• How digital twins reduce CapEx before construction begins
• How to move AI from pilot to enterprise-wide deployment
• How to cut corporate red tape for rapid pilot execution
• How to design KPIs for objective pilot success measurement
• Why 50% pilot failure is a healthy innovation benchmark
• How to productize AI use cases for warehouse scale
• How to avoid “pilot purgatory” in logistics transformation

HIGHLIGHTS

• 00:00–02:00 | AI Fatigue & The Shift to Production
• 02:00–05:00 | Scaling Digital Twin Across 100+ Buildings
• 05:00–07:30 | CapEx Reduction & Engineering Simulation ROI
• 07:30–10:00 | Run-State Optimization & 20% Throughput Gains
• 10:00–14:00 | The PepsiCo Labs Pilot Framework
• 14:00–18:00 | Designing a Culture That Celebrates Failure
• 18:00–23:00 | Quantifying Innovation & Moving to Production

TOP QUOTES

• [00:06:00] “Here you can simulate and debug everything before you've invested your first CapEx dollar.” - Anna Farberov
• [00:08:00] “So I think we were able to demonstrate 20% throughput increase in a pick rate.” - Anna Farberov
• [00:12:00] “By design, we want 50% of our pilots to fail.” - Anna Farberov
• [00:18:00] “Move to production. Don’t just test.” - Anna Farberov

ABOUT THE GUEST

Anna Farberov is GM of PepsiCo Labs, where she leads PepsiCo’s global engagement with technology companies—from breakthrough startups to the world’s largest enterprises. In this role, she partners with senior executives and innovators to identify, test, and scale technologies that are transforming how PepsiCo operates across data, AI, manufacturing, supply chain, agriculture, and commercial functions. Her work powers growth, efficiency, and resilience across one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies.

Beyond PepsiCo, Anna is recognized for building innovation models that bridge corporations, technology providers, and investors—accelerating adoption of cutting-edge solutions at scale. She has worked across industries to help leaders translate complexity into clarity, align technology with strategy, and move with speed and impact in times of disruption.

A frequent speaker at global conferences, Anna shares insights on how leaders can harness innovation ecosystems, build future-ready organizations, and lead with clarity and purpose in an era of rapid technological change.

LINKS MENTIONED

Pepsico Labs: https://www.labs.pepsico.com/

Anna Farberov on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-farberov/

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• Why retail is now a demand chain, not a supply chain
• How AMRs deliver 6–12 month ROI in high-variability e-commerce
• Why robotics-as-a-service changes peak capacity planning
• The real bottleneck in AI adoption: structured WMS data
• Why dashboards are dying and exception-based orchestration is rising
• How consolidation will reshape 3PL economics
• Why operational excellence remains the ultimate differentiator

HIGHLIGHTS

• 00:01–00:12 | Consumer expectations and the “fast + free + cheap” reality
• 00:12–00:15 | AMRs, ASRS, RaaS, and 6–12 month automation ROI
• 00:15–00:16 | Buy vs build: what’s commodity vs “secret sauce”
• 00:16–00:19 | Agentic AI in warehouse ops: labor planning + execution
• 00:19–00:22 | AI proof, case studies, and demand planning as the next frontier
• 00:22–00:24 | Dashboards vs operators: turning analytics into actions
• 00:24–00:28 | Operator advice: efficiency, mechanization, and competition shifts
• 00:29–00:31 | Manifest trends: retail channels evolving + tech-driven 3PL future

QUOTES 

[00:04:10] “One of the biggest changes is you used to have a choice. You could either have it fast, you could have it free, or you could have it cheap. The consumer today wants all three.” – Jeff Wolpov

[00:05:10] “We as logistics supply chain companies need to lean in and figure out how to do more with less. Today it's a necessity.” – Jeff Wolpov

[00:07:30] “You need automation... We need to be faster and more flexible. Peaks have gotten much higher.” – Jeff Wolpov

[00:16:00] "The hard part isn't building AI or using AI. It's what do you do with the results?" - Gary Allen

[00:16:50] “Operators shouldn't hunt dashboards, they should get alerts, exception-based triggers. AI takes analytics to the next level.” – Gary Allen

[00:23:00] "Reporting is the death of analytics." - Gary Allen

 ABOUT THE GUESTS

Jeff Wolpov

Jeff Wolpov is Senior Vice President of E-commerce and Ryder Last Mile at Ryder System, Inc., where he leads the vision and strategy for omnichannel fulfillment and big & bulky home delivery.

Previously, he served as CEO of Whiplash (formerly Port Logistics Group), achieving nearly 30% year-over-year revenue growth before its acquisition by Ryder in 2022. Earlier in his career, Jeff founded Distribution Solutions, scaling it from a startup into a $50 million regional logistics firm that became the foundation of Whiplash’s national network.

He holds a degree from the University of Michigan.

Gary Allen

Gary Allen is Vice President of Supply Chain Excellence at Ryder, overseeing Solution Design, Continuous Improvement, Data Analytics, and Automation across the supply chain organization.

With more than 32 years of experience, he previously led EY’s logistics consulting practice and held leadership roles at DHL and FedEx in product innovation, solution design, sustainability, and operations.

Gary helped launch and co-author the “Annual Third Party Logistics Study” with Dr. John Langley of Penn State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Materials and Logistics Management from Michigan State University.

LINKS MENTIONED

Ryder report: https://www.ryder.com/en-us/insights/white-papers/e-comm/2025-ryder-e-commerce-consumer-study

Ryder website: https://www.ryder.com/en-us

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• Why balancing cost, speed, and quality is now table stakes in logistics strategy
• How to design a flexible 3PL platform without hardcoding yourself into rigidity
• The operational difference between supporting enterprise brands vs. high-growth brands
• Why scenario planning still matters in an era of tariffs, snowstorms, and volatility
• How to avoid over-engineering automation that limits long-term flexibility
• What defines a true strategic partnership beyond SLAs and QBRs
• Why solving problems together—not alone—is the real measure of partnership maturity

TIMESTAMPED SEGMENTS

• 00:00 – 01:00 | Balancing Cost, Speed & Quality Post-Pandemic
• 01:00 – 02:30 | Becoming the Customer: Operational Audits & CX Insight
• 02:30 – 04:00 | Agility, Uncertainty & Platform-First Thinking
• 04:00 – 05:30 | Defining High-Growth vs. Enterprise Brands
• 05:30 – 07:00 | Capability-Based Support Models vs. Split Teams
• 07:00 – 09:00 | What Real Strategic Partnerships Actually Look Like

TOP QUOTES 

• [00:01:00] “We know the cost of customer acquisition has increased exponentially. So the customer you have is the customer that you wanna keep.” - Laura Ritchey
• [00:03:00] “I think obviously the overused word of agility these days… how quickly can you divert to warehouses that aren't closed or to transportation options that are still running?” - Laura Ritchey
• [00:05:00] “We were doing 10,000 orders a day. All of a sudden we have to do 100,000, and that's really different.” - Laura Ritchey
• [00:08:15] “Are we solving them together, or are we solving them alone?” - Laura Ritchey
• [00:18:00] “The team is looking to us to be the calm in the storm.” - Laura Ritchey

ABOUT THE GUEST

Laura Ritchey is President & CEO of the Americas region at GEODIS and a member of the Group’s Executive Board. She leads nearly 20,000 teammates across eight countries, overseeing contract logistics, freight forwarding, and transportation operations throughout North and South America. With more than 30 years of experience—including 15 years in supply chain leadership across retail and third-party logistics—Laura previously served as CEO of Radial, Inc., driving growth through operational excellence. Her background spans finance, sourcing, distribution, and strategic transformation. She holds a J.D., MBA, and bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University.

LINKS MENTIONED

Laura's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-ritchey-55836a8/

GEODIS website: https://geodis.com/

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• Why decision quality matters more than perfect systems in today’s supply chains
• How leaders are shifting from growth-at-all-costs to margin-first thinking
• What’s actually breaking inside warehouses amid labor churn and volatility
• Where AI is helping operators—and where hype still outpaces reality
• Why explainability, KPIs, and guardrails matter for AI adoption in operations
• How leadership expectations are changing across supply chain organizations
• What conversations operators are prioritizing heading into Manifest 2026

HIGHLIGHTS

• 00:00–02:35 | Why 2025 forced hard reflection across supply chain
• 03:17–04:30 | Decisions feel heavier, mistakes cost more
• 05:23–06:49 | The shift from growth to margin as a first principle
• 07:05–07:43 | Why warehouse systems lag brand expectations
• 08:08–08:58 | Recalibration after stacked volatility
• 09:48–11:20 | Why peak season planning never really ends
• 12:32–13:45 | Labor, churn, and execution pressure inside warehouses
• 14:35–16:51 | AI as decision enablement—not the strategy itself
• 18:14–21:43 | From AI fear to outcome-driven adoption
• 22:23–25:44 | What leadership looks like in volatile environments
• 26:47–28:16 | What leaders are watching heading into Manifest 2026

QUOTES

• [00:03:17] “Decisions feel heavier. Mistakes are more expensive.” – Tanzil Uddin
• [00:05:45] “There’s a shift away from growth at all costs, really a repositioning of margin as a first principle.” – Kinta Gates
• [00:12:32] “The complexity with labor, training of the labor, churn of the labor, weather events, and the geopolitical state really impacts warehouse services.” – Linda Ewing
• [00:22:23] “Leadership looks like getting in the weeds. We don’t have the luxury of just delegating.” – Kinta Gates

ABOUT THE GUESTS

Tanzil Uddin
SVP of Content & Partnerships at Manifest, where he works closely with supply chain leaders to shape programming around real operator priorities, partnerships, and emerging challenges across logistics and technology.

Kinta Gates
VP of Supply Chain & Operations at Glossier, overseeing end-to-end product operations. Kinta brings a people-first, margin-aware approach to scaling fulfillment, manufacturing, and supply chain execution.

Linda Ewing
SVP Strategy & Operations at ID Logistics with deep experience across manufacturing, supply chain, and warehouse services. Linda focuses on execution reality inside 3PL environments, labor challenges, and responsible technology adoption.

LINKS MENTIONED

Manifest 2026 Agenda: https://manife.st/agenda/

💡 Planning to attend Manifest 2026? Use this exclusive link for $200 off the current registration price: https://partner.manife.st/partner/ecomlogistics

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- 00:00 — Welcome, introduction to Kelly Goetsch and the focus: “Connected Commerce”
- 02:00 — The fragmentation problem: marketplaces, social commerce, AI, and legacy EDI
- 04:00 — The rise of MCP and Agentic Commerce Protocol as enablers for a new standard
- 06:00 — Building a “big tent” network: OMS, 3PLs, WMSs, ERPs connectivity challenges
- 10:00 — Commerce platform vs fulfillment backend: the tech and mindset divide
- 14:00 — What is OnX? Tools, resources, member base, and the standard’s scope
- 18:00 — How MCP makes OnX possible, collapsing layers between selling and fulfillment
- 22:00 — OnX’s “business league” structure explained
- 24:00 — Platform, payment, and AI player involvement and adoption challenges
- 28:00 — How to participate: advisory boards, GitHub access, and community involvement
- 30:00 — The future of connected commerce and invitation to join OnX

Quotes
[00:02:00]: "If the last decade was about composable commerce, the next one is about connected commerce." - Ninaad 
[00:04:00]: "AI is the reason for both of these. We’re really, really collapsing down." - Kelly Goetsch 
[00:10:00]: "About 70% of enterprise brands still run point-to-point integration, and that has its own set of challenges." - Ninaad 
[00:22:00]: "The benefit of that is: we, as a community, get together and evolve and change as technology changes. And that’s great." - Kelly Goetsch 

About the Guest

Kelly Goetsch is a technologist and strategist shaping the future of digital commerce and order fulfillment. Known for his leadership in the MACH Alliance and now Pipe17, Kelly has been a central voice in evolving commerce technology standards. He currently chairs the Commerce Operations Foundation, driving the development and adoption of the OnX standard for connected commerce.

Links Mentioned

- Commerce Operations Foundation website: commerceopsfoundation.org
- Commerce Operations Foundation GitHub: github.com/commerceopsfoundation
- Kelly Goetsch on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kgoetsch
- MACH Alliance: machalliance.org
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• The enduring priorities in fulfillment despite two decades of industry change: focus on the end-consumer experience and aligned people/process
• The definition and strategic value of connected commerce as a frictionless end-to-end ecosystem across sales channels and fulfillment
• Why tech integration across OMS, WMS, TMS and digital marketplaces remains the biggest hurdle to unified fulfillment
• How Essendant repositions fulfillment from cost center to growth enabler, leveraging digital teams and marketplace expertise
• When to accelerate 3PL expansion versus stabilize and optimize existing operations, anchored on clear value and identity assessment
• The realities and opportunities around Seller Fulfilled Prime, including network scale, inventory optimization, and performance requirements
• Key operational metrics beyond OTIF, including inventory health and profitability by channel, critical in managing complexity
• Peak season outlook: early marketplace promotions, supply chain stability, and the goal to flatten the demand curve for better operational control

Highlights

• 00:00 – Guest Introduction & Industry Background
• 01:00 – Consistencies & Changes Over Two Decades in Fulfillment
• 03:00 – Defining Connected Commerce & Its Strategic Objectives
• 05:00 – Common Fulfillment-Tech Challenges & Silo Breakdown
• 07:00 – Unlocking Fulfillment as a Revenue Lever, Not Just Cost Center
• 10:00 – When to Accelerate vs. Stabilize 3PL Operations
• 14:00 – Procurement & Evaluation Dynamics in Mid-Market Deals
• 17:00 – Seller Fulfilled Prime: Market Demand & Execution Challenges
• 22:00 – Focused Operational Metrics to Drive Business Outcomes
• 28:00 – Peak Season Predictions & Advice
• 30:30 – Closing Thoughts & Contact Info 
   

Quotes:

• [00:02:00]: “The things that remain consistent would certainly be focusing on the end consumer... building the right team around us to align with that strategy and then making sure that we had the right processes.” - Patrick Allard
• [00:04:00]: “Connected commerce to us is really about creating that frictionless end-to-end ecosystem... from product discovery through the purchase cycle, all the way through fulfillment, delivery, final mile returns.” - Patrick Allard
• [00:10:00]: “How do we know when to pour gas on the fire and really go for expansion, and when is it time to maybe take a step back, pause, and get the house in order?” - Dan
• [00:19:00]: “There's still quite a bit of pain for the larger brand retailers that might have a really good dominant market and brand recognition, but where they want the prime badge, but having that inventory all locked up in Amazon...puts them in a financial challenge.”- Patrick Allard
• [00:23:00]: “There’s a million things you can track and it is data overload... but the key is focusing on promise metrics, inventory health, and profitability by channel.”- Patrick Allard

About the Guest:

Patrick Allard is President of Fulfillment Services at Essendant, driving the transformation of a traditional B2B distributor into a connected commerce powerhouse. With over 20 years in e-commerce and logistics, Patrick has held leadership roles at Newgistics, Pitney Bowes, and Radial. His expertise spans M&A integrations, fulfillment scalability, multi-channel retail logistics, and leveraging fulfillment as a revenue growth lever rather than simply a cost center.

