Supply Chain Now

In this episode of The Buzz, powered by APL Logistics, Scott Luton is joined by Marty Parker and special guest Thomas Beil, founder and CEO of Perfect Planner, for a timely conversation on supply chain performance, workforce challenges, decision intelligence, and the future of planning.

The conversation explores what leading supply chain organizations have in common, including customer focus, leadership alignment, clear strategy, balanced metrics, and a culture of innovation. Scott, Marty, and Thomas also discuss the growing memory chip crunch, how retailers are using tariff refunds to lower prices, and the rising demand for supply chain talent with AI skills. The discussion then dives into the democratization of expertise, the power of AI to capture institutional knowledge, and why decision intelligence may be the missing layer between data visibility and better execution. Thomas also shares how Perfect Planner is helping manufacturers move beyond spreadsheets and into a more proactive, standardized, and scalable planning process.

Key Takeaways:

The five traits leading supply chain organizations consistently demonstrate

Why technology projects often fail because of leadership and process issues, not the technology itself

How the memory chip shortage is being driven by AI infrastructure demand

Why supply chain talent, AI skills, and workforce design are becoming urgent priorities

How AI can help capture and scale institutional knowledge across organizations

Why decision intelligence is critical for turning fragmented data into clear action

How manufacturers can reduce planning waste and help teams focus on strategic value

What the planning organization of 2031 may look like

Tune in to hear practical insights on where supply chain planning, AI, and workforce strategy are headed next. This episode offers a smart look at how organizations can move beyond visibility, spreadsheets, and reactive decision-making to create more integrated, proactive, and execution-focused supply chains.

Additional Resources and Links: 

Connect with Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-beil-757290ab/

Learn more about Perfect Planner: www.perfectplanner.io

APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/

With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-14-June-2026

Join us live for Supply Chains to Admire 2026: https://bit.ly/Supply-Chains-to-Admire-2026-LIVE

Marty's Post: https://bit.ly/Marty-StandUp-2026

EasyPost Case Study: https://bit.ly/2M-Saved-and-Fewer-Late-Deliveries

Apple to Raise Prices Due to Memory Chip Crunch, Tim Cook Says: https://on.wsj.com/4vrYWaP

David's Post: https://bit.ly/Logistics-Behind-WC

How Texas Ranchers Are Fighting a Long-Eradicated Cattle Killer: https://on.wsj.com/3SI8xvm

Learn more about APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/responsibility/apll_fixes_the_gap

A logistics company designed an AI tool inspired by its supply-chain veteran COO. Meet Uncle Phil. https://bit.ly/Uncle-Phil-AI

What Is Supply Chain Decision Intelligence, and Why It Matters Now: https://bit.ly/Decision-Intelligence-LVP

Key Takeaways from SAP Sapphire: https://bit.ly/SAP-Sapphire-2026-Takeaways

Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/

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- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv

WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc

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/buzz-why-supply-chain-planning-needs-decision-intelligence-upgrade-1601

 

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.

Most companies aren't struggling with procurement because they're spending too little on technology. They're struggling because they're building intelligence on top of fragmented data, disconnected workflows, and outdated operating models.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa are joined by Mark Schenecker, VP of Manufacturing Industries at Coupa, for a data-driven conversation on the future of direct procurement. Drawing from Coupa's State of Direct Procurement 2026 report, Mark unpacks why procurement leaders are pulling away from the pack and why AI alone isn't the differentiator many organizations think it is. From fragmented data and disconnected workflows to the growing importance of supplier visibility and risk intelligence, the discussion explores what separates companies that react to disruption from those that anticipate it.

Together, they explore why clean, connected data must come before AI, why leading organizations have moved beyond price-only sourcing decisions, and why procurement deserves a strategic seat at the table.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:04) Why procurement is becoming a strategic competitive advantage 

(01:17) Moving away from a 1986 approach to procurement 

(02:41) Meet Mark Schenecker: Three decades of supply chain innovation

(07:13) Behind the State of Direct Procurement 2026 report

(08:01) The critical leap from generative AI to agentic AI 

(09:13) How a digital front door simplifies the employee experience

(13:46) The $16 million cost of operating on fragmented infrastructure 

(17:02) Why sophisticated analytics on messy data just produces more noise 

(21:36) The three-pillar framework: Infrastructure and foundation first 

(26:17) Moving beyond unit price to build supply chain resiliency 

(28:25) Shifting from passive reporting to active decision intelligence 

(30:09) Closing the procurement influence deficit at the executive table 

(35:08) Breaking down the hidden silos between direct and indirect spend 

(39:36) Real-world outcomes from Albemarle, Glencore, and ADM 

(48:20) Key takeaways, maturity assessments, and closing thoughts

Additional Links & Resources:

Connect with Mark Schenecker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schenecker/

Learn more about Coupa Software: https://www.coupa.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- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t

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/infrastructure-gap-direct-procurement-at-breaking-point-1600

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.

