The Buzz: Innovations in Warehouse Automation

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with Bryan Wright, CTO and COO at G10 Fulfillment, and Cody Upp, Head of Marketing, Sales and Solutions at Zebra Robotics Automation, to explore how next-generation automation is reshaping third-party logistics.Bryan shares G10's journey to finding the right automation partner to boost labor efficiency, accuracy, and growth while maintaining cost control and training flexibility. Cody explains Zebra's modular AMR (autonomous mobile robot) system—designed with operators in mind—that reduces variable cost per unit, maximizes utilization, and supports multiple workflows from picking to replenishment. Together, they break down why decoupling carts from robots isn’t just innovative, it’s transformative.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:54) Meet Bryan and Cody(04:36) Diving into G10 Fulfillment and Zebra Robotics(07:46) Operational challenges and automation solutions(12:23) The power of detaching carts from robots(21:49) Future prospects and continuous improvement(25:41) Commitment to success and incentive structures(26:27) Continuous improvement and utilization goals(27:30) Entrepreneurial mindset at Zebra(28:28) Strategic differentiation with technology(31:30) Client feedback and future roadmap(35:13) The role of automation in the future(40:10) Advice for 3PL executivesResources:Connect with Cody Upp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-upp/ Connect with Bryan Wright: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-wright-7622499/ Learn more about Zebra Technologies: https://www.zebra.com/ Learn more about G10 Fulfillment: https://g10fulfillment.com/ Check out Zebra Order Fulfillment Solutions:   https://www.zebra.com/fulfillment Check out Automation: Your Strategic Advantage: https://bit.ly/4fdKrA6 Check out Zebra on The New Warehouse Podcast: https://bit.ly/4lOofPf Connect with Scott Luton: 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: <a href="https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

13 Aug 50min

Live from SAPICS 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, Scott Luton sits down with Thato Moloi, President of SAPICS, for a powerful conversation on the future of African supply chains. Thato shares his inspiring journey from warehousing and distribution to leading one of the most influential supply chain organizations on the continent. He discusses the urgent need for collaboration, education, and professional development to close infrastructure and skills gaps—and why Africa is more than ready to lead on the global stage. Key topics include: The role of SAPICS as an integrator across sectors and generations Financial discipline as a cornerstone of effective supply chain management Breaking stereotypes and showcasing Africa’s readiness for innovation and investment How engaging youth early with supply chain language can drive future success Encouraging experimentation, connection, and conversation across the ecosystem Whether you're a student, practitioner, policymaker, or investor, this episode offers fresh insight into Africa’s growing influence in the global supply chain. Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Thato on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thato-moloi-mba-5132b7122/ Learn more about SAPICS: https://www.sapics.org/ Check out the other Interviews from SAPICS 2025: https://supplychainnow.com/sapics-2025 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- From Framework to Action: Decision Automation in the Agentic Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/4nKlkJ6 WEBINAR- From Legacy to Leading Edge, Morgan Foods’ Supply Chain Journey: https://bit.ly/3IcDDGk WEBINAR- Tomorrow’s Factory is Already Here: https://bit.ly/45QMGqo WEBINAR- Mastering Data in the AI Explosion Age - Managing the Fuel That Powers Innovation: https://bit.ly/4ogPN1k 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/africa-ready-business-sapics-president-elevating-supply-chain-1466

11 Aug 27min

In today's episode of Supply Chain Now, we discuss evolving dynamics within the supply chain job market, particularly in light of recent tariff implications and the pressing need for skilled professionals. Welcome to The Buzz!Hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter also welcome special guest Katie Date, SVP of Industry Relations & Strategic Initiatives at Manifest, to discuss the upcoming Manifest 2026 conference and all the top news and recent developments in supply chain and logistics, including: The evolving job market within the supply chain sectorThe health of the manufacturing industryThe increasing integration of artificial intelligence in operational processesHow businesses are adapting to tariffs and market fluctuations, with insights drawn from a recent survey that highlights the creation of new job roles in response to these changesThe importance of sharing knowledge and best practicesJoin us for invaluable insights and actionable strategies to navigate the current and future landscape of supply chain leadership.Additional Links & Resources:With That Said: https://bit.ly/45yieR9 EasyPost Guide: Why Peak 2025 Is Not Business as Usual: https://bit.ly/4m5Q85QSurvey shows tariffs impacting U.S. job market: https://bit.ly/4fjJXIN‘We’re going to have to live with tariffs’: PMI: https://bit.ly/45nSjupLogistics Marketplace: https://bit.ly/3GVy7YD5 questions I frequently get asked about automating operations with AI: https://bit.ly/4m17MrmManifest 2026: ManifestVegas.com/SupplyChainNow Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-date-89573215/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- Real Stories: How an Australian Powerhouse Unlocked Millions in Capex Using Advanced Supply Chain Planning: https://bit.ly/3TsxBUFWEBINAR- From Framework to Action: Decision Automation in the Agentic Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/4nKlkJ6WEBINAR- From Legacy to Leading Edge, Morgan Foods’ Supply Chain Journey: https://bit.ly/3IcDDGkWEBINAR- Tomorrow’s Factory is Already Here: https://bit.ly/45QMGqoWEBINAR- Mastering Data in the AI Explosion Age - Managing the Fuel That