Links Mentioned:

• Essendant Fulfillment Services: https://www.essendant.com/
• Patrick Allard LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-allard-04657111/

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• How recent de minimis and tariff changes impact international customer behavior and brand pricing strategy
• The evolving complexity of cross-border returns and strategic decisions on return policies
• Carrier rate shifts: oversized fees, peak surcharges, dimensional weight changes, and their real cost impact
• Why accurate rates and delivery promise engines remain table stakes — and why most still fall short
• The role of AI in improving warehouse operations, HS code auto-classification, and carrier selection
• Insights on agentic AI’s potential to revolutionize e-commerce shopping and logistics decision-making
• How bundled logistics connects carriers, warehouses, and tech providers to streamline cross-border trade

Highlights

• [00:00:00] Intro
• [00:02:00] Advice navigating current cross-border chaos and customs tightening
• [00:04:00] Impact of tariff/de minimis changes on international shopper behavior
• [00:06:00] Preparing for peak season: item selection, returns policy, and brand impact
• [00:09:00] Strategies around secondary market liquidation vs. returns complexities
• [00:11:00] Carrier pricing updates, surcharges, and dimensional weight changes for peak season
• [00:14:00] AI’s growing role in warehouse efficiency and logistics decision-making
• [00:18:00] Advances in HS code auto-classification powered by AI
• [00:20:00] Agentic AI and its future impact on shopper intent and carrier selection
• [00:23:00] Importance of relationships and bundled logistics connecting tech, carriers, warehouses
• [00:25:00] Reducing returns through better product info, website UX, and AI applications
• [00:27:00] The painful reality of rates & delivery promise engines still lagging in 2025
• [00:29:00] Key 2025 e-commerce outlook takeaway focused on returns management timing
• [00:30:00] Closing, social links, and final thoughts

Quotes

• [00:03:45]: “The retailers who are taking it seriously and really are trying to make that good faith effort are the ones that are gonna succeed. They’re trying to adapt to new normals, new narratives, and trying to get a hold of it first rather than just throwing up their hands.” - Krish Iyer
• [00:07:30]: “What are my return costs? What are my processing costs? How badly do I need that item back in my inventory for resale? And what’s gonna be my brand experience if I have a ‘keep it’ philosophy?” - Krish Iyer
• [00:27:30]: “If you ship more than a hundred units a day, you should have the technology capable of actually making a commitment as to when the shipping is going to happen. That should be absolute table stakes for anyone that does meaningful volume.” - Ninaad
• [00:19:15]: “If you give more data and granularity around what you’re shopping for—the intent, what it’s being used for—you can get some pretty good answers from agentic AI.” - Krish Iyer

About the Guest

Krish Iyer is the VP of Global Partnerships at EasyShip, where he supports brands scaling cross-border e-commerce logistics. With a career spanning FedEx, Pitney Bowes, and ShipEngine, Krish brings a comprehensive industry perspective on strategy, carrier integration, and international fulfillment. Known for blending deep operational insight with a human-centered approach to logistics, he’s also a repeat guest on this show.

Links Mentioned

- Krish Iyer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/globalkrishna/

- EasyShip website: https://www.easyship.com/

- Previous episode with Krish Iyer: https://ecomlogisticspodcast.com/podcast/unboxing-e-commerce-efficiency-with-krish-iyer/
 

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• Why sustainability wasn’t the initial growth lever and how ThredUp found product-market fit by prioritizing value and convenience.
• The pivotal shift from a peer-to-peer marketplace to an asset-backed resale model through bag-drop logistics.
• How ThredUp scaled partially automated distribution centers to process over 100,000 unique items daily.
• The key metrics that balance throughput, speed, and quality in large-scale resale operations.
• How generative AI and visual search transformed discovery, personalization, and customer confidence.
• The cultural practices — hackathons, AI bootcamps, and atomic building blocks — that sustain innovation and rapid adoption internally.
• How Resale-as-a-Service enables major brands like Madewell to run white-labeled resale programs powered by ThredUp’s technology and operations.

Highlights

• 00:00 – Introduction: Dan’s 15-year journey at ThredUp
• 02:00 – Why sustainability alone didn’t drive growth
• 04:00 – The bag-drop pivot: asset-backed vs. P2P resale
• 07:30 – Marketplace dynamics: limited buyer-seller overlap
• 09:00 – Jobs-to-be-done thinking & unlearning old models
• 12:00 – Scaling ops: from scrappy warehouses to the world’s largest clothing carousel
• 17:00 – Throughput vs. quality: metrics that matter
• 21:00 – AI-powered search & discovery: cottagecore to mermaidcore
• 26:30 – Internal AI adoption: hackathons & “atomic building blocks”
• 33:30 – Building a culture of innovation and infinite learning
• 36:30 – Resale-as-a-Service for brands like Madewell
• 39:30 – Future of shopping: agentic AI and frictionless commerce
• 42:00 – Shoptalk Fall preview + closing thoughts

Quotes

• [00:02:30]: “Even if someone cares about the planet... we did not find product-market fit. We had to work a lot early on to better understand the needs of both buyers and sellers.” - Dan DeMeyere
• [00:12:15]: “It was a little bit like jumping out of an airplane and just having trust in ourselves that we're gonna build or find a parachute before we hit the ground.” - Dan DeMeyere
• [00:20:30]: “Trust is so important, especially in the used space. We have to become clever in helping customers feel confident with the potential fit and flattery of every item.” - Dan DeMeyere
• [00:39:30]: “If your core experience can be improved through AI, why do you need to put ‘AI’ on the website? It’s about the value you bring, the job they’re hiring you for.” - Dan DeMeyere

About the Guest

Dan DeMeyere is the Chief Product and Technology Officer at ThredUp, a leading online resale platform pioneering sustainable fashion through technology and operational innovation. With 15 years at ThredUp starting from its inception, Dan has overseen the company’s evolution from a peer-to-peer marketplace into a high-velocity, AI-enabled resale giant processing over 100,000 items daily. He is passionate about customer-centric product development and leveraging AI to transform retail experiences at scale.

Links Mentioned

- ThredUp: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thredup/

- Dan DeMeyere on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dandemeyere/

👉 Don’t forget to join us at Shoptalk Fall, October 16–18 in Chicago!
🎟️ Grab your tickets here: https://fall.shoptalk.com/tickets

Featured Sessions at Shoptalk Fall:

• Harshida Acharya, Partner & CSO at Fulfillment IQ – Scenario Planning in a Volatile World
• Ninaad Acharya, Co-Founder & CEO at Fulfillment IQ – Supply Chain Agility in the Age of Disruption
• Dan DeMeyere, Chief Product and Technology Officer at ThredUp – Retail Intelligence: What AI Can – and Can’t – Do Today
• James Reinhar, Founder & CEO at ThredUp – Leading Through Culture Shifts

Check the full agenda here.

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• How to reverse-engineer the customer journey to simplify complex operational challenges
• Why grounding teams in customer empathy unlocks better delivery across multi-site venues
• Cross-functional collaboration’s role in innovating under tariff pressures and supply chain disruptions
• Balancing brand standards with local authenticity in high-scale venue operations
• Embedding real-time two-way feedback channels with frontline teams for continuous improvement
• Cultivating inclusive teams through targeted skill-building and representation to drive diverse leadership
• Lessons from hospitality and gaming industries on agility amid market volatility and post-COVID shifts

Highlights

• 00:00 – Intro and Erin Chamberlin’s operational background at Topgolf and Caesars
• 01:22 – Erin’s career path: transitioning from consulting to casino and hospitality ops
• 04:50 – The “work backwards from the customer” framework for experience design
• 08:40 – Cross-functional innovation example: rethinking Topgolf’s donut hole injectors under tariff risk
• 12:00 – Scaling consistency across 97 venues through systemized audits and local empowerment
• 15:30 – Culture of innovation fueled by frontline feedback and open idea channels among Playmakers
• 20:15 – Managing growing complexity, market volatility, and agility post-COVID
• 24:50 – Building inclusive, diverse teams with skills development and mentorship programs
• 29:40 – Erin’s personal “lean-in circle” and the importance of peer support in career growth
• 32:00 – Upcoming innovations and expansions at Topgolf: new venues and new game experiences
• 33:20 – Closing and how to follow Erin on LinkedIn

 Quotes

[00:04:54]: “You have all of these lenses and perspectives you've gathered throughout your career, and you try to simplify all of these complex challenges by working backwards from the customer.” - Harshida Acharya

[00:07:42]: “What the tech team needs to deliver, what the supply chain team needs to make sure that we have staffed and inventory—we peel that back at each step until you get to the most simple form of what you need to accomplish.” - Erin Chamberlin 

[00:26:41]: “It's really about providing skills for folks... Getting them to feel comfortable about reading a P&L, getting them comfortable presenting to large groups... We put in place concrete things that folks could do to level up their skill sets—to make them feel more confident.” - Erin Chamberlin 

[00:30:48]: “It's meant to be, ‘Let's support each other. Don’t think that you’re alone in this.’ There are lots of us who are not sure if we belong here and if there’s a path for us to grow.” - Harshida Acharya 

About the Guest

Erin Chamberlin is the Chief Operating Officer at Topgolf, leading operations across over 90 venues globally. With deep expertise from leadership roles at Caesars Entertainment and Penn Entertainment, Erin combines analytics, hospitality, and customer experience to deliver scalable, consistent, and playful experiences. She is passionate about building inclusive teams and fostering culture-led innovation in complex, rapidly growing organizations.

Follow Erin on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-chamberlin-7360814/

Topgolf venues: https://topgolf.com/ 

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• The origins of integrated parcel shipping systems and Clippership’s impact (1991)
• Why traditional carrier APIs limit cost optimization and how Sendflex’s engine solves this
• The critical gap between expected shipping costs and actual carrier invoices (north of 15%)
• How a multi-carrier strategy is essential for modern fulfillment, especially PO box and regional delivery
• - The rising complexity of omnichannel distribution and its impact on 3PL operations
• - Lessons from enterprise acquisition failures and maintaining agile, mission-driven growth
• - How data-driven carrier diversification can unlock real savings versus sales pitches

Timestamped Segments

• 00:00–00:50 – Introduction to Bob Malley and his legacy in parcel logistics
• 00:50–04:39 – Bob’s early career and development of Clippership & Tracer
• 04:39–07:24 – The evolving parcel market, rise of multi-carrier shipping, complexities of e-commerce
• 07:24–10:57 – The critical issue of landing cost variance versus expected shipping costs
• 10:57–15:02 – Operationalizing auditing and cost variance fixes through automation
• 15:02–20:04 – Carrier perspectives on load optimization, dimensional weight, and waste
• 20:04–23:30 – Insights on carrier integration and the promise of new, niche carriers
• 23:30–27:33 – B2B ecommerce growth, omnichannel maturity, and the rise of 3PL dynamics
• 27:33–31:17 – Hard lessons on acquisitions and maintaining agility in logistics tech companies
• 31:17–33:06 – Closing thoughts and where to learn more about Sendflex

 Quotes

• [10:13] "The cost variance between expected costs and actual costs is north of 15%.” — Bob Malley
• [06:13] “The real question is: how do shippers narrow the gap that’s been growing between expected costs all through that journey of the order...” — Bob Malley
• [30:44] “I believe in companies that have a mission, are small enough to be agile, and stick to what they do well.” — Bob Malley
• [21:52] “That’s what we’re really excited about — data-backed carrier diversification that makes business sense, not just sales sense.” — Bob Malley

About the Guest

Bob Malley is a pioneer in parcel logistics technology with a track record spanning over three decades. He launched Clippership, the first integrated parcel shipping system, scaled Tracer, led e-commerce at Kewill as CEO, and founded Pierbridge, creating the first enterprise cloud-based parcel TMS. Today, as CEO of Sendflex, he is driving innovation in intelligent modular delivery software built for omnichannel complexity and global shipping optimization.

Links Mentioned

Sendflex website
Sendflex LinkedIn

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• Why supply chain must sit at the strategy table - not behind it
• How SKU discipline drives faster growth and cleaner margins
• What “AI as servant” really means in ops leadership
• Why executional control beats theoretical plans every time
• What separates founders who scale from those who stall
• How to balance autonomy and shared services in multi-brand orgs
• How ops becomes the difference between brand hype and brand health

Quotes:

• [00:07:25] – “Everything is theoretical - until the customer doesn’t get their order.” - JuE Wong
• [00:22:25] – “World domination with one SKU is better than SKU proliferation going nowhere.” - JuE Wong
• [00:30:59] – “AI is your servant, not your master.”  - JuE Wong
• [00:35:08] – “If you’re not making money, it’s a hobby.”  - JuE Wong

About the Guest:
JuE Wong is CEO of PBG, a PE-backed portfolio of six brands and three manufacturers. A six-time CEO across public and private companies, she’s known for scaling teams, transforming operations, and embedding supply chain as a core lever for growth, not just cost.

Links Mentioned:

• JuE Wong on LinkedIn
• Performance Beauty Group

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• How DHL responded to USPS’s $40B modernization
• Why DHL scrapped fixed automation in favor of flexibility
• What “middle mile” scale looks like in action
• Why giving GMs shadow P&Ls boosted morale and results
• How DHL realigns pricing and sales incentives to protect GP
• The downstream risks of misjudging demand post-COVID
• DHL’s mindset shift: from prediction to adaptability

Highlights

• [00:00] Who is Scott Ashbaugh?
• [04:00] USPS reform: pain, logic, and adaptation
• [07:30] Network design: why DHL embraced the pullback
• [10:30] DHL’s middle mile moat
• [12:30] Warehouse automation: from fixed to flexible
• [18:00] Aligning ops, pricing, and sales strategy
• [23:00] Betting on customers: what DHL looks for
• [27:00] Pricing transparency as a competitive edge
   

Quotes

• [00:05:08] “In an organization that big with that many stakeholders, you gotta take 10 steps forward knowing that you're gonna get beat up nine steps backward just to get one forward.” - Scott Ashbaugh:
• [00:13:04] “We got a crossbelt sorter… but it’s a very fixed machine. You can’t just unbolt it and move it.” Scott Ashbaugh:
• [00:21:24]: “They felt like they actually could control their fate. You really get to see the creativity of the folks in the field.” - Scott Ashbaugh
• [00:03:21] “When you can bring that empathy and that experience and that knowledge to the commercial side, it just resonates internally and externally tremendously.” - Dan Coll:

About the Guest

Scott Ashbaugh is Chief Commercial Officer at DHL eCommerce Americas. With over 16 years of experience across operations, automation, and commercial strategy, Scott brings an insider’s view into how DHL scales under pressure while staying agile.

