Supply Chain Now

As supply chain disruptions continue, costs climb, and artificial intelligence reshapes the industry, procurement professionals are facing new challenges and opportunities. How can organizations move beyond traditional strategies to build stronger supplier relationships, embrace emerging technology, and prepare for the future?
In this episode of The Buzz, powered by Altium, host Scott Luton and co-host David Shillingford welcome Ben Farrell, MBE, Global CEO of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), for a conversation about the evolving role of procurement and supply chain leadership. The discussion explores the biggest barriers to scaling AI, including poor data quality and disconnected systems, along with new research from CIPS revealing rising transportation, technology, and food costs heading into the holiday season. Ben shares why long-term supplier collaboration is essential for navigating disruptions, how procurement professionals can deliver greater strategic value, and what skills future leaders will need. The conversation also examines CIPS' plans to modernize professional development, the growing importance of trust and ethical leadership, and why procurement deserves a stronger voice in business decision-making.
Key Takeaways:
Rethinking supply chain priorities: Discover why recovering quickly from disruptions, making fewer decisions, and designing for change may be more valuable than predicting every challenge or pursuing complete automation.
Overcoming AI adoption barriers: Explore how poor data quality, disconnected systems, governance challenges, and unclear ROI continue to prevent organizations from realizing AI's full potential.
Preparing for rising supply chain costs: Learn what CIPS' Q3 2026 Global Pulse Survey reveals about anticipated price increases in transportation, technology, and food, and how businesses can prepare.
Building stronger supplier relationships: Understand why long-term collaboration, trust, and flexible supplier networks are becoming essential for managing disruptions and controlling costs.
Developing the next generation of procurement leaders: Explore how AI, ethical decision-making, communication, and problem-solving are reshaping the skills procurement professionals need.
Elevating procurement's strategic influence: Discover why procurement must move beyond traditional purchasing functions to become a stronger driver of business outcomes, resilience, and organizational success.
From navigating rising costs and global disruptions to embracing AI and developing future-ready talent, procurement has never played a more important role in business success. Tune in for insights from Ben Farrell and David Shillingford on strengthening supplier relationships, overcoming technology challenges, and positioning procurement professionals as strategic leaders in an increasingly complex global economy.
Additional Links & Resources:
Altium Develop: https://bit.ly/Try-Altium-Develop
With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-18-Oct-2026
David's Post: https://bit.ly/Keynes-On-AI
Sneak Preview: Q3 2026 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://supplychainnow.com/us-bank/
Download your free copy of the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://bit.ly/Freight-Payment-Index
Inside the Future of Intelligent Warehousing with EPG: https://bit.ly/Scott-and-Jett-MODEX2026
2026’s most overrated and underrated supply chain priorities: https://bit.ly/Overrated-And-Underrated-SCM-Priorities
The CIPS Global Pulse Survey for Q3 2026: https://bit.ly/Survey-Says-Q32026
Altium Agile Teams: https://www.altium.com/agile/teams
Connect with Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-farrell-mbe/
Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shillingford/
Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/
Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
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://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
Learn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitive
Learn more about M.F.G.inc’s Frontline Leadership Certificate: MFG.inc/training
WEBINAR- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Agentic AI for Decision-Centric Planning: https://bit.ly/3VD1Nka
WEBINAR- Rethinking the Supply Chain Management Classroom: https://bit.ly/4xJIkM2
WEBINAR- Detect, decide, deliver: improving disruption response across the supply chain: https://bit.ly/4rXhmiI
WEBINAR- Merck Animal Health's Journey to Rewiring Planning for Reliability, Agility and Trust: https://bit.ly/4B6Iq3f
This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and David Shillingford, and produced by Triha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-why-procurement-more-important-than-ever-1651

The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.
For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com
© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AI is changing supply chain planning, but automation is only part of the story. The next big shift? Turning planners into orchestrators.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Karin Bursa welcome Razat Gaurav, CEO of Kinaxis, to explore how supply chains have evolved, why faster decision-making matters, and how AI is driving the shift from traditional planning to orchestration.

Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in enterprise software and supply chain technology, Razat examines the growing role of AI agents and the transition of supply chain planners into orchestrators. He also highlights why human judgment, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration remain essential as organizations adopt new technologies. The conversation offers a broader perspective on how supply chain leaders can move beyond automation to achieve meaningful business outcomes.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(06:31) How supply chains have evolved over 25 years
(13:08) Supply chain's shift from operations to strategy
(17:43) Managing trade-offs through scenario planning
(23:48) Why supply chains can't return to normal
(28:39) Supply chain: Sensing, planning, and execution
(35:12) The hidden costs of supply chain latency
(40:19) Why decision-making speed matters
(42:13) Rethinking supply chain workflows with AI
(52:02) The shift from planners to orchestrators
(55:47) What will define successful supply chain leaders?


Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Razat Gaurav: https://www.linkedin.com/in/razatgaurav/
Learn more about Kinaxis: https://www.kinaxis.com/
Connect with Karin Bursa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinbursa
Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton
Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/
Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
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://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
Learn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitive
Learn more about M.F.G.inc’s Frontline Leadership Certificate: MFG.inc/training
WEBINAR- The Cost of Skipping the Audit: Why Site Scans Should Come Before Every Pallet, Crate, or Wood Packaging RFQ: https://bit.ly/4AJzReA
WEBINAR- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Agentic AI for Decision-Centric Planning: https://bit.ly/3VD1Nka
WEBINAR- Rethinking the Supply Chain Management Classroom: https://bit.ly/4xJIkM2
WEBINAR- Detect, decide, deliver: improving disruption response across the supply chain: https://bit.ly/4rXhmiI
WEBINAR- Merck Animal Health's Journey to Rewiring Planning for Reliability, Agility and Trust: https://bit.ly/4B6Iq3f

This 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/from-planning-to-orchestration-future-supply-chain-kinaxis-ceo-razat-gaurav-1650



The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.
For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com
© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why has three decades of supply chain visibility investment failed to produce meaningful results for the industry?

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton speaks with Dr. Glenn Richey, Harbert Eminent Scholar at Auburn University, and Matt Brolsma of SPS Commerce, about why visibility tools keep falling short and what actually moves the needle.

Glenn brings ten years of supply chain experience across procurement, manufacturing, and logistics at Scott Paper Company and S.P. Richards, paired with his research at Auburn's Center for Supply Chain Innovation, while Matt works directly with enterprise retailers and distributors at SPS Commerce to translate supplier collaboration challenges into actionable strategy.

The conversation covers why AI can amplify the consequences of bad data, how one retailer recovered $38 million through stronger supplier compliance, and what questions leaders should ask before investing in another visibility platform. Glenn and Matt also explore the link between trusted relationships and trusted data, and why vendor guides deserve more attention.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(06:44) Distinguishing visibility, transparency, and traceability
(12:30) Why 30 years of visibility tools fell short
(18:22) What happens when teams lose trust in the system?
(22:57) Does AI solve or magnify the visibility problem?
(25:40) When AI recommendations go wrong at the port
(30:30) Why visibility tools still leave planners chasing answers
(35:45) Building stronger trading partner relationships
(37:49) Why structured compliance programs outperform
(42:41) How one retailer recovered $38 million
(47:20) What should leaders ask before buying more tech?

Additional Links & Resources:
SPS Commerce's Supply Chain Visibility Readiness Assessment: https://bit.ly/4scDxSb
Connect with Matt Brolsma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbrolsma/
Learn more about SPS Commerce: https://www.spscommerce.com/
Connect with Robert Glenn Richey, Jr.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennrichey/
Learn more about Auburn University: https://www.auburn.edu/
Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/
Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
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://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
Learn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitive
Learn more about M.F.G.inc’s Frontline Leadership Certificate: MFG.inc/training
WEBINAR- The Cost of Skipping the Audit: Why Site Scans Should Come Before Every Pallet, Crate, or Wood Packaging RFQ: https://bit.ly/4AJzReA
WEBINAR- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Agentic AI for Decision-Centric Planning: https://bit.ly/3VD1Nka
WEBINAR- Rethinking the Supply Chain Management Classroom: https://bit.ly/4xJIkM2
WEBINAR- Detect, decide, deliver: improving disruption response across the supply chain: https://bit.ly/4rXhmiI
WEBINAR- Merck Animal Health's Journey to Rewiring Planning for Reliability, Agility and Trust: https://bit.ly/4B6Iq3f

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/visibility-illusion-why-seeing-problem-never-same-solving-1649



