From Processing to Prevention: The Critical Topic of Returns Management with Tom Enright of Gartner

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 Jun 53min

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 Jun 26min

This episode of Supply Chain Now presents an insightful conversation with Scott Luton and Enrique Alvarez, featuring Jenni Staudacher, Vice President of North America Supply Chain at Salomon. The episode delves into Jenni's extensive experience in supply chain leadership, highlighting her roles at Columbia Sportswear and Adidas, and her current position at Salomon. Jenni shares her passion for forecasting, emphasizing the importance of understanding assumptions and demand shaping. She discusses the challenges and strategies for leading supply chain startups within established organizations, focusing on relationships, education, and building momentum through small wins. Jenni also addresses the perception issues faced by outspoken women in leadership, advocating for authenticity and effective communication. The conversation is enriched with practical advice on maintaining trust, fostering a performance culture, and leveraging individual strengths within a team. Join us for insights that offer valuable lessons for supply chain professionals seeking to drive change and achieve excellence in their organizations.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Jenni: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenni-staudacher-79172142/Learn more about Salomon: https://www.salomon.com/en-usLearn 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 Enrique Alvarez 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-masterclass-salomon-1435

30 Mai 53min

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 Mai 46min

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 Mai 49min

The latest episode of Supply Chain Now features Scott Luton and Mike Griswold discussing key insights from the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium held in early May in Orlando, Florida. The conversation highlights three major takeaways: the importance of reverse logistics and returns management in retail, as discussed by Tom Enright; the critical role of planning in supply chain transformation and resilience, emphasized by Whitney Shlesinger from McCormick; and the practical applications of AI in supply chain, as explored with Paul Noble from Verusen. The episode also touches on the significance of change management and the need for organizations to let go of outdated practices to embrace new technologies effectively. Additionally, upcoming Gartner Planning Summits in London and Denver are mentioned as opportunities for supply chain professionals to deepen their expertise. Join us and learn how to operationalize conference insights and drive meaningful change in your organizations.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/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- Cleared for Takeoff: Workforce Development in the Aviation Industry: https://bit.ly/42X4deyWEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration with SAP: https://bit.ly/4jFJn9qThis 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/key-insights-2025-gartner-supply-chain-symposium-1432

21 Mai 33min

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton and Matt McKinney, CEO and co-founder of Loop, welcome Suzanne Wilsbacher of Cengage and Ben Smith of Clemens Food Group for a data-driven discussion about the transformation AI is bringing to global supply chains.They dive deep into the messy reality of supply chain data, from disconnected systems and inconsistent formats to lagging digital transformation in transportation and logistics. Suzanne and Ben share real-world examples of how they’re leveraging AI—not just to clean data but to make faster, smarter decisions that avoid costly penalties and improve service quality.Matt highlights the growing importance of scenario planning and digital twins in modern supply chain operations, and how AI platforms like Loop are unlocking new levels of visibility and agility. Together, the panel explores how leading companies are creating decades-long competitive advantages by acting now, starting small, and scaling smartly.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(00:49) Overview and AI in supply chain(02:25) Meet the panelists(05:45) Supply chain data challenges(13:53) AI's role in supply Chain(24:38) Suzanne’s example of AI in supply chain(27:21) Ben's AI success story(28:14) Matt's insights on AI's value(30:15) Advice for AI beginners(32:56) Tackling disconnected systems(35:53) Future predictions for AI in supply chain(36:25) Selecting the right AI partner(38:52) Suzanne's vision for AI evolution(42:12) Matt's bold predictions(44:17) Takeaways and ways to connectAdditional Links & Resources:Transportation spend intelligence: The AI-native transformation- https://www.loop.com/asset/transportation-spend-intelligence-the-ai-powered-transformationConnect with Suzanne Wilsbacher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-wilsbacher-6968912/Check out Cengage Group: https://www.cengagegroup.com/Connect with Ben Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-smith-77855a26/ Check out Clemens Food Group: http://www.clemensfoodgroup.comConnect with Matt McKinney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlmckinney/ Learn more about Loop: https://www.loop.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- Cleared for Takeoff: Workforce Development in the Aviation Industry: https://bit.ly/42X4deyWEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration

19 Mai 50min

Join us today as we delve into the significant insights gleaned from the recent Gartner Supply Chain Symposium, and the importance of leveraging technology in supply chain management to enhance efficiency and responsiveness. Welcome to The Buzz!This week, Scott Luton and special guest host Rick McDonald welcomed PopCapacity Co-Founder & CEO, Matt Fain, to the show to discuss: The pressing need for digital fluency and the effective management of change within organizationsThe burgeoning demand for bonded warehousing and its implications for businesses amid current economic conditionsHow the chief supply chain officer's perspective is vital in understanding leadership priorities amidst current challenges and the need for supply chain leaders to foster trust and authenticity within their teams to navigate through periods of change effectivelyHow modern supply chains must adapt to the consumer's speed and convenience expectations to remain competitive in today's marketThe necessity of data accuracy in supply chain operations that underlines a fundamental shift toward technology-driven decision-makingListen in as we aim to equip supply chain leaders with actionable strategies to enhance their operations and adapt to an ever-evolving landscape.Additional Links & Resources:With That Said: https://bit.ly/4kiMzYF Fremont bonded warehouse to expand amid tariff-driven business surge: https://bit.ly/4muCvOfLearn more about PopCapacity: https://popcapacity.com/ The case for a national robotics strategy: https://bit.ly/3SBPFLeProcurement & Supply Chain LIVE: https://bit.ly/4kirPjK Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-fain-%F0%9F%92%A1-80715540/Connect with Rick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickmcdonald82/SupplyChainPoint: https://cpmgevents.com/supplychainpoint/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- Cleared for Takeoff: Workforce Development in the Aviation Industry: https://bit.ly/42X4deyWEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration with SAP: https://bit.ly/4jFJn9qThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Rick McDonald, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at:...

16 Mai 52min