Links Mentioned

• DHL eCommerce
• Scott Ashbaugh | LinkedIn

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• What “agility” actually means in global supply chains
• How Tapestry integrates AI into allocation and planning
• Real examples of ESG in manufacturing (clean water, solar power)
• Why craftsmanship can't be rushed—and why that matters
• The role of customer feedback in design and operations
• Store vs. DC: how fulfillment strategy adapts for luxury
• How to marry finance discipline with operational innovation

Highlights

• [00:00:00] What is an agile supply chain in 2025?
• [00:03:59] Leading with a global, on-the-ground perspective
• [00:05:00] From data to design: listening to Gen Z
• [00:14:05] Craftsmanship takes years, not months
• [00:21:08] How Tapestry embeds sustainability in sourcing
• [00:24:13] Fulfillment automation, unboxing, and store pickup
• [00:29:20] AI’s role in cutting weeks off lead time
• [00:32:52] Final thoughts + where to follow Vincent

Quotes

• [00:00:00] “An agile supply chain is just a supply chain that’s evolving with time. We need to be where customers are.” — Vincent Golebiowski
• [00:05:00] “We used to design for design. Now, in 2025, the customer is more demanding. We need to listen more to the customer.” — Vincent Golebiowski
• [00:14:49] “You cannot build craftsmanship in a few months. It takes years to build a handbag factory to deliver the quality we need.” — Vincent Golebiowski
• [00:23:00] “Our partner tanneries clean the water so it’s even cleaner than what they were using. That makes me happy.” — Vincent Golebiowski

About the Guest

Vincent Golebiowski is SVP of Global Supply Chain Operations and CFO of Supply Chain at Tapestry, the global house of brands behind Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman. With prior leadership roles across L'Oréal and deep experience in Asia, Vincent brings a rare blend of financial rigor and supply chain fluency to leading resilient, customer-driven, and sustainable global operations.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tapestryinc/

https://www.tapestry.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentgolebiowski/

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• Why energy intensity is a smarter metric than efficiency
• How one site saved $3M by predicting utility peaks
• What most people get wrong about sustainability and profitability
• Why digital twins fail in logistics—and how to fix them
• How real-time WMS and energy data must integrate
• The impact of automation on energy and throughput
• How to reframe “everything as a unit of energy”

Highlights

• [00:01:34] Jason’s journey from electrician to energy AI founder
• [00:05:18] How predictive models saved $3M at a cold chain site
• [00:08:00] Why energy intensity matters more than efficiency
• [00:10:18] The problem with fragmented warehouse tech
• [00:14:00] Blast freezing, throughput, and energy ROI
• [00:26:34] Sustainability without saying the word

Quotes

• [00:06:00] “We’ve saved that site about $3 million. It’s around $50,000 a month of savings if they can miss that utility grid peak.” — Jason Massey
• [00:14:00] “If I can blast freeze chicken in half the time, I can therefore blast freeze more chicken with the same level of energy.” — Jason Massey
• [00:26:34] “In a utopia world, you wouldn’t even be using the term sustainability. It would just be, this is how you do good business.” — Jason Massey
• [00:08:00] “Everything is a unit of energy—whether it’s manual labor or something else, there’s energy being consumed.” — Jason Massey

About the Guest

Jason Massey is the CEO and co-founder of Ndustrial, a company helping industrial and logistics operators slash energy costs and carbon intensity using AI. He’s worked across venture capital, clean energy, and industrial manufacturing—and now builds tools that drive measurable results in warehousing, cold storage, and 3PL networks.

Links Mentioned

• Ndustrial: https://ndustrial.io
• Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmassey/

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• Why orchestration platforms are the future of 3PLs, and how they outperform legacy WMS systems.
• The real ROI of small automation solutions for 3PLs with low upfront costs.
• How to evaluate fulfillment tech and avoid costly pilot mistakes.
• What the Greenfield vs. Brownfield debate means for your automation strategy.
• Why incremental scaling is the best approach for implementing automation in 3PLs.
• How AI and robotics are transforming the supply chain and fulfillment operations.
• Key takeaways from Promat and other industry conferences on next-gen warehouse tech.

 Highlights: 

• [00:00:00] – Introduction to the episode & guest introductions
• [00:06:13] – The evolution of decision-making with AI
• [00:10:30] – Why orchestration-first is replacing WMS in modern warehouses
• [00:13:52] – Evaluating fulfillment tech and avoiding common pitfalls
• [00:18:10] – The ROI of small-scale automation for 3PLs
• [00:30:00] – Greenfield vs. Brownfield for automation—where should you start?
• [00:34:32] – Closing thoughts on smart scaling and what’s next for 3PLs

Quotes:

•  [00:06:39] “So I can spend 10%, 15% of my time compiling, and theoretically 80% of my time thinking. And that's going to be a game changer for us as an industry.” — Will O'Donnell
• [00:10:56] “The warehouse of the future is automation, robots, and an orchestrator. Not just a WMS.” — Erhan Musaoglu
• [00:19:18] “Innovation happens when you remove constraints. And a lot of constraints are self-imposed.” — Will O’Donnell\
• [00:27:00] “Don’t underestimate the simple solutions that are usually the best.” — Marv Cunningham  

About the Guests:

 Will O’Donnell — Global Head of Corporate Development at Prologis & Managing Partner of Prologis Ventures. Will leads investment into emerging supply chain tech with a macro lens on real estate and fulfillment convergence. https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-odonnell-553aa0a/

Marv Cunningham — Global Head of Operations, Essentials at Prologis. Formerly of Amazon and GXO, Marv brings deep operational expertise and a track record of warehouse optimization at scale. https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvcunningham/

Erhan Musaoglu — CEO of Logiwa. A serial WMS builder, Erhan now focuses on orchestration-first fulfillment software that integrates robotics, AI, and warehouse logic. https://www.linkedin.com/in/erhanmusaoglu/

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• Why legacy OMS architectures struggle in modern fulfillment
• How orchestration is different from integration—and why it matters
• The real reason Amazon can keep its delivery promises
• Why EDI still dominates $33T in global trade—and what to do about it
• What composability looks like in warehousing vs. commerce
• How AI is shifting the scale-up model for logistics operations
• The strategic gap between system connectivity and execution logictech.

 Highlights:

• [00:03:48] – What’s broken in traditional OMS architecture
• [00:06:10] – The orchestration gap and delivery promises
• [00:08:11] – Why logistics hasn’t adopted composability
• [00:13:46] – $33T and the enduring power of EDI
• [00:20:34] – AI-native ops and the future of lean scale
• [00:23:30] – What Pippen reveals about agent-based orchestration

Quotes:

• [00:05:10]: “Legacy order management systems are applications sitting on top of a database… they demand to be the system of record.” – Kelly
• [00:06:57]: “The true game changer is when you combine with the iPaaS… I know what an order actually means. It's not just a translation. That changes so much of your business.” – Ninaad
• [00:09:52]: “The fundamental problem: consumers are buying on more and more channels.” – Mo
• [00:21:22]: “Building a $10 million ARR business with just a few people is now possible with AI.” – Ninaad

About the Guests:

 Mo Afshar is the Co-Founder and CEO of Pipe17, a logistics orchestration platform that helps brands and 3PLs connect and automate fulfillment workflows. LinkedIn 

Kelly Goetsch is the COO of Pipe17 and formerly Chief Strategy Officer at commercetools and Co-Founder of the MACH Alliance. LinkedIn

Pipe 17 LinkedIn

Those interested in learning more about Pipe17 or seeing a demo can visit this link https://pipe17.com/book-a-demo/

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What You’ll Learn

• Amazon’s Logistics Playbook – Lessons from Jason’s time leading Amazon’s fulfillment and supply chain optimization teams.
• Scaling with Data Science – Why predictive analytics and machine learning are game-changers for fulfillment efficiency.
• Automation vs. Human Expertise – Striking the right balance between AI-driven logistics and people-powered problem-solving.
• Product-Market Fit for Startups – Hard-earned lessons from building Shipium and helping 3PLs and brands compete.
• The Future of eCommerce Logistics – Trends shaping fulfillment, including B2B supply chains, on-demand logistics, and deep customer insights.

Highlights

• [00:01:00] – Jason’s 19-year Amazon journey: From fulfillment systems to leading Amazon Prime’s logistics strategy.
• [00:03:30] – How Amazon’s supply chain turned logistics into a competitive advantage with machine learning and predictive analytics.
• [00:07:45] – The challenge of bringing Amazon-level logistics to 3PLs, retailers, and brands—and why most are still “fighting with sticks and stones.”
• [00:12:30] – Finding product-market fit as a startup: Jason’s lessons on iterating, adapting, and learning from customer feedback.
• [00:18:00] – The next frontier in supply chain tech: Using data to optimize fulfillment, increase speed, and reduce costs at scale.

Quotes

• [00:03:00] "Amazon’s tech divide was massive. The rest of the industry was competing with sticks and rocks, while Amazon had F-16s and drones." – Jason Murray
• [00:10:30] "It’s not about making companies 'like Amazon'—it’s about applying Amazon’s approach: start with the customer, use data, and automate at scale." – Jason Murray
• [00:12:45] "Finding product-market fit is about brutal honesty. You have to ask: Why did we lose this deal? What’s missing? No excuses." – Jason Murray
• [00:19:00] "The future of logistics is about turning everything into a math problem. Data will drive the next wave of supply chain innovation." – Jason Murray

About the Guest

Jason Murray is the Co-Founder & CEO of Shipium, a company revolutionizing supply chain technology for eCommerce and retail. Before launching Shipium, Jason spent 19 years at Amazon, where he helped build Amazon Prime, Subscribe & Save, and Amazon’s predictive logistics systems. His expertise in data-driven decision-making, automation, and supply chain optimization is helping 3PLs and retailers compete at an enterprise level.

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn

Learn more about Shipium

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This episode is packed with insights on rethinking traditional delivery networks, leveraging data for real-time optimization, and building a more flexible, scalable, and cost-efficient logistics model.

What You’ll Learn

✅ Turning the Last Mile into the Last 100 Meters – How hyperlocal pit stops create faster, cheaper, and greener deliveries.

✅ The Power of Data in Logistics – Relay collects 1,600+ data points per shipment to drive efficiency and optimize delivery routes in real-time.

✅ Revolutionizing Urban vs. Suburban Delivery – Why urban logistics is more challenging than suburban delivery, despite higher density.

✅ Fundraising & Scaling a Logistics Startup – Lessons from navigating investor skepticism and securing a $35M Series A.

✅ The Future of AI & Automation in Logistics – How AI can reduce inefficiencies, optimize fleet management, and reshape the logistics workforce.

Episode Highlights

🕐 [00:01:06] – Nicole’s background: Scaling Stuart Delivery to $400M & founding Relay.

🕐 [00:04:00] – What is the last 100 meters model, and how do hyperlocal pit stops work?

🕐 [00:06:30] – The asset-light advantage: Why Relay’s model is flexible and scalable compared to traditional depots.

🕐 [00:10:30] – Why urban logistics is actually harder than suburban delivery.

🕐 [00:12:00] – Relay’s cost-saving impact: 60% reduction in delivery costs with 99% on-time rates.

🕐 [00:24:00] – Overcoming investor skepticism: How Nicole & her team raised $35M Series A.

🕐 [00:32:00] – What’s next for Relay? Expansion plans & the potential move into North America.

🕐 [00:33:15] – AI in logistics: How AI-driven route optimization is changing the game.

🕐 [00:34:30] – Drone deliveries? Nicole’s take on why they might not happen in the UK anytime soon.

Quotes

📢 [00:03:00] – “The last mile isn’t actually the last mile—it’s the last 10 miles. We’re turning that into the last 100 meters.” – Nicole Mazza

📢 [00:10:45] – “Urban delivery is actually harder than suburban. Traffic, parking, and handover times offset density.” – Nicole Mazza

📢 [00:22:00] – “For every shipment, we collect 1,600 data points. It’s not just about having data—it’s about taking real-time action.” – Nicole Mazza

📢 [00:25:00] – “Investors told us ‘No’ hundreds of times before we got our first ‘Yes.’ Bootstrapping was tough but made us stronger.” – Nicole Mazza

About the Guest

Nicole Mazza is the Founder & Chief Commercial Officer at Relay Technologies, an innovative logistics company transforming the last-mile into the last 100 meters. Prior to Relay, she was instrumental in scaling Stuart Delivery to $400M in revenue and leading it to a successful acquisition. With deep expertise in urban logistics, fleet optimization, and supply chain transformation, Nicole is on a mission to redefine eCommerce deliveries with a flexible, scalable, and data-driven approach.

🔗 Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn: Nicole Mazza

🔗 Learn more about Relay Technologies: Relay Technologies

Connect with Relay on LinkedIn: Relay Technologies LinkedIn

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Join host Harshida as she sits down with Aaron Wilcox, COO of Luminess, to discuss the company’s remarkable transition from a TV-first business to a digital-first powerhouse. Aaron shares firsthand insights on how Luminess overhauled its logistics, adopted cutting-edge technology, and formed key 3PL partnerships to compete in the fast-moving beauty industry. From shifting fulfillment strategies to embracing data-driven decision-making, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for logistics and operations leaders navigating digital transformation.

What You’ll Learn

• Pivoting to Digital-First: How Luminess transitioned from TV-driven sales to a modern eCommerce model.
• Choosing the Right 3PL Partner: Key factors that influenced Luminess’ decision to outsource fulfillment.
• Balancing Tech & Operations: How investing in the right tech stack enabled growth and efficiency.
• Overcoming Logistics Challenges: Insights on tackling supply chain disruptions, delivery speed expectations, and inventory management.
• The Power of Data & Curiosity: Why staying data-driven and open to new solutions is crucial for operations leaders.

Highlights

🔹[00:01:00] – Aaron’s career journey: From Zeppler Hardware to leading Luminess’ transformation.
🔹 [00:04:00] – The shift from TV advertising to eCommerce and its impact on fulfillment.
🔹 [00:08:30] – Why Luminess chose to partner with a 3PL instead of handling fulfillment in-house.
🔹 [00:12:00] – The importance of strong relationships between brands and 3PL partners.
🔹 [00:15:00] – Exciting logistics trends: AI-driven forecasting, inventory tracking, and regional carriers.
🔹 [00:17:00] – Key leadership lessons: Stay curious, data-obsessed, and adaptable.

Quotes

💬[00:06:30] – "Once we realized our tech platform wasn’t capable of supporting the shift, we had to invest in new systems—Salesforce, Shopify, WMS, CRM. It changed everything." – Aaron Wilcox

💬 [00:10:15] – "The right 3PL partnership isn’t just about cost—it’s about tech capabilities, customer experience, and alignment with your brand’s goals." – Aaron Wilcox

💬 [00:12:15] – "The secret sauce in logistics is relationships—how well you collaborate with your 3PL to solve problems and serve customers." – Harshida

💬 [00:16:00] – "The minute you think you have it all figured out, something changes. Stay curious, keep learning, and adapt fast." – Aaron Wilcox

About the Guest

Aaron Wilcox is the Chief Operating Officer at Luminess, a beauty brand that has successfully transitioned from a traditional TV-first sales model to a thriving digital commerce operation. With a background in logistics, operations, and strategic partnerships, Aaron has played a key role in scaling Luminess through technology adoption and 3PL collaboration. His expertise in fulfillment strategy, customer experience, and supply chain agility makes him a valuable voice in the eCommerce logistics space.

Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn

Learn more about Luminess

Unlock the Future of Logistics at CartCon 2025

Want to stay ahead in logistics and e-commerce? CartCon 2025 is your chance to dive into the latest innovations, connect with industry experts, and discover solutions that will drive your operations forward. As a proud media partner, we invite you to join us at this game-changing event.

Ready to transform your logistics? Pre-register now: https://cart.com/preregister2025 

Subscribe and Keep Learning!

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Curating World-Class Content: How Manifest Vegas designs an agenda tailored to supply chain leaders' needs.

Balancing Innovation & Practicality: Ensuring valuable insights while avoiding product pitches.

Lessons from Startups: What established logistics players can learn from agile newcomers.

Future of Manifest: How the event is evolving with new themes like cold chain logistics and sustainability.

Highlights

[00:01:00] – The year-long planning process behind Manifest Vegas and how industry insights shape the agenda.

[00:04:15] – How AI and geopolitical trends influenced the 2024 event’s focus.

[00:07:00] – Striking the right balance between educational content and sponsor participation.

[00:11:15] – The growing importance of visibility and sustainability in supply chain decision-making.

[00:16:45] – Cold chain logistics: a new frontier for Manifest 2025.

