The Buzz: Amazon Business, GLP-1 Logistics, & Mid-Year Supply Chain Leadership

What should supply chain leaders be focused on as the second half of the year begins? This week's episode of The Buzz, powered by Zebra Technologies, delivers practical leadership advice, industry news, and expert insights to help organizations prepare for what's next.

Supply Chain Now hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter explore the supply chain stories making headlines, from July 4th supply chain facts and rising food costs to the growing impact of GLP-1 medications on cold chain logistics and healthcare distribution. They also discuss why now is the time for supply chain leaders to conduct a mid-year operational review and begin planning for peak season.

Later in the episode, Scott sits down with Todd Heimes, Vice President and General Manager of Amazon Business Worldwide, for an insightful conversation about AI, procurement transformation, automation, and Amazon Quick. Together, they discuss how organizations can reduce manual work, improve visibility, and use AI to build more agile procurement operations.

The episode wraps with predictions for the remainder of 2026, including rising transportation costs, ongoing geopolitical disruptions, cargo theft, and what leaders should do today to stay ahead.

Key Takeaways

• Conduct a mid-year operational review to compare projections against actual performance.
• Begin holiday and peak season planning now by partnering with marketing and merchandising teams.
• AI is helping procurement teams shift from reactive operations to proactive decision-making.
• GLP-1 medications are driving increased demand for sophisticated cold chain logistics.
• Visibility, automation, and reducing manual processes remain critical priorities for supply chain leaders.
• Organizations that embrace AI today will be better positioned to compete in the years ahead.

Whether you're leading procurement, transportation, operations, or supply chain strategy, this episode offers timely insights you can immediately apply. From practical leadership advice and emerging logistics trends to AI-powered procurement innovations, The Buzz delivers actionable conversations that help supply chain professionals stay informed and stay ahead.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Todd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-heimes-854666/
• Learn more about Amazon Business: https://business.amazon.com/
• Prime Business Quick overview: https://business.amazon.com/en/blog/amazon-quick-prime-business-discount
• Reshape 2026: https://business.amazon.com/en/events/reshape
• Learn more about Zebra: https://www.zebra.com/machinevision
• Check out Zebra's guide to Warehousing and Logistics Solutions: https://www.zebra.com/content/dam/zebra_dam/en/guide/portfolio/warehousing-and-logistics-solutions-guide-portfolio-en-us.pdf/?tactic_type=SPS&tactic_detail=TL_TheBuzzPodcast_Video_ENUS_NA
• UPS to invest $48 million in temperature-controlled facilities amid healthcare boom: https://cnb.cx/4eDjwO1
• The Sustainability Voice Missing From Most Boardrooms: https://bit.ly/Voice-Missing-on-Sustainability
• U.S. watermelon production reached 3.7 billion pounds in 2024, with Florida leading output: https://www-tx.ers.usda.gov/data-products/charts-of-note/112972
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• Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
• Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
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• WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc
• WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv
• WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA
• WEBINAR- The Automotive Industry’s Next Digital Breakthrough: https://bit.ly/4vhUwT4

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Kim Reuter, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-amazon-business-glp-1-logistics-mid-year-supply-chain-leadership-pulse-check-1607

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