8 Aug 51min

In this powerful interview from the SAPICS 2025 Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, Scott Luton of Supply Chain Now sits down with Esther Ndichu—global supply chain leader, advocate, and changemaker.Esther shares her incredible journey from corporate America to becoming a farmer in Kenya, driven by a passion for food security and sustainable agriculture, and opens up about breaking barriers, championing diversity, and nurturing talent across the continent.Now serving as the Step 2.0 Coordinator for People That Deliver, Esther shares how she helps to transform public health supply chains in low- and middle-income countries—empowering local professionals to strengthen healthcare access through logistics.Tune in to hear Esther reflect on her impactful career, her belief in logistics as a force for good, and why Africa’s supply chain ecosystem is primed for innovation, investment, and homegrown solutions.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Esther on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/esther-ndichuLearn more about People That Deliver: www.peoplethatdeliver.orgCheck out the other Interviews from SAPICS 2025: https://supplychainnow.com/sapics-2025Learn 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- Real Stories: How an Australian Powerhouse Unlocked Millions in Capex Using Advanced Supply Chain Planning: https://bit.ly/3TsxBUFWEBINAR- From Framework to Action: Decision Automation in the Agentic Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/4nKlkJ6WEBINAR- From Legacy to Leading Edge, Morgan Foods’ Supply Chain Journey: https://bit.ly/3IcDDGkWEBINAR- Tomorrow’s Factory is Already Here: https://bit.ly/45QMGqoWEBINAR- Mastering Data in the AI Explosion Age - Managing the Fuel That Powers Innovation: https://bit.ly/4ogPN1kThis 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/people-that-deliver-purpose-logistics-african-innovation-sapics-2025-1464

6 Aug 28min

Join Scott Luton from Supply Chain Now as he sits down with Mac McGary, Chief Sales Officer at Eyelit Technologies, live from the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium in Orlando. In this engaging conversation, Mac shares how Eyelit is transforming supply chain execution by bridging the gap between factory-floor realities and high-level planning.The discussion dives into:How AI is reshaping supply chain decision-makingThe rise of system-driven enterprisesWhy real-time data is key to turning operational chaos into opportunityThe importance of embracing uncertainty and rapid changeHow Eyelet Technologies is helping companies modernize and adaptIf you're leading through supply chain transformation—or preparing to—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Mac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mac-mcgary-3792131/Learn more about Eyelit Technologies: https://eyelit.ai/Watch our other interviews from Gartner Supply Chain Symposium 2025: https://supplychainnow.com/gartner-2025 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- Strengthening Fraud Defenses Through Tracking and Digital Visibility: https://bit.ly/4eiZ6t3WEBINAR- Real Stories: How an Australian Powerhouse Unlocked Millions in Capex Using Advanced Supply Chain Planning: https://bit.ly/3TsxBUFWEBINAR- From Framework to Action: Decision Automation in the Agentic Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/4nKlkJ6WEBINAR- From Legacy to Leading Edge, Morgan Foods’ Supply Chain Journey: https://bit.ly/3IcDDGkWEBINAR- Tomorrow’s Factory is Already Here: https://bit.ly/45QMGqoWEBINAR- Mastering Data in the AI Explosion Age - Managing the Fuel That Powers Innovation: https://bit.ly/4ogPN1kThis 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/chaos-clarity-transforming-supply-chains-ai-1463

