The Buzz: Why Supply Chain Planning Needs a Decision Intelligence Upgrade

In this episode of The Buzz, powered by APL Logistics, Scott Luton is joined by Marty Parker and special guest Thomas Beil, founder and CEO of Perfect Planner, for a timely conversation on supply chain performance, workforce challenges, decision intelligence, and the future of planning.

The conversation explores what leading supply chain organizations have in common, including customer focus, leadership alignment, clear strategy, balanced metrics, and a culture of innovation. Scott, Marty, and Thomas also discuss the growing memory chip crunch, how retailers are using tariff refunds to lower prices, and the rising demand for supply chain talent with AI skills. The discussion then dives into the democratization of expertise, the power of AI to capture institutional knowledge, and why decision intelligence may be the missing layer between data visibility and better execution. Thomas also shares how Perfect Planner is helping manufacturers move beyond spreadsheets and into a more proactive, standardized, and scalable planning process.

Key Takeaways:

• The five traits leading supply chain organizations consistently demonstrate
• Why technology projects often fail because of leadership and process issues, not the technology itself
• How the memory chip shortage is being driven by AI infrastructure demand
• Why supply chain talent, AI skills, and workforce design are becoming urgent priorities
• How AI can help capture and scale institutional knowledge across organizations
• Why decision intelligence is critical for turning fragmented data into clear action
• How manufacturers can reduce planning waste and help teams focus on strategic value
• What the planning organization of 2031 may look like

Tune in to hear practical insights on where supply chain planning, AI, and workforce strategy are headed next. This episode offers a smart look at how organizations can move beyond visibility, spreadsheets, and reactive decision-making to create more integrated, proactive, and execution-focused supply chains.

Additional Resources and Links:

• Connect with Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-beil-757290ab/
• Learn more about Perfect Planner: www.perfectplanner.io
• APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/
• With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-14-June-2026
• Join us live for Supply Chains to Admire 2026: https://bit.ly/Supply-Chains-to-Admire-2026-LIVE
• Marty's Post: https://bit.ly/Marty-StandUp-2026
• EasyPost Case Study: https://bit.ly/2M-Saved-and-Fewer-Late-Deliveries
• Apple to Raise Prices Due to Memory Chip Crunch, Tim Cook Says: https://on.wsj.com/4vrYWaP
• David's Post: https://bit.ly/Logistics-Behind-WC
• How Texas Ranchers Are Fighting a Long-Eradicated Cattle Killer: https://on.wsj.com/3SI8xvm
• Learn more about APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/responsibility/apll_fixes_the_gap
• A logistics company designed an AI tool inspired by its supply-chain veteran COO. Meet Uncle Phil. https://bit.ly/Uncle-Phil-AI
• What Is Supply Chain Decision Intelligence, and Why It Matters Now: https://bit.ly/Decision-Intelligence-LVP
• Key Takeaways from SAP Sapphire: https://bit.ly/SAP-Sapphire-2026-Takeaways
• Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/
• 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
• 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://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/
• WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv
• WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc

This 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/buzz-why-supply-chain-planning-needs-decision-intelligence-upgrade-1601

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