Supply Chain Now

In this episode of The Buzz, we explore the future of reverse logistics, circularity, supply chain design, and the growing role of AI in transforming how businesses move, manage, and reuse products. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by OptiLogic!
Hosts Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson break down several major supply chain developments, including the rise of AI-first supply chain design, the growing need for visibility in big and bulky retail deliveries, and Amazon’s expanding supply chain services. Special guest Sender Shamiss, CEO and co-founder of ReturnPro, joins the conversation to unpack why reverse logistics is becoming a major strategic opportunity, not just a cost center. From returns management and recommerce to circularity, fraud detection, and the future of reusable materials, this episode offers a practical look at how supply chain leaders can unlock value, reduce waste, and rethink what happens after the sale.
Key Learnings & Takeaways
AI-first supply chain design is accelerating smarter, faster decision-making
Big and bulky retail delivery still needs better visibility and customer communication
Amazon’s supply chain services could reshape fulfillment, logistics, and recommerce
Reverse logistics is moving from a back-end function to a strategic growth engine
Reuse should come before recycling when building circular supply chains
Returns fraud is creating new challenges—and new technology opportunities
Circularity will require better data, smarter systems, and more investment

As supply chains become more complex, the biggest opportunities may come from rethinking what already exists: returned products, reused materials, smarter networks, and better visibility. This episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to turn reverse logistics from a challenge into a competitive advantage.

Additional Links & Resources:
Optilogic: https://optilogic.com/
Optilogic Webinar: Ahead of Disruption: https://bit.ly/AI-First-SupplyChainDesign
With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-9-May-2026
Why big and bulky delivery is the final frontier for retail supply chains: https://bit.ly/Big-And-Bulky-Innovation
Amazon opens logistics network to all businesses: https://bit.ly/Amazon-Launches-ASCS
Reverse Logistics: The Strategic Engine Driving the Secondary Mobile Device Market: https://bit.ly/Mobile-Device-Reverse-Logistics
Startup Pitches X-Rays and AI to Catch Fraudulent Returns: https://bit.ly/42wavRp
ReturnPro: https://www.returnpro.com/
Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/
Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
Sender on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sender-shamiss-19796515/
Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddonaldson/
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
WEBINAR- There's No Finish Line in Leadership: Tips to Optimize Your Strategy & Execution: https://bit.ly/4tHOWJA
WEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfV
WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq
WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D
WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-reverse-logistics-reshaping-retail-recommerce-1584

AI in the supply chain has moved well beyond the pilot stage, but for many organizations, it still hasn't moved far enough.
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton, together with co-host Jorge Morales, Global COO of ISCEA, is joined by Prabhat Pinnaka, Lead Product Manager for Supply Chain at Lowe's Companies, Inc., and Advisory Board Member at ISCEA for a practical, been-there-done-that deep dive on AI-driven supply chain transformation. From what separates organizations that actually scale AI from those stuck in endless experimentation, to the guardrails every enterprise needs before letting AI execute autonomously, Prabhat brings a hard-won perspective from working with Fortune 50 companies across fulfillment, warehouse operations, and enterprise decision support. Jorge adds his lens on what it means to be AI-competent, not just AI-aware, and why that distinction will define the next generation of supply chain professionals.
The conversation spans the full arc: change management, data integrity, bonded autonomy, and what it looks like when AI shifts a DC manager's role from operational execution to strategic governance. If you're navigating your own AI journey or building the next generation of supply chain talent, this one's for you.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(06:03) Prabhat's career: lessons in adoption
(08:29) AI competence: finding the sweet spot
(11:26) Building AI foundations for success
(18:21) Moving AI from pilots to scale
(23:50) Recommendations vs. execution in AI use
(28:04) Establishing guardrails for autonomous AI
(33:44) Computer vision example in supply chain
(47:06) Getting AI competent in six months
Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Prabhat Pinnaka: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prabhat-pinnaka-a9549421/
Connect with Jorge Morales: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgeamorales/
Learn more about Lowe’s Companies, Inc.: https://www.lowes.com/
Learn more about ISCEA: https://www.iscea.org/
Learn more about SCTechShow: https://www.sctechshow.com/
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- How “Almost Right” Shipping Decisions Turn Into Six-Figure Losses: https://bit.ly/4mMov2T
WEBINAR- There's No Finish Line in Leadership: Tips to Optimize Your Strategy & Execution: https://bit.ly/4tHOWJA
WEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfV
WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq
WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D

