
The Transformative Power of AI: 3PL Operating Systems
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter welcome Lindsey Billing and Paul Boothe for a conversation on how AI is transforming the future of supply chain—from warehouse automation to intelligent forecasting and data-driven decision-making. Together, they explore real-world innovations already in play and what it takes to turn buzzwords like “AI” and “automation” into actual value.Lindsey shares how NLS is piloting robotics and autonomous systems to reduce costs and increase speed, while Kim breaks down why clean, connected data is foundational for any successful AI strategy. Paul brings perspective on where companies should focus their AI investments to unlock faster wins without losing the human touch. They discuss consumer unpredictability, data readiness, customer experience, and how today’s tech is shaping tomorrow’s fulfillment.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(04:05) Meet the guests: Lindsey Billing and Paul Boothe(08:42) What innovation looks like in today’s supply chain(13:15) Robotics, automation, and AI use cases(17:58) Why clean data matters more than cool tools(22:21) Forecasting with AI: Demand, labor, and inventory(27:09) Balancing automation with human touch in customer service(32:33) Consumer unpredictability and data-driven decision-making(36:47) AI hype vs. AI practicality(41:10) Where to start with AI adoption in supply chain(46:00) Final thoughts: what’s next in supply chain techAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Lindsey Billing: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseybilling/Connect with Paul Boothe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-boothe-0885aaa/Learn more about Osa Commerce: https://www.osacommerce.com/Learn more about NLS: https://nls.ca/Check out the Osa Commerce Supply Chain Trends Report: https://osacommerce.com/download-2025-supply-chain-trendsConnect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/Connect with Kimberly Reuter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-reuter-csg/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 Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration with SAP: https://bit.ly/4jFJn9qWEBINAR- In Chaos We Create: Bridging the Critical Raw Materials Gap Through Strategic Convergence: <a href="https://bit.ly/459BzIQ" rel="noopener noreferrer"...
11 Kesä 49min

Five Key Tips for Driving Organizational Success in 2025
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with Billy Ray Taylor, CEO and President of LinkedXL, to explore the foundational principles behind high-performing supply chain organizations. Drawing on his decades of leadership at Goodyear and his work with industry teams today, Billy Ray shares how speed, clarity, and connected systems drive real, measurable change.He breaks down five timeless yet urgent considerations for modern leadership—from rethinking KPIs as KPAs, to cultivating ownership and alignment across the organization, to architecting operating systems that empower people at every level. As Billy Ray says, “Speed is the currency of leadership”—and in today’s rapidly evolving world, it’s not just a competitive edge, it’s a necessity.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:59) Billy Ray's career journey at Goodyear(07:05) Key lessons from turnarounds(10:52) Current endeavors and LinkedXL(15:48) The importance of execution over strategy(19:06) Speed of execution as the new competitive advantage(22:08) The double-edged sword of modern business(22:59) Customer loyalty and speed(23:38) The role of clarity and ownership(28:15) Leadership presence in the digital era(35:01) The connected business modelAdditional Links & Resources: Connect with Billy Ray Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billyrtaylor/ Learn more about LinkedXL: https://www.linkedxl.com 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 Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration with SAP: https://bit.ly/4jFJn9qWEBINAR- In Chaos We Create: Bridging the Critical Raw Materials Gap Through Strategic Convergence: https://bit.ly/459BzIQWEBINAR- When to Walk Away from Warehouse AI - and When to Go All In: https://bit.ly/4dFgCYqThis 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/five-key-driving-organizational-change-2025-1439
10 Kesä 44min

