Supply Chain Now

The Buzz is Supply Chain Now’s regular Monday livestream, held at 12 noon ET each week. This show focuses on some of the leading stories from global supply chain and global business, always with special guests – the most important of which is the live audience!

In this week's episode of The Buzz, hosts Scott Luton and Allison Giddens discuss some of the top news stories and trends in supply chain and industry today. Listen in and learn more about:

• Frontline workers and the burden they bear
• The allegations that management at Boeing have been placing priorities on speed of production and profits over safety and quality
• The report that sources within US intelligence are saying that Russia is attempting to build a nuclear space weapon to take out satellites that area critical to our modern way of life
• The intersection of supply chain, greater industry, global trade shifts and politics- and Mexico becoming the US' top trading partner recently

Additional Links & Resources:

Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com

2023 Q4 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://bit.ly/3VuwnIk

Recent edition of “With That Said”: https://bit.ly/3UJYJAj

WEBINAR- Data-Driven Decision Making in Logistics: https://bit.ly/49lt102

WEBINAR- Navigating Logistics Disruptions with Advanced Technology and Automated Collaboration: https://bit.ly/42KfZaz

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Allison Giddens. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-1239

The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How is data helping to transform the supply chains connecting the dots in the African healthcare market? How are technology providers and analytics specialists working with medical and development to bring cutting-edge capabilities to the frontline where it is needed most?

Joining us on this episode of the podcast are two experts with their ears to the ground.

Director of VillageReach’s Global Technical Team and experienced health supply chain expert Tapiwa Mukwashi is our first guest. On a day-to-day basis, Tapiwa ensures VillageReach’s various teams across Sub-Saharan Africa have the technical assistance they need to do their jobs, working closely with vendors such as data analytics company Kapsule to do just that. David Chen, Kapsule’s Co-CEO and Co-Founder, also joins us to explain how.

During the conversation, the duo highlight the progress made but emphasize the need for more mature modeling and professionalization of the supply chain to better underpin African healthcare networks. Here, the importance of skills, infrastructure, and technology to improve efficiency and visibility, especially at the last mile delivery level, are emphasized. The discussion also underscores the need for solutions tailored to the unique contexts of public health supply chains in Africa, focusing on the problem, building trust, and strategic implementation.

It is a highly complex and nuanced landscape to navigate, and several key strands emerge during the podcast:

· Building trust and collaboration among like-minded stakeholders to drive innovation in public health supply chains.

· Identifying and addressing root problems rather than focusing solely on outcomes.

· The role of optimism and perseverance in overcoming entrepreneurial challenges.

To hear more from Tapiwa and David, tune in to the full conversation now.

Additional Links & Resources:

Learn more about Village Reach: https://www.villagereach.org/

Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com

WEBINAR- Achieving the Next-Gen Control Tower in 2024: Lessons Learned from the High-Tech Industry: https://bit.ly/3Syzrn1

WEBINAR- Data Driven Decision Making in Logistics: https://bit.ly/49lt102

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Mary Kate Love. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/supply-chain-leadership-across-africa-using-innovation-transform-african-healthcare-supply-chains-1238

The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joining Scott Luton and special guest host Will Chu in today's episode of Supply Chain Now are two supply chain supremos in the form of Patrick Leblond, Director of Supply Chain Systems and Process Optimization at GAF, and his colleague Derek Heer, Supply Chain Systems & Process Optimization Manager.

GAF is North America's largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, with over 4,000 employees and 35 manufacturing operations spread across 27 locations in the US.

Due to this formidable footprint, its supply chain is extremely multifaceted and nuanced, and it is Patrick and Derek’s job to ensure operations run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. This involves careful management and curation of a technology stack made up of different systems and software that sings in harmony. For example, a major priority for them right now is warehouse optimization, a multi-year project which involves the modernization of a legacy WMS platform.

Patrick and Derek also spend a lot of time collaborating with and providing their own frontline insight to Will, who is the CEO and Co-founder of Vector, a yard management platform designed to increase visibility for supply chain personnel and their partners. Throughout the discussion, the trio touch on their working relationship and how the two companies are providing value for each other, including how Vector is helping GAF to gain greater visibility inside its operations.

Several other big talking points are addressed during the rest of the podcast, including:

· The battle to attract and retain talent.

· Empowering the supply chain workforce to reach their full potential.

· The traceability challenge in the building materials sector.

· Tackling theft to optimize loss prevention.

Interested to get Will, Patrick and Derek’s take? Tune in to the podcast to learn more.