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/secret-sauce-tips-leaders-want-scale-ai-effectively-1583

National Supply Chain Day started with a simple idea: the people who keep the world moving deserve to be seen.
In this special episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Mary Kate Love, President of Supply Chain Now, welcome Dr. Stephanie Thomas, Associate Professor at the University of Arkansas and Executive Director of WISE, for a conversation on the people powering the global supply chain.
The episode also features a keynote from Billy Ray Taylor, CEO and founder of LinkedXL, plus award recognition for Keith Moore of AutoScheduler.AI and Jim Opoka, recently retired from FEMA.
Together, they celebrate the people behind hospital shelves, disaster relief, warehouse execution, and the next generation entering the field, while exploring clarity, ownership, people skills, AI, and why every supply chain professional should tell their story.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(02:07) The mission behind National Supply Chain Day
(03:08) Celebrating the anniversary: A look back at the first NSCD
(06:11) Billy Ray Taylor keynote begins
(07:13) Deliberate clarity & the 17-inch standard
(10:59) Deliberate ownership
(18:23) Unpacking Billy Ray's key takeaways
(21:25) 2026 supply chain pressures & macro disruptions
(31:03) Dr. Stephanie Thomas joins WISE & inspiring the next generation
(32:39) Celebrating unsung heroes in supply chain
(41:40) Supply chain trends, AI, resilience & people-first thinking
(55:00) Leadership challenge
Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Stephanie Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniethomasuark/
Connect with Mary Kate Love: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklove/
Connect with Billy Ray Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billyrtaylor/
Connect with Keith Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithdmoore13/
Learn more about LinkedXL: https://linkedxl.com/
Learn more about AutoScheduler.AI: https://autoscheduler.ai/
Learn more about the University of Arkansas: https://www.uark.edu/
Learn more about WISE: https://walton.uark.edu/departments/supplychain/wise.php
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- How “Almost Right” Shipping Decisions Turn Into Six-Figure Losses: https://bit.ly/4mMov2T
WEBINAR- There's No Finish Line in Leadership: Tips to Optimize Your Strategy & Execution: https://bit.ly/4tHOWJA
WEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfV
WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Mary Kate Love and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/celebrating-national-supply-chain-day-1582

In this special marketing edition of The Buzz, we explore the hidden supply chain behind one of the world’s biggest fashion and branding events—the Met Gala. From global sourcing and luxury logistics to influencer marketing and AI-driven fashion trends, this episode uncovers how artistry, supply chain precision, and marketing strategy all intersect—welcome to The Buzz, powered by OptiLogic!
Hosts Mary Kate Love and Amanda Luton break down the massive global supply chain operation behind the Met Gala—from sourcing luxury fabrics and handcrafted beadwork across multiple countries to managing white-glove transportation, security, and just-in-time execution for one of fashion’s biggest nights. The conversation explores how viral fashion moments now directly influence manufacturing schedules, demand forecasting, and fast-fashion response times, while also examining the growing role of AI, wearable tech, and influencer marketing in shaping consumer trends. This episode offers a fascinating look at how logistics, branding, creativity, and technology come together behind the scenes of a global cultural event.
Key Learnings & Takeaways
The Met Gala relies on a highly complex global supply chain involving sourcing, logistics, security, and precision execution
Luxury fashion production depends heavily on skilled artisans, handcrafted work, and long-lead-time procurement
Viral social media moments now directly influence manufacturing schedules and consumer demand
Fast fashion brands can respond to runway-inspired trends in a matter of days
Fashion brands increasingly use influencer partnerships as a core marketing and brand strategy
AI and wearable technology are beginning to reshape fashion design, production, and personalization
Logistics and supply chain visibility are essential for managing high-value assets and event execution