The Buzz: Interos.ai 2025 Women in Supply Chain Award Winners
On today's episode of The Buzz, we focus on the critical need for innovation and adaptability within the supply chain sector, particularly in the context of securing essential raw materials and addressing the challenges faced by women in the field. Welcome to The Buzz!This week, hosts Scott Luton and Koray Kose welcome the 2005 Interos.ai Women in Supply Chain award winners, Jennifer BIsceglie with Interos.ai, Jane Ganina with Telestat Canada, and Mahnoor Khokhar with Porter Airlines. Listen in as they discuss:An update on the aviation and farm equipment sectorsThe focus on securing critical raw materialsThe outstanding achievements of women in the supply chain field The importance of innovation, mentorship, and creating inclusive environments to attract and retain female talent in supply chain rolesThe strategic role of supply chain in organizations and the need for diverse skill sets to drive industry transformationJoin us as we explore actionable strategies that can reshape the future of supply chain management, ensuring resilience and inclusivity in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.Additional Links & Resources:With That Said: https://bit.ly/43HXxAkWhat Europe and North America Must Do to Avoid a Massive Critical Raw Material Shortfall: https://bit.ly/3Hm32giCheck out Easy Post's Forge: https://bit.ly/4dO1GqWThe Future of Supply Chain is Female: https://supplychaindigital.com/sustainability/parts-town-women-in-supply-chainKose Advisory: https://www.koseadvisory.com/Connect with Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-bisceglie-3328b2Learn more about Interos.ai: https://www.interos.ai/Connect with Jane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-ganina-877b8720/Learn more about Telestat Canada: https://www.telesat.com/Connect with Mahnoor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahnoor-khokhar-981298127/Learn more about Porter Airlines: https://www.flyporter.com/en-ca/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration with SAP: <a href="https://bit.ly/4jFJn9q"...
6 Kesä 49min

Inspiring the Next Generation: How the Supply Chain Games Are Shaping Future Leaders
Supply Chain Now presents an insightful episode with hosts Scott Luton and Allison Giddens, and featuring special guests Amy Sartain, and Chuck Baker, focusing on the importance of supply chain education for students. The discussion highlights the innovative "Supply Chain Games" initiative, which includes the Lemonade Game for elementary and middle school students and the Cell Phone Game for high school and college students. These games aim to introduce young learners to supply chain concepts, fostering interest in logistics careers. With over 2,500 students engaged since 2018, the program is expanding through teacher training to amplify its impact. Join us for an episode that underscores the critical need for supply chain professionals and the rewarding career opportunities available in the field, and also emphasizes the importance of early exposure to supply chain roles, aiming to inspire the next generation of industry leaders.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Chuck: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-baker-cscp-cltd-8277a99/Connect with Amy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-sartain/Learn more about SC Competes: https://www.sccompetes.org/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration with SAP: https://bit.ly/4jFJn9qWEBINAR- When to Walk Away from Warehouse AI - and When to Go All In: https://bit.ly/4dFgCYqThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Allison Giddens and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/inspiring-new-generation-supply-chain-games-shaping-future-leaders-1437
4 Kesä 53min

Key Takeaways from ASCM 2025 Supply Chain Salary and Career Report
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa sit down with Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), to unpack the latest insights from the 2025 Supply Chain Salary and Career Report. Together, they explore how the role of supply chain professionals is evolving, and what the data tells us about compensation, career satisfaction, and the path forward for the industry.Abe shares what’s changed since the report began in 2017, from a $78,000 median salary to over $103,000 today, and why supply chain roles are now seen as strategic—not just operational. They discuss trends in workforce demographics, flexible work, and the narrowing gender pay gap, as well as the impact of certifications on career growth.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(00:50) Supply chain salary and career report(02:08) Introducing special guest: Abe Eshkenazi(02:38) Early career memories(04:20) History of the research report(04:48) Compensation and job satisfaction(07:34) Gender pay gap insights(08:09) Diversity and career satisfaction(11:18) Technological advancements and opportunities(12:14) Top takeaways from the report(17:53) Surprising elements of the report(19:02) The importance of supply chain professionalsResources:Connect with Abe Eshkenazi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeshkenazi/ Learn more about Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM): https://www.ascm.org/ Connect with Karin Bursa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinbursa/Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ 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 Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration with SAP: https://bit.ly/4jFJn9qWEBINAR- When to Walk Away from Warehouse AI - and When to Go All In: https://bit.ly/4dFgCYqThis 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/key-takeaways-ASCM-2025-supply-chain-salary-career-report-1436
2 Kesä 26min

