Small tweaks in processes can result in unexpected financial windfalls and improved employee satisfaction.   Kevin Lawton, warehouse operations expert and Founder of The New Warehouse podcast,  discusses a wealth of insights into current trends and the critical role of foundational process improvements. The conversation shifts towards the importance of automating mundane tasks, the profound potential for digital transformation across companies, and the surprising financial benefits...

In this episode of Next Level Supply Chain’s special series Behind the Barcode, Liz and Reid speak with Jess Urriola, the VP of Product Management at GS1 US, about GS1 US Data Hub - a tool built to secure data sharing between brand owners and trading partners. They talk about why this service is pivotal for maintaining data quality across the global supply chain, both from the strategic and technical aspects, from creating UPC barcodes to combating GTIN misuse. Learn how GS1 US Data Hub...

Chuck Lasley, IT Director at Dillard’s, explains the pivotal role of 2D barcodes in retail innovation, illustrating Dillard's strategy of incorporating these versatile codes into their products, which range from apparel to accessories. Amidst the growing demand for intricate product details, Chuck emphasizes the imperative for sales associates to be adept in product knowledge facilitated by 2D barcodes. As Chuck explains, 2D barcodes can lead to improved inventory management, better customer...

Global Supply Chains are dramatically shifting due to economic shifts such as rising interest rates and inflation. There is a pressing need for efficiency, from reducing FBA fees to renegotiating costs and finding ingenious savings in your supply chain. Burak Yolga, Co-Founder and CEO of Forceget, talks with hosts Liz Sertl and Reid Jackson about this and his journey through the intricate world of global supply chains. Drawing on examples from industry leaders, he offers a fresh perspective...

Radio frequency identification (RFID) and 2D barcodes are transforming how we handle the supply chain.  Sarah Jones Fairchild, Vice President of Sales Operations at SWIM USA, talks 2D barcode applications for customer safety, efficiency in retail checkout, inventory management, and the broader implications for companies as they prepare for the technological demands of the future. Sarah explains the importance of high-quality data and the impact of incorrect data on consumers. She also...

The COVID-19 pandemic threatened to derail supply chain management completely. Or did it? Yossi Sheffi, distinguished MIT professor and an expert with 49 years in supply chain management, breaks down supply chain resilience into five levels and argues that supply chain managers were unsung heroes during the pandemic. Yossi also touches on balancing resilience with sustainability, pointing out that while essential, both can introduce short-term costs and competitive imbalances. He underscores...

Keeping track of product information and inventory with multiple barcode types can be tricky for businesses.  Gena Morgan, who leads the standards team at GS1 US, shares valuable insights into the world of barcodes, specifically focusing on the transition from traditional 1D barcodes to 2D barcodes and the importance of GS1 standards in driving industry adoption. Gena explains the technical differences between traditional linear barcodes and 2D barcodes, such as QR codes and GS1 DataMatrix,...

Tracking and managing inventory from end-to-end is challenging for business merchants dealing with perishable food items. Lichen Zhang, co-founder of Freshly Commerce, is changing how merchants handle the complexities of tracking bundles, managing perishable inventory, and the significance of complying with regulations such as FSMA 204. The company's initial success with its foundation, growth, and innovative solutions for inventory and order fulfillment in the e-commerce industry spurred...

Real-time data monitoring is revolutionizing maintenance and efficiency in industries such as aviation and automotive through digital twin technology. Richard Donaldson, host of the Supply Chain Next podcast, is a visionary in supply chain management and circular economy advocate. His  insights on moving from linear to circular supply chains highlight the potential for substantial environmental benefits and the importance of embracing reuse, especially in the context of his work with...

Anne Bernier from Topco and Rishi Banerjee from the Consumer Brands Association are a wealth of knowledge from the frontlines of industry innovation. They join Reid and Liz on this episode to delve into the world of QR codes, the groundbreaking Smart Label program, and new technologies such as Flash Food and Too Good to Go, two platforms looking to reduce food waste.  Anne shares how Topco is revolutionizing the grocery space with smart label initiatives championing transparency and...

Lisa Lane is the innovative mind behind Rinseroo, an e-comm shower darling to solve the pain point of washing big dogs in the shower. She joins Reid and Liz to discuss the intricacies of bringing a new product to market, including the importance of building and maintaining brand identity and the need for brand protection in the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce.  Her perspective offers practical advice for entrepreneurs seeking to establish and safeguard their brands in online...

Join us as we chat with Andrew Morgans, Founder and CEO at Marknology, about emerging trends in e-commerce, techniques for maximizing profits, and tips for success for both small and large businesses.   Andrew emphasizes the importance of intentional strategy, scaling warehouse operations, an in-depth understanding of the numbers, and reliance on experts for Amazon selling success regardless of your business size. He addresses the challenges faced by new products on Amazon that lack UPC...

