Supply Chain Now

What if every product came with a digital story, one that followed it from raw materials and manufacturing through use, repair, reuse, and ultimately its next life?
In this episode of The Buzz, powered by MFG.inc, Scott Luton and Marty Parker welcome Marion Rouzeaud, founder of DiPPa and author of DiPPa: Rethinking the Way We Buy Things with Digital Product Passports, for a timely conversation about digital product passports (DPPs), circularity, and the future of manufacturing.
Scott, Marty, and Marion explore why digital product passports have the potential to become far more than another compliance requirement. Marion explains how DPPs can create a living digital record for products, giving manufacturers, consumers, repairers, recyclers, and other stakeholders access to trusted information throughout the product lifecycle.
The conversation also examines the growing role of AI and automation in manufacturing, how companies are navigating cost pressures and supply chain complexity, and why collecting customer feedback means little without action. Marion walks through her DEPA framework and explains how organizations can connect product strategy, sustainability, data, and circularity to rethink not only how products are made but what happens to them after they enter the market.
Key Takeaways
Digital product passports can go far beyond compliance, creating a living record that provides useful product information throughout the entire lifecycle.
AI and automation continue to reshape manufacturing, helping organizations address labor shortages while improving forecasting, logistics, operations, and decision-making.
Trusted product data can enable circularity by supporting repair, maintenance, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling.
Manufacturers need to think beyond the point of sale, considering during the design process how products can remain valuable and useful for as long as possible.
Customer feedback only creates value when companies act on it, making listening and responsiveness essential to building long-term trust.
A successful DPP strategy starts with the “why,” connecting customer needs and business priorities to the right data, measurements, and actions.
Digital product passports may be driven partly by regulation, but their potential reaches much further. Tune in to hear how organizations can use DPPs as a strategic tool to connect product design, manufacturing, sustainability, customer needs, and the circular economy. You’ll also hear practical perspectives on AI, automation, customer experience, and the evolving manufacturing landscape, and why the companies that get the most value from new technology will be the ones that turn information into action.

Additional Links & Resources:
Download the free DiPPa™ Framework canvases at: https://www.dippa.eu/framework
MFG.inc: https://mfg.inc/
With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-28-SEP-2026
CSCMP EDGE: https://www.cscmpedge.org/
Manifest: https://manifestvegas.com/SCN
EasyPost Guard: https://bit.ly/EasyPost-Guard-460k
Scott's Post: https://bit.ly/Think-Different-1997
Automation, AI among biggest trends shaping manufacturing in 2026: AMT: https://bit.ly/Mfg-Trends-from-IMTS
6 food manufacturers talk supply chain tactics: https://bit.ly/6-Manufacturers-Priorities
Retailers are asking for feedback but are shoppers feeling heard? https://bit.ly/Are-Shoppers-Being-Heard
MFG.inc Leadership Training: https://mfg.inc/scn
The Digital Product Passport Registry is now live: https://bit.ly/4xTUAtt
DiPPa: Rethinking the Way We Buy Things with Digital Product Passports: https://bit.ly/4rEVatE
Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
Marion on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marion-rouzeaud/
Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/
Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
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://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
Learn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitive
WEBINAR- The Real ROI of AI Analytics in the Supply Chain: Better Answers When Everyone Starts Asking: https://bit.ly/3TpCX6u
WEBINAR- The Cost of Skipping the Audit: Why Site Scans Should Come Before Every Pallet, Crate, or Wood Packaging RFQ: https://bit.ly/4AJzReA
WEBINAR- How to Stop Losing Margin After a Package Ships: https://bit.ly/4An41Ux
WEBINAR- Rethinking the Supply Chain Management Classroom: https://bit.ly/4xJIkM2
This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Marty Parker, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/thebuzz-unlocking-potential-digital-product-passports-1642

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.

