Speaking of Supply Chain

Safety isn’t just a compliance checklist anymore.As regulations shift and oversight relaxes, companies are being challenged to uphold their own safety standards while keeping operations running at full speed. The question is, how do you protect people and productivity at the same time?In this episode, Ellen Wood talks with Justin Malone, Director of Field Safety at Miner, about how organizations can build safety cultures that last. Justin shares how proactive maintenance, near-miss reporting, and leadership accountability can turn safety from a cost center into a competitive advantage.In this episode:Why fewer regulations mean stronger internal responsibilityHow near-miss reporting prevents costly incidentsThe link between safety culture and operational performance

The loading dock is finally getting an upgrade.For decades, it has been one of the biggest bottlenecks in logistics, slowing operations, increasing risk, and putting extra strain on warehouse teams. But what if the dock could become one of the fastest and safest parts of your operation?In this episode, Ellen Wood talks with Mason Cole from Slip Robotics about how their five-minute trailer loading system is changing the way warehouses move goods. Mason explains how the technology makes work safer, empowers teams instead of replacing them, and creates a faster, more predictable flow across the entire supply chain.In this episode:Why dock automation has fallen behind other parts of the warehouseHow Slip Robotics improves speed, safety, and labor efficiencyWhat happens when the dock becomes a strategic advantage

Tariffs. Talent gaps. Tech hype.As 2026 approaches, supply chain leaders face a new wave of disruption from shifting trade policies to automation investments that don’t always deliver. The challenge is not how to avoid volatility, but how to turn it into an advantage.In this episode, Ellen Wood talks with Steve Shebuski, Managing Director of Presales Solutions at MCA Connect, about how smart scenario planning, reshoring strategies, and AI-driven data can help organizations navigate uncertainty with confidence. Steve shares why planning small, moving fast, and investing in strong data foundations will define the leaders of the next era.In this episode:How to reframe disruption as a competitive advantagePractical first steps toward reshoring and regionalizationWhy accurate data and agile planning are becoming supply chain superpowers

Cybersecurity is no longer a side issue for supply chains.As global logistics becomes more connected and digitally dependent, protecting data and operations from cyber threats has become mission critical.In this episode, Ellen Wood sits down with Caleb Mattingly, CEO of Secure Cloud Innovations, to unpack the evolving risks facing logistics networks. From compliance pressures to insider threats and even the vulnerabilities hidden in everyday devices, Caleb shares what leaders need to know to keep their supply chains resilient in an era of constant digital risk.In this episode:Why logistics is becoming a prime target for cyber attacksThe role of compliance frameworks and insurance in building resilienceHow companies can protect data while expanding automation and connectivity

The bottleneck isn’t the problem. The problem is building a system where that bottleneck shouldn’t exist in the first place.In this episode, Ellen Wood sits down with Brent Hagan, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Lob, to unpack how teams can reach Amazon-level speed without locking themselves into Amazon-level infrastructure. They break down why “postage is a pass through” is a costly myth, how zone-based pricing changes the game for direct mail, and why shrinking a partner network can actually raise quality at scale.In this episode:The shift from optimizing tasks to designing for outcomesHow to deliver faster by routing with software instead of adding fixed assetsWhat zone-based pricing and the postage myth mean for budgets and ROI

The warehouse labor gap isn’t going away.Turnover is high, workers are hard to find, and the demand for faster fulfillment keeps climbing. Robotics and AI aren’t just about efficiency anymore—they’re reshaping how companies keep people safe, engaged, and focused on the work that matters.In this episode, Ellen Wood sits down with Dr. Jan Zizka, CEO of Brightpick, to explore how automation is transforming the warehouse floor. From reducing injury risk to opening up new career paths in robotics, Jan shares how technology is helping facilities build resilience in the face of ongoing labor shortages.In this episode:Why warehouses face growing labor shortages and turnover challengesHow Brightpick’s automation makes work safer and more sustainableThe new roles emerging as humans and robots collaborate inside facilities

