impact on spot rates

(22:59) Regional driver challenges and shortages

(23:46) Treasury data and regional observations

(24:50) Actions supply chain leaders should take

(29:02) Future predictions and tariff impacts

(33:35) Manufacturing activity and automation

(41:04) Leadership takeaways from the panel

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Download the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index—Rates Edition: bit.ly/scn-us-bank
2. Connect with Bobby Holland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-holland-4a9355/
3. Learn more about U.S. Bank: https://www.usbank.com/index.html
4. Connect with Chris Caplice: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-caplice-1839/
5. Learn more about DAT Freight & Analytics: https://www.dat.com/
6. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
7. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
8. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
9. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
10. WEBINAR- Building the Foundation for Agentic AI in the Modern Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/4s634vN
11. WEBINAR- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Embedded AI that senses, explains, and optimizes: https://bit.ly/4pOGgyo
12. WEBINAR- ChatGPT Is Just the Beginning for Shipping: https://bit.ly/3YLFGq7

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/review-inaugural-us-bank-freight-payment-index-rates-edition-1538

As the trucking industry continues to evolve, drivers and industry leaders must stay ahead of technological advancements and trends to remain competitive. With a history spanning over 50 years, Dave Nemo, a legendary radio host and current on-air host at Radio Nemo, has dedicated his career to engaging and educating truckers about the industry’s most pressing issues. His career has navigated through the transition from AM radio to satellite and now streaming, providing content that is purpose-built for professional drivers.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton and special guest host Tony Sciarrotta sit down with Dave Nemo to dive into his legendary broadcasting career and discuss how he has shaped the trucking community through his diverse media platforms. They explore the importance of adapting to new technologies, the evolution of trucking media, and how Dave’s storytelling connects with drivers nationwide.

They talk about the intersection of trucking and technology, highlighting how advancements such as satellite radio and streaming have transformed the way drivers stay informed, entertained, and safe on the road. They also discuss Dave's insights into the impact of AI on the trucking industry and how drivers can benefit from embracing new digital tools. This conversation highlights the significance of continuously adapting to changes in the industry, where innovation and communication will continue to shape the future of trucking.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:17) Today's special guest: Dave Nemo

(02:20) Dave Nemo's broadcasting career beginnings

(06:54) Musical influences and New Orleans culture

(13:04) Early career and military service insights

(17:13) Dave's transition to trucking radio

(21:52) Joining XM radio and Road Dog

(34:27) The evolution of trucking radio

(46:14) Memorable listener interactions with Dave

(54:29) Key challenges in the trucking industry

(58:38) Advice for future trucking broadcasters

(01:03:09) Final reflections on broadcast

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Dave Nemo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-nemo-582294231/
2. Learn more about RadioNemo: https://www.radionemo.com/
3. Connect with Tony Sciarotta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-sciarrotta-235570/
4. Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/
5. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
6. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
7. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
8. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
9. WEBINAR- Building the Foundation for Agentic AI in the Modern Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/4s634vN
10. WEBINAR- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Embedded AI that senses, explains, and optimizes: https://bit.ly/4pOGgyo
11. WEBINAR- ChatGPT Is Just the Beginning for Shipping: https://bit.ly/3YLFGq7

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/sitdown-legendary-supply-chain-storyteller-dave-nemo-1537

The supply chain landscape continues to shift at record speed, and on today’s episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter unpack the leadership decisions, technology investments, and strategic partnerships shaping what’s next for global supply chains. From the evolving relationship between Amazon and UPS to the growing influence of AI in procurement, this episode cuts through the noise to focus on what’s practical, scalable, and impactful. Welcome to The Buzz powered by EPG!

Scott and Kim dive into the biggest stories influencing supply chain strategy today, with help from special guest Scott McFee, CEO of SpendHQ.

Together, they discuss:

1. How Amazon’s expanding logistics footprint is reshaping UPS’s operations and long-term strategy
2. Why leadership turnover is creating disruption across supply chains, according to new Gartner research
3. What Oracle’s latest findings reveal about AI’s real impact on procurement productivity
4. How SpendHQ’s investment in Sligo AI is unlocking smarter, data-driven purchasing decisions
5. Lessons from Cowart Seafood’s digital transformation — and what legacy businesses can learn from it
6. How Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership principles still apply to today’s supply chain leaders

This episode offers timely insights for executives navigating change, technology adoption, and organizational resilience — with practical takeaways to help teams lead with clarity, purpose, and confidence in an increasingly complex world.

