Next Level Supply Chain with GS1 US GS1 US

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 companies can reap from small operational adjustments.
 
Kevin explains Modex trends and spotlights the value of low-tech solutions and how maintaining standardized and actionable data is pivotal for leveraging advanced robotics and automation systems. The episode emphasizes systemic change, interoperability between solutions, and harnessing robotics and automation to address labor challenges and elevate operational efficiency.
 
Key takeaways: 
Trends at Modex, where robotics took center stage, show that robotics is not just a fascinating concept — it's becoming a practical part of warehouse operations.
Companies need to streamline processes to create a strong foundation that can truly leverage the efficiency of new technologies.
While robots and automation can address labor challenges and efficiency, the orchestration layer will make or break the integration.
 
Resources: 
Learn More About 2D Barcodes
Resources for the Transition from 1D to 2D Barcodes 
Behind the Barcode: Mastering 2D Barcodes with GS1 US
 
Connect with GS1 US:
Our website - www.gs1us.org
GS1 US on LinkedIn
 
Connect with guest:
Kevin Lawton on LinkedIn
Check out The New Warehouse

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 supports regulatory compliance, the importance of global location numbers in traceability, and the benefits of ensuring each product has a unique identifier—similar to a license plate. 
 
Key takeaways: 
How GS1 US Data Hub's user-friendly SaaS platform empowers both small and large businesses to effortlessly manage and authenticate product identifiers and location data, ensuring accuracy and trust throughout the global supply chain.
The critical role of the GS1 Registry Platform (GRP) in combating Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) misuse and fostering global transparency by enabling real-time, cross-border verification of core product attributes for reliable traceability and inventory management.
The strategic advantages of GS1's identification system as Jess Urriola highlights its integral part in compliance with healthcare and food safety regulations, streamlining the entire traceability process from manufacturer to end-point via Global Location Numbers (GLNs).
 
Resources: 
GS1 US’s Data Hub
Data Hub Help Center
Connect with GS1 US:
Our website - www.gs1us.org
GS1 US on LinkedIn
 
Connect with guest:
Jess Urriola on LinkedIn

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 service, and enhanced consumer storytelling possibilities.
The conversation also explores AI's potential in customer service, the impact smartphones have had on computing power, and the potential of automated vehicles in altering supply chain dynamics. Chuck applauds the implementation of evolving technologies like RFID, which are crucial in the industry-wide 'Sunrise 2027' initiative. Sunrise 2027 aims for widespread adoption of 2D barcode scanning by 2027, with Dillards ambitiously targeting an earlier date. This episode covers automation, innovation, and the pursuit of a unique identity within the global supply chain.
 
Key takeaways: 
Technology in customer service is advancing with tools integrating RFID and 2D barcode technologies in supply chain operations to improve accuracy and efficiency.
The retail industry recognizes the importance and advantages of transitioning from 1D to 2D barcodes and RFID technology for improved inventory management, customer service, and access to detailed product information.  
Technological advancements create enriched consumer experiences through unique transaction identifiers and product storytelling.
 
Resources: 
Learn More About 2D Barcodes
Resources for the Transition from 1D to 2D Barcodes 
Behind the Barcode: Mastering 2D Barcodes with GS1 US
 
Connect with GS1 US:
Our website - www.gs1us.org
GS1 US on LinkedIn
 
Connect with guest:
Chuck Lasley on LinkedIn
Check out Dillard’s

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 on the transformative power of digitalization in business processes, focusing on enhancing visibility and standardization to scale. He discusses the complexities of managing international teams across time zones and the critical importance of environmentally conscious shipping practices, including cost-effective innovations like solar-powered vessels.
 
Key takeaways: 
How Forceget has mastered inventory management amidst fluctuating interest rates and complex international logistics.
The financial and operational advantages of eco-innovations and resilient supply chain practices ensure professionals stay ahead of industry trends and environmental mandates.
How their team leverages AI for inventory forecasting, efficient resource allocation, and contingency planning.
 
Resources: 
What is Inventory Management?
Resources for Improving Supply Chain Visibility
 
Connect with GS1 US:
Our website - www.gs1us.org
GS1 US on LinkedIn
 
Connect with guest:
Burak Yolga on LinkedIn
Check out Forceget
 

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 touches on the potential for these technologies to address industry-specific needs and regulatory requirements. 
Sarah highlights her personal experience with tech at home and work, specifically how it helps align information for everyone. The discussion emphasizes the importance of GS1 standards for ensuring compatibility in the supply chain and the necessity of proper data management to fully leverage RFID and 2D barcode capabilities. The conversation levels supply chain tracking information for business owners of all types and why RFID can take a few years to implement. 
 
Key takeaways: 
Integrating RFID and 2D barcode technologies in supply chain operations is essential for improving accuracy and efficiency.
Data quality and management are challenging across industries, particularly with the need for high compatibility and usability standards.
Companies must embrace technologies such as RFID and 2D barcodes for the future.
 
Resources: 
What Is RFID Technology, and How Does It Work?
2D Barcodes: Changing the way you eat, shop, and live
Sunrise 2027: The Next Dimension in Barcodes
Enhance Your Supply Chain Visibility
 
Connect with GS1 US:
Our website - www.gs1us.org
GS1 US on LinkedIn
 
Connect with guest:
Sarah Jones Fairchild on LinkedIn
Check out SWIM USA

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 the delicate balance companies must strike between cost management and maintaining multiple suppliers for risk mitigation.
He expounds on the role of AI in supply chains, emphasizing the importance of leveraging artificial intelligence for identifying alternative suppliers and predictive analysis. The conversation also delves into the roles of machine learning, large language models, and robotics in evolving supply chains. Despite skepticism about fully autonomous applications like pilotless planes, Yossi highlights ongoing experiments with AI as potential co-pilots. The episode concludes with reflections on the rapid technological evolution impacting the professional landscape and the fabric of daily life.
 
Key takeaways: 
Resilience in supply chains is crucial for navigating disruptions and maintaining operational continuity.
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is vital for supply chain management despite potential challenges.
Supply chain resilience and sustainability are critical concerns, as are the investments in these areas.
 
Connect with GS1 US:
Our website - www.gs1us.org
GS1 US on LinkedIn
 
Connect with guest:
Yossi Sheffi on LinkedIn
Check out Yossi’s book - The Magic Conveyor Belt: Supply Chains, A.I., and the Future of Work