The Met Gala may look like a night of glamour and celebrity fashion, but behind every iconic look is a deeply connected global supply chain. This episode highlights how modern supply chains power cultural moments, influence consumer behavior, and drive rapid innovation across industries. Whether you work in logistics, marketing, procurement, or retail, there are valuable lessons here about speed, precision, creativity, and adaptability.

Additional Links & Resources:
Optilogic: https://optilogic.com/
Optilogic Webinar: Ahead of Disruption: https://bit.ly/3RiFMol
US Bank Q1 2026 Freight Payment Index Livestream: https://streamyard.com/watch/f6zU8BU2PCpY
EasyPost webinar: https://bit.ly/48Z2Lv1
The Bridge webinar with Billy Ray Taylor and Regine Villain: https://bit.ly/49a4uNS
With That Said: https://bit.ly/4tSH5ci
Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/
Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
Mary Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklove/
Amanda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-luton/
Katherine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-h/
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
WEBINAR- How “Almost Right” Shipping Decisions Turn Into Six-Figure Losses: https://bit.ly/4mMov2T
WEBINAR- There's No Finish Line in Leadership: Tips to Optimize Your Strategy & Execution: https://bit.ly/4tHOWJA
WEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfV
WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq

This episode is hosted by Mary Kate Love and Amanda Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes and Joshua Miranda. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-supply-chain-powering-met-gala-1581

Most warehouse automation projects don't fail because of the technology. They fail because of the approach.
In this episode, Scott W. Luton sits down with Don DeLash, Sales Director, Logistics Automation at SICK Sensor Intelligence, for a candid conversation on what it actually takes to modernize warehouse operations, and how to avoid the pitfalls that derail even well-funded initiatives. With more than 25 years spanning project management, finance, sales leadership, and logistics automation, Don brings a refreshingly grounded perspective. Ditch the glossy pitch, focus on real operational impact, and lead with curiosity and clear communication.
Together, they paint a vivid picture of today's warehouse floor, quieter, cleaner, and increasingly populated by AGVs, mobile robots, unmanned forklifts, and sensor-driven systems. Don walks through the full automation journey, from planning and piloting to scaling and long-term support, covering how to choose the right partners, define success upfront, build flexibility into implementation plans, and invest in aftercare. The conversation also digs into how AI and vision technology are reshaping decisions around package inspection, palletizing, and damage detection, and how smart automation ultimately frees people to focus on higher-value work.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(05:48) Don’s career path in logistics automation
(07:24) What SICK Sensor Intelligence brings to modern warehouses
(09:09) Earning trust as a technology partner
(11:01) Don’s guideposts for supply chain success
(13:15) What today’s warehouses look and sound like
(15:03) Why smart automation matters more than ever
(16:57) The role of experimentation in supply chain technology
(21:02) Planning for successful automation projects
(23:39) Choosing the right partners and defining success
(26:08) Scaling automation from pilot to enterprise-wide impact
(35:38) How vision technology and AI are improving warehouse decisions
Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Don DeLash: [email protected]
Connect with Don DeLash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dondelash/
Learn more about SICK Sensor Intelligance: https://www.sick.com/
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- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3b
WEBINAR- How “Almost Right” Shipping Decisions Turn Into Six-Figure Losses: https://bit.ly/4mMov2T
WEBINAR- There's No Finish Line in Leadership: Tips to Optimize Your Strategy & Execution: https://bit.ly/4tHOWJA
WEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfV
WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq

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/smart-logistics-101-modern-warehouse-operations-1580