Additional Links & Resources:

1. EPG: https://epg.com/
2. With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-18JAN2026
3. American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN): https://www.alanaid.org/operations/
4. Gartner Survey Shows Leadership Turnover Is Harming Supply Chain Performance: https://gtnr.it/49KCQ9I
5. AI May Boost Procurement’s Bottom Line: https://bit.ly/AI-in-procurement-26
6. SpendHQ CEO Scott MacFee on Bracing for USPS hikes: https://bit.ly/4r6EBoV
7. EPG Develops AI-Driven Logistics Solutions Powered by NVIDIA Metropolis: https://bit.ly/EPG-News-2026
8. SpendHQ Makes Strategic Investment in Sligo AI to Launch First Agentic Enterprise Procurement Platform: https://bwnews.pr/3ZlBqh4
9. SpendHQ: https://www.spendhq.com/
10. Cowart Seafood: https://cowartseafood.com/pages/contact/?view=coming-soon
11. Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
12. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
13. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
14. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
15. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
16. WEBINAR- Building the New Manufacturing Workforce: https://bit.ly/4iVb4vl
17. WEBINAR- Building the Foundation for Agentic AI in the Modern Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/4s634vN
18. WEBINAR- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Embedded AI that senses, explains, and optimizes: https://bit.ly/4pOGgyo
19. WEBINAR- ChatGPT Is Just the Beginning for Shipping: https://bit.ly/3YLFGq7

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Kim Reuter and produced by . For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-procurement-innovation-logistics-power-plays-leading-through-change-1536

Automation is showing up everywhere in supply chain planning, but the winners aren’t the ones automating the most. They’re the ones choosing the right decisions to automate, bringing people along early, and using AI to build speed and confidence in planning.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and special guest host Karin Bursa, CEO of NIRAKIO, welcome Noha Samara, Senior Director, Global Supply Chain at Gartner, to share key takeaways from the Gartner Supply Chain Planning Summit in Denver.

Noha unpacks why AI is shifting from “side experiment” to a core part of planning’s operating model, and why the most successful organizations define a clear human-machine strategy instead of trying to “spread AI like peanut butter.” The conversation spotlights the “people side” of transformation: change management, capability-building, and involving planners early so AI is implemented with teams, not to them.

The group also dives into end-to-end data and scenario-driven range planning, including how top performers extend those range discussions with suppliers, customers, and trading partners. They close by emphasizing agility through targeted automation, clarity on humans “in/on/off the loop,” and why leaders can’t afford to sit on the sidelines as the pace of disruption and innovation accelerates.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:35) Key takeaways from the Gartner Supply Chain Planning Summit

(07:24) Discussion on AI and human-machine strategy

(08:59) Change management in transformation

(10:25) Continuous transformation

(13:34) Reflections from top supply chain organizations

(18:32) Powering agility with automation

(21:08) Defining the role of AI

(27:21) Meaningful automation in business

(29:17) Leadership and change management

(36:31) Touchless manufacturing and practical AI applications

(41:21) Reimagining supply chain resilience

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Noha Samara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noha-samara-4864863/
2. Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/en
3. Connect with Karin Bursa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinbursa/
4. Learn more about NIRAKIO: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nirakio/
5. Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/
6. Check out the Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
7. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
8. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
9. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
10. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
11. WEBINAR- 2026 Procurement Priorities: What’s Changing (and What You Need to Do First): https://bit.ly/3Yodf0Z
12. WEBINAR- Building the New Manufacturing Workforce: https://bit.ly/4iVb4vl
13. WEBINAR- Building the Foundation for Agentic AI in the Modern Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/4s634vN
14. WEBINAR- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Embedded AI that senses, explains, and optimizes: https://bit.ly/4pOGgyo
15. WEBINAR- ChatGPT Is Just the Beginning for Shipping: https://bit.ly/3YLFGq7

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/future-supply-chain-planning-gartner-takeaways-whats-next-1535

Operating conditions for supply chains continue to shift faster than most organizations can plan for. Labor pressures, evolving customer expectations, geopolitical uncertainty, and increasingly complex global networks are forcing leaders to rethink how decisions get made and how teams stay aligned when certainty is no longer guaranteed.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Mario Morhy, Vice President, Integrated Planning at Sam’s Club, Mike Gomes, Vice President of Supply Chain North America at Perfetti Van Melle, and Rodrigo Alponti, Senior Vice President Global Supply Chain at STADA Group. Together, they reflect on how supply chain leadership has evolved over the past year, moving away from linear optimization toward adaptability, resilience, and closer collaboration with customers and partners.