Your tech is not the problem. The quiet misalignment between execs, IT, and the warehouse is what sinks ERP, MES, and AI projects.Ellen Wood sits down with Chris Carter, a four-time best-selling author and one of America’s top 10 industry influencers, to unpack how small communication misses become million-dollar delays. They share real stories from SAP and WMS programs where leaders pushed ahead without alignment, plus the fixes that keep strategy and shop-floor reality connected.In this episode:The misalignment patterns that break ERP and MES rollouts, including siloed goals, shadow changes, and skipped data prerequisites for SAP upgradesA simple communication and governance playbook that aligns the C-suite, IT, and warehouse voices, plus why you should never outsource testing to your implementerA real ECC readiness check that halted a doomed migration and what that story teaches about decision rights, meeting rhythms, and field-first feedback

In today’s fractured trade environment, agility can’t come at the cost of reliability. When tariffs shift overnight, supplier networks change fast. Procurement leaders need more than spreadsheets and site visits to keep up. Building trust at scale is no longer just a compliance challenge—it is a growth strategy.This week, host Ellen Wood speaks with Sid Malladi, CEO and Founder of Nuvo, about how supply chain teams are using digital identity, data-rich profiles, and verified risk signals to build trust with new suppliers faster, without sacrificing rigor. Sid explains how platforms like Nuvo are collapsing weeks of vetting into minutes, giving teams a competitive edge when speed, clarity, and credibility are essential.In this episode:How procurement pros are using digital trust to unlock new marketsWhy traditional supplier onboarding is slowing down global sourcingWhat a “trust profile” means and how it travels across bordersHow real-time risk data turns volatility into strategic advantage

Workplace injuries cost U.S. companies over $160 billion a year - and much of that risk hides in plain sight. Traditional safety programs rely on after-the-fact reporting and limited oversight, leaving logistics teams reactive rather than proactive.This week, host Ellen Wood speaks with Jack Braniff of Voxel AI about how logistics and warehouse operators are using computer vision and existing security camera infrastructure to spot risks in real time. Jack shares how Voxel's platform helps teams flag unsafe behavior, coach smarter, and redesign processes to prevent injuries before they happen—all without invading worker privacy.In this episode:How Voxel AI turns video into real-time risk alertsWhy ergonomic risk is often an invisible threatThe safety ROI of smarter, faster interventionsHow data-led coaching improves operations and morale

Maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) have long been treated as an afterthought in supply chain strategy—fragmented, underfunded, and largely invisible to executive planning. But ignoring MRO means leaving millions on the table and risking critical breakdowns across procurement, inventory, and execution.This week, host Ellen Wood speaks with Paul Noble, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-founder of Verusen, about how smarter MRO data and AI-led insights are helping leading companies modernize this overlooked domain. Paul explains how Verusen’s purpose-built platform helps teams trust dirty data, align siloed departments, and transform reactive MRO practices into a strategic advantage. He also shares what it takes to implement change across legacy systems—and why the key to better supply chains might be hiding in your storeroom.In this episode:- Why disconnected MRO systems cost more than you think- How AI can drive immediate value—even with messy data- What strategic sourcing looks like when signals are trusted- The organizational shift required to align maintenance, procurement, and supply chain execution

Disruption is now a constant in freight and logistics. From shifting trade policies to strained infrastructure and rising security threats, supply chains face pressure on all sides. The companies that stay ahead are the ones using real-time data to stay flexible, responsive, and resilient.This week, host Ellen Wood speaks with Maneet Singh, Chief Information Officer and Chief Digital Officer at Odyssey Logistics, about how a strong data foundation is transforming the way freight moves. Maneet breaks down Odyssey’s approach to predictive analytics, AI-powered planning, and integrated platforms that drive speed, sustainability, and better decision-making across the board.In this episode:How real-time visibility creates true freight agilityThe role of structured data in AI successWhy integration is the key to operational speedHow Odyssey uses data to cut emissions and boost resilience