Quotes

[00:03:00] “We’re people-led. We first look at the individuals we want to showcase, and then the topics naturally follow.” – Tanzil Uddin

[00:05:30] “75% of Manifest attendees list relevant and actionable content as their primary reason for attending.” – Harshida

[00:08:15] “Understanding your customer market is key. It’s not about offering a solution to everything, but addressing the specific challenges.” – Tanzil Uddin

[00:15:00] “We took attendee feedback and expanded beyond logistics to cover inventory, demand planning, and sustainability.” – Tanzil Uddin

About the Guest

Tanzil Uddin is the Senior Vice President of Production at Manifest Vegas, one of the logistics industry’s most influential events. With years of experience curating content that addresses the evolving needs of supply chain leaders, Tanzil’s work focuses on fostering collaboration between shippers, startups, and investors. His expertise ensures that Manifest remains at the forefront of supply chain innovation and strategy.

Connect with Tanzil on LinkedIn: Tanzil Uddin

Learn more about Manifest Vegas: manifestvegas.com

Register now and secure a $200 discount: https://ManifestVegas.com/Join/E-Com-Logistics-Podcast

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Data-Driven Decisions: How to transform raw data into actionable insights for customer success.

Sustainability in Action: Prologis’ science-based goals and their roadmap to net-zero emissions.

Talent Management: Strategies for attracting, retaining, and empowering top-tier logistics professionals.

Future-Proofing with Innovation: Preparing for drone technology, automation, and evolving customer needs.

Customer-Centric Leadership: Building trust and collaboration through meaningful partnerships.

Highlights

[00:00:23] – Scott Marshall reflects on a career rooted in customer-centricity and operational excellence.

[00:05:45] – Prologis’ approach to deploying $100M weekly and staying agile amidst global scale.

[00:11:45] – The transformative power of data aggregation and AI in understanding customer needs.

[00:16:30] – The 4% real estate decision that influences 50% of customer operational costs.

[00:22:15] – Preparing for drone deliveries: what logistics leaders should anticipate.

Quotes

[00:00:00] “The more data I can get from these interactions and then use AI… I can paint a picture of what’s next.” – Scott Marshall

[00:05:45] “We deploy $100M of capital every Monday. Staying agile and customer-focused is key.” – Harshida Acharya

[00:08:30] “If you take care of your team, they’re going to take care of your customers.” – Scott Marshall

[00:17:15] “We aim to add columns to the spreadsheet that our competitors simply can’t match.” – Scott Marshall

About the Guest

Scott Marshall serves as the Chief Customer Officer at Prologis, the world’s largest developer of logistics real estate. With a career spanning private development, institutional leadership, and service-side experience, Scott brings unparalleled expertise in integrating customer intelligence with innovative logistics solutions.

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Join Harshida in a thought-provoking discussion with Michael Mahoney, CEO of Misen, about navigating challenges in logistics and operations. From orchestrating a stunning turnaround post-bankruptcy to leveraging technology for operational efficiency, Michael shares actionable strategies for logistics leaders. Gain insights into optimizing processes, selecting the right tools, and building scalable operations—all while maintaining a focus on simplicity and resilience.

What You’ll Learn

• Radical Simplification: Why less complexity in operations leads to better scalability and efficiency.
• Process-First Approach: Prioritizing process and technology before hiring for lasting operational success.
• Evaluating Technology Investments: The power of iterative, cost-effective tech adoption.
• Crisis Management: Think like a firefighter to tackle peak season challenges and unforeseen disruptions.
• Future of AI in Logistics: Unlocking potential with demand planning and consumer insights.

Highlights

[00:01:00] – Michael’s journey from bankruptcy to profitability at Misen.

[00:03:00] – The critical role of switching 3PL partners in driving operational profitability.

[00:05:00] – Process, technology, and people: Why this sequence matters for rebuilding operations.

[00:09:00] – Leveraging SaaS tools to automate demand planning and supply chain communications.

[00:13:00] – Firefighter thinking: A structured approach to peak season challenges.

Quotes

[00:03:00] “Operations should work at 50% or 500% of your goals. If it doesn’t, you’re doing it wrong.” – Michael Mahoney

[00:05:00] “Process, then technology, then people—get the foundations right before hiring.” – Michael Mahoney

[00:13:00] “Simplify. Fewer tools, fewer things to break, and fewer processes mean faster execution.” – Michael Mahoney

[00:14:00] “Think like a firefighter—calmly scope the issue, set deadlines, and avoid overreacting.” – Michael Mahoney

About the Guest

Michael Mahoney is the CEO of Misen, a company specializing in high-quality cookware and kitchen tools. With a deep background in logistics, operations, and organizational turnarounds, Michael has successfully guided Misen from bankruptcy to a thriving business. His process-first philosophy and strategic use of technology make his insights invaluable for logistics leaders.

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn and explore Misen’s innovative cookware at Misen.com

Unlock the Future of Logistics at CartCon 2025

Want to stay ahead in logistics and e-commerce? CartCon 2025 is your chance to dive into the latest innovations, connect with industry experts, and discover solutions that will drive your operations forward. As a proud media partner, we invite you to join us at this game-changing event.

Ready to transform your logistics? Pre-register now: https://cart.com/preregister2025 

Subscribe and Keep Learning!

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The Birth of Formula E: How Alberto turned a vision for an electric racing championship into reality.

Sustainability at the Core: Strategies that make Formula E a global leader in carbon-neutral events.

Tech Transfer: How innovations from Formula E are influencing everyday electric vehicles.

Logistical Feats: Behind the scenes of moving 300 tons of equipment across continents sustainably.

Breaking Barriers in Motorsport: Formula E’s approach to inclusivity, affordability, and talent-first driver recruitment.

Highlights

[00:05:00] – The bold idea of creating a net-zero electric racing championship.

[00:17:00] – Logistics of racing in 33 cities: moving 300 tons of equipment with a reduced carbon footprint.

[00:25:00] – How Formula E's battery transport protocols influenced global EV logistics regulations.

[00:31:00] – Formula E’s unique all-weather tires: sustainable, efficient, and performance-ready.

[00:36:00] – Formula E’s commitment to talent-first recruitment and cost caps in motorsports.

Quotes

[00:03:00] – “Sometimes you need to be persistent and follow your dreams.” – Alberto Longo

[00:13:00] – “Formula E is not just a sport, it’s a platform for education and innovation in sustainability.” – Alberto Longo

[00:25:00] – “Efficiency is our commitment to the world. Every year, we do bigger events with fewer emissions.” – Alberto Longo

[00:37:00] – “Talent should be the gateway to motorsports, not wealth. We’re changing that with Formula E.” – Alberto Longo

About the Guest

Alberto Longo is the Co-founder and Chief Championship Officer of Formula E, a revolutionary all-electric motorsport. With a background in finance and law, Alberto transitioned into motorsports with a vision to make racing sustainable, inclusive, and innovative. His leadership has transformed Formula E into the fourth largest motorsport globally, with a profound impact on electric vehicle technology and urban mobility.

Connect with Alberto Longo on LinkedIn

Explore Formula E: 

Formula E Official Website

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What You’ll Learn

• Debt-Free Growth: Expand logistics capacity without taking on debt.
• People-First Leadership: Build a cohesive team culture with empathy and strong values.
• Strategic Acquisitions: Insights for choosing acquisitions that add technological value.
• Tech & Human Balance: Integrate automation and AI without losing the human touch.
• Operational Resilience: Key principles for navigating change in the supply chain.

Highlights

• [00:01:00] – WSI’s 500% growth journey without debt
• [00:13:00] – Acquisitions for tech enhancements, including Shipping Tree
• [00:17:00] – Integrating acquisitions with a people-first approach
• [00:27:00] – Adapting to specialization and versatility in 3PL
• [00:44:00] – Using AI for demand forecasting and operational efficiency

Quotes

• [00:03:00] “You quickly realize that people at all levels bring incredible value. Empathy is crucial to leading in logistics.” – Peter Davis
• [00:10:00] “Spend time on the floor with your team—not just observing processes but connecting with the people.” –  Ninaad Acharya
• [00:17:00] Peter Davis: “Listening is the first step to successfully integrating a new team after an acquisition.” – Peter Davis
• [00:33:00] “If you’re disregarding culture and team, you’re missing the heart of the business.” – Peter Davis

About the Guest

Peter Davis is the VP and General Manager of Fulfillment & Chemical at WSI, a logistics leader focused on sustainable, customer-centered growth. With a background in private equity M&A and legal strategy, Peter offers a unique perspective on scaling 3PL operations. His leadership emphasizes a long-term, strategic approach that combines operational excellence with a commitment to a strong team culture.

Connect with Peter on LinkedIn

Learn More about WSI 

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HIGHLIGHTS

[00:04:00] - Scaling Walmart’s logistics network from $20 billion to $500 billion.

[00:17:00] - The role of AI and sustainability in transforming supply chain operations.

[00:22:00] - Key leadership strategies for navigating supply chain growth and innovation.

[00:28:00] - Doubling fleet efficiency through sustainable logistics initiatives.

[00:35:00] - Practical applications of AI in improving logistics, from picking processes to reverse logistics. 

QUOTES:

[00:28:00] - "Sustainability has to have an ROI. It can't be just a hobby; it has to pay back." – Chris Sultemeier

[00:35:00] - "AI gets me excited when I see it used in ways that deliver real payback, like improving picks per hour by 40 to 45% in a fulfillment center." – Chris Sultemeier

[00:22:00] - "Your career doesn’t just go upward. You need to move laterally, gain breadth of experience, and that makes you a better leader." – Chris Sultemeier

[00:29:00] - "Efficiency in logistics is key to sustainability. It's about doing more with less, which is what leads to long-term success." – Ninaad Acharya

[00:17:00] - "If you blend technology like AI with real industry experience, that's when logistics innovation happens. You can’t just Silicon Valley this thing." – Ninaad Acharya

FIND MORE ABOUT THE GUEST:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-sultemeier-263363120/

New Road Capital Partners: https://newroadcp.com/

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Bill Gibson is a seasoned executive in the technology and supply chain industries. He earned his MBA from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Gibson’s career began in 1993 as an account executive at Manugistics, a leading supply chain software provider. Over the years, he has held significant positions, including Managing Partner at The Albermarle Group, a venture capital firm, and leadership roles at Grotech Ventures. Gibson is currently the CEO of Deposco, a cloud-based supply chain software company that offers solutions for retailers, distributors, and 3PLs. Under his leadership, Deposco has grown significantly and has been recognized multiple times, including making the Inc. 5000 list for several years. Notably, Gibson was honored as one of the Top 50 SaaS CEOs by The Software Report, highlighting his influence and success in the software as a service (SaaS) sector.

HIGHLIGHTS:

[00:03:00] Inception of Deposco and the gap in the market.

[00:07:00] Evolution of e-commerce and 3PLs, noting how brands struggled with operational challenges.

[00:19:00] The importance of real-time, cloud-based solutions for 3PLs.

[00:28:00] Peak season preparation and the common pitfalls brands face during this time.

[00:33:00] Importance of forward-looking planning vs. driving operations based on historical performance.

QUOTES:

[00:28:00] - "Mike Tyson had a quote at a point in time about ‘You got to plan until you get punched in the face,’ right? It's the same at peak seasons—it's the punch in the face for everybody every year." – Bill Gibson

[00:31:00] - "How do you not have your real-time fulfillment system tied into your front-end commerce system? If you can’t supply the order, why are you booking the business?" – Bill Gibson

[00:22:00] - "The future is about how we as practitioners make it easier, faster, and less expensive to achieve the outcomes. It’s not just about the software, it’s about aligning strategy and operations." – Bill Gibson

[00:25:00] - "We’re co-creating. It’s not about the AI toolkit, it’s about how we apply AI to solve real problems in commerce." – Bill Gibson

[00:36:00] – “In logistics, the digital and physical sides of the business need to be joined at the hip. When they’re not, you get failures that damage customer trust.” – Ninaad Acharya

FIND MORE ABOUT THE GUEST:

LinkedIn: Bill Gibson

Website: Deposco

Twitter: @Deposco

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Bill Catania is a seasoned entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of OneRail, an omni-channel fulfillment platform that connects businesses with a vast network of 12 million drivers, optimizing last-mile logistics. Bill's impressive career spans multiple industries, with a focus on leveraging technology to solve complex business problems. He is recognized as a thought leader in logistics technology, having received numerous accolades, including being named a "Game Changer" by the Orlando Business Journal and winning the Supply Chain Leaders in Action Pitch Tank contest. Bill's previous ventures include MDOT, a pioneering enterprise software company that helped transform digital coupon redemption.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

[00:04:00] – Bill’s early entrepreneurial ventures and the start of his career in enterprise software.

[00:07:30] – The pivot moment for OneRail: transitioning from a tech-connected courier to an aggregated network platform.

[00:16:00] – The complexities of aggregating courier networks and matching supply with demand in real-time.

[00:20:30] – How AI and machine learning helped OneRail scale operations and manage thousands of deliveries daily.

[00:28:00] – The acquisition of OrderBot and the future of OneRail’s dynamic fulfillment capabilities.

[00:31:30] – Bill’s advice on raising capital and scaling logistics businesses through data optimization.

QUOTES:

[00:07:00 - 00:07:24] - "The logistics triangle is really about inventory, transportation, and consumer — and these three things must talk in real time to create a seamless delivery experience." – Bill Catania

[00:16:48 - 00:17:31] - "The key to optimizing logistics is building density. With high-volume partners, you get density, and density leads to better optimization and economic advantage." – Bill Catania

[00:11:00 - 00:11:30] - "If you think you have a good idea, just jump in and do it. The fact is, whatever you build initially isn't what will take you to the rocket ship — it will evolve. Avoid analysis paralysis and act." – Ninaad Acharya

[00:22:34 - 00:22:59] - "We always work at the SKU level because inventory, transportation, and consumer data have to align in real time. Knowing item specifics allows us to optimize the entire fulfillment process." – Bill Catania

[00:29:00 - 00:29:30] - "To achieve the 'Amazon experience,' you need real-time decision-making between transportation and fulfillment while the customer is still on the product page. It’s about aligning inventory and transportation seamlessly." – Ninaad Acharya

[00:14:00 - 00:14:29] - "You don’t quit. You pivot, you tweak, and figure out where you can add value. In logistics, finding where you can provide the most value is what keeps you moving forward." – Bill Catania

FIND MORE ABOUT THE GUEST:

LinkedIn: Bill Catania

Website: OneRail

Twitter: @OneRailTech

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Ryan Kelly is the Vice President of Commercialization at FedEx, where he leads the company's e-commerce and digital strategies. With over 25 years of experience spanning investment banking, corporate strategy, and logistics, Ryan has helped shape the future of global supply chains. His work at FedEx focuses on developing innovative products and solutions, establishing strategic alliances, and commercializing digital platforms. Previously, Ryan played a pivotal role in Genco's acquisition by FedEx and led corporate development initiatives at ATC. He is a recognized thought leader in logistics and supply chain innovation.