The panel also explores how AI is accelerating the pace of insight and action, enabling faster scenario planning, stronger visibility, and more empowered teams. Rather than replacing people, AI emerges as a decision-making copilot, freeing leaders to focus on risk, tradeoffs, and long-term value. The conversation closes with practical leadership takeaways on learning faster than competitors, asking better questions, and building cultures that can turn volatility into advantage.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:58) Mike Gomes shares supply chain leadership insights

(04:16) Rodrigo Alponti's global supply chain perspective

(06:20) Mario Morhy's role at Sam's Club

(08:18) Supply chain challenges and innovations discussed

(18:05) Customer centricity in the never normal

(25:18) Current challenges in today's supply chain

(30:12) Walmart's AI integration in supply chain

(32:01) AI as a copilot for supply chain employees

(38:07) Transforming volatility into competitive advantage

(43:02) Key questions leaders should ask their teams

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Mario Morhy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariomorhy/
2. Learn more about Sam’s Club: https://www.samsclub.com/
3. Connect with Mike Gomes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-gomes-282228/
4. Learn more about Perfetti Van Melle: https://www.perfettivanmelle.com/
5. Connect with Rodrigo Alponti: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigo-alponti-a9873/
6. Learn more about STADA Group: https://www.stada.com/
7. Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/
8. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
9. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
10. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
11. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
12. WEBINAR- 2026 Procurement Priorities: What’s Changing (and What You Need to Do First): https://bit.ly/3Yodf0Z
13. WEBINAR- Building the New Manufacturing Workforce: https://bit.ly/4iVb4vl
14. WEBINAR- Building the Foundation for Agentic AI in the Modern Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/4s634vN

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/supply-chain-leadership-never-normal-power-panel-supply-chain-leaders-rewriting-rules-1534

The future of supply chain is entering a pivotal moment, and in this episode of Supply Chain Now, we unpack the trends, risks, and realities that will define 2026 and beyond. From geopolitical uncertainty and economic turbulence to shifting trade policy, energy innovation, and workforce challenges, this conversation cuts through the headlines to focus on what supply chain leaders must be ready for now. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EPG!

Listen in as hosts Scott Luton and Jake Barr break down the most critical forces reshaping global supply chains — and what they mean for strategy, resilience, and execution in an increasingly volatile world. They’re joined by special guest Tanzil Uddin, Senior Vice President of Content and Partnerships at Manifest, who brings a unique perspective on industry leadership, community, and the broader role supply chains play in society.

Together, they discuss:

1. Why geopolitical risk and economic turbulence are no longer episodic — and how leaders must redesign supply chains for constant volatility
2. The potential implications of upcoming Supreme Court decisions on tariffs and what normalization of trade disruption could mean for 2026 planning
3. Five defining trends executives should be watching closely, including supply chain fragmentation, cost optimization pressures, AI recalibration, and persistent workforce challenges
4. How rising energy demands tied to AI and advanced technology are fueling renewed interest in nuclear innovation
5. Why National Human Trafficking Prevention Month matters to the supply chain community — and how supply chain professionals can play a meaningful role in combating human trafficking through awareness and action

Tune in for a timely, thought-provoking discussion that connects strategy, technology, and social responsibility — and challenges supply chain leaders to stay agile, informed, and purpose-driven as they navigate what’s next.

Additional Links & Resources:

1. EPG: https://epg.com/
2. With That Said:https://bit.ly/WTS-11-JAN-2026
3. American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN): https://www.alanaid.org/operations/
4. Manifest: https://partner.manife.st/partner/supplychainnow
5. 5 supply chain management trends to watch in 2026: https://bit.ly/2026-SCM-Trends
6. Supreme Court holds off on Trump tariff ruling for now — what’s at stake for economy: https://bit.ly/3LvCDiH
7. Rolls-Royce SMR project could kickstart EU supply chain: https://bit.ly/4jERJ1Y
8. Inland Kenworth supports human trafficking awareness in many ways: https://bit.ly/IK-Combats-Trafficking
9. Inside Outdoor Cap's Warehouse: https://bit.ly/3N3q6Dv
10. Join us in Las Vegas for Manifest 2026: https://bit.ly/4qegTXz
11. Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
12. Connect with Tanzil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanziluddin/
13. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
14. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
15. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
16. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Jake Barr and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-counting-manifest-1533

Welcome to 2026 — and welcome to Supply Chain Now. In this episode, we kick off the new year by welcoming new listeners and sharing how you can engage with one of the world’s most active supply chain communities.

We reflect on an incredible 2025, including our milestone of ranking in the top 1% of podcasts globally, and break down what makes Supply Chain Now unique — from three weekly podcast episodes to live streams, webinars, and conversations that bring supply chain professionals together from around the world.

Looking ahead, we tease what’s coming next in 2026, including new miniseries, fresh formats, and a continued focus on innovation, connection, and meaningful industry dialogue. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or you’re just discovering the show, this episode is your invitation to plug in, join the conversation, and help shape what’s next for the global supply chain community.