4 Aug 13min

In today's episode of Supply Chain Now, we dive the pressing issues facing the global supply chain, with a particular emphasis on the potential trajectory of the US economy. Welcome to The Buzz!Hosts Scott Luton and Enrique Alvarez discuss all the top news and recent developments in supply chain and logistics, including: The significant impact of trade deals on the global supply chain landscape, highlighting recent agreements between the United States and Japan, as well as the European UnionThe complexities of the steel industry, emphasizing the challenges posed by overproduction and the implications for national security and environmental sustainability moving forwardObservations on the current state of the U.S. economy, focusing on indicators from the transportation sector, particularly the decisions made by companies like UPS and FedExThe importance of trust in supply chain management, particularly in light of ongoing tariff negotiations and the need for transparency among global partnersInsights on innovative procurement strategies being implemented by leading firms, showcasing how technology is reshaping this vital business function in today's economic climateJoin us as we navigate these pivotal topics, engaging with expert perspectives and fostering dialogue within the supply chain community.Additional Links & Resources:With That Said: https://bit.ly/3ILaxOF Enable Tariff Price Planner: https://bit.ly/3J4dFoOThe World Has Too Much Steel, but No One Wants to Stop Making It: https://bit.ly/4lLHmcNFreight First: Why America’s Supply Chain Storm Signals a Hard Turn Ahead: https://bit.ly/3IPVCTyU.S. Bank Freight Payment Index for Q2 2025: https://streamyard.com/watch/Cv3HE8wY44Ed How 3 Companies Digitized Their Procurement Processes: https://bit.ly/44OQEimLeading Women of Supply Chain Livestream: https://streamyard.com/watch/34KHAvi3NjK8Vector Social Impact Report: https://bit.ly/3IQYFupVector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/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/3XH6OVkThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton Enrique Alvarez, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: <a href="https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-storm-clouds-economic-horizon-1462" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

1 Aug 45min

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Scott DeGroot are joined by Brittany Caskey, Chief Commercial Officer - Logistics at DP World Americas, and Carla Montenegro, Vice President of Commercial Freight Forwarding, for a timely and powerful discussion on the new era of integrated supply chain strategy.Together, they explore how agility, visibility, and infrastructure are redefining logistics in 2025, and why DP World’s end-to-end model is giving companies a serious edge. From flexible freight planning to nearshoring in the Dominican Republic, Brittany and Carla unpack real-world examples of how supply chain leaders are protecting margins, shortening lead times, and mitigating disruption. You’ll hear why warehousing is no longer just fixed infrastructure, how free trade zones offer capital efficiency, and how DP World’s investments are helping brands plan ahead instead of react.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:43) Special guest introductions: Brittany Caskey and Carla Montenegro(06:05) DP World: A logistics powerhouse(09:50) The importance of integrated solutions(15:42) Flexible freight planning for competitive advantage(23:00) Reimagining warehousing as a flexible service(23:32) DP World's strategic investments(25:09) Global warehousing and port advantages(27:47) Commercial strategy and faster logistics(30:16) Optimizing supply chains with DP World(34:49) Customer success storiesAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Brittany Caskey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-caskey-459a6610/ Connect with Carla Montenegro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-montenegro-207ba910b/ “Nearshoring Unlocked: Strategic Solutions for Supply Chain Resilience in the Americas” - https://www.dpworld.com/usa/insights/reports/nearshoring-unlocked-building-resilient-supply-chains-in-the-americas“Trade in Transition: North America: Balancing Growth, Resilience and Compliance” - https://www.dpworld.com/usa/insights/reports/trade-in-transition---how-north-american-businesses-are-navigating-2025“Shifting Supply Chains: Navigating the New Inter-Americas Trade” - https://www.dpworld.com/usa/insights/reports/new-insights-on-inter-americas-supply-chainsLearn more about DP World: https://www.dpworld.com/ Connect with Scott Luton: 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: <a...

30 Jul 49min

In the latest episode of Supply Chain Now, Mike Griswold returns for an in-depth behind the scenes analysis of the 2025 Gartner Top 25. Listen in as Mike shares:Insights into the methodology behind the rankings, which combine quantitative business metrics and qualitative expert and peer reviewsKey takeaways from this year's list include the importance of water stewardship, the rise of agentic AI, and the move towards autonomous operationsThe need for companies to focus on digital transformation and process integrity to achieve autonomous operationsThe feedback Gartner receives about the rankings Upcoming Gartner Planning Summits in London and Denver, which aim to provide practical advice and connect industry peersJoin us for an enlightening conversation highlighting the evolving landscape of supply chain management and the critical role of innovation and sustainability in driving future success.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/Learn more about Gartner: www.gartner.com Key Takeaways from Gartner 2025: https://supplychainnow.com/key-takeaways-gartner-2025-1454Learn 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- Real Stories: How an Australian Powerhouse Unlocked Millions in Capex Using Advanced Supply Chain Planning: https://bit.ly/3TsxBUFWEBINAR- Still in the Dark? 4 Shipping Visibility Fails You Can’t Afford This Peak: https://bit.ly/44g0NEiWEBINAR- Strengthening Fraud Defenses Through Tracking and Digital Visibility: https://bit.ly/4eiZ6t3WEBINAR- From Framework to Action: Decision Automation in the Agentic Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/4nKlkJ6WEBINAR- From Legacy to Leading Edge, Morgan Foods’ Supply Chain Journey: https://bit.ly/3IcDDGkWEBINAR- Tomorrow’s Factory is Already Here: https://bit.ly/45QMGqoThis 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/mike-gartner-top-25-1460

28 Jul 54min