HIGHLIGHTS:

[00:02:03] From Investment Banking to Logistics Leadership

[00:04:00] Commercializing Digital Solutions: Navigating Ecosystem Integration

[00:07:00] Technology Gaps: Challenges and Opportunities in E-Commerce Platforms

[00:11:00] Sustainability in Supply Chain: Reducing Waste and Emissions

[00:21:00] Returns Management: Addressing Fraud and Optimizing Policies

[00:34:00] Supply Chain Strategy: Efficient Fulfillment and Inventory Management

QUOTES:

[00:07:00] - "Many third-party solutions overlook fundamental logistics signals, creating misinterpretations that can harm delivery performance." - Ryan Kelly

[00:11:22] - "Sustainability is about more than just emissions; it's about reducing waste and improving overall supply chain efficiency." - Ryan Kelly

[00:19:46] - "Peer-to-peer delivery solutions are often the most unsustainable, while route-based networks add efficiency most people don’t consider." - Ryan Kelly

[00:21:14] - "There’s a growing need for industry-wide data sharing to prevent returns abuse and catch fraud early, similar to what financial institutions do." - Ninaad Acharya

[00:30:17] - "A strong returns policy isn’t just a logistics decision—it’s a marketing tool that reduces risk for the customer and enhances their buying experience." - Ryan Kelly

[00:38:53] - "Brands need to consider the whole picture, not just shipping costs—fulfilling from the right location can prove far more cost-effective in the long run." - Dan Coll

FIND MORE ABOUT THE GUEST:

LinkedIn: Ryan Kelly

Website: FedEx

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Mark Ang is the CEO and Co-Founder of GoBolt, a technology company building the largest sustainable supply chain network. GoBolt provides a planet positive approach to logistics. The company is committed to providing carbon-neutral deliveries, setting the bar for a more viable future.

HIGHLIGHTS:

[00:07:54] - EV Fleet Optimization: Overcoming challenges of downtime and reliability with custom algorithms.

[00:10:18] - AI in Logistics: Using machine learning to optimize driver behavior and extend vehicle range.

[00:12:27] - Dynamic Mobile Hubs: How flexible delivery models reduce costs and increase efficiency.

[00:16:53] - Custom Tech Solutions: The pros and cons of building in-house logistics software versus off-the-shelf tools.

[00:24:30] - Scalability: Key strategies to scale green logistics while keeping costs down.

QUOTES:

[00:07:54] - "When we made the pivot to electric vehicles in 2019, there was no viable commercial EV on the road. We had to become guinea pigs for startups." – Mark Ang

[00:10:00] - "Running an electric fleet like a diesel truck is destined to fail. You need custom learning models to optimize how EVs perform under real-world conditions." – Mark Ang

[00:12:27] - "The idea of dynamic mobile hubs, where you drop a truck with pre-sorted EV bikes or vehicles, is game-changing. It's a strategic move that allows for flexibility in urban deliveries." – Ninaad Acharya

[00:16:53] - "If you ask for something new, chances are a lot of things are already addressed on the roadmap, but you need to find that right solution for yourself.” - Ninaad Acharya

[00:25:30] - "Sustainability in logistics isn't just about marketing—it requires deep investments and the right people to lead." – Mark Ang

FIND MORE ABOUT THE GUEST:

LinkedIn: Mark Ang

Company Website: GoBolt

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Jonathan Poma is the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Board of Loop, a leading returns management platform for Shopify merchants. With over 13 years of experience in e-commerce, Jonathan has a deep understanding of the complexities of returns and reverse logistics. Under his leadership, Loop facilitates 2.5 million returns monthly and works with over 4,000 merchants, helping them optimize their reverse logistics and boost profitability. Jonathan has been instrumental in building Loop from a simple project for Chubbies into a major player in the Shopify ecosystem, handling returns for some of the world’s fastest-growing brands.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:03:00] From Idea to Reality: The Birth of Loop Returns

[00:07:30] The Importance of Returns in E-Commerce

[00:17:30] The Shift to Paid Returns: Why 72% of Merchants Now Charge

[00:22:00] Rethinking Reverse Logistics: A New Frontier

[00:29:00] Data and Personalization in Returns

QUOTES

[00:01:30]  "Let’s start with solving problems and then figure out how to make money, not try to make money and figure out if there’s a problem to solve." -  Jonathan Poma

[00:07:00] "When capital was cheap, returns didn’t seem like a big deal, but now, optimizing reverse logistics can make or break profitability." -  Jonathan Poma

[00:08:30] "Returns are the last rock to turn over in finding profits in e-commerce today." - Jonathan Poma

[00:11:30] "Amazon has mastered returns because they know everything about every customer—they hold accountability like no one else." - Jonathan Poma

[00:14:30] "It now comes down to personalization. There is a difference between a top buyer, but is that top buyer also the top returner? There’s a correlation between the two." -  Ninaad Acharya

[00:17:00] "Free returns aren’t sustainable for most brands anymore, and that’s a massive shift we’re seeing across e-commerce." - Jonathan Poma

[00:20:00] "Logistics is somehow driven by commerce's decisions rather than working hand in hand... I want to see the world actually change where commerce and logistics get much closer from a data perspective."  - Ninaad Acharya

FIND MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST

Website: Loop Returns

LinkedIn: Jonathan Poma

Twitter: @PomaJP

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Kyle Bertin is the co-founder and CEO of Two Boxes. Prior to founding Two Boxes in 2022, Kyle held senior roles at Outrider, Flexport, DeepScale (acquired by Tesla), and Deloitte. His extensive experience in logistics and strategy, combined with a passion for operational efficiency, has positioned Kyle as an innovator in the supply chain and returns management space. Kyle holds a BA in Economics from Northwestern University and an MBA from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.

HIGHLIGHTS:

[00:01:50] – Kyle’s journey and the founding of Two Boxes.

[00:04:20] – The rising complexity of returns in e-commerce.

[00:05:30] – The explosion of online returns.

[00:06:50] – Automation and smart systems to streamline returns processes in warehouses.

[00:20:00] – Challenge of fraud in returns and how technology can help mitigate this growing issue.

[00:26:00] – Collaboration between brands, 3PLs, and logistics tech providers to combat returns fraud.

QUOTES:

[00:05:10] – "It's never been easier for a consumer to return an item, but it's never been harder for a warehouse to handle those returns." – Kyle Bertin

[00:06:00] – "Online return volumes in the U.S. have increased eightfold in just five years, creating huge challenges for warehouses and 3PLs." – Kyle Bertin

[00:15:26] – "In an e-commerce warehouse, thousands of people interact with screen flows daily, yet no one cared about the user experience. Just improving that one aspect can massively boost efficiency." – Ninaad Acharya

[00:23:50] – "Roughly 10 to 15% of returns we see have clear evidence of fraud or abuse, from empty boxes to swapped items." – Kyle Bertin

[00:28:00] – "The future of reverse logistics is collaboration—logistics providers, retailers, and tech companies need to work together to reduce fraud and improve efficiency." – Kyle Bertin

Find More About the Guest

Website: Two Boxes

LinkedIn: Kyle Bertin on LinkedIn

Two Boxes LinkedIn: Two Boxes LinkedIn Page

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Amena Ali is the CEO of Optoro, a leader in reverse logistics technology. With a career that spans over 25 years, she has held pivotal roles in companies like MCI, Bain & Company, and several software firms. At Optoro, Amena leads the charge in tackling the multi-billion-dollar returns problem, working with major retailers such as Gap and Best Buy. Her expertise in product marketing, finance, and business development makes her a thought leader in logistics innovation, helping retailers and brands optimize their return management systems for better customer experiences and sustainability.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:01:30] – Growing returns problem and its environmental impact.

[00:02:30] – The surge in return rates since the pandemic and the need for retailers to adapt.

[00:04:00] – Amena's career journey.

[00:08:47] – Returns Management System (RMS).

[00:14:58] – The "art and science of dispositioning".

[00:27:30] – The role of AI, robotics, and data science in reducing return processing costs.

[00:36:30] – Addressing fraud and authenticity with data capture and blockchain technology.

QUOTES:

[00:01:31] – "The trends are pretty stark since the pandemic. Returns are up 3.5x, with rates as high as 30% for some goods. It’s a monumental problem that’s not going away." – Amena Ali

[00:02:30] – "We need to come up with a win-win-win solution: a win for shoppers, retailers, and the environment." – Amena Ali

[00:06:09] – "Work-life balance isn’t the goal anymore; it’s about finding a sustainable work-life integration." – Amena Ali

[00:14:58] – "Returns are two to three times more labor-intensive than forward logistics. The longer it takes to process, the more you lose in recovery." – Amena Ali

[00:36:37] – "You need data to spot who’s a trustworthy shopper and who isn’t." – Amena Ali

FIND MORE ABOUT THE GUEST:

Website: Optoro

LinkedIn: Amena Ali

White Paper: WMS vs RMS: A Guide to Return Management

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Amena Ali, CEO of Optoro, has 15+ years of experience in returns and reverse logistics. Optoro provides a complete returns management platform, helping major brands manage returns more efficiently, focusing on sustainability and circularity.

Jonathan Poma, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Board of Loop, leads a platform that handles return management for Shopify merchants, processing millions of returns every month and routing products back into resale channels.

Gayle Tait, Former CEO of Trove, drives innovation in the resale space by enabling brands to power trade-in and resale programs, helping them recapture value from returned items and reduce environmental impact.

Kyle Bertin, Co-founder and CEO of Two Boxes, focuses on improving return processing in warehouses through advanced, agnostic technology, optimizing efficiency and sustainability for brands across North America.

Julian Mitchell, Co-founder and CIO of G2 Reverse Logistics, brings a deep focus on using data analytics and AI to help brands optimize returns processes, reduce costs, and re-commerce products.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:06:00] The revenue potential of resale programs.

[00:12:00] The multi-layered nature of reverse logistics.

[00:24:00] The importance of data-driven decision-making.

[00:32:00] The growing challenge of returns fraud in ecommerce.

[00:41:00] The hidden costs of “free” returns for retailers.

QUOTES:

[00:07:00] – "Recommerce captures new customers by reselling returned items at a lower price, adding value for brands." – Gayle Tait

[00:25:00] – "We need a flexible platform that integrates across WMS, TMS, and other logistics systems to truly optimize reverse logistics." – Amena Ali

[00:32:00] – "Returns fraud and returns abuse is like a hundred-billion-dollar problem in the US." – Jonathan Poma

[00:33:00] – "Automation creates new fraud vectors, but we can use AI and data analytics to predict and prevent these frauds." – Jonathan Poma

[00:40:00] – "There are bad actors not just on the consumer side, but within warehouses, and brands need more data to detect and prevent fraud at every level." – Kyle Bertin

Find More About the Guest Panelists:

Amena Ali
LinkedIn: Amena Ali
Website: Optoro.com

Jonathan Poma
LinkedIn: Jonathan Poma
Website: LoopReturns.com

Gayle Tait
LinkedIn: Gayle Tait
Website: Trove.com

Kyle Bertin
LinkedIn: Kyle Bertin
Website: TwoBoxes.com

Julian Mitchell
LinkedIn: Julian Mitchell
Website: G2RL.com

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Bill Mahoney is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in the logistics and supply chain industry. As Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Bill has been instrumental in guiding strategic growth and fostering innovation in complex supply chain environments. His expertise spans from operations management to strategic planning, making him a valuable resource for insights into leadership and business development in the logistics sector.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:58] - Bill’s Journey in Supply Chain

[00:03:58] - The Importance of Flexibility

[00:05:30] - Generational Leadership

[00:08:12] - Navigating Growth Challenges

[00:13:45] - Cyclical Nature of Supply Chain Strategies

QUOTES

[00:09:00] - "Everybody wants growth until they realize it broke. The key is to be okay with change and ready to evolve as your needs evolve." - Bill Mahoney

[00:11:41] - "When you're with a growing company, it's still not enough—there's always something more to do, more to improve." - Bill Mahoney

[00:08:43] - "It's about leveraging infrastructure and technology to help mid-market companies grow without making the full investment on their own." - Dan

[00:14:00] - "Everyone was focused on diversification during the pandemic, but now we see a return to the basics. It’s all cyclical." - Ninaad Acharya

[00:12:30] - "Your core business is running a brand. Find the right partner who can handle the logistics so you can focus on what you do best." - Ninaad Acharya

FIND MORE ABOUT THE GUEST

LinkedIn: Bill Mahoney on LinkedIn

Twitter (X): Follow Bill for more insights on Twitter.

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Ravi Maganti is the Director of Technical Services at Manhattan Associates, where he has played a pivotal role in developing and managing the Manhattan Active Metro platform. With over 20 years of experience at Manhattan Associates, Ravi has been instrumental in driving innovation in warehouse management systems (WMS) and cloud-based logistics solutions. His expertise lies in creating open and extensible platforms that empower customers to customize their logistics systems to meet unique business needs. Ravi's leadership and vision have been crucial in the development of cutting-edge AI tools that are transforming the logistics industry.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:02:30] – Discussion on the shift from configurable to extensible systems in warehouse management.

[00:06:17] – Overview of Maven and Assist: AI-driven tools for enhancing customer service and operational efficiency.

[00:09:58] – The impact of AI on speeding up warehouse management system (WMS) configuration.

[00:16:18] – Challenges in AI implementation, including dealing with AI hallucinations and ensuring security.

QUOTES

[00:09:58] – “The future of AI in logistics is about speed and efficiency—doing what we already do, but much faster.” - Ravi Maganti

[00:11:25] – “Imagine your AI system creating configurations for you in seconds, saving hours of manual work.” - Ravi Maganti

[00:17:15] – “Mitigating AI hallucinations is crucial to ensuring reliable outcomes in logistics operations.” - Ravi Maganti

FIND MORE ABOUT THE GUEST

LinkedIn: Ravi Maganti

Manhattan Associates Website: www.manh.com

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Scott Fenwick is a seasoned expert in supply chain planning with nearly 30 years of experience. He currently leads product strategy at Manhattan Associates, where he has been instrumental in driving technological advancements in supply chain solutions. Scott’s extensive background in software development and leadership roles across various facets of supply chain management makes him a key figure in the industry.

Ryan Gifford serves as a Senior Director at Manhattan Associates, specializing in forecasting, replenishment, and allocation. With a strong foundation in category management and software development, Ryan has played a pivotal role in advancing Manhattan’s supply chain solutions over the past six years. His expertise spans both retail and logistics, making him a vital contributor to Manhattan Active's latest innovations.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:03:00] - Introduction of Manhattan Active Supply Chain Planning and its unified platform.

[00:05:16] - Shift from batch jobs to real-time processing in supply chain management.

[00:06:36] - Impact of AI and machine learning on decision-making.

[00:09:07] - Gen AI's role in enhancing user interaction with supply chain systems.

[00:12:39] - Benefits of integrating planning and execution on one platform.

[00:20:19] - Future trends in supply chain management, emphasizing faster access to data and decision-making.

QUOTES

[00:05:16] - "Bye-bye, batch jobs! We’re moving to real-time systems, reacting dynamically to changes throughout the day." — Scott Fenwick

[00:06:36] - "AI and machine learning enable us to leverage data in ways that were nearly impossible just a few years ago, driving better decisions at scale." — Ryan Gifford

[00:09:07] - "Gen AI will fundamentally change how users interact with supply chain systems, making it possible to have natural language conversations with your data." — Scott Fenwick

[00:13:19] - "With real-time information, we’re not just responding faster; we’re making more meaningful decisions that impact the entire day’s operations." — Ryan Gifford

[00:20:19] - "The faster we can see data, the quicker we can respond to it, enabling teams to work smarter and faster." — Ryan Gifford

[00:23:03] - "We see a big organizational change coming, where silos are reduced, and decisions are better coordinated between planning and execution." — Scott Fenwick

FIND MORE ABOUT THE GUESTS

Scott Fenwick: LinkedIn

Ryan Gifford: LinkedIn

Manhattan Associates Website: Manhattan Active Supply Chain Planning

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Tom Griffin is the President of Passport, a leading provider of international shipping and eCommerce solutions. With a career spanning over 20 years, Tom has held pivotal roles in some of the most innovative companies in the eCommerce and logistics industries. He began his journey at Yantra, a pioneer in distributed order management systems, before joining Demandware, where he played a crucial role in the company’s rise as a leading SaaS eCommerce platform, culminating in its acquisition by Salesforce. At Passport, Tom leverages his extensive experience to help brands navigate the challenges of cross-border commerce, enabling them to expand their global footprint efficiently.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:31] – Importance of meeting delivery expectations to drive customer retention and lifetime value.

