The SupplyChainBrain Podcast
Episodes
Cybersecurity in Manufacturing: Is AI the Solution, or the Problem?
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to ensuring data security and compliance, manufacturers’ AI systems are woefully unprepared for hostile threats.
Is This the ‘Year of the Humanoid Robot’?
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Are we experiencing a god complex — obsessed with creating things in our own image?
More Than Labor: Today, Global Sourcing Is All About Total Cost
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In decades past, manufacturers fled the U.S. for Asia in search of lower production expense. But sourcing decisions today are a lot more complicated t...
Raw Materials: The Biggest Breaking Point in Global Supply Chains
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How can manufacturers manage the risk of depending on a single supplier for critical raw materials?
Can U.S. Manufacturing Meet the Needs of Defense and Aerospace?
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Can a domestically based manufacturing industry meet the needs of the defense sector?
The Power of Mentorship in Supply Chain Organizations
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In an era of dazzling technology, are we forgetting what really makes supply chain organizations run?
Psychological Safety in the Workforce: Where Companies Are Falling Short
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What are companies getting wrong about psychological safety in the workplace?
What E-Commerce and Retail Execs Get Wrong About Last-Mile Costs
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to meeting customer expectations for delivery in the e-commerce era, the shortest distance can be the biggest challenge.
K-12: The Key to Bringing Advanced Manufacturing to Rural America
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Advanced manufacturing promises to transform rural America. But the primary education system must step up to support it.
Alternative Delivery Networks: Can They Compete With the Big Parcel Carriers?
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
E-commerce is responsible for an explosion in the number of alternative parcel delivery networks.
From Visibility to Verifiability: Mining the Power of Blockchain
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Does blockchain still hold relevance for global supply chains, or was it a passing fad?
Where Is Logistics Real Estate Headed in 2026?
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to assessing business health, is the logistics real estate market a mirror for the economy at large?
What’s the (Buzz) Word? The Curse of Corporate Language
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why is corporate language so empty, vague and unoriginal?
The New Supply Chain Paradigm: Putting Geopolitics Ahead of Profit
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Supply chains are becoming the new frontlines of geopolitics.
What Will It Really Take to Reshore Manufacturing Back to the U.S.?
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
High tariffs aren’t enough to bring manufacturing back to the United States. What will it really take to make that happen?
It’s Time to Automate the B2B Order-Management Lifecycle
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The order-management lifecycle is ripe for automation — especially in the form of artificial intelligence.
A Conversation With Industry Thought Leader Bart De Muynck
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this bonus episode of The SupplyChainBrain Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Bob Bowman is joined by industry thought leader Bart De Muynck, to tackle the e...
How Procurement Is Making Category Management ‘Intelligent’
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial intelligence — especially agentic AI — is making traditional category management smarter.
Can the U.S. Ever Stop Relying on China for Critical Minerals?
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The United States’ dependence on basic minerals from China and other foreign sources is a huge problem, both from an economic and defense perspectiv...
BONUS EPISODE: A Conversation About Decision Intelligence With Gary van Tassel of INFORM
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this bonus episode of The SupplyChainBrain Podcast, SupplyChainBrain editor-in-chief Bob Bowman speaks with Gary van Tassel, director of terminal a...
Economic Warning Signs: Debt, the Dollar and AI
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The U.S. economy appears to be in decent shape – but there could be some dark clouds massing on the horizon.
A Conversation About AI With Maneet Singh of Odyssey Logistics
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this bonus episode of The SupplyChainBrain Podcast, SupplyChainBrain editor-in-chief Bob Bowman speaks with Maneet Singh, CIO and chief digital off...
Past, Present & Future: The Evolution of Warehouse Technology
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to innovations in warehouse technology, “state of the art” is a constantly moving target.
How to Participate in a New Survey on Defense Supply Chains
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
SupplyChainBrain editor-in-chief Bob Bowman talks with Jim de Vries, founder of Enhance International Group, who is serving as project manager and pro...
What’s Really Going on With Supply Chain AI?
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve been paying attention to the tech news in the several years, you might have acquired the impression that artificial intelligence is on a s...
A Conversation with Bloodhound Tracking Device CEO Curtis Spencer
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this bonus episode of The SupplyChainBrain Podcast, SupplyChainBrain editor-in-chief Bob Bowman speaks with Curtis Spencer, chief executive officer...
Taking the Pain Out of Warehouse Audits With Intelligent Automation
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A case study about automating “wall-to-wall” inventory counts in the warehouse.
BONUS EPISODE: A Conversation With Mario Cordero of the Port of Long Beach
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this bonus episode of The SupplyChainBrain Podcast, SupplyChainBrain editor-in-chief Bob Bowman speaks with Mario Cordero, chief executive officer ...
Boosting Warehouse Efficiency: It’s Not Just About Automation
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Maximizing warehouse efficiency is about more than acquiring shiny new automation systems.
How Advanced Manufacturing Is Transforming America’s Heartland
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is the U.S. about to experience a manufacturing renaissance?