Labor shortages, high turnover, and outdated training methods are holding back warehouse and distribution center performance across the supply chain. As logistics operations grow more complex, many teams still rely on static SOPs and outdated LMS systems, leaving managers unequipped to coach and retain their teams effectively.This week, host Ellen Wood speaks with Tim Regnier, CEO and Founder of Smart Access, about a smarter approach to frontline coaching. Tim shares how real-time feedback, behavior-based insights, and modern coaching tools are helping logistics teams close skill gaps, improve safety, and build stronger, more resilient operations.In this episode:Why training alone won’t fix execution gapsHow Smart Access cut ramp time by 64%What real frontline visibility looks likeThe key to keeping warehouse teams engaged

Traditional demand planning tools were built for a slower world. In today’s high-velocity CPG environment, waiting days or weeks for retail data means missed sales, rising stockouts, and overstuffed inventory. But what if brands could detect market shifts in real time and respond before the next order even hits?This week, host Ellen Wood sits down with Joel Beal, CEO and Co-founder of Alloy.ai, to explore how real-time retail feedback is changing the game for supply chain and logistics teams. Joel shares how Alloy’s platform helps CPG brands integrate messy retailer data, spot early demand spikes, and generate prescriptive recommendations that drive both revenue and resilience. He also unpacks the critical role of clean data, agile infrastructure, and change-ready culture in unlocking next-level forecasting and replenishment.In this episode:What’s broken in traditional forecasting and inventory planningWhy retail feedback is the most valuable signal CPGs aren’t usingHow real-time visibility helps avoid lost sales and stockoutsThe mindset shift required to move from static plans to responsive supply chains

As AI adoption accelerates across the supply chain, many manufacturers are realizing that success requires more than just technology. Scaling AI is not only about building better models: it also depends on strong data infrastructure, effective training programs, and capturing institutional knowledge before it walks out the door.This week, host Ellen Wood speaks with Bryan DeBois, Director of Industrial AI at RoviSys, about the deeper challenges of implementing AI in industrial operations. Bryan shares insights from more than two decades in the field, offering a practical look at what it takes to move from isolated pilots to scalable, long-term solutions. He also explores how autonomous AI is beginning to reshape the future of manufacturing and why the human element still matters most.In this episodeWhy industrial supply chains struggle to scale AI successfullyThe role of data maturity, training, and expert knowledge transferHow AI can drive both operational excellence and sustainabilityWhy autonomous AI is the next leap for manufacturing leaders

Supply chains weren’t built for the complexity of today’s world. Outdated infrastructure, siloed thinking, and an obsession with cost-efficiency have left operations vulnerable to constant disruption. The real issue isn’t speed or scale—it’s strategic misalignment.This week, host Ellen Wood sits down with Dr. Ayman Omar, Professor and Associate Dean of Graduate Programs at the Kogod School of Business at American University. Together, they dig into the mindset shift needed to build resilient supply chains, the overlooked risks hiding in legacy systems, and why logistics leaders must rethink everything from talent to technology.In this episode:What’s really driving repeated breakdowns in global supply chainsThe case for total landed risk over total landed costHow cross-functional strategy builds adaptabilityThe talent gap no one’s talking about but everyone’s feeling

With economic turbulence, rising tariffs, and global supply chain disruptions reshaping industries, agility is no longer optional: it's the ultimate competitive advantage. Startups are finding new ways to adapt faster, operate leaner, and outmaneuver even the biggest players.This week, host Ellen Wood is joined by Adam Callinan, serial entrepreneur and CEO of Pentane, to dive into how smaller companies are reengineering supply chains for speed, resilience, and profitability. Adam shares lessons learned from scaling Bottlekeeper to millions in sales with no employees and explores why solving operational challenges with automation—not headcount—is key to thriving in today’s volatile landscape.In this episode:Why startups are winning the speed race in supply chain and logisticsThe hidden risks of solving supply chain problems by adding headcountHow better financial visibility transforms supply chain decision-making