Supply chain technology is evolving rapidly, but cargo criminals are moving even faster.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Scott DeGroot are joined by Krenar Komoni (Founder & CEO of Tive) and Fernando Boom (Director of Transportation at Venture Metals +) to break down the massive shift from physical yard thefts to sophisticated, identity-based freight fraud.

Fernando shares a thrilling firsthand account of how a family road trip turned into a real-time recovery mission for a hijacked $240,000 shipment of copper. While the driver successfully bypassed the physical bolt seals, covert tracking technology thwarted the heist and led to a first-degree felony arrest. Krenar pairs this narrative with over a decade of visibility expertise, unpacking how modern criminals leverage AI, chameleon carriers, fraudulent MC numbers, and double brokering to vanish with high-value freight.

Moving past a reactive postmortem claims model, the panel outlines a definitive blueprint for proactive, layered defense. They explore how real-time telemetry, including route deviation alerts and light sensors, empowers logistics teams to stop fraud mid-transit. Scott DeGroot concludes by highlighting the critical enterprise costs of cargo loss, challenging shippers to audit their networks, tighten dock-level verifications, and eliminate the weak links that bad actors exploit.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:38) Meet Venture Metals and Tive leaders

(03:53) Art shows and World Cup picks

(06:04) Venture Metals recycling and logistics role

(07:37) Tive delivers real-time shipment visibility

(09:28) Fraud tactics driving cargo theft surge

(16:29) Layered alerts detect theft in transit

(23:03) Prepare before theft happens, not after

(24:03) Light alerts trigger copper theft investigation

(26:11) Telemetry exposes route diversion and deception

(27:52) Alerts only matter when teams respond

(30:19) Police intercept truck at Wichita Falls

(31:24) Driver bypasses seal but gets caught

(32:47) Trust data and involve law enforcement

(36:10) Technology helps monitor risky driver behavior

(38:16) Build six layers of cargo security

(44:29) Use Tive before theft strikes

(47:22) Resources for protecting high-value shipments

Additional Links & Resources:

Connect with Krenar Komoni: https://www.linkedin.com/in/komoni/

Connect with Fernando Boom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-boom-a06513372/

Connect with Scott DeGroot: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-degroot-4600368/

Learn more about Venture Metals +: https://venturemet.com/

Learn more about Tive: https://www.tive.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- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t

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/240k-shipment-saved-venture-metals-realtime-rescue-1599

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.

On this episode of The Buzz, powered by APL Logistics, hosts Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson break down the latest developments shaping global supply chains, transportation, technology, and workforce safety. From geopolitical developments impacting global shipping lanes to autonomous trucking, World Cup logistics, and innovative warehouse safety solutions, this conversation delivers timely insights on the trends supply chain leaders need to understand.

The discussion begins with a look at workforce wellbeing and the growing importance of addressing stress, burnout, and employee health in today’s fast-paced business environment. Scott and Richard then explore the implications of a developing U.S.-Iran peace agreement and what it could mean for global shipping, trade flows, and the Strait of Hormuz. The conversation shifts to PepsiCo’s expanding use of autonomous trucking technology and the continued evolution of automation across supply chain operations. Later, the hosts examine the immense logistics required to support the 2026 FIFA World Cup before discussing emerging threats to the beef supply chain from the resurgence of the screwworm pest. Finally, special guest Brodie Cook, President of Fork Mule and winner of the MODEX 2026 Startup Solution of the Year Award, shares insights on warehouse safety, material handling innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of automation.

Key Takeaways

Why workforce health and burnout prevention remain critical leadership priorities.

How developments in the Middle East could impact global trade routes and shipping activity.

What PepsiCo’s investment in autonomous trucking signals for the future of transportation.

