Supply Chain Now

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.

A single overlooked component can stop an entire product from shipping. Justin Sears explains why supply chain risk now has to shape design decisions from day one, not after engineering hands the design off to procurement.
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Jake Barr speak with Justin Sears, Head of Product Marketing for SaaS at Altium, about rising component risk, hidden supplier dependencies, and why engineering and procurement teams need better visibility into supply conditions earlier in the product development process.
They also explore how AI can help teams surface risks, strengthen requirements, and evaluate alternatives while human judgment remains essential. The conversation highlights how better data, earlier collaboration, and stronger lifecycle thinking can help manufacturers build more resilient products.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:24) Meet Justin Sears, Head of Product Marketing for SaaS at Altium
(04:18) Justin's lifelong running passion and how it clears his head
(05:35) Justin's background and the Altium family of supply chain solutions
(10:23) Three structural risks: tariffs, global conflict, and AI data center demand
(14:59) The Digi case study: why manual sourcing doesn't work anymore"
(17:43) "Shift left": making supply chain a design input, not an afterthought
(22:52) The postage stamp problem: when a cheap part stops a $30K GPU shipment
(27:30) Two tiers down: hidden supply chain failures you can't see
(29:52) AI and human judgment in hardware design: who asks the questions?
(42:31) Counterfeit parts: why fraudsters chase volume, not scarcity
(53:57) Three takeaways: what hardware teams should start doing today

Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Justin Sears: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinsears/
Connect with Jake Barr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-barr-3883501/
Learn more about Altium: https://www.altium.com/
Learn more about BlueWorld Supply Chain Consulting: https://www.blueworldscc.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
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 Jake Barr and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/got-chips-managing-electronic-component-supply-chain-risk-face-global-instability-1646

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.

Technology may be advancing faster than ever, but people, resilience, and smart decision-making remain at the center of supply chain success. In this episode of The Buzz, powered by Altium, Scott Luton and Maithili Shenoy are joined by cybersecurity experts Andrew Alston and Bob Carver to unpack some of the biggest issues shaping supply chain and business, from manufacturing pressures and technology talent gaps to AI-enabled cyberattacks and growing third-party risk.
The conversation begins with a look at the latest U.S. manufacturing activity, rising input costs, and the supply chain challenges surrounding the rapidly growing humanoid robotics industry. The panel also explores the widening technology skills gap and why organizations need people who can combine critical thinking with emerging AI capabilities.
Then, in recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Andrew and Bob break down how AI is changing the cyber threat landscape. They discuss ransomware-as-a-service, faster exploitation of vulnerabilities, third-party exposure, governance, business continuity, and why traditional cybersecurity approaches are no longer enough. The group also explores why supply chain leaders need to think beyond their own organizations and build cyber resilience across the entire supplier ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
People remain a critical differentiator in the age of AI. Technology alone doesn't create value; organizations need people who can use it to make better decisions, manage trade-offs, and respond quickly to change.
Manufacturers are facing significant cost and profitability pressures. Rising input costs, tariffs, labor constraints, and supplier delays are creating challenges even as manufacturing activity continues to grow.
The humanoid robotics opportunity exposes major supply chain gaps. Actuators, semiconductors, critical minerals, and domestic manufacturing capacity could become major constraints as robotics scales.
The technology skills gap is holding back AI, cloud, and cybersecurity initiatives. Organizations need to rethink how they develop both technical capabilities and foundational cognitive skills.
AI is accelerating cyber threats as well as cyber defenses. Ransomware is becoming more accessible, vulnerabilities are being exploited faster, and organizations can no longer assume traditional patching and security practices will be enough.
Cybersecurity must become an ecosystem-wide supply chain priority. Governance, business continuity, supplier vetting, redundancy, and third-party visibility are essential to keeping operations running when, not if, disruptions occur.
Supply chain leaders can't afford to treat cybersecurity, AI, talent, and resilience as separate issues. They are increasingly interconnected, and the risks extend far beyond the four walls of any single organization. Tune in to hear practical perspectives on where the biggest vulnerabilities are emerging, why third-party risk deserves greater attention, and what leaders can do now to build stronger, more resilient supply chain ecosystems.

Additional Links & Resources:
Altium Develop: https://bit.ly/Try-Altium-Develop
With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-3-Oct-2026
Maithili’s Keynote: https://bit.ly/Maithili-Keynote
Healthcare Supply Chain Leadership: https://bit.ly/Meena-Medler-on-SCN
How Supply Chain Management Degree Programs are evolving: https://bit.ly/SCM-Programs-Evolving
U.S. manufacturing data for September: https://reut.rs/4hHL06P
Actuator shortages in U.S. robotics supply chains: https://on.mktw.net/4rPkkFS
Tech leaders see skills gap costing businesses big time: https://bit.ly/Costly-Tech-Skills-Gap
Connect with Bob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobcarver/
Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-alston-a62990/
Connect with Maithili on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maithili-shenoy/
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
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- How to Stop Losing Margin After a Package Ships: https://bit.ly/4An41Ux
WEBINAR- Rethinking the Supply Chain Management Classroom: https://bit.ly/4xJIkM2
This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Maithili Shenoy, 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-cybersecurity-new-risks-reshaping-supply-chain-1645

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.

Shipping teams often don’t discover wasted spend until the invoice arrives. By then, the opportunity is already gone. John Wharff explains why hidden surcharges, outdated shipping rules, and overlooked shipment outliers can quietly drive up costs, and why the best savings opportunities often come from rethinking the decisions teams already make every day.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Tevon Taylor speak with John Wharff, Senior Director of Product Management at EasyPost, about how shippers can uncover hidden costs and build more adaptable shipping strategies. They discuss why base rates only tell part of the story, how service levels and carrier choices impact total cost, and why teams need to look beyond average shipments to find where money is being lost.

John and Tevon also explore the role of pressure testing in shipping decisions, using real shipment data to identify gaps before they become expensive problems. From improving cost per package to using AI for analysis and simulation, the conversation highlights how supply chain teams can make smarter decisions, strengthen their processes, and stay ahead of a constantly changing shipping environment.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:31) Meet John Wharff, Senior Director of Product Management at EasyPost
(02:33) Warm-up: John's motorcycle passion and first Harley Davidson
(06:40) Why carrier bills still surprise experienced shippers
(08:27) The trap of static rules in a dynamic shipping environment
(11:10) Bell curves and outliers: where shipping costs really hide
(15:15) Carrier mix and service levels: building your roster for peak season
(23:22) Why your master spreadsheet falls apart in real-world shipping
(32:43) Pressure testing explained: John's methodology for finding hidden costs
(37:13) AI in logistics: where it genuinely helps and where it's hot air
(46:41) Call to action: what shippers should do right now before peak season

Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with John Wharff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-wharff-7423403a/
Connect with Tevon Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tevontaylor/
Learn more about EasyPost: https://www.easypost.com/
Learn more about Pegasus Logistics Group: https://www.pegasuslogisticsgroup.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
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- How to Stop Losing Margin After a Package Ships: https://bit.ly/4An41Ux
WEBINAR- Rethinking the Supply Chain Management Classroom: https://bit.ly/4xJIkM2

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Tevon Taylor, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/pressure-test-your-shipping-decision-before-they-cost-you-thousands-1644



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.