The Plight of the Uyghurs in China: Does the World Care?
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The plight of ethnic Uyghurs in China runs much deeper than it might appear at first glance.
Can AI Make the Logistics Workplace Safer?
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Just how safe are logistics workplaces today?
The Challenge of Compliance: Keeping up With the FDA
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can supply chains stay compliant with the FDA’s changing rules and regulations?
The Cutting Edge of Product Traceability
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Science has given us the tools to trace products all the way back to origin. But are businesses willing to make use of them?
Corporate Diversity and Human Rights: Are We Going Backwards?
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is the push for diversity, equity and inclusion in business dead?
A Call for a U.S. National Robotics Strategy
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Does the United States need a National Robotics Strategy?
How Many Ways Can Customs Hit You for Forced-Labor Violations?
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How is the second Trump Administration enforcing laws against forced labor in global supply chains?
Mitigating Supply Chain Risk: Is Insurance Up to the Challenge?
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Supply chain managers are in a risky business. Does the insurance industry have their back?
Have a Good Trip! The Journey to Logistics Automation
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If picking the right systems for automating logistics is a journey, how do you even get out the door?
The Evolving Role of the Chief Procurement Officer
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There’s always been procurement in supply chains — but today’s CPO is a whole different animal.
How Tariffs Are Transforming the Logistics Landscape
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Importers and exporters aren’t the only ones paying the price of tariffs.
Are You Ready to Talk to a ‘Metahuman’?
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is the “person” you’re talking to on that kiosk screen an actual human? Or a metahuman?
The Clock’s Ticking: Time to Get Serious About Radio Equipment Cybersecurity
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A lot of manufacturers and users of radio equipment aren’t ready for looming new regulations on cybersecurity by the European Union.
‘Real-Time’ Delivery by Foodservice Fleets: Pain and Potential
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s foodservice fleets not only have to respond to disruptions — they need to do it in real time.
The High Price of Economic Uncertainty
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
High tariffs are a major concern for traders, but the bigger problem is just figuring out what they’re going to be.
Will Tariffs Kill Mexico’s Manufacturing Boom?
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Will the Trump tariffs bring Mexico’s manufacturing revival to a screeching halt?
The Evolution of ERP: Is It a Different Animal Today?
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Three decades after its introduction, has the ERP monster finally been tamed?
Build or Buy? The Last-Mile Crossroads for Shippers Today
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you build a truly efficient and cost-effective final-mile network?
A Plan of Action for Complying With California’s Emissions-Reporting Bill
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Doing business in California? Get ready for a tough new greenhouse gas emissions-dislcosure law.
Will the Trump Tariffs Spark a Surge in U.S. Manufacturing?
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The global trading system is in a state of chaos. Will American manufacturing benefit from it?
An NBA Legend Shoots for ‘Coffee With a Cause’
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dikembe Mutombo was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and came to the U.S. — despite an initial ambition to attend medical school — to ...
Why Technology Will Kill Physical Retail Sooner Than You Think
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is the demise of physical retailing coming faster than anyone might expect?
Why Manufacturing Lags in Protecting Against Cyberattacks
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to effective cybersecurity, manufacturers are way behind the curve.
Your Yard Robots Are ‘Imperfect’? That’s Good Enough
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Robots are proving to be a boon to autonomous operations in the distribution yard — but the quest for the “perfect” robot is a futile one.
Finding the Right Technology and Automation for Your Operation
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Just about every logistics operation can benefit from modern-day automation. But how do they go about selecting the right vendor and the right systems...
The Future of Freight Consolidation
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are a number of scenarios in which freight consolidation makes sense. But getting the most out of the exercise can be tricky.
Advocating for More Women in Engineering and Supply Chain Management
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do we increase career opportunities for women in engineering and supply chain positions?
Time for a New Industrial Policy for the United States? Part 2
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What kind of industrial policy should the U.S. adopt in the post-free trade era? Second of a two-part discussion.
Time for a New Industrial Policy for the United States? Part 1
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is it time to write the obituary for the era of free trade?
Smoking Out Supply Chain Non-Compliance in North America
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Think violations of environmental standards and human rights in supply chains are limited to places far from U.S. shores? Think again.
How Healthcare Giant Johnson & Johnson Is Making Its Supply Chain Sustainable
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How is one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies promoting sustainability and regulatory compliance throughout its extensive supply chain?
Can Mexico Sustain Its Nearshoring Boom?
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can Mexico keep attracting manufacturers in a time of political and economic uncertainty?
Fighting the Scourge of Forced Labor in the Battery Supply Chain
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The global battery supply chain must be purged of its reliance on forced labor and child labor.
The Power of Shareholders: Can They Drive Corporate Social Responsibility?
03 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do shareholders really have the power to influence corporate behavior?
Getting the Maximum ROI From a Supply Chain Technology Purchase
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You’ve acquired a new piece of technology for the supply chain. How do you make sure that you’re getting the most out of it?