AI, tariffs, shifting consumer expectations, and new delivery models are creating fresh challenges and opportunities for supply chain leaders. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Jake Barr sit down with Gartner’s Noha Samara to bust some of the biggest myths surrounding AI in supply chain planning. Then, Scott talks with Wall Street Journal reporter Liz Young about the forces reshaping retail and logistics, from product assortment and tariffs to trucking, last-mile delivery, drones, and returns.
Noha challenges the idea that AI success is simply about doing the same work faster, emphasizing instead the need to redesign jobs, rethink processes, build trust with planners, and focus AI investments on a smaller number of high-impact use cases. She also explains why productivity gains should be measured by the higher-value work AI enables, not simply by workforce reduction.
Later, Liz brings a reporter’s perspective to the rapidly changing retail supply chain. She shares how companies are reducing product variety to manage tariffs and complexity, building greater flexibility and resilience into their networks, and navigating increasingly diverse consumer expectations around delivery. The conversation also explores rising trucking costs, the potential of drone delivery, generational shifts in shopping behavior, and the costly challenge of product returns.
Key Takeaways
AI productivity requires redesigning work, not simply accelerating existing tasks. Organizations need to rethink workflows, roles, processes, and decision-making to unlock AI’s full potential.
Trust must come before adoption. Planners need to understand how AI reaches its conclusions and how humans and AI will work together before organizations can expect meaningful adoption.
AI productivity doesn’t automatically mean workforce reduction. The greater opportunity may be redeploying saved time toward scenario analysis, root-cause analysis, inventory optimization, and other higher-value work.
More AI use cases don't necessarily mean more value. High-performing organizations are selective, concentrating resources on fewer, higher-impact initiatives and building capabilities that can support future use cases.
Retailers are using assortment and sourcing decisions to manage complexity. Reducing product variety can help companies concentrate on best sellers while simplifying sourcing and tariff exposure.
Flexibility and optionality are becoming essential supply chain capabilities. Companies are diversifying sourcing, improving visibility, reconsidering inventory strategies, and preparing for disruptions that may be impossible to predict.
The last mile is no longer just a race for speed. Consumers have different expectations around delivery time and cost, forcing retailers to get smarter about inventory placement and fulfillment choices.
Returns and emerging delivery models remain major questions for retail. Drone delivery is expanding while retailers continue searching for better ways to manage the cost and complexity created by online returns.
Tune in for a wide-ranging look at what supply chain leaders should be thinking about now and what may matter even more in the years ahead. From separating AI reality from hype to preparing for tariffs, transportation shifts, changing consumer behavior, and new fulfillment models, this episode offers practical perspectives for building supply chains that are more adaptable, focused, and prepared for the unexpected.
Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Liz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bylizyoung/
Connect with Noha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noha-samara-4864863/
Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/
Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
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://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
Learn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitive
WEBINAR- You Can't Manage What You Can't See: Using Visibility, KPIs, and AI to Optimize Logistics Operations: https://bit.ly/4ql6iem
WEBINAR- The Four Eras of Freight Audit: How we got here, and why the Control Era (finally) changes everything: https://bit.ly/4yVXPBx
WEBINAR- The Real ROI of AI Analytics in the Supply Chain: Better Answers When Everyone Starts Asking: https://bit.ly/3TpCX6u
WEBINAR- The Cost of Skipping the Audit: Why Site Scans Should Come Before Every Pallet, Crate, or Wood Packaging RFQ: https://bit.ly/4AJzReA
WEBINAR- How to Stop Losing Margin After a Package Ships: https://bit.ly/4An41Ux
WEBINAR- Rethinking the Supply Chain Management Classroom: https://bit.ly/4xJIkM2
This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Jake Barr, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/from-planning-retail-where-supply-chain-heading-1641