The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.
For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com
© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From AI investments that fail to deliver results to shifting trade policies and growing supply chain disruptions, today's leaders face mounting pressure to adapt. But what does it really take to turn challenges into opportunities?
In this episode of The Buzz, powered by Altium, hosts Scott Luton and Scott DeGroot welcome Dr. Rod Thomas, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management at the University of Arkansas, and Joanna Pachnik, Founder and CEO of BlueClip, for a discussion on the issues shaping global supply chains. From attracting and developing the next generation of supply chain talent to navigating Hurricane-related energy disruptions and USMCA trade uncertainty, the conversation explores how organizations can build greater resilience. The panel also examines the growing role of AI in transportation, procurement, and reverse logistics, why promising technology initiatives often fail to scale, and how leaders can move beyond AI hype to deliver measurable business results.
Key Takeaways:
Developing supply chain talent: Discover three practical strategies for attracting, hiring, and preparing the next generation of supply chain professionals through meaningful internships, university partnerships, and effective onboarding.
Navigating global disruptions: Explore how hurricane-related energy disruptions, rising transportation costs, and ongoing uncertainty surrounding USMCA negotiations are influencing supply chain strategies.
Rethinking supply chain optimization: Learn why companies must move beyond periodic network optimization and continuously evaluate cost, flexibility, and operational resilience.
Preparing for the future of reverse logistics: Examine how growing retail returns, expanding secondary markets, and AI-powered solutions are changing the way businesses manage returns.
Turning AI investments into measurable results: Understand why choosing the wrong use cases and lacking leadership support can derail technology initiatives, and how starting small can accelerate ROI.
Empowering people through technology: Discover how AI can automate repetitive tasks, improve decision-making, and enable employees to focus on higher-value work.
Whether you're navigating global trade uncertainty, building a stronger supply chain workforce, or looking for practical ways to make AI deliver real business value, this episode offers actionable insights for today's supply chain leaders. Tune in to learn how forward-thinking organizations are turning disruption into opportunity, strengthening their operations, and preparing their people and technology for what's next.
Additional Links & Resources:
Altium Develop: https://bit.ly/Try-Altium-Develop
With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-11-Oct-2026
The Readiness Rules: https://now.supplychainnow.com/the-readiness-rules
Connect with Rod on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rod-thomas-a409a41/
Manifest Vegas 2027! Register now & save $900: https://manifestvegas.partners/partners/SupplyChainNow
USMCA status as of October 2026: https://bit.ly/USMCA-Status-12-Oct-2026
Connect with Tony Sciarrota: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-sciarrotta-235570/
Connect with Scot Case: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotcase/
Altium Agile Teams: https://www.altium.com/agile/teams
Connect with Joanna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-pachnik-6329b55a/
Learn more about blueclip: blueclip.ai
Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/
Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
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://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
Learn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitive
Learn more about M.F.G.inc’s Frontline Leadership Certificate: MFG.inc/training
WEBINAR- The Cost of Skipping the Audit: Why Site Scans Should Come Before Every Pallet, Crate, or Wood Packaging RFQ: https://bit.ly/4AJzReA
WEBINAR- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Agentic AI for Decision-Centric Planning: https://bit.ly/3VD1Nka
WEBINAR- Rethinking the Supply Chain Management Classroom: https://bit.ly/4xJIkM2
WEBINAR- Detect, decide, deliver: improving disruption response across the supply chain: https://bit.ly/4rXhmiI
WEBINAR- Merck Animal Health's Journey to Rewiring Planning for Reliability, Agility and Trust: https://bit.ly/4B6Iq3f
This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Scott DeGroot, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-ai-innovations-hurricane-disruptions-building-resilient-supply-chains-1648

The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.
For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com
© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Anyone can buy a plane. What sets a logistics company apart in Latin America is whether the people on the ground trust it with their cargo. Earning that trust takes time, local knowledge, and a commitment to understanding what makes each market different.
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Scott DeGroot speak with Jorge Bayona, Vice President for Latin America at Apex Logistics International, about how companies can incorporate the region into their supply chain strategies to improve agility, diversify risk, and unlock growth.
Jorge shares his journey from ADM to Deutsche Post and DHL, through leading the expansion of FEMSA Group’s logistics division, Solistica, to building Apex’s Latin American footprint across 18 countries in about two and a half years. Drawing on that experience, he explains why the region can’t be measured by a single average, why the right to play and the right to win are two different things, and why each market rewards a different approach.
The conversation explores nearshoring opportunities, emerging trade corridors, regional challenges, and the roles of Miami, Panama, and Mexico as key logistics gateways. Jorge also shares what businesses should look for in a logistics partner, why complementarity matters more than size, and how strong local relationships help companies navigate the region with confidence and build more resilient supply chains.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Introduction
(03:39) Jorge Bayona on growing up on the island of San Andres, Colombia
(04:44) The grandmother who ran a gas station and the grandfather who was a general
(07:59) From ADM to DHL to Solistica: Jorge's career path
(13:34) What Apex Logistics International does and how it grew in Latin America
(22:47) The opportunities and weaknesses shaping supply chains in the region
(28:55) The most common mistake: the right to play vs. the right to win
(34:03) Four landscapes to evaluate before entering a market
(39:43) Why patience and talent matter when entering a new region
(45:15) Country by country: gateways and key markets across Latin America
(53:17) What to look for in a logistics and supply chain partner

Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Jorge Bayona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorge-bayona-iregui/
Learn more about Apex Logistics International: http://www.apexglobe.com
Connect with Scott DeGroot: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-degroot-4600368/
Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/
Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
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://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
Learn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitive
Learn more about M.F.G.inc’s Frontline Leadership Certificate: MFG.inc/training
WEBINAR- The Real ROI of AI Analytics in the Supply Chain: Better Answers When Everyone Starts Asking: https://bit.ly/3TpCX6u
WEBINAR- The Cost of Skipping the Audit: Why Site Scans Should Come Before Every Pallet, Crate, or Wood Packaging RFQ: https://bit.ly/4AJzReA
WEBINAR- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Agentic AI for Decision-Centric Planning: https://bit.ly/3VD1Nka
WEBINAR- Rethinking the Supply Chain Management Classroom: https://bit.ly/4xJIkM2
WEBINAR- Detect, decide, deliver: improving disruption response across the supply chain: https://bit.ly/4rXhmiI

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Scott DeGroot and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/apex-building-supply-chain-strategy-latin-america-1647


The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.
For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com
© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.