How AI Is Poised to Revolutionize the Procurement Function
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The future of procurement lies with artificial intelligence — and big changes are coming.
From Resilience to Robustness: The Key to Supply Chain Success
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Modern-day supply chains are obsessed with the goal of becoming resilient. But is that enough?
Supply Chain ‘Orchestration’: How AI Is Changing the Tune
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to the concept of supply chain “orchestration,” artificial intelligence is the new conductor.
What’s It Mean for a Retailer to Be ‘Channel-Agnostic’?
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The omnichannel has been with us for a long time. But does that mean that retailers are truly “channel-agnostic”?
Quantum Computing for Logistics: Promise or Reality?
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Understand quantum physics? Neither do we. But you might be able to grasp quantum computing.
A Manufacturer Moves From China to Mexico. How’s That Going?
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A contract manufacturer is riding the trend of shifting production from China to Mexico.
Can India Rival China as a Manufacturing Superpower?
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is India on the verge of eclipsing China as a global manufacturing powerhouse?
Consumer Return Fraud: How Bad Is It?
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How are retailers tackling the problem of return fraud?
Automating the Warehouse: Best (and Worst) Practices
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Automation promises to bring huge rewards to the modern-day warehouse. But doing it right is no simple task.
Walmart’s Strategy for Boosting Supply Chain Resilience
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How does the world’s largest retailer protect itself against a slew of supply chain disruptions?
The Barrier to Fulfilment Automation Is Coming Down
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Call smaller warehouses finally afford the automation they need to complete with larger operators?
Inventory Management: For SMBs, a Delicate Balancing Act
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In an uncertain economy, how are small to medium-sized businesses tackling the challenge of inventory management?
The Impact of Robots on Warehouse Worker Morale
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Call smaller warehouses finally afford the automation they need to complete with larger operators?
Closing the Gap Between Supply Chain Strategy and Execution
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Every business transformation needs a solid strategy. And every strategy needs a laser focus on execution.
The Parcel Shipping Headaches That Never Go Away
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Forget about those rare Black Swans and unexpected supply chain disruptions. In parcel shipping, certain headaches are a constant.
‘X-Shoring’: Fact and Fiction
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are manufacturers engaged in a mass exodus from China? And if so, where are they going?
The Road to Wellness: Addressing the Issue of Truck Driver Obesity
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What can truck drivers do to embrace a healthier lifestyle?
The Latest Plague: A Huge Increase in Supply Chain Cyberattacks
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The occurrence of cyberattacks on global supply chains is hardly news. But their frequency might come as a surprise.
An Urgent Call for a Domestically Sourced Biomanufacturing Supply Chain
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The U.S. can’t have a vibrant “bio-based” manufacturing sector without an equally strong source of domestic materials to support it.
The Short Shelf Life of Electronic Components in A&D
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do we solve the problem of obsolete electronic components in the aviation and defense industry?
Busted! Detecting Chinese Cotton Made With Forced Labor
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We haven’t stopped the importation of cotton produced in China with the use of forced labor.
The Drug Supply Chain Security Act: The Deadline Is Near
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Time is running out for the healthcare supply chain to fully comply with the Drug Supply Chain Security Act.
Do Humanoid Robots Make Sense in a Warehouse?
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are robots that are modeled after the human form the best choice for warehouse operations?
The Challenges of a Modern-Day Energy Supply Chain
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The global energy supply chain stands at a crossroads.
How to Hang on to Your Warehouse Workers
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Want to keep your warehouse workers in a tough labor market? Give them the right tools to do their jobs.
What’s So Smart About ‘Smart’ Connected Products?
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What exactly is so smart about “smart” connected products — and just what are they connected to?
Reining in Those Rising Logistics Costs
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Total logistics costs rose by as much as 80% over the past year. Are shippers in for more of the same in the coming months?
Creating a Clean and Ethical EV Battery Supply Chain
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
North America needs a domestic supply chain for electric vehicle batteries — but it has to be sustainable and ethical.
Can We Regulate AI Without Killing It? (And Will It Kill Us?)
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Will generative artificial intelligence be the salvation or damnation of humanity?
What’s It Take to Be a Great Chief Supply Chain Officer?
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Who is this strange individual called a Chief Supply Chain Officer? And what does it take to become one?
Thinking Beyond Cost: New Executive Priorities for Supply Chains
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to setting priorities for managing the modern-day supply chain, executives can’t have it all.
‘Sisters of the Road’: A Woman Driver’s Life in Trucking
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Idella Hansen got behind the wheel of a truck for the first time at the age of 11.
The Long Road to Sustainability in the Foodservice Industry
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The foodservice industry faces a huge challenge in becoming environmentally sustainable.
How to Save Money in Your Supply Chain
29 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There has never been a greater need for reducing costs in global supply chains than right now.
And Now, 3D Printing for … Submarines?
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
3D printing is just hitting the acceptance curve for wide-scale adoption by manufacturers.