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 planning is changing fast, but technology is only part of the story. As AI capabilities expand, procurement becomes more strategic, and planners face an accelerating pace of change, organizations must determine how to embrace innovation without losing sight of the people who make supply chains work.
In this episode of Supply Chain Today and Tomorrow, Scott Luton sits down with Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, to explore some of the biggest trends shaping supply chain planning and leadership. Mike breaks down the top barriers preventing planners from performing at their best, including the pace of change, digital skills gaps, and the continued need for strong communication and collaboration skills. They also discuss the debate around slowing AI development, the emerging role of AI agents, procurement's growing strategic influence, and how automation can give employees valuable time back. Plus, Mike shares what makes the Gartner Supply Chain Planning Summit a valuable opportunity for planning professionals.
Key Takeaways
Supply chain planners remain essential. Technology may change how planning gets done, but organizations continue to invest in both planning technology and the people responsible for making critical decisions.
Change management is becoming even more important. Leaders need to clearly communicate how AI will affect planning roles and help employees understand where they fit into the future of the organization.
Soft skills still matter in an AI-powered workplace. AI can help teams arrive at an answer, but influencing, collaboration, conflict management, communication, and consensus-building remain human responsibilities.
AI agents may reshape supply chain teams. Future planning organizations could include both human planners and AI agents, making governance, oversight, and human-machine collaboration increasingly important.
Procurement is becoming more strategic. Procurement's influence across the broader supply chain continues to grow while AI creates opportunities to automate repetitive and transactional activities.
Automation should give people time back. Removing repetitive work allows employees to spend more time applying expertise, solving problems, being creative, and performing higher-value work.
The future of supply chain isn't simply about adopting more technology; it's about figuring out how people and technology can work together more effectively. Tune in to hear Scott and Mike unpack practical ways leaders can support planners, approach AI thoughtfully, rethink repetitive work, and prepare their organizations for what's coming next.
Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/
Learn more about Gartner: www.gartner.com
Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/
Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
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://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
Learn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitive
WEBINAR- Demand Volatility Isn't a Forecasting Problem: How One FMCG Distributor Released Capacity Without Capital: https://bit.ly/4r94YM6
WEBINAR- You Can't Manage What You Can't See: Using Visibility, KPIs, and AI to Optimize Logistics Operations: https://bit.ly/4ql6iem
WEBINAR- The Four Eras of Freight Audit: How we got here, and why the Control Era (finally) changes everything: https://bit.ly/4yVXPBx
WEBINAR- The Real ROI of AI Analytics in the Supply Chain: Better Answers When Everyone Starts Asking: https://bit.ly/3TpCX6u
WEBINAR- How to Stop Losing Margin After a Package Ships: https://bit.ly/4An41Ux
WEBINAR- Rethinking the Supply Chain Management Classroom: https://bit.ly/4xJIkM2
This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/think-different-planning-challenges-ai-procurement-leadership-1640

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.