[00:06:02] – The shift from outsourcing eCommerce operations to managing them in-house.

[00:09:25] – Expanding into new countries to double your addressable market while managing customer acquisition costs.

[00:13:00] – Challenges and benefits of stocking inventory locally versus shipping internationally.

[00:17:14] – Transparency in shipping costs and delivery times as key to preventing cart abandonment.

QUOTES

[00:18:21] “The key to success in cross-border eCommerce is not just about logistics but creating a seamless, localized experience for the customer from the moment they land on your site.” – Tom Griffin

[00:24:50] “For brands, international expansion can be simpler and more cost-effective than they might think, thanks to advancements in technology and strategic partnerships.” – Tom Griffin

[00:16:54] “The biggest driver of cart abandonment is surprise—whether it's unexpected taxes, duties, or unclear shipping costs. Eliminating these surprises is essential.” – Tom Griffin

Find More About the Guest:

LinkedIn: Tom Griffin on LinkedIn

Company Website: Passport Shipping

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Chris Lingamfelter is a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience in the supply chain and logistics sector. He has played pivotal roles in companies like Third Wave Automation, 6 River Systems, and SencorpWhite, where he has driven growth and spearheaded new ventures. At Robot Advisors, Chris leverages his extensive background in warehouse automation, distribution management, and international expansion to deliver innovative solutions. His expertise in robotics and eCommerce fulfillment positions him as a thought leader in the industry.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:01:38] Chris’ Career Journey and Transition to the Robotics Industry

[00:05:04] Founding Robot Advisors

[00:08:45] State of Warehouse Automation

[00:10:18] Importance of Choosing the Right Technology

[00:15:13] U.S. vs. European Approaches to Warehouse Automation

[00:17:02] Competitive Landscape and Business Models in Robotics

QUOTES:

[00:07:25] "88% of warehouses are still very manual without any automation." - Dan Coll

[00:07:56] "It's fascinating because we have access to a lot of capital here, but in Europe they have a lot of access to government and college, and university grants." - Chris Lingamfelter

[00:10:18] "It's crucial to align technology with business objectives to avoid costly mistakes." - Chris Lingamfelter

[00:16:10] "There's a balance where you've got to say, okay, it's time to snap the tape and let it go. We need to start getting real customer feedback." - Chris Lingamfelter

[00:15:54] "Within the United States, we have the willingness to try new things more often, and that's why I think there are so many pilots happening." - Ninaad Acharya

[00:18:23] "You’ve got to prove out the ROI, the business case, and get the CFO on board to move forward with these projects." - Dan Coll

Find out more about Chris Lingamfelter in the links below:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislingamfelter/

https://www.robotadvisorygroup.com/

This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit www.gandpconstruction.com to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations.

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Jacob Tippie is a warehouse solutions expert with a focus on optimizing cubed space through turnkey solutions. As the Vice President of Sales at G&P Construction, he leads a team in delivering comprehensive services, including storage systems, automation, and lift equipment. With over seven years of experience in sales, project management, and business development, Jacob is dedicated to solving modern warehouse challenges and ensuring exceptional customer service. 

Tim Harrison is an automation engineer turned sales leader. He’s designed assembly lines, industrial equipment, and even built a company that sold, implemented, and serviced ASRS in the Midwest. He’s leveraged his strong software, mechanical, and electrical acumen on 100’s of projects at SpaceX, Quest Labs, Zimmer, Geisinger Medical Center, and many more world class companies. Currently, Tim is the Chief Executive Officer at G&P Construction.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:01:01] Jacob's Journey with G&P Construction

[00:01:45] Tim's Background in Automation

[00:02:43] The Story Behind Joining G&P Construction

[00:06:15] Expanding into Automation

[00:13:20] Consultative Approach to Client Needs

[00:20:51] Market Trends and Future Outlook

QUOTES

[00:07:13] "If we're going to do it, we're going to do it right. We're going to put a lot of effort into it, a lot of investments on the cash side."

[00:13:52] "The best time to get in on these projects is before somebody's come in there already and put a proposal in front of them."

[00:15:49] "Let's try to find some value there and focus on your business."

Find out more about Jacob Tippie and Tim Harrison in the links below.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-tippie-051ba8ab/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-harrison-3b31a55/

This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit www.gandpconstruction.com to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations.

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Jon Schechter started with AutoStore in July 2020 and is responsible for driving market awareness focused on retail in North America. As a Business Development Manager, he partners with customers in their fulfillment journey to identify whether AutoStore is the right fit for them. Jon has been designing robotic-based fulfillment centers since 2008 with prior experience at Kiva Systems, Amazon, and RightHand Robotics. Jon studied Mechanical Engineering at MIT and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.  

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:01:06] Jon's Journey in Warehouse Robotics

[00:02:56] Early Stages of Automation

[00:07:55] 3PLs and Automation Investments

[00:14:28] The Importance of WMS in Automation

[00:18:10] Understanding Bin Digging in ASRS

QUOTES

[00:06:53] "You can't build automation on top of no WMS."

[00:08:54] "3PLs can be successful by partnering with customers to co-invest in automation."

[00:10:46] "With labor environments today, I don't think you have a choice but to develop and invest in your own 3PLs."

[00:11:26] "Employees don't want to push a cart. They don't want to walk down 10 miles a day to do their pick, pack and ship."

[00:14:51] "It's not like you can go buy one of those things and bring it home and turn it on."

[00:15:53] "You can't have a really well utilized automation system without a strong WMS underlying it."

Find out more about Jon Schechter in the links below.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonhschechter/

This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit www.gandpconstruction.com to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations.

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Guy Courtin is a seasoned supply chain expert with decades of experience in the technology and supply chain space. Currently serving as Tecsys'  Vice President of Industry and Global Alliances, he has held leadership roles at 6 River Systems (a Shopify company), Infor Retail, and i2 Technologies (now Blue Yonder). He has likewise served as an industry analyst at Constellation Research, SCM World (Now Gartner), and Forrester Research. Guy holds an MBA in Management from the Olin Graduate School of Business, a Master's in International Relations from Loyola University Chicago, and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross. 

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:48] Guy's Journey in Supply Chain

[00:02:58] Challenges in E-commerce Fulfillment

[00:04:55] Inventory Management Strategies

[00:11:26] Change Management in Warehousing

[00:14:50] Healthcare Ground Game

[00:18:45] Future of Healthcare Fulfillment

QUOTES

[00:09:58] "Everyone thinks they have a secret sauce. There is no secret sauce. It's just ketchup." - Ninaad Acharya

[00:13:45] "Change management is, I think, one of the hardest things we've seen in warehousing, in supply chain." - Guy Courtin

[00:16:01] "The ground game, which is not as sexy, is still, I think, as important as this other digital strategy." - Guy Courtin

[00:18:52] "The challenge, the reason why some companies do that is they just don't have the right systems to do virtual segregation." - Ninaad Acharya

Find out more about Guy Courtin in the links below.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/guycourtin/

This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit www.gandpconstruction.com to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations.

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Steve Pickfield is a dynamic leader with a proven track record of building high-performance sales teams and driving business success. Currently the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at PSI Engineering in Toronto, Steve has led commercial strategy and operations since 2018, achieving significant growth. As Executive Vice-President of National Sales at T. Litzen/Skyline Sports since 2017, he fosters a collaborative atmosphere for a national sales team. During his 27-year tenure at Vickers-Warnick Ltd, he held roles from Outside Sales Representative to President, managing major acquisitions and business transformations. Known for his exceptional interpersonal skills, Steve excels in navigating businesses through rapid change, strategic planning, high-level negotiations, and financial management, building strong relationships with key stakeholders.  

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:01:34] Steve's Background and Journey: Steve shares his journey in automation and his role at PSI Engineering.
[00:03:53] Understanding SLAM: Explaining the term SLAM (Scan, Label, Apply, and Manifest) and its importance in e-commerce.
[00:05:40] Evolution and Importance of SLAM: Discussion on the development of the SLAM industry group within MHI and its significance.
[00:08:06] ROI and Volume Considerations: When and why companies should consider automating their SLAM area.
[00:12:06] Solving Bottlenecks: How automation helps in addressing bottlenecks created by upstream processes.
[00:13:18] Image Capture Technology: The role of image capture in verifying shipments and reducing errors.
[00:19:51] Starting the Journey: Advice for companies looking to optimize their SLAM area.

QUOTES

[00:00:25] "A lot of people have invested into that automatic storage and retrieval, AMRs, and all that. The kind of fancy stuff, the auto stores, it is created that bottleneck."
[00:03:53] "It stands for Scan, Label, Apply, and Manifest. It doesn't encompass everything that happens in that last hundred feet, but it certainly does."
[00:12:06] "If you look at an e-commerce direct-to-consumer fulfillment facility, most likely 80% of your labor cost is going to be in that pick and pack, and 20% will be in the last hundred feet."
[00:13:18] "We worked with them and created some technology around that. So, that we would be taking a picture of that box with the cell phone in and it really solved that problem."
[00:19:51] "It does start with an assessment, and assessing, what areas, where is your true bottlenecks, where is most of your costs going, where are your error."

Find out more about Steve Pickfield in the links below.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenpickfield/

This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit www.gandpconstruction.com to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations.

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Ann Marie Jonkman, Vice Presidnet Industry Strategies at Blue Yonder, advises Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) on leveraging technology and best practices to enhance their business strategies. With over 20 years of experience in continuous improvement and consulting, particularly in distribution, e-commerce, and transportation, she brings a unique blend of operational insight and software expertise. Collaborating closely with product development teams, Ann Marie ensures alignment with customer needs and drives innovation to deliver tangible results. Prior to Blue Yonder, she held positions at leading organizations like XPO Logistics and Radial. Ann Marie holds degrees in Political Science and History, with ongoing education in Business Technology Design and strategic communication from esteemed institutions like Lewis University, Tuck School of Business, and Dartmouth. Based in Chicago, she devotes her personal time to supporting animal rescue initiatives and enjoys golfing and football.

HIGHLIGHTS
[00:03:29] Exploring the Post-2023 Logistics Landscape
[00:07:06] The Evolution of Software in Logistics
[00:13:16] The Future of Warehouse Operations and Technology
[00:17:59] Exploring the Impact of AI in Logistics
[00:20:02] The Power of Generative AI and Machine Learning
[00:23:16] Empowering the Mid-Market with AI Technology
[00:27:03] Human-Centric Approach to Technological Adoption
[00:29:14] The Future of Work: Automation, AI, and User Experience

QUOTES

[00:01:17] "Technology should deploy that. It should enable it for people and it should be easy."
[00:05:51] "People are very mindful where they put their money, but it's open. I feel the change."
[00:12:49] "It's really being a partner because if we all haven't noticed, this tech is changing fast."
[00:17:50] "That billing piece is just, from a 3PL perspective, you're right. It's a small army of people."
[00:20:13] "It's more so enabling that to your point to where we truly capture what's happening."

Find out more about Ann Marie Jonkman and her company in the link below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajsupplychainleader/

This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit www.gandpconstruction.com to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations.

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ABOUT KEITH

Keith Moore is the Chief Executive Officer for AutoScheduler.AI. As a supply chain “Pro to Know”, Keith works with Consumer Goods, Beverage, and Distribution companies to drive efficiency in distribution centers. As the CEO, Moore’s focus is in creating the future with the prescriptive warehouse. Moore was voted by Hart Energy Magazine as an Energy Innovator of the Year in 2020, was selected as a Pi Kappa Phi 30 under 30 member, and holds multiple patents in the fields of neural architecture search and supply chain planning. Moore attended the University of Tennessee, where he received a bachelor of science in Mechanical Engineering.

HIGHLIGHTS  

[00:02:00] Keith Moore's Journey in Supply Chain and Tech  

[00:04:23] The Birth and Growth of AutoScheduler  

[00:04:49] How To Optimize Warehouse Operations  

[00:09:00] Challenges and Solutions in Warehouse Management  

[00:23:56] The Future of Robotics in Distribution  

QUOTES  

[00:00:27] Keith Moore on Warehouse Nodes: "It's all about supporting universal inventory flow through a facility... everything in and everything out the rest of the supply chain decides."  

[00:10:31] Keith Moore on Technology Integration: "Generally what we do in our sales process now... is you'd be super upfront with exactly what needs to happen."  

[00:14:41] Keith Moore on Real-Time Decision Making: "What optimization should decide is exactly what processes do you need to do in the inside of that circle to make sure that you're supporting that overall flow."  

[00:19:36] Keith Moore on Continuous Adaptation: "Every plan you create is broken the second you create it because nobody follows a plan perfectly... you need to be able to adapt that plan."  

Find out more about Keith Moore in the links below.  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithdmoore13/  

This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit https://www.gandpconstruction.com to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations.  

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SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, broadcasting live from Modex 2024 in Atlanta, the hosts sit down with Oana Jinga, co-founder of Dexory, to explore innovative solutions in the logistics industry. The conversation dives deep into Dexory's journey from a retail robotics company to a logistics-focused enterprise, the challenges and advantages of AMR versus drone-based data capture, and the transformative power of digital twin platforms. Dexory's technology enables real-time inventory management, enhanced accuracy, and predictive analytics, aiming to revolutionize the logistics landscape.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:03:57] The Shift to Logistics and Inventory Management
[00:05:31] Understanding Digital Twin Technology
[00:12:51] Challenges and Innovations in Warehouse Management
[00:19:32] Safety and Efficiency of AMR vs. Drones
[00:23:37] Future of Inventory Management and RFID Integration

QUOTES

[00:06:58] The value proposition lies in real-time access to accurate inventory data, enabling operators to make informed decisions and optimize warehouse operations.
[00:08:45] Real-time data feeds from AMRs bridge the gap between physical and digital representations, offering unparalleled visibility and insight.
[00:11:09] Future advancements aim to leverage AI tools for predictive analytics and simulation within the digital twin platform, revolutionizing inventory optimization.

Find out more about Oana Jinga in the links below.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/oanajinga/
http://dexory.com/

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As a member of the GXO’s Americas and Asia Pacific Executive Leadership Team, Josh is responsible for deepening existing customer relationships and delivering on the company’s divisional growth targets.

Prior to joining GXO, Josh built a career of best-in-class supply chain leadership at some of the world’s leading companies. He served as Senior Vice President, Supply Chain and Global Logistics for Cardinal Health, where he led all aspects of supply chain for the Pharmaceutical Segment and integrated logistics for all business units. Before that, he held senior-level leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies, including Amazon, Target and DICK’S Sporting Goods. At Amazon, he led Global Inbound Supply Chain and Logistics and was responsible for global cross border supply chain and logistics, including product development, pricing, technology, operations, procurement and network design.