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
2. Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/our-team-and-hosts/
3. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
4. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
5. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
6. WEBINAR- 2026 Procurement Priorities: What’s Changing (and What You Need to Do First): https://bit.ly/3Yodf0Z
7. WEBINAR- Building the New Manufacturing Workforce: https://bit.ly/4iVb4vl
8. WEBINAR- Building the Foundation for Agentic AI in the Modern Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/4s634vN

This episode is 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/unveiling-future-supply-chain-primer-2026-1532

Supply chains around the world are navigating relentless disruption, rising expectations for speed and resilience, and rapid advances in AI-driven decision-making. Leaders are under pressure to move beyond experimentation and deliver measurable value faster than ever.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton sits down with two industry leaders: Philip Vervloesem, Chief Commercial & Markets Officer at OMP, and Scott Barnard, Managing Director at Bluecrux, live from the Gartner Supply Chain Planning Summit in Denver. Drawing on their work across global enterprises, both guests discuss how organizations translate advanced planning concepts into real-world results.

The interviews with Philip and Scott explore the evolution toward autonomous, data-driven planning, the importance of self-funding ROI models, and why successful transformation depends on blending human expertise with machine intelligence. From OMP’s Unison platform and rapid value delivery approach to Bluecrux’s AI-powered analytics and decision intelligence capabilities, the conversation highlights how supply chain leaders can move from surface-level automation to profound, scalable impact.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(00:19) Gartner Supply Chain Planning Summit overview

(01:15) Interview with Philip Vervloesem from OMP

(02:05) OMP's approach to supply chain optimization

(03:52) Challenges and innovations in supply chain

(08:09) Interview with Scott Barnard from Bluecrux

(09:03) Bluecrux's Solutions and Innovations

(11:08) AI and supply chain balance

(13:33) Upcoming events

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Philip Vervloesem: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvervloesem
2. Connect with Scott Barnard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-barnard-a350814/
3. Learn more about OMP: https://www.omp.com
4. Learn more about Bluecrux: https://www.bluecrux.com
5. Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
6. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
7. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
8. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
9. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
10. WEBINAR- 2026 Procurement Priorities: What’s Changing (and What You Need to Do First): https://bit.ly/3Yodf0Z
11. WEBINAR- Building the New Manufacturing Workforce: https://bit.ly/4iVb4vl
12. WEBINAR- Building the Foundation for Agentic AI in the Modern Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/4s634vN

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/innovative-industry-leaders-transforming-supply-chain-planning-1531

The future of supply chain is entering a defining chapter, and today, we dig into the signals, shifts, and strategic decisions shaping what’s ahead in 2026. From ongoing trade volatility and labor disruptions to the accelerating role of AI and integrated planning, this episode cuts through the noise to focus on what leaders must prepare for now. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EPG!

Listen in as hosts Scott Luton and Karin Bursa break down the most important developments influencing global supply chains — and how leaders can build resilience in the face of constant disruption. They’re joined by special guest Alex Pradhan, Founder of Alchemy Advisors, who brings practical perspective on how organizations are adapting strategy, technology, and decision-making for what’s next.

Together, they discuss:

1. Why systemic disruptions — from trade policy shifts and labor unrest to natural disasters — are no longer exceptions, and how leaders must rethink resilience as a core capability
2. Key predictions for 2026, including the normalization of tariff impacts, a potential U.S. manufacturing boom, and the continued maturation of integrated business planning
3. How AI is moving beyond experimentation to accelerate decision-making, supported by a real-world case study from a major beauty brand using AI to speed product development
4. Why orchestration matters more than ever, and how system-level decisions can move outcomes instead of simply reacting to disruption
5. How AI may soon become foundational to employee productivity, shifting the conversation from functional ROI to long-term human capital development

Tune in as we connect the dots, challenge assumptions, and explore what these trends mean for manufacturers, retailers, and supply chain leaders preparing for 2026 and beyond.

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Learn more about EPG: https://epg.com
2. With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-4JAN2025
3. American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN): https://www.alanaid.org/operations/
4. Tariffs, strikes, and tragedies: How 2025 transformed supply chains: https://bit.ly/big-2025-stories
5. Inside Outdoor Cap's Warehouse: How Voice Picking Elevated Daily Operations: https://bit.ly/3N3q6Dv
6. Coty is Speeding up Its Supply Chain to Turn Around Sagging Sales: https://bit.ly/496B17Z
7. Tensions Rise Between Consumer Expectations and Consumer Supply Chains: https://bit.ly/44ZQft8
8. All ROI is About Human Capital - Making All Employees More Valuable: https://bit.ly/45EU1rY
9. Orchestration in Isolation: https://bit.ly/3YoXIOE
10. Connect with Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandrapradhan/
11. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
12. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
13. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
14. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
15. WEBINAR- 2026 Procurement Priorities: What’s Changing (and What You Need to Do First): https://bit.ly/3Yodf0Z
16. WEBINAR- Building the New Manufacturing Workforce: https://bit.ly/4iVb4vl
17. WEBINAR- Building the Foundation for Agentic AI in the Modern Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/4s634vN

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-supply-chain-predictions-2026