As the supply chain is constantly changing and evolving, it is critical to understand the dynamic challenges ahead and leverage past experiences in these transformations.  In this episode, we speak with Bob Ferrari, Managing Director of the Ferrari Consulting and Research Group and Founder of the Supply Chain Matters blog. Bob speaks about hottest topics in supply chain today such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and specifically, generative AI. Bob shares how these innovations...

Picture a world where healthcare is not just a service but a promise of transparency and safety. In this ever-evolving landscape, a groundbreaking transformation is taking place, driven by the demands of both consumers and patients. They are clamoring for information that is clear, traceable, and trustworthy. And at the heart of this shift lies the adoption of two-dimensional (2D) barcodes and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies. But how do you prepare for this monumental...

In today’s retail environment, consumers and logistics are constantly evolving. Wondering how these evolutions will affect your in-store shopping experience? Join us as we chat with Omni Talk to discuss retail technology innovations, how they will change the physical store environment, and what’s on the horizon for omnichannel commerce.  Key takeaways:  The future of retail lies in technology and innovation. The episode emphasizes the importance of retailers embracing technological...

The demand for recycled content and sustainable business practices continues to grow rapidly. Join us as we chat with Jeremy Douglas, Director of Partnerships at Delterra, to learn more about reducing plastic waste, creating enhanced waste streams, and utilizing standards to track plastics throughout the supply chain. Key takeaways:  Traceability and transparency are crucial in the global effort to address plastic pollution and promote a circular economy. Delterra is focusing on...

Ever wonder what it’s like to build a brand from the ground up? Or how to take your inventions from an idea to reality? Join us for a conversation with Brian Fried from the National Inventor Club, on best practices when establishing a brand and the steps for commercializing your inventions.   Key takeaways:  Connecting with like-minded individuals, seeking advice, and sharing resources are key. This sense of community fosters collaboration, provides support and opens up opportunities for...

In today’s environment, understanding your supply chain is critical to the success of your business. Join us as we chat with Lisa Anderson, President of LMA Consulting Group, about what’s going on in the supply chain, technology trends, and why it’s important to have standards.    Key takeaways: The combination of business intelligence, predictive analytics, and other tools can drive positive results for companies and improve decision-making in areas like production, purchasing, and...

Selling on Amazon can be overwhelming and complicated. A lot of Amazon sellers lose 1-3% of their inventory, and most of the time they don’t even know! Join us as we chat with Yoni Mazor from GETIDA, to discuss how to tackle fulfillment issues and put more money back in your pocket when selling on Amazon.   Key takeaways: GETIDA provides software and technology to track inventory in real-time on Amazon's fulfillment centers. Discrepancies in FBA transactions can range from 1% to 3% of...

Today, the speed of change in the market and on Amazon is rapid, making it difficult for brands to keep up and see continued success. But never fear, Shannon Roddy, of Avenue7Media, is here to give us insights into the brand-building strategies you need to succeed on Amazon, and beyond!    Key takeaways: Building a defensible brand is crucial for long-term success. Invest in building a brand that is recognizable, trustworthy, and unique to differentiate yourself from your competitors. ...

Coming at you from this year’s GS1 Connect conference in Denver, Reid sits down with six out of the seven finalists for GS1 US’s Startup Lab Pitch Competition. These founders dive into their startup stories, groundbreaking technology solutions, and so much more!   Key takeaways: Every year, the GS1 US Startup Lab Pitch Competition provides partnership opportunities for new and innovative companies. These founders travel from all over the globe to meet up with GS1 Connect attendees,...

Navigating the future of the healthcare industry may seem like a daunting journey, but don’t fear, digital tools and best practices can help! Join us as we chat with American Expediting about their transition into the life sciences business and how standards play a role in managing change in the healthcare industry.   Key takeaways: From transporting time-sensitive medications for children with renal failure to coordinating organ, blood, and tissue transportation for transplantation, the...

Did you know that over 100 million tons of textile waste is produced every year? Online returns are a major contributor to this number and as much as 25% of these items have never been worn! Join us as we chat with Ryan Treft, Founder of Resale.com, to discuss how rethinking reverse logistics can reduce waste and increase recovery in mixed lot inventory.   Key takeaways: Resale.com focuses on redistributing net new items that have been returned in mass to help with the retail’s...

Inventory-limited product buys, like greeting cards, can be time-consuming for consumers and – a lot of the time – may result in them not finding what they truly need. Enter the concept of customized commerce: automated, streamlined, and personalized products on demand.  David Henry, co-founder of a cutting-edge greeting card company, Card Isle, joins Next Level Supply Chain to talk all about customized commerce. With roots in the engineering space, David took a leap of faith with some of...