Additional Links & Resources:

Learn more about Vector: https://www.withvector.com/

Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com

WEBINAR- Inflation & SMBs: Unlocking Cash Tied up in Inventory: https://bit.ly/48BIUzN

WEBINAR- Achieving the Next-Gen Control Tower in 2024: Lessons Learned from the High-Tech Industry: https://bit.ly/3Syzrn1

WEBINAR- Data-Driven Decision Making in Logistics: https://bit.ly/49lt102

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/GAF-solving-visibility-labor-loss-prevention-1237

The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Buzz is Supply Chain Now’s regular Monday livestream, held at 12 noon ET each week. This show focuses on some of the leading stories from global supply chain and global business, always with special guests – the most important of which is the live audience!

In this Digital Transformers edition of the Buzz, hosts Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson discussed some of the top news stories and trends in supply chain and digital transformation today. Listen in and learn more about:

• Mattel's milestone year
• How to drive ROI in your digital transformation
• Sam Altman, the OpenAI CEO, and his elephant hunt as he looks to raise between 5 and 7 TRILLION dollars
• The answer to the age-old question: what do we need all of these super chips for anyway?
• And more!

Additional Links & Resources:

Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com

WEBINAR- Inflation & SMBs: Unlocking Cash Tied up in Inventory: https://bit.ly/48BIUzN

WEBINAR- Achieving the Next-Gen Control Tower in 2024: Lessons Learned from the High-Tech Industry: https://bit.ly/3Syzrn1

WEBINAR- Data Driven Decision Making in Logistics: https://bit.ly/49lt102

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-digital-transformers-1236

The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bobby Holland is a man in the know. Nearing four decades of broad-based data processing, software engineering, and consulting experience, he is now the Vice President/Director of Freight Business Analytics, and in charge of the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index. Published every quarter by U.S. Bank, it has become a go-to source of information for freight shipping trends at a national and regional level.

Joining Bobby on this episode of the podcast is the returning Eric Olson, Sales Support Operations Director at Total Quality Logistics (TQL), where he has spent almost 20 years working in a variety of management roles.

Listen in as the conversation focuses on the U.S. Bank 2023 Q4 Freight Payment Index, based on billions of dollars worth of spend data. Bobby reveals that one region of the country saw a huge drop in shipments of more than 25% year over year. Insights such as this, underpinned by raw and unquestionable data, are why companies such as TQL and supply chain professionals like Eric turn to it for valuable insights that help to underpin their own strategies.

Through the podcast, the duo talk through seven key takeaways from the 2023 Q4 report, explaining some of the trends and factors that are contributing to the findings.

To get their detailed analysis and full breakdown, tune in to the podcast now!

Additional Links & Resources:

2023 Q4 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://bit.ly/3VuwnIk

Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com

WEBINAR- Inflation & SMBs: Unlocking Cash Tied up in Inventory: https://bit.ly/48BIUzN

WEBINAR- Achieving the Next-Gen Control Tower in 2024: Lessons Learned from the High-Tech Industry: https://bit.ly/3Syzrn1

WEBINAR- Data Driven Decision Making in Logistics: https://bit.ly/49lt102

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Greg White. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/analysis-us-bank-2023-q4-freight-payment-index-1235

The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Early in 2023, the Reverse Logistics Association held its 19th Annual Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was their biggest event yet, with over 350 member companies and over 800 people registered for the event, which featured a pitch competition, awards ceremony, top notch content, and – of course – plenty of networking time.

Tony Sciarrotta has been the Executive Director of the Reverse Logistics Association since 2016 and is a return guest and co-host in the Supply Chain Now Reverse Logistics Series. Tony has also held a variety of sales and marketing positions in the consumer electronics industry, including President of Reverse IT Sales & Consulting and 25 years at Philips Consumer Lifestyle.

In this classic Supply Chain Now episode, Tony joins host Scott Luton to share his main takeaways from the event and to shine the spotlight on top trends in reverse logistics:

• How new software is automating the business decisions about whether each return should be liquidated, resold into the secondary market, or sold via a special business channel

• Why he is challenging business leaders to prioritize reverse logistics by appointing someone at the VP or even the C-level to own their management

• What he is doing – and who the RLA is partnering with - to increase the reverse talent pipeline

Additional Links & Resources:

Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com

WEBINAR- AI-based forecast automation dreams do come true at Danone: https://bit.ly/3RRcMRj

WEBINAR- Inflation & SMBs: Unlocking Cash Tied up in Inventory: https://bit.ly/48BIUzN

WEBINAR- Achieving the Next-Gen Control Tower in 2024: Lessons Learned from the High-Tech Industry: https://bit.ly/3Syzrn1

WEBINAR- Data Driven Decision Making in Logistics: https://bit.ly/49lt102

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/supply-chain-now-classic-business-case-prioritizing-reverse-logistics-1234

The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Buzz is Supply Chain Now’s regular Monday livestream, held at 12 noon ET each week. This show focuses on some of the leading stories from global supply chain and global business, always with special guests – the most important of which is the live audience!

