Supply Chain Now

• The Buzz: Innovations in Warehouse Automation

  Additional Links & Resources:With That Said: http://bit.ly/4lGixylEasyPost Guide: https://bit.ly/45PpFCC EasyPost Website: https://www.easypost.com/ Inside the automated warehouse where robots are packing your groceries: http://bit.ly/3Juj213Beauty brands blend AI into operations: http://bit.ly/4oRsVWJSnickers maker Mars pursues stable chocolate supply with gene-editing: http://bit.ly/4mIWHeAKait on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitvinson/Learn more about Locus Robotics: https://locusrobotics.com/Allison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisongiddens/Dave Krache Foundation: https://davekrache.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/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Mastering Data in the AI Explosion Age - Managing the Fuel That Powers Innovation: https://bit.ly/4ogPN1kWEBINAR- Real stories: Fast-tracking value, a pioneering digital transformation with impactful results.: https://bit.ly/4mgp1EWWEBINAR: Real Shipping Stories. Real Money Saved.: https://bit.ly/45PegUmWEBINAR: From Compliance to Impact and Competitive Advantage: How to Decarbonize Your Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/47uXKKoThis 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/buzz-innovations-warehouse-automation-1474

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• Honoring Kathy Purtill’s Legacy: Moving (and Climbing) Mountains

  In this moving episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton sits down with Kristi Porter, Adrian Purtill, and Enrique Alvarez of Vector Global Logistics to explore a powerful story of purpose and community. Adrian shares a deeply personal initiative in honor of his late ex-wife, Kathy Purtill, who bravely battled leukemia. To carry her legacy forward, their son Kieran is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.This conversation goes beyond logistics, shining a light on the value of giving forward, building community, and leading with purpose. The Vector Global Logistics team reflects on how purpose-driven action can change lives—both in the global supply chain and beyond.Learn how you can support Kieran’s mission, and be inspired to embrace the power of relationships, resilience, and purpose.Additional Links & Resources:Kathy Purtill's fundraising page for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: https://diy.lls.org/fundraiser/6467059Connect with Enrique: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enrique-alvarez-64332a2/Connect with Kristi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kporter9876/Connect with Adrian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-purtill-947a2b5/Learn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/Learn more about Logistics with Purpose: https://logisticswithpurpose.co/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- Mastering Data in the AI Explosion Age - Managing the Fuel That Powers Innovation: https://bit.ly/4ogPN1kWEBINAR- Real stories: Fast-tracking value, a pioneering digital transformation with impactful results.: https://bit.ly/4mgp1EWWEBINAR: Real Shipping Stories. Real Money Saved.: https://bit.ly/45PegUmWEBINAR: From Compliance to Impact and Competitive Advantage: How to Decarbonize Your Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/47uXKKoThis 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/honoring-legacy-moving-climbing-mountains-1473

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• How Theory of Constraints Can Drive Enterprise Impact

  In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and special guest host Kim Humphrey, President & CEO of AME (Association for Manufacturing Excellence), welcome retired Air Force Lieutenant General Andy Busch, Strategic Advisor at Goldratt Consulting, for a high-impact conversation on the Theory of Constraints (TOC) and its ability to transform complex operations. Drawing from a 38-year military career, Andy shares how TOC’s five focusing steps helped him cut C-5 aircraft maintenance timelines from 340 days to 110, save hundreds of millions through inventory discipline, and reduce a 15-month procurement backlog to just three months. He also highlights the leadership skills required to drive these changes, including clear communication, organizational alignment, and active workforce engagement.They also discuss the universal applicability of TOC across industries and geographies, with Andy recounting implementations at the Defense Logistics Agency, large-scale MRO depots, and in international settings such as Japan and India. From managing high-variability environments to avoiding the trap of local optimization, the conversation delivers actionable insights for supply chain and manufacturing leaders seeking breakthrough results, stronger team alignment, and sustained performance improvement in today’s volatile business climate.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:47) Meet Andy Busch(05:29) From Utah trails to global supply chain insights(13:32) The impact of the Theory of Constraints(25:28) Implementing consumption pull systems(29:29) Five focusing steps vs. five whys(30:42) Work in process discipline(32:44) Overcoming supply chain hurdles(37:05) International experiences with TOC(43:07) How to navigate industry volatility (45:45) Why focus is key to organization's successResources:Learn more about the AME St. Louis International Conference: https://www.ame.org/ame-st-louis-2025-international-conference Connect with Andy Busch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-e-busch/Learn more about Goldratt Group: https://goldrattgroup.com/ Connect with Kim Humphrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlee-kim-h-5977474/ Learn more about AME: https://www.ame.org 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:

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• The Buzz: Reshoring Revolution

  In today's episode of Supply Chain Now, we present a profound exploration of contemporary developments within the realm of supply chain management, with a particular emphasis on the resurgence of reshoring initiatives. Welcome to The Buzz!Host Scott Luton and special guest host Christine Barnhart, aka The Supply Chain Whisperer, discuss the top news in global supply chain including: The significant investment by GE Appliances to transition production facilities from overseas back to the United StatesThe implications of artificial intelligence in enhancing operational efficiencies, as exemplified by Toro's innovative applications to predict consumer behavior and streamline inventory managementThe significant role of sustainability in modern supply chains, underscoring how companies are increasingly investing in environmentally friendly practices to meet consumer demandsThe transformative impact that artificial intelligence is having on supply chain management, particularly in predicting consumer behavior and optimizing inventory levels amidst fluctuating market conditionsThe importance of effective change management, advocating for transparency and collaboration amongst stakeholders to facilitate smoother transitions during periods of organizational changeJoin us as we dissect these pivotal topics and provide actionable insights for supply chain leaders navigating this dynamic landscape.Additional Links & Resources:With That Said: hhttps://bit.ly/4mDUf8M GE Appliances shifts more production to US as part of a $3 billion investment: https://bit.ly/3JiKEGlJust in time? Manufacturers turn to AI to weather tariff storm: https://bit.ly/4lBeHq2Why Some Companies Are Doubling Down on Climate Action: https://bit.ly/3JkelGWSupply Chain Leadership in the Never Normal: A Power Panel of Women Rewriting the Rules: https://streamyard.com/watch/34KHAvi3NjK8Connect with Christine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmbarnhart/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- Mastering Data in the AI Explosion Age - Managing the Fuel That Powers Innovation: https://bit.ly/4ogPN1kWEBINAR- Real stories: Fast-tracking value, a pioneering digital transformation with impactful results.: https://bit.ly/4mgp1EWWEBINAR: Real Shipping Stories. Real Money Saved.:

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• Analysis of the Q2 2025 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index

  In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Karin Bursa welcome Bobby Holland of U.S. Bank and Bob Costello of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) for a timely and data-rich discussion on the Q2 2025 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index—and what the latest shifts in the freight economy mean for shippers, carriers, and supply chain leaders.They discuss the first quarter in over two years where all five U.S. regions saw increases in shipment volume, signaling a potential turning point after a prolonged slowdown. Bobby shares fresh Index data on spend and shipment velocity, while Bob brings broader economic context, including consumer spending patterns, inflationary pressure, and the uneven pace of recovery. From driver shortages and regional capacity gaps to policy impacts and shifting inventory strategies, the panel examines how these macroeconomic forces are playing out in freight and what they could mean for the rest of 2025, offering insights for supply chain professionals preparing for continued volatility, opportunities in cross-border trade, and early signs of renewed activity.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(00:51) Overview of the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index(06:15) National freight trends and insights(22:26) Midwest region analysis(25:59) Rebalancing supply chains(26:57) Consumer spending trends(27:33) Goods vs. services spending(29:30) Northeast region insights(36:31) Southeast region insights(44:56) Future of freight marketsResources:Download the full Q2 2025 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: bit.ly/scn-us-bankRegister for the ATA Management Conference on October 2025 in San Diego: https://www.trucking.org/news-insights/registration-now-open-ata-management-conference-exhibition-0 Learn more about U.S. Bank: https://www.usbank.com Learn more about the American Trucking Associations (ATA): https://www.trucking.org Connect with Bobby Holland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-holland-4a9355/ Connect with Bob Costello: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-costello-444bb670/ 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:

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