The massive logistics operation required to support the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

How labor shortages and biological threats continue to challenge agricultural supply chains.

Why warehouse safety innovation remains a major opportunity for supply chain improvement.

Lessons entrepreneurs can learn from ForkMule’s journey from idea to award-winning solution.

The growing role of automation and AI in warehouses, material handling, and fleet operations.

If you want a practical look at the trends reshaping supply chains—from autonomous transportation and AI-powered operations to workforce safety, global trade, and entrepreneurship—this episode delivers valuable perspectives from industry leaders and innovators. You'll gain actionable insights on how technology, resilience, and execution continue to drive supply chain success.

Additional Links & Resources:

APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/

With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-14-June-2026

From 10% chance of success to $2 trillion market cap: SpaceX’s historic IPO: https://cnb.cx/3S9zo3o

EasyPost Case Study:https://bit.ly/2M-Saved-and-Fewer-Late-Deliveries

Big Peanut: https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/13562

Webinar: https://bit.ly/PepsiCo-And-AutoScheduler-Webinar

PepsiCo expanding autonomous truck use in its supply chain: https://bit.ly/PepsiCo-Expands-Autonomous-Trucks

David's Post: https://bit.ly/Logistics-Behind-WC

How Texas Ranchers Are Fighting a Long-Eradicated Cattle Killer: https://on.wsj.com/3SI8xvm

Closing the Gap Between Planning and Execution: https://www.apllogistics.com/responsibility/apll_fixes_the_gap

ProMat: https://www.promatshow.com/

Fork Mule: https://forkmule.com/

From Automation to Autonomy: How AI Robotics Are Reshaping the Warehouse: https://bit.ly/Josh-Cloer-Nomagic

Connect with Brodie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brodie-cook-6a51a1122/

Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddonaldson/

Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes: https://supplychainnow.com/brands/supply-chain-now/

Subscribe to Supply Chain Now: https://linktr.ee/Supplychainnow

Check out the Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/

Work with Us! Download the Supply Chain Now 2026 Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/

Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/

WEBINAR- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson. For additional information, please visit the dedicated shoaw page at: https://supplychainnow.com/the-buzz-world-cup-logistics-pepsico-autonomous-future-forklift-safety-innovation-1598

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.

Supply chain technology has been evolving rapidly, but the biggest shifts in operational excellence may still be unfolding.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Wiley Jones are joined by Ben Gordon, founder and managing partner of Cambridge Capital LLC. Together, they explore what it truly means to scale businesses in the global supply chain, from workflow automation and AI-driven predictive pricing to strategic M&A and operational leadership.

Ben draws on nearly 25 years of experience investing in, building, and advising supply chain companies, including XPO, Greenscreens, and Everest. He makes the case for focusing relentlessly on “the one big thing,” executing with discipline, and using technology not just to cut costs but to enable growth. He also unpacks how AI and workflow automation are transforming logistics operations, creating triple-win outcomes for teams, customers, and the broader ecosystem.

Ben shares the leadership principles that guide him: integrate external insights, be brutally honest in self-assessment, “simplify, focus, execute”, and know when bold, strategic moves are needed. He also highlights the importance of operational rigor and culture, demonstrating how leaders can turn competitors into partners and make businesses indispensable to customers.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:51) Deep Supply Chain Roots

(05:08) Advisory vs. Growth Capital

(06:38) Three Top-of-Mind Market Trends

(11:33) Practical Value of AI in Logistics

(14:47) Growth Focused Approach Not Cost Cutting

(16:40) Leadership and Operational Discipline Create Value

(19:19) Brad Jacobs Scaling Playbook Revealed

(24:27) Volatility Demands Focus and Execution

(28:21) Investors’ Perspective on Tech Opportunities

(31:15) Founder Reality Check Lessons Learned

(35:11) Market Skepticism & The SaaSpocalypse

(39:56) Who Wins and Scales Long Term

(43:39) Final Advice Start With Outside In

(48:13) BGSA Deals Pipeline and Highlights

(51:59) Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

Additional Links & Resources:

Connect with Ben Gordon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengordon18/

Connect with Wiley Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wileycwjones/

Learn more about Cambridge Capital LLC: https://www.cambridgecapital.com/

Learn more about Doss: https://www.doss.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- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf

WEBINAR- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t

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/top-of-the-deal-table-ai-supply-chain-next-wave-value-1597

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.