Supply Chain Now

AI adoption is accelerating, retail returns are creating new challenges, and supply chain leaders are facing growing pressure to deliver results from technology investments. But are organizations truly prepared for what's next?
In this episode of The Buzz, powered by National Supply Chain Day®, hosts Scott Luton and Tony Sciarrotta welcome Dr. Rod Thomas of the University of Arkansas and Alex Pradhan, founder of Alchemy Advisory, to explore the latest developments shaping global supply chains. The conversation examines the rising costs of retail returns, the importance of accurate product information, and the growing opportunities in reverse logistics and circularity. The panel also breaks down new research revealing significant gaps in AI workforce readiness, trust, and adoption. Plus, Rod shares insights from the WISE Future Leaders Symposium, while Alex highlights key takeaways from the Gartner Supply Chain Planning Summit, including AI return on investment, decision-making, automation, and rising technology costs.
Key Takeaways:
The growing retail returns challenge: Explore why online returns continue to rise and how better product information can reduce costs, waste, and customer dissatisfaction.
AI workforce readiness: Discover why 83% of surveyed organizations report employees are unprepared to use AI effectively and what that means for supply chain transformation.
Data quality and AI trust: Understand how inaccurate data, broken processes, and cybersecurity concerns can undermine AI adoption and automation.
The future of supply chain talent: Hear findings from the WISE Future Leaders Symposium about student career confidence, employer expectations, and opportunities to recruit emerging talent.
Supply chain planning trends: Learn why organizations are shifting their focus from forecasting accuracy toward better decisions, faster execution, and measurable business value.
The real cost of AI: Examine concerns about AI investment returns and a Gartner prediction that supply chain planning software costs could rise more than 50% by 2030.
From reducing costly returns to preparing employees for AI-driven operations, today's supply chain challenges require more than new technology. They demand better data, stronger leadership, and smarter decisions. Tune in for expert perspectives, industry research, and practical insights to help your organization navigate change, improve performance, and prepare for the future of supply chain management.
Additional Links & Resources:
Learn more about Alchemy Advisory: https://www.alchemybyalexpradhan.com
National Supply Chain Day®: https://bit.ly/NSCDAwards
With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-7-NOV-2026
Connect with Tony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-sciarrotta-235570/
The People Paradox in Supply Chain AI Integration: https://bit.ly/Report-on-Supply-Chain-AI
WISE: https://walton.uark.edu/departments/supplychain/wise.php
“The Readiness Rules”: https://now.supplychainnow.com/the-readiness-rules
The Supply Chain AI Reality Check: https://bit.ly/4AeREZQ
Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandrapradhan/
Connect with Rod on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rod-thomas-a409a41/
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 MFG.inc’s Frontline Leadership Certificate: MFG.inc/training
WEBINAR- Planning Your 2027 AI Strategy: 5 Research-Backed Best Practices: https://bit.ly/4z1LM5r
WEBINAR- Merck Animal Health's Journey to Rewiring Planning for Reliability, Agility and Trust: https://bit.ly/4B6Iq3f
WEBINAR- Belgian Chocolate, Smarter Forecasting: Barry Callebaut Is Transforming Global Demand Planning: https://bit.ly/48iDzyR
This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Tony Sciarrotta, 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-readiness-gap-rising-retail-returns-future-supply-chain-planning-1660

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 creating new opportunities for businesses, but are organizations adopting it with the right priorities in mind?
In this episode, Scott W. Luton welcomes Vin Vashishta, CEO of V-Squared, for a thought-provoking conversation on the unintended consequences of AI adoption and how businesses can use technology more intentionally. Vin explores how AI agents are disrupting traditional marketplaces, from hiring and retail to consumer services, and why organizations must rethink business models built on information imbalances. He also examines the growing disconnect between smart technology and customer needs, highlighting the importance of trust, data privacy, and delivering meaningful value.
They also discuss practical strategies for making smarter AI investments, including aligning technology with business goals, prioritizing revenue growth over cost-cutting, and avoiding the pitfalls of AI adoption without a clear purpose. Vin shares his perspective on the rise of agentic commerce, the importance of workforce development, and why human expertise remains essential to building sustainable, AI-driven businesses.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(02:41) The value of thoughtful gifts
(04:32) How AI agents are disrupting the hiring process
(09:13) The unintended consequences of AI-driven marketplaces
(13:09) When smart technology fails to deliver customer value
(16:47) Building consumer trust through data privacy
(21:33) A look back at the 2010 San Francisco Giants
(23:34) Aligning AI investments with business growth
(28:16) Why AI adoption without strategy creates more work
(33:26) The rise of agentic commerce in retail
(35:58) Preparing the workforce for an AI-driven future
(37:52) Building effective workflows for human-AI collaboration

Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Vin Vashishta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vineetvashishta/
Learn more about V-Squared AI: https://vsquaredai.com/
Explore Vin’s website: https://datascience.vin/
Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton
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 MFG.inc’s Frontline Leadership Certificate: MFG.inc/training
WEBINAR- Planning Your 2027 AI Strategy: 5 Research-Backed Best Practices: https://bit.ly/4z1LM5r
WEBINAR- Merck Animal Health's Journey to Rewiring Planning for Reliability, Agility and Trust: https://bit.ly/4B6Iq3f
WEBINAR- Belgian Chocolate, Smarter Forecasting: Barry Callebaut Is Transforming Global Demand Planning: https://bit.ly/48iDzyR

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/driving-business-growth-through-smarter-ai-investments-1659

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 plays a critical role in keeping global supply chains moving. Yet behind the systems, much of the coordination still depends on emails, spreadsheets, and manual follow-ups. Can AI agents change that?
Supply Chain Now hosts Scott Luton and Rick McDonald welcome Nick Gospodinov, co-founder and CEO of Mandel AI, to explore how agentic AI is transforming supplier communication, procurement workflows, and supply chain coordination.
Nick shares how AI agents can spot disruptions, handle backorders, and bring together information scattered across different systems. He explains how these tools can take repetitive tasks off employees' plates while keeping people in control of important decisions. The discussion offers practical insights into where AI can make a difference today and how supply chains can move beyond simply recording information to taking action.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(05:55) From kid programmer to supply chain founder
(09:33) Why a $26T industry runs on email
(13:21) When the truth sits in an inbox
(17:44) Email's hidden cost and lost tribal knowledge
(20:38) How AI agents resolve backorders for buyers
(26:08) One person directing hundreds of AI agents
(28:13) Why SOPs never match how work happens
(34:24) Scaling without headcount: ROI in 24 hours
(40:55) What a self-coordinating supply chain looks like
(43:37) From system of record to action
(45:49) How to connect with Nick and Mandel AI
(46:28) Rick's takeaway: Keep humans in the loop

Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Nick Gospodinov: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-gospodinov
Learn more about Mandel AI: https://www.mandel.ai/
Connect with Rick McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickmcdonald82
Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton
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 MFG.inc’s Frontline Leadership Certificate: MFG.inc/training
WEBINAR- Detect, decide, deliver: improving disruption response across the supply chain: https://bit.ly/4rXhmiI
WEBINAR- Planning Your 2027 AI Strategy: 5 Research-Backed Best Practices: https://bit.ly/4z1LM5r
WEBINAR- Merck Animal Health's Journey to Rewiring Planning for Reliability, Agility and Trust: https://bit.ly/4B6Iq3f
WEBINAR- Belgian Chocolate, Smarter Forecasting: Barry Callebaut Is Transforming Global Demand Planning: https://bit.ly/48iDzyR

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Rick McDonald, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/future-self-coordinting-supply-chains-ai-agents-action-1658


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.