As global freight capacity tightens and disruption becomes the new norm, small and midsize freight forwarders are under more pressure than ever to compete with logistics giants. But what if smarter, AI-driven platforms could help level the playing field, unlocking efficiency, speed, and scale without ballooning operational costs?This week, host Ellen Wood is joined by Chris Condon, CEO and Founder of Aircon, to explore the growing power of cargo pooling and digital platforms in transforming airfreight operations. Chris shares how Aircon’s platform leverages AI to optimize quoting, booking, and routing—helping logistics teams move faster, adapt in real time, and win bigger in a high-stakes freight market. With real-world success stories and a glimpse into where the industry is headed, this episode reveals how the right tech can turn freight into a strategic edge.Join us as we discuss:How AI-enabled cargo pooling drives down costs and boosts speedThe platform tools helping small forwarders compete at enterprise scaleWhy shared gateways are becoming a freight game-changerHow Aircon helps teams stay agile and operational during major disruptions

As warehouse operations grow more complex, organizations face increasing pressure to maintain process transparency, document systems effectively, and adapt to changing business needs.In this special episode recorded live at LogiMAT 2025,  guest host Christina Schühle (Head of Logistics Management Systems at Miebach) is joined by Philipp Wüst (Head Process Data Analyst) and Ben Pamperrien (SAP Solution Architect) from Westernacher Consulting to explore how SAP Signavio is being used to support end-to-end warehouse optimization.They walk through the full lifecycle of an EWM implementation—from early project phases to post-go-live assessments—highlighting how process mining, modeling, and insights from Signavio can support better decision-making. The conversation also covers real-world challenges around data quality, system complexity, and cross-team collaboration.Discussed in this episode:The difference between Signavio’s Process Insights and Process Intelligence modulesApplying process mining during key project phases like Discover, Prepare, and ExploreWhat a “Warehouse Health Check” involves—and when it’s worth doingTechnical hurdles tied to legacy systems and slow data extraction

Supply chain and logistics have long been male-dominated industries—but that’s changing, as more women are stepping into leadership roles, driving innovation, and shaping the future of global operations. What challenges have these women faced along the way? And what still needs to change to create a truly inclusive industry?This week, in celebration of International Women’s Day, host Ellen Wood sits down with leaders, consultants, and changemakers from Miebach to discuss their journeys as women in supply chain. From overcoming bias to advocating for workplace equity, they share firsthand experiences, pivotal career moments, and the progress they’ve witnessed. We also explore how mentorship, company policies, and male allyship can help create lasting change.Discussed in this episode:Breaking stereotypes and navigating gender bias in logisticsHow companies can foster inclusivity and support women in leadershipAdvice for the next generation of women in supply chain

With the warehouse and distribution landscape rapidly evolving, operations face significant challenges such as labor shortages and rising operational costs. Could your business be operating more efficiently? Discover how AI can help streamline operations, reduce expenses, and improve workforce utilization.This week, host Ellen Wood is joined by Lee Rector, founder of LaborAI, to discuss the pressing challenges facing warehouses and distribution operations, and how these challenges extend beyond the industry. Lee explains how AI can optimize labor efficiency with real-time operational planning and gamification, offering practical solutions that reduce costs, enhance accuracy, and boost employee engagement. The conversation also highlights successful AI implementations that not only improved operations but also contributed to sustainability goals.In this Episode:How Labor AI’s gamification features can optimize workforce efficiencyMoving beyond the average aiming metrics set by traditional WMS systems to improve overall operationsLeveraging AI for sustainability efforts, including opportunities for ESG grantsLearn how to connect with LaborAI and Miebach at ProMat