Josh is an alumnus of Penn State University and Harvard Business School. He resides in Tampa with his children, Connor and Kylie.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Ninaad Acharya and Dan Coll are joined by Josh Dolan. The discussion covers Josh's extensive career journey from UPS Supply Chain to GXO, highlighting his expertise in global supply chain operations across various sectors including retail, technology, and life sciences. The conversation delves into the expansive portfolio of GXO, featuring notable clients such as Ikea, L'Oreal, Nike, and Adidas. Josh shares insights into the challenges and innovations within logistics, focusing on the role of automation, AI, and the cultural alignment necessary for successful mergers and acquisitions. The episode wraps up with thoughts on the evolving logistics landscape and the importance of strategic partnerships and tailored solutions for clients.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:01:24] Josh Dolan's Journey Through the Logistics Landscape
[00:02:50] Exploring the Consumer Division at GXO Logistics
[00:13:39] The Impact of Automation and Technology in Logistics
[00:28:39] The Strategic Importance of Acquisitions and Cultural Alignment

QUOTES

[00:31:03] “It's not just about the physical distribution component. It's also about the technology to your point around visibility and then, flashing availability back of those products on those clients' sites”
[00:38:49] “If you take care of your team and you take care of the customer, everything else  falls into place over time”
[00:39:49] “So the fact that there is all of this amalgamation of so many companies. I think that's pretty, interesting and just purely from a case study standpoint, something that is worth looking at.”

Find out more about Joshua Dolan in the links below.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuajdolan/
https://www.gxo.com

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Andrey Bakholdin is the Chief Growth Officer at Brightpick, a leading innovator in robotic automation solutions for warehouses. With a background in finance, Andrey's career includes experience in mergers and acquisitions, as well as multi-strategy investing at Blackstone. He joined Brightpick to help scale the company after recognizing its potential during an investment evaluation. Under his leadership, Brightpick has developed cutting-edge mobile robot solutions that streamline the fulfillment process, enhancing efficiency and reliability for customers.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:01:03] Spotlight on Brightpick: Revolutionizing Warehouse Fulfillment
[00:02:30] Exploring Brightpick's Unique Mobile Robot Solution
[00:14:02] The Future of Robotics: AMRs vs. Humanoids
[00:23:47] Closing Thoughts: The Evolution of Warehouse Automation

QUOTES

[00:00:27] "The innovation isn't just in the ability to stick a robotic arm on a mobile base. The innovation is in being able to do that in a cost-efficient manner, which delivers not just equivalent, but superior ROI to customers."
[00:02:54] "Our robot is the only mobile robot in the world that can robotically pick items directly in the aisles where they're stored."
[00:16:50] "80 percent of processes in a warehouse or in a manufacturing plant are standardized. For specific processes, solutions like Brightpick AutoPicker will always be more cost-efficient than a humanoid."
[00:23:01] "In what world are legs more efficient than wheels? Wheels will always be more energy-efficient, faster, and easier to maintain than feet, especially in a warehouse designed for forklifts."

Find out more about Andrey Bakholdin in the links below.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/abacholdin/

This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit https://www.gandpconstruction.com to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations.

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As CEO of SVT Robotics, A.K. Schultz leads the overall company vision and go-to-market strategies. A.K. has spent his career leading the design and implementation of high-profile automation projects across multiple industries and top Fortune 500 companies, participating in the deployment of over $1 billion in automation. That experience gave him a unique understanding of the technical solutions customers need to advance their business, and it provided the foundation to launch SVT Robotics in 2018.

Nick Leonard is the SVP of Product at SVT Robotics. With extensive domain and software leadership experience, Nick ingeniously bridges the realms of business and technology, honed through his journey rising through project management and solutions architecture. At SVT, Nick shapes the overall product vision, ensuring the company remains at the cutting edge of robotic process automation. Beyond the office, Nick prides himself on being a mentor, tech enthusiast, and avid reader.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:01:01] Meet the Minds Behind SVT Robotics
[00:01:25] Nick Leonard's Journey in Automation
[00:02:40] AK Schultz on Solving Interoperability in Robotics
[00:06:26] The Philosophy of Connectivity and Integration
[00:13:16] Customer Success Stories with SVT Robotics
[00:16:19] The Future of Automation: Monitoring and Optimization
[00:18:01] Real-Time Incident Management: A Customer Story
[00:19:42] Advanced Logging and Fault Analysis
[00:20:43] Exploring Orchestration in Robotics and Automation
[00:23:40] The Future of Open vs. Closed Ecosystems
[00:25:07] Bridging Technology Gaps with Connectivity
[00:27:18] Partnering with Tier One Systems for Integration
[00:29:11] Empowering IT and Integrators with Advanced Tools

QUOTES

[00:06:37] "The machines are really executing what the software is doing and the magic is in the software, right? And so that's number one. Number two, we connect to software or robotic software is basically automating and making things faster and it doesn't necessarily need to involve a machine. It doesn't have to have an articulated arm robot. It can just be a mechanical system, right? So really what it's about is unlocking sensor data and putting it into this, what we see is us being the central nervous system."
[00:16:39] "So the first thing I think a lot of people misunderstand is. Now we're connected. What's the next challenge we have to think about? We're going to maintain that system's health, right? Because now we're running an automation facility and you were talking about 120, 140 picks an hour from your baseline. Okay. Now I have that ROI, that clock's ticking. I need to make sure that we're at that 100 to 200, 124 picks all day long. And a lot of automation systems, it's making sure that silent failures aren't happening in your system. So a lot of times maybe you're a bad data from a wrong order structure or something like that. One system doesn't like the data that's being exchanged. A lot of times that's happened. That's silently failing in the background."

Find out more about A.K. Schultz and Nick Leonard in the links below.

A.K. Schultz’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/a-k-schultz-9b5b899/
Nick Leonard’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickleonard/
SVT Robotics Website: https://www.svtrobotics.com/
SVT Robotics Library: https://atlas.svtrobotics.com

This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit www.gandpconstruction.com to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations.

Subscribe and Keep Learning!

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Padhu is the co-founder and CEO of Osa Commerce, a trailblazer cloud-based platform that powers the supply chains of logistics providers, retailers, and brands. With over 25 years of experience in digital supply chains, operations, and product development, he is an expert in creating and implementing end-to-end commerce solutions that optimize online sales and enhance fulfillment and delivery automation using artificial intelligence and data visibility.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:01:16] Deep Dive with Padhu from Osa Commerce
[00:02:40] Padhu's Journey in Supply Chain and E-commerce
[00:04:15] Building a 3PL Business from Scratch
[00:07:53] The Evolution of Osa Commerce into a SaaS Provider
[00:08:16] Exploring the Ecosystem Model of Osa Commerce
[00:12:31] Addressing Integration and Change Management in Supply Chain
[00:16:52] The Future of 3PL and Brand Operations
[00:19:47] Disruption and Innovation in the Supply Chain Space
[00:20:53] Unpacking the Unique Challenges of Osa Commerce
[00:21:45] The Tesla of Supply Chain: Innovation at the Core
[00:24:24] Redefining Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
[00:27:01] The Evolution of E-Commerce and Its Impact on Logistics
[00:32:46] The Osa Solution: Bridging Gaps in the Supply Chain
[00:33:14] The Power of Data in Optimizing Supply Chains

QUOTES

[00:07:26] "When you commit to a customer in the morning saying that we will ship 45,000 units by the end of day, and you come back and find out you only have almost one third of the people, and of one third of the people almost half leave after the lunch break. COVID was so rapid and things changed."
[00:27:48] "We created the solution based on what the need was because we were operators. So the system is built by operators for the operators who are very simple."

Find out more about Padhu Raman and his company in the link below:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/padhuraman/
https://osacommerce.com/

This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit www.gandpconstruction.com to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations.

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SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Marv Cunningham discusses the Prologis Essentials program and its mission to provide comprehensive solutions for e-commerce logistics challenges. He shares his extensive experience in the industry, including his time at Amazon and Target, and highlights the importance of standardization, scalability, and culture in warehouse operations. Marv also emphasizes the growing role of automation and robotics in improving efficiency and reducing labor costs. Overall, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of e-commerce logistics and how to address industry challenges.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:43] The advantages of 3PLs in operating systems and driving economies of scale.

[00:13:11] Integration of AI and machine learning in providing real-time feedback for operational improvements.

[00:19:14] Factors indicating the right time for adopting automation in warehouses.

[00:23:58] Marv’s four P's approach: People, Process, Performance, and Price.

QUOTES

[00:00:27] "They can help you with either financing or RaaS. They can set up the system, they can operate it for you. You get the economy to scale and the savings base in automation."

[00:04:03] "What we're trying to do at Prologis Essentials is we're trying to also do anything inside and outside of the building. So anything from racking to fork trucks to full solution automation, to networking capacity planning."

[00:13:30] "Instead of just giving you a solution, they're giving you a solution that then starts thinking about ‘how did we do today’ and ‘what can I make a recommendation?’"

[00:19:14] "If you have a labor problem, if you're growing, and then if you really believe that you're trying to either write process units faster or in a shorter period of time with less shifts, both of those are the right time for automation."

Find out more about Marv Cunningham and his company in the link below:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvcunningham/

https://www.prologis.com/essentials-solutions/

This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit www.gandpconstruction.com to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations.

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SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya are joined by Rahul Deshmukh (RD), Principal eCommerce Fulfillment and Warehouse at Amazon, live from MODEX 2024. They discuss insights, trends, and challenges in eCommerce logistics, focusing on embracing digitalization, AI, and robotics in the supply chain. RD shares his journey in the logistics space, emphasizing the importance of quick decision-making, learning from failures, and improving processes. They delve into strategies for optimizing customer satisfaction, evolving consumer expectations, and navigating the evolving landscape of logistics technology showcased at MODEX.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:27] Embrace digitalization and AI to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.

[00:04:53] Focus on leading-edge engineering in logistics design to meet evolving customer demands.

[00:10:02] Implement actionable data analysis for better forecasting and planning.

[00:14:08] Attend conferences like MODEX with a clear agenda to focus on innovation and problem-solving.

[00:22:19] Make quick decisions, learn from failures, and continuously improve processes.

[00:30:37] Apply AI to automation, forecasting, and warehouse optimization for enhanced productivity.

QUOTES

[00:11:52] "Standardize. Learn, be curious, and then you do bias for action... which will make our stakeholders happy, which will make my people happy, which will make the team happy, and they will go home satisfied."

[00:22:22] "The worst thing is to not implement anything for having paralysis of analysis, make a quick decision, move on, learn from it, fail fast and improve."

Find out more about Rahul (RD) Deshmukh in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/getrd1/

This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit www.gandpconstruction.com  to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations.

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SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll interviews Edson Greenwood, COO of Anvyl, at Manifest 2024 to discuss the current landscape of eCommerce logistics. They delve into emerging trends, challenges, and the evolving role of technology in supply chain management. From inventory management to supplier communications, they explore key areas of focus for businesses in 2024.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:23] Trends in technology investment: 74% of respondents are likely to invest in technology in 2024, focusing on inventory management, supplier communications, and production management.
[00:01:54] Shift towards offshoring and nearshoring: Companies are exploring production partners in South America, Mexico, and North America amid concerns and disruptions in traditional manufacturing hubs like China.
[00:02:54] Importance of production management: As businesses grapple with supply chain complexities, there's a growing realization of the critical role of production management in ensuring overall operational success.
[00:05:32] Challenges in technology adoption: Suppliers face hurdles in adopting new tools, emphasizing the need for user-friendly solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing workflows.
[00:10:26] Market research insights: Survey results indicate a heightened focus on technology adoption, with inventory management emerging as a top priority for retail brands.

QUOTES

[00:00:23] "A lot of those responses were focused on three main areas, which were inventory management still, supplier communications, and production management."
[00:02:54] "Everyone was focused on inventory or was focused on logistics and, understandably But I think there's been a lot of effort put into those areas that are now bringing people back to the point where, Hey, if there's problems with my orders, all this other stuff is gonna be wrong, too."

Find out more about Edson Greenwood in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edson-greenwood-415ba9b/
Anvyl Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@anvyl

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SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Andreas Andrea shares his journey in the supply chain and logistics industry, highlighting his experiences at various companies and the lessons he learned along the way. He discusses the importance of understanding the end-to-end supply chain and the role of technology in optimizing operations. Andreas also emphasizes the need for resilience and contingency planning in the face of carrier failures and the challenges posed by seasonal e-commerce shipping. He provides insights into his role at FabFitFun during the COVID-19 pandemic and the strategies implemented to diversify carriers and ensure successful peak season operations. Andreas concludes by discussing the significance of effective communication and collaboration between brands and 3PL partners.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:00] Introduction to the podcast and guest, Andreas Andrea
[00:08:33] Taking a risk on a small regional carrier that ultimately failed
[00:10:19] Starting the direct import program at FabFitFun
[00:13:25] Delays in delivery during winter 2020 due to carrier issues
[00:15:41] Developed reporting to track carrier performance and hub backups
[00:17:09] Successfully managed carrier failures during peak season
[00:20:18] Bala Bangles experienced a surge in demand during COVID
[00:32:04] Importance of assessing logistics partners in light of their failures

QUOTES

[00:00:26] "Logistics partners will always fail. That is a fact of life. Your carrier, your three tier. Any other partner that you're working with will always fail."
[00:30:09] "Your carrier, your 3PL, and any other partner they are working with will always fail. Your job is to judge them and assess them in light of that failure."?
[00:34:47] "You have to really manage and let them know that failure happens and they have to be comfortable with the fact that there will be a failure."

Find out more about Andreas Andrea in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreasandrea/

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SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll and co-host Ninaad Acharya interview Tom Schmitt, a true legend in the logistics space. Tom shares his fascinating journey from Germany to leading some of the most recognizable companies in North America. He discusses the importance of values, confidence, and commitment in his upbringing and how they shaped his leadership style. Tom also emphasizes the significance of adding value, being clear in communication, and leaving a place better than you found it. He shares insights on the evolving principles of leadership and the importance of being adaptable and continuously learning. The episode concludes with Tom discussing the challenges faced by Forward Air, including the impact of COVID-19, a cyber attack, and an activist shareholder, and how the company overcame these obstacles.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:03:30] Tom Schmitt shares his immigration story from Germany to the US
[00:08:17] Tom's management experience at BP and lessons learned
[00:15:06] The importance of embodying a culture and purpose in leadership.
[00:16:11] Luck is when preparedness meets opportunity.
[00:20:38] The value of not getting lost in multiple priorities and keeping the main thing.
[00:23:39] The question "What would have to be true?" to challenge assumptions and explore possibilities.
[00:37:40] Leadership failure due to putting an unqualified person in charge.
[00:40:05] Challenges faced during the Omni logistics situation and cyber attack.

QUOTES

[00:08:41] "Position power is not what you should be leaning on. You should be leaning on adding value."
[00:18:17] "When you make commitments, you do everything possible to keep those commitments."
[00:23:39] "You need to be compelling, not complete."
[00:28:32] "Leave a place better than you found it."