Analysis of the US Bank 2025 Q1 Freight Payment Index
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Tandreia Bellamy welcome Bobby Holland of U.S. Bank and Dr. Jason Miller of Michigan State University for a data-packed discussion on what’s really happening in the U.S. freight market—and what it signals for supply chain professionals moving into Q2 and beyond.They explore the Q1 2025 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index, revealing surprising drops in shipment volume, regional disparities, and the ongoing impact of unpredictable weather. Jason and Bobby break down trends in key sectors like manufacturing, retail, and automotive, while Tandreia shares how shifts in freight data should inform cross-functional planning across finance, logistics, and operations.From capacity crunch risks and rising costs to resilient regions and unexpected market drivers, this discussion offers actionable insights for anyone navigating today’s freight economy. The panel also looks ahead at what to watch in Q2—from new tariffs and raw material price spikes to changing consumer demand and the importance of regional signals.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(00:52) What the Freight Payment Index reveals(03:09) Meet the guests: Bobby Holland and Dr. Jason Miller(07:17) National freight trends and shipment volume drops(12:56) Weather, retail slowdowns, and sector variability(13:34) Q1 2025 regional breakdown begins(18:03) West region: port activity, wildfires, and aerospace recovery(21:29) Southwest region: historic shipment decline and high costs(25:46) Midwest region: housing, auto, and weather impact(29:02) Northeast region: retail growth and import uptick(32:47) Southeast region: flat manufacturing and tourism concerns(36:08) What to watch in Q2: Fed data, tariffs, and vehicle sales(40:21) Holiday toy season predictions and trade timing(43:13) How to access the Freight Payment Index and connect with guestsAdditional Links & Resources:Download the full Q1 2025 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://freight.usbank.comConnect with Bobby Holland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-holland-4a9355/Connect with Dr. Jason Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-miller-32110325/ 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 Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration with SAP: https://bit.ly/4jFJn9qThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Tandreia Bellamy and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/analysis-us-bank-2025-q1-freight-payment-index-1434
28 Touko 46min

The Buzz: Harnessing Technology for Supply Chain Transformation
Join us today as we discuss the imperative of transformation within global supply chains, emphasizing the critical need for supply chain leaders to adapt and innovate in response to evolving geopolitical landscapes and technological advancements. Welcome to The Buzz!This week, hosts Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson welcome special guest Koray Kose, Founder and Chief Analyst of Kose Advisory, to the show. Listen in as they discuss:The advantages of transformation for logistics and supply chain operationsNew warehouse robots that push to trim manual tasksThe discourse surrounding the current state and future trajectory of global supply chain The recent World Procurement Congress and the London Defense Conference, including key insights that underscore the pressing challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for procurement professionalsThe intersection of technology, risk management, and procurement strategies that can facilitate growth in an increasingly complex environmentThe necessity for collaboration between supply chain professionals and policymakers to mitigate fragmentation and enhance operational effectivenessJoin us as we navigate these multifaceted topics, arming ourselves with the knowledge to thrive amidst disruption.Additional Links & Resources:With That Said: https://bit.ly/43gtEqsWhat are the advantages of transformation, for logistics and supply chain operations? https://bit.ly/43omYqrIn Chaos, We Must Create: Trade, Tech And Power In A New World Order: https://bit.ly/4krivKrAmazon reveals new warehouse robots in push to trim manual tasks: https://bit.ly/43fs5KNRogue Space Systems Next Mission: https://bit.ly/4dmH74yKoray on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/koraykoese/Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kjackson/EasyPost eBook: https://learn.easypost.com/ebook/warehouse-of-the-future?utm_source=supply_chain_now&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=future_of_warehouseLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Cleared for Takeoff: Workforce Development in the Aviation Industry: https://bit.ly/42X4deyWEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration with SAP: <a href="https://bit.ly/4jFJn9q" rel="noopener noreferrer"...
23 Touko 49min