In this week's episode of The Buzz, hosts Scott Luton and Greg White discuss some of the top news stories and trends in supply chain and industry today. Listen in and learn more about:

• How manufacturing is on the cusp of recovery
• 7 business technology trends to watch in 202
• What Cybersecurity Managers are looking for
• How Macy's is trying to hang on

Additional Links & Resources:

Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Greg White. For additional information, please visit the dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-1233

The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Starting a company is simultaneously incredibly hard work and a joy for most people who set out to do so.

On today’s episode of Supply Chain Now, we welcome back former guest Jason Hoch – now CEO of his newly founded company, Wavland.

An individual with awards from Apple Podcast and Webby Awards and more than 20 years in the new media space to his name, working for innovative enterprises such as HowStuffWorks, Imperative Entertainment, and Discovery, Hoch joins us to share his insights on going solo to date.

Discussions include a consideration of how to scale effectively, the CEO highlighting the need to strike a balance between growth and sustaining a common thread of quality – something he is working towards whilst producing eight shows concurrently.

From soulless sandwiches to the therapeutic nature of running, Hoch also highlights many of the ingredients that have enabled him to flourish personally and professionally to this date. With advice on managing projects, navigating change, culture, leadership, storytelling, the importance of authenticity, and more, this one’s worth tuning into.

Additional Links & Resources:

Learn more about Jason Hoch: https://www.jason-hoch.com/

Check out Land Man, starring Billy Bob Thornton, now in production with Taylor Sheridan and Paramount +, based on the Boomtown podcast Jason produced: https://bit.ly/3StYir4

Check out The High Roller Heist, the first podcast launch from Wavland: https://bit.ly/42sGLEf

Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/podcasting-pioneer-wavland-ceo-1232

The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this new episode in the "Making Better Supply Chain Bets with the Power of Probabilities" series with Noodle.ai, hosts Scott Luton and Greg White are joined by the CRO of Noodle.ai, Tim Krug, and the End-to-End Planning and Support Director with Imperial Brands, Remi Guillon.

Join us as they delve into the transformative story of a fast-moving consumer goods company, highlighting the adoption of innovative planning approaches through the lens of artificial intelligence.

Listen in and learn more about:

• Probabilistic supply chain planning and the future of AI-driven decision-making
• The human element in supply chain transformation and the cultural aspects and leadership role in embracing technology
• The significance of trust between partners and what it takes to create unbiased forecasts
• The importance of data cleanliness, change management, and acting with integrity

Additional Links & Resources:

Learn more about Noodle.ai: www.Noodle.ai

Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com

WEBINAR- AI-based forecast automation dreams do come true at Danone: https://bit.ly/3RRcMRj

WEBINAR- Inflation & SMBs: Unlocking Cash Tied up in Inventory: https://bit.ly/48BIUzN

WEBINAR- Achieving the Next-Gen Control Tower in 2024: Lessons Learned from the High-Tech Industry: https://bit.ly/3Syzrn1

WEBINAR- Data-Driven Decision Making in Logistics: https://bit.ly/49lt102

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Greg White. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/navigating-ai-frontier-demand-planning-imperial-brands-1231

The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Buzz is Supply Chain Now’s regular Monday livestream, held at 12 noon ET each week. This show focuses on some of the leading stories from global supply chain and global business, always with special guests – the most important of which is the live audience!

In this week's episode of The Buzz, hosts Scott Luton and Greg White discuss some of the top news stories and trends in supply chain and industry today. Listen in and learn more about:

• The attempt to control AI as it continues to develop and demonstrate knowledge far beyond its training data
• More disruption and conflict ahead in the Red Sea
• Cargo theft surging to an all-time high
• The verdict for Chris Kirchner, the former CEO of supply chain management software startup Slync, who defrauded investors out of at least $25 million

Additional Links & Resources:

Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com

WEBINAR- AI-based forecast automation dreams do come true at Danone: https://bit.ly/3RRcMRj

WEBINAR- Inflation & SMBs: Unlocking Cash Tied up in Inventory: https://bit.ly/48BIUzN

WEBINAR- Achieving the Next-Gen Control Tower in 2024: Lessons Learned from the High-Tech Industry: https://bit.ly/3Syzrn1

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Greg White. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/supply-chain-buzz-1230

The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.