What can Amazon's early days teach us about today's retail landscape, startup challenges, and holiday supply chain planning? With billions in Prime Day sales, rising startup failures, and an unusual peak shipping season, supply chain leaders have plenty to consider as the year comes to a close.
In this episode of The Buzz, powered by Altium, host Kim Reuter is joined by fellow members of The Collective, Kerry Gibson-Morris, Jack Mowreader, and Derreck Travers, to break down the latest developments in e-commerce, entrepreneurship, and global supply chains. Drawing on their firsthand experiences helping build Amazon's early operations, the panel discusses the evolution of Prime Day, the balance between customer loyalty and profitability, and the growing influence of AI-assisted shopping. They also explore why venture capital-backed startups are struggling, what separates successful founders from failed ventures, and the importance of understanding customer needs, managing finances, and knowing when to pivot. Finally, the group examines the 2026 Q4 shipping outlook, including early inventory movement, port congestion, trucking capacity, and strategies for navigating continued supply chain disruptions.
Key Takeaways
Amazon Prime Day's evolution: Discover how Amazon's early shipping and inventory strategies helped shape Prime Day and influence modern e-commerce.
Retail trends and consumer behavior: Explore Prime Day sales performance, discount strategies, AI-assisted purchasing, and what early holiday shopping could mean for retailers.
Why startups fail: Understand how weak unit economics, unrealistic expectations, venture capital pressures, and a lack of customer focus can threaten new businesses.
Lessons from Amazon's early leaders: Learn why calculated risks, rapid experimentation, financial discipline, and the willingness to fail fast are essential to long-term success.
Q4 shipping and import challenges: Examine how early inventory movement, tariffs, port congestion, and transportation capacity are affecting holiday supply chains.
Preparing for peak season: Hear practical advice on contingency planning, securing carrier capacity, maintaining inventory buffers, and preparing for post-holiday returns.
Whether you're managing a supply chain, building a startup, or preparing for the holiday retail rush, this episode offers valuable lessons from leaders who helped shape modern e-commerce. Tune in for firsthand Amazon stories, practical business insights, and strategies to help your organization stay flexible, profitable, and prepared for whatever comes next.
Additional Links & Resources:
Altium Develop: https://bit.ly/Try-Altium-Develop
With That Said: https://bit.ly/With-That-Said-Newsletter
Online spend during Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days neared $10B in the US: https://bit.ly/4sBPPnl
Record Startup Shutdowns Reflect a Market That Is Moving Forward: https://bit.ly/4jPvYyA
U.S. ocean container imports set September record as China shipments rise: https://bit.ly/4iwEZu2
Altium Agile Teams: https://www.altium.com/agile/teams
Connect with Kim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-reuter-csg/
Connect with Kerry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-gibson-morris-179453/
Connect with Jack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmowreader/
Connect with Derreck on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrecktravers/
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 MFG.inc’s Frontline Leadership Certificate: MFG.inc/training
WEBINAR- Detect, decide, deliver: improving disruption response across the supply chain: https://bit.ly/4rXhmiI
WEBINAR- Planning Your 2027 AI Strategy: 5 Research-Backed Best Practices: https://bit.ly/4z1LM5r
WEBINAR- Merck Animal Health's Journey to Rewiring Planning for Reliability, Agility and Trust: https://bit.ly/4B6Iq3f
WEBINAR- Belgian Chocolate, Smarter Forecasting: Barry Callebaut Is Transforming Global Demand Planning: https://bit.ly/48iDzyR
This episode was hosted by Kim Reuter, Kerry Gibson-Morris, Jack Mowreader, and Derreck Travers, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/thebuzz-prime-day-peak-season-the-collective-1657

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.

Freight costs are climbing, capacity is tightening, and demand isn’t keeping pace. What’s driving today’s transportation market?
In this episode, Scott Luton and co-host Karin Bursa welcome Jeff Pape, Senior Vice President, Head of Product & Marketing Global Transportation at U.S. Bank, and Eric Olson, Support Operations Director, Partnership and Business Development at Total Quality Logistics (TQL), for a live discussion on the Q3 2026 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index. Drawing on nearly $46 billion in freight transactions, Jeff reveals how shipper spending increased by more than 30% despite marginal shipment growth, signaling a market driven by capacity constraints rather than demand.
They also explore regional freight trends, from data center construction fueling activity in the Southeast to shifting import strategies nationwide. Eric shares his outlook on tightening truckload capacity, rising transportation rates, and a potentially sharper peak season. The panel emphasizes the importance of data-driven planning, proactive communication, and stronger shipper-carrier relationships to help supply chain leaders navigate uncertainty and prepare for continued volatility.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(01:17) Why freight market volatility is increasing
(01:58) Inside the Q3 2026 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index
(03:48) Meet the freight market experts
(07:24) Why capacity is driving the freight market
(09:15) How supply chain leaders use freight data
(11:56) Why freight spending is outpacing shipment growth
(15:25) Regional freight trends and economic drivers
(19:11) What to expect from Q4 peak season
(22:08) How data centers and tariffs impact transportation
(27:46) Freight market outlook and rising rates
(30:24) Navigating capacity constraints through stronger partnerships
(33:41) How to become a shipper of choice
(39:33) Why data and relationships drive better decisions

Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Eric Olson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-olson-a9a0a1b/
Learn more about Total Quality Logistics: https://www.tql.com/
Connect with Jeff Pape: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-pape-105a759/
Learn more about U.S. Bank: https://www.usbank.com/index.html
Learn more about U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://www.usbank.com/corporate-and-commercial-banking/industry-expertise/transportation/freight-payment-insights.html
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 MFG.inc’s Frontline Leadership Certificate: MFG.inc/training
WEBINAR- Detect, decide, deliver: improving disruption response across the supply chain: https://bit.ly/4rXhmiI
WEBINAR- Planning Your 2027 AI Strategy: 5 Research-Backed Best Practices: https://bit.ly/4z1LM5r
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/sneak-preview-q3-2026-us-bank-freight-payment-index-1656

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.