AI, robotics, and automation are advancing quickly, but successful transformation takes more than adopting the latest technology. It requires the right strategy, the right people, and a clear understanding of the business outcomes you're trying to achieve.
In this episode of The Buzz, powered by MFG.inc, Scott Luton is joined by guest co-host Dr. Muddassir Ahmed and Christine Bush, Director of the Robotic and Motion Center of Excellence at Schneider Electric, to explore how AI and robotics are changing manufacturing and the workforce. They discuss the growing debate around AI safety and speed, why companies should focus on augmenting people rather than simply replacing them, and how manufacturers are using robotics to address skilled labor shortages and create more flexible operations. Christine also shares insights into IT/OT convergence, open software-defined automation, and what separates organizations that successfully scale automation from those that remain stuck in pilot mode.
Key Takeaways
Why organizations need a clear AI strategy that balances speed, safety, and business outcomes
How AI can augment engineers, operators, and maintenance teams rather than simply replace them
Why labor shortages are accelerating investments in robotics and advanced automation
How manufacturers can build greater flexibility into production by making robotics part of the process from the start
The role of IT/OT convergence, IoT, and open software-defined architectures in the future of manufacturing
Why successful automation projects require the right mix of people, perspectives, and technology to move beyond pilot mode
AI and robotics offer enormous potential, but technology alone won't transform manufacturing. Tune in to hear practical perspectives on how manufacturers can combine human expertise with smarter automation, build more adaptable operations, and turn promising technology investments into real business value.
Additional Resources & Links:
MFG.inc: https://mfg.inc/
With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-19SEP2026
The Buzz APAC Edition: https://bit.ly/The-Buzz-APAC-Edition-Sept2026
SCM Sensei AI: https://www.scmsensei.ai/
U.S. Bank Strategic Alliance Leader page: www.supplychainnow.com/us-bank
U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: freight.usbank.com
AI rivals found rare agreement on safety. Putting it into practice is harder: https://bit.ly/AI-Slowdown-Discussion
One-third of AI-replaced workers will be rehired by 2029: Gartner: https://bit.ly/AI-And-The-Workforce
Toyota estimates factory automation could cost $6.4 billion per year from 2028: https://reut.rs/4hpMtPc
MFG.inc Leadership Training: https://reut.rs/4hpMtPc
Celonis Ebook: https://bit.ly/Physical-AI-Explained-in-7-Robots
Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
Schneider Electric: https://www.se.com/us/en/
Christine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-bush-22568818/
Dr. Muddassir Ahmed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muddassirism/
Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/
Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
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://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
Learn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitive
WEBINAR- Demand Volatility Isn't a Forecasting Problem: How One FMCG Distributor Released Capacity Without Capital: https://bit.ly/4r94YM6
WEBINAR- You Can't Manage What You Can't See: Using Visibility, KPIs, and AI to Optimize Logistics Operations: https://bit.ly/4ql6iem
WEBINAR- The Four Eras of Freight Audit: How we got here, and why the Control Era (finally) changes everything: https://bit.ly/4yVXPBx
WEBINAR- The Real ROI of AI Analytics in the Supply Chain: Better Answers When Everyone Starts Asking: https://bit.ly/3TpCX6u
WEBINAR- How to Stop Losing Margin After a Package Ships: https://bit.ly/4An41Ux
WEBINAR- Rethinking the Supply Chain Management Classroom: https://bit.ly/4xJIkM2
This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Dr. Muddassir Ahmed, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/thebuzz-smarter-automation-reshaping-manufacturing-1639

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.

The yard may be one of the most overlooked areas of the supply chain, but its impact extends across transportation, warehousing, customer service, safety, and the bottom line.
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with Adam Newsome, CEO of Lazer Logistics, to explore how greater visibility, intelligence, and action can transform yard operations into a strategic advantage.
Adam shares how Lazer Logistics combines connected technology, operational data, AI, and decades of institutional knowledge to improve decision-making across hundreds of locations. He explains why visibility alone is not enough, how AI can help teams identify the “next right thing” to do, and why technology must solve real operational problems.
The conversation also introduces “Uncle Phil,” Lazer’s AI coaching tool designed to capture the experience of longtime operations leaders and make that knowledge available to managers at scale.
Key Takeaways:
The yard connects the supply chain. Inefficiencies between transportation and warehousing can affect the entire operation.
Visibility must lead to action. Data creates value when it improves safety, productivity, service, and financial performance.
AI needs operational context. Combining technology with institutional knowledge produces more practical guidance.
People remain essential. Culture, communication, and hands-on experience are critical to operational excellence.
Tune in to learn how Lazer Logistics is moving beyond visibility, scaling decades of expertise with AI, and creating a more connected, efficient, and human-centered approach to yard management.
Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Adam: linkedin.com/in/adam-newsome-90a50a34
Learn more about Lazer Logistics: https://www.lazerlogistics.com/
Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/
Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
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://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
Learn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitive
WEBINAR- Demand Volatility Isn't a Forecasting Problem: How One FMCG Distributor Released Capacity Without Capital: https://bit.ly/4r94YM6
WEBINAR- You Can't Manage What You Can't See: Using Visibility, KPIs, and AI to Optimize Logistics Operations: https://bit.ly/4ql6iem
WEBINAR- The Real ROI of AI Analytics in the Supply Chain: Better Answers When Everyone Starts Asking: https://bit.ly/3TpCX6u
This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/from-overlooked-optimized-rethinking-yard-management-1638

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.