Find out more about Tom Schmitt in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tschmitt1965/

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Before her tenure at Glossier, Kinta made significant contributions to Thrive Causemetics Inc. as a Senior Director, where she excelled in enhancing supply chain operations and implementing strategic DEI plans. Kinta's professional journey includes impactful positions at notable companies such as Mars. Her achievements include developing business-specific integrated planning processes, overseeing fulfillment network expansion projects, and leading supplier performance management. Kinta has been recognized for her leadership in DEI, being honored by the Positive Results Corporation and named one of the “50 Phenomenal Black Women Engineers” by the Los Angeles Council of Black Professional Engineers.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Kinta Gates shares her journey in the logistics space and provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the industry. She discusses the importance of leadership in supply chain, the impact of cost pressures on supply chain operations, and the role of technology, particularly AI, in optimizing supply chain processes. Kinta also offers advice for brands looking to expand into physical retail and emphasizes the need for collaboration and understanding across different functions within an organization.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:03:06] Kinta's journey in the logistics space

[00:11:08] The importance of practical experience in supply chain leadership

[00:15:31] Chief supply chain officers being tapped for CEO positions

[00:16:39] Supply chain becoming more recognized and appreciated

[00:19:30] The tripled importance of supply chain in delivering customer value

[00:21:29] The need for supply chain to be involved in decision-making and enhancing customer experience

[00:23:04] The pressure on companies to optimize their supply chains

[00:25:46] The excitement about AI and machine learning in supply chain

[00:27:08] The goal of becoming responsive rather than reactive in supply chain

[00:29:37] The need for supply chain professionals to educate others

[00:32:56] The power of the human component in supply chain

[00:38:08] Lessons learned and advice for brands expanding into physical retail

QUOTES

[00:00:25] "The human component of supply chain is just as powerful as any system or any process. That's the magic."

[00:09:51] "There's so much value in knowing what that feels like from both sides. From being within the working team and being a functional leader of an organization."

[00:21:29] "Leave space for it to absolutely rock your world. Leave space for this to absolutely disrupt your supply chain."

Find out more about Kinta Gates in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kintacgates/

TAGS

Ninaad Acharya, Dan Coll, eCom Logistics Podcast, Fulfillment IQ, Kinta Gates, eCom Logistics Nation, eCommerce logistics insights, trends, successes, challenges, leaders, innovators, supply chain, operations, Glossier, global operations, supply chain strategies, beauty, food industries, operational excellence, strategic planning, DEI initiatives, Thrive Cosmetics, senior director, supply chain operations, strategic DEI plans, positive results corporation, 50 phenomenal black women engineers, LA council of black professional engineers, inventory analyst, Nortel network, co-op program, telecom, demand planning, forecast analyst, retail, inventory management, Mars, leadership, systems, technology, AI, machine learning, data, CFO, CCO, customer experience, physical retail expansion, lessons learned, advice, retail compliance, supply chain talent, LinkedIn, engage, connect, coffee, eCom Logistics Podcast, genuine insights, supply chain journey, 3PLs, VCs, 5 star rating, feedback, Fulfillment IQ, logistics, eCommerce, practical insights, Google

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Marcus's career has focused on delivering value through strategic supply chain management. He has led global teams to drive exceptional product quality, cost and delivery results, while also engaging with the broader apparel industry to drive sustainability and protect garment workers' rights in the supply chain.

Marcus earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Wesleyan University and an MBA from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. He served as a Trustee for Wesleyan University and served two terms on the board of directors for Net Impact, a non-profit organization whose mission is to mobilize a new generation to use their careers to drive transformational change in their workplaces and the world.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, join Dan Coll in this insightful episode as he sits down with Marcus Chung, COO of Coyuchi, a premium bedding and bath brand deeply committed to sustainability. Recorded at the Manifest conference in Las Vegas, Marcus shares Coyuchi's journey towards decarbonization and achieving net zero goals by 2050. From understanding the interconnected global supply chain to implementing innovative circular economy practices, this episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of making e-commerce logistics more sustainable

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:24] Consumers today are more globally aware and pose questions about brands' impact on the planet, driving a shift towards sustainability.
[00:01:32] Marcus introduces Coyuchi, a brand focused on building an organic supply chain rooted in sustainability for over 30 years.

[00:03:31] Marcus reflects on the evolution of sustainability in his 20-year career, from social responsibility to a broader focus on environmental impact.
[00:05:27] The younger generation's increasing awareness of global supply chains influences their purchasing decisions, pushing brands towards sustainability.
[00:09:13] Engaging manufacturers and suppliers in clean energy discussions as a meaningful way for brands to reduce their carbon footprint.
[00:09:52] European brands are leading the sustainability agenda, while vendors worldwide are open to sustainability initiatives due to consumer expectations.
[00:16:51] The economics of recycling and remanufacturing.
[00:19:36] Marcus advises starting small and piloting sustainability initiatives, emphasizing the importance of intentional and measured efforts.

QUOTES

[00:04:38] "Consumers are more savvy... too many people really understand what meaningful action looks like."
[00:08:35] "Collaboration with your suppliers, having the conversation, asking the questions... has a huge impact."
[00:15:17] "We call it the Full Circle Blanket... using our own recycled product to make brand new Coyuchi product out of it."

Find out more about Marcus Chung in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusbchung/

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Jeff is responsible for leading the vision and strategy for Ryder’s e-commerce and omnichannel fulfillment solutions, driving business expansion, and achieving revenue growth. Most recently, Jeff was CEO of Whiplash—formerly Port Logistics Group—where he led the company to year-over-year revenue growth of nearly 30%. In January of 2022, Whiplash was acquired by Ryder System, Inc. Prior to that, Jeff was founder and CEO of Distribution Solutions, which he grew from a startup business to a $50M regional logistics firm that served as the platform company for Whiplash.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll is joined by Jeff Wolpov to share his fascinating journey from growing up in a warehouse to leading a company at the forefront of e-commerce logistics. Explore insights into the changing landscape of returns, the impact of evolving retail trends, and the significance of customer experience in today's market.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:10:14] The story of the Whiplash acquisition and the evolution towards e-commerce focus.
[00:12:30] The strategic partnership with Ryder and the transformation of the business.
[00:17:52] The impact of COVID-19 on the distribution business and the shift to e-commerce dominance.
[00:19:35] The importance of customer retention in today's market and the challenges of customer acquisition costs.
[00:23:04] The definition of omnichannel as allowing customers to buy goods in various ways to meet their preferences.

QUOTES

[00:08:27] "The only thing that's constant is change. We've seen some incredible changes."
[00:19:15] "Brand experience is much more than just packaging. It's the touch points, it's the visibility to the shipment, it's the tracking."

Find out more about Jeff Wolpov in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-wolpov-0bbb70173/

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As the SVP Strategy and Growth at Maergo, Peter sets the strategic vision and drives the market expansion for a first-of-its-kind parcel delivery platform, purpose-built for branded direct-to-consumer delivery. He leverages his deep expertise and network in eCommerce platforms, mobile commerce, content management, payment systems, and supply chain technologies to create innovative solutions and partnerships that disrupt the incumbent carriers and empower the largest and fastest growing brands to increase sales and customer satisfaction. Peter is passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences and enabling the future of eCommerce.

Harshida Acharya, Partner and CSO at Fulfillment IQ, has played a significant role in the company's multi-million-dollar growth. She is recognized as a top eCom Influencer by Shopify. Her expert insights have been published in Forbes, Industry Dive, and Supply Chain and Demand Executive, to name a few. 

Harshida wears multiple hats. She's also the creator and producer of the eCom Logistics Podcast, a podcast ranked amongst the top 5% globally and is one of the most shared business podcasts of all times. She is also actively involved in venture capital firms, serving as an investor, member, and advisor to emerging startups. 

Harshida's a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, actively fostering a community of women in supply chain and mentoring the next generation of professionals. Her efforts have earned her recognition, including the Women in Supply Chain 2023 Award.  

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya share their experiences and key takeaways from Manifest 2024, a premier e-commerce and logistics conference. During the conference, Ninaad is joined by Harshida and Peter to discuss the focus on the evolving landscape of returns, last-mile delivery challenges, and the transformative power of partnerships and emerging technologies in the e-commerce supply chain.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:22] Partnering for Data Power: Explore the transformative potential of partnerships in the e-commerce space, emphasizing the sharing of data among vendors to drive efficiency and overcome challenges.
[00:01:42] Manifest 2024 Highlights: A deep dive into the significance of Manifest 2024, discussing the unique mix of attendees, emerging companies, and the event's LinkedIn in real life (IRL) vibe.
[00:05:19] E-commerce Market Opportunities: Insights into integration work as a growing opportunity in the market, with a focus on transportation, last-mile delivery, and the strategic placement of investment dollars.
[00:08:43] Last Mile Evolution: Uncover the importance of last-mile delivery in the e-commerce landscape, exploring strategies to streamline and optimize this critical aspect of the supply chain.
[00:11:29] AI and People in Harmony: Understand the role of AI in e-commerce while emphasizing the synergy between technology and human involvement, particularly in the context of automation and upskilling.
[00:18:40] Data-Driven Returns Management: A closer look at leveraging data to tackle the challenges of returns, including bracketing and the potential for retailers to adjust return policies based on consumer behavior.
[00:22:18] Resale and Circular Economy: Delve into the rising importance of the circular economy, resale markets, and how brands are actively participating in sustainable practices.
[00:27:29] 2024 Tech Outlook: Explore the shifting dynamics in technology investments for 2024, with a focus on enhancing the consumer experience, accelerating shipping, and adapting to the changing economic landscape.

QUOTES

[00:05:52] "There's a big opportunity in the market for integration work, and a lot of conversation around all things integrations."
[00:11:11] "As leaders focus on providing the right tools to your employees, it enriches the quality of their life and work."
[00:18:40] "The data allows us to challenge the norms of, 'It's either free returns or it's not.'"
[00:22:18] "The dynamics are changing so fast, between liquidation B2B, B2C, and things like resale."

Find out more about Peter Sheldon in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petersheldon/

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SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan and Ninaad are joined by Luca Niccolai to share his insights on the challenges and strategies for European companies looking to enter the US market. He discusses the differences between the European and US supply chain strategies, the importance of system integration, and the expectations of clients in both markets. Luca also highlights the need for networking and partnerships to generate leads and the growing demand for real-time visibility in the supply chain.

HIGHLIGHTS
[00:01:57] Overview of Arvato Supply Chain Solutions
[00:05:25] Luca's move to the US market and focus on consumer products
[00:09:40] Challenges European companies face in the US market
[00:11:50] Importance of preparing and finding the right logistics partner
[00:13:12] Considerations for system integration and understanding the local market
[00:15:00] Importance of partnering with a logistics company for IT integration
[00:18:59] Differences in client expectations between European and North American markets
[00:22:45] Interest in integrating operations with new sales channels like the Metaverse
[00:25:34] Adaptation to the difference between just-in-time manufacturing in Europe and just-in-time delivery in the US
[00:28:26] Approach to expanding sales in the US and comparison to European tactics

QUOTES

[00:11:43] “European companies need to prepare themselves in the right way before entering the US market.”
[00:18:59] "US clients expect new solutions and are open to testing new technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics."

Find out more about Luca Niccolai in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-niccolai/

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SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, we delve into the intricacies of eCommerce logistics with Sean Henry. From the fragmented nature of third-party logistics to the importance of integrated supply chain solutions, Sean shares insights garnered from his journey and highlights the critical role of sophisticated parcel TMCs in optimizing costs and speeds for brands of all sizes.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:02:48] Unlocking Innovation - The Power of Young Entrepreneurs in Industries
[00:08:08] Amazon-Like Experience - Integrating Digital and Logistics Coordination
[00:09:36] Overcoming Fragmentation - Challenges in Achieving Optimal Logistics Efficiency
[00:10:59] E-commerce Fulfillment Challenges - Navigating Shipping Speeds and Real-Time Tracking
[00:13:30] Prime-Like Logistics - Coordinating Delivery Speeds Across Multiple Channels
[00:19:15] Revenue Volatility - Sustainable Models for Logistics Success
[00:29:16] Business Model Adaptability - Navigating Disruptions in Organizations
[00:30:00] Evolution of "For People" Model - Technology's Role in Optimizing Warehouse Capacities
[00:31:12] Software in Warehouse Operations - Shift towards High-Touch E-commerce Fulfillment

QUOTES

[00:20:38] "Quality of revenue is kind of point one and premise... if I can't point to why every dollar of my revenue is getting what that customer is getting from me that they can't get elsewhere and how they're getting a return on their investment, then it's fickle revenue."
[00:37:18] "Logistics needs to go a little beyond and get into the commercial side of the universe... logistics has a direct implication for you to be able to make a good margin decision on that inventory."

Find out more about Sean Henry in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shenry96/

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SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya interview Hannah Kain, the President and CEO of ALOM, a supply chain company. Hannah shares her journey of starting the business in the 90s and discusses the catalysts that drove her into the supply chain space. She emphasizes the importance of technology, quality, and sustainability in supply chain operations. Hannah also addresses the challenges faced by women in the industry and the need for ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reporting. She highlights the role of AI in supply chain and shares her insights on future trends and challenges.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:02:55] Hannah's motivation for starting ALOM and her fascination with technology and manufacturing
[00:08:09] The importance of technology, ESG, and quality in ALOM's approach
[00:11:44] The origin of ALOM's diverse service offerings and their focus on customer needs
[00:13:23] Discussion on the challenges and experiences of being a female founder in the 90s
[00:23:18] Hannah emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainability into every decision
[00:27:05] Hannah shares a story about addressing human trafficking in the supply chain
[00:29:19] Importance of employee engagement and retention in creating a positive work environment
[00:32:12] Hannah shares her approach to onboarding and reducing the time it takes for employees to become effective
[00:34:00] Dan asks about the use of AI in supply chain and Hannah's perspective on its current and future applications
[00:42:32] Challenges in the supply chain industry

QUOTES

[00:00:27] "Once you start measuring and actually have a system for capturing data, it's where you can really leverage and make a difference in those areas."
[00:23:18] "I think it's key to get it into every decision being made and also to create that visibility over to customers."
[00:34:00] "I think a lot of the issues we're having now will be solved by technology. And so I'm a big technology believer."

Find out more about Hannah Kain in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkain/

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SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya interview Inna Kuznetsova, CEO of Tools Group, about the role of AI in demand planning and supply chain management. Inna shares her insights on how AI can improve demand forecasting, optimize inventory management, and enhance pricing and markdown strategies. She emphasizes the importance of leveraging data and implementing dynamic planning to navigate the complexities of today's supply chain landscape. Inna also discusses the challenges and opportunities for e-commerce brands in diversifying their sales channels and managing returns effectively.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:00] Introduction to the podcast and guest's background
[00:03:12] The impactful moments and philosophies in the guest's career
[00:09:02] The role of AI in demand planning and supply chain
[00:13:10] The use of probabilistic models in demand forecasting
[00:14:19] The advantages of using artificial intelligence in forecasting and managing inventory
[00:18:20] The role of AI in reducing the bullwhip effect during disruptions like COVID-19
[00:23:48] The role of AI in allocation planning and optimizing inventory distribution
[00:25:05] Case study example of allocation planning for a retailer in a resort area
[00:27:33] The benefits of fulfilling orders from stores and intelligent optimization of markdowns
[00:31:24] Importance of dynamic fulfillment and holistic approach to e-commerce
[00:40:43] The proliferation of shipping from store and its advantages/disadvantages
[00:43:29] Rethinking shipment strategies and returns
[00:44:17] Managing returns and decision-making
[00:46:20] Implementing digital twin for intelligent returns

QUOTES

[00:11:44] "The reason why I was so attracted to ToolsGroup, why I left my previous role to jump into this current journey was because ToolsGroup was a pioneer in using machine learning in demand forecasting, which they started doing 15 years ago."
[00:18:20] "With the help of machine learning, you can fulfill better from the stores. It's not just fulfillment from the warehouse. It'd be much more efficient fulfilling from a store where that item may be marked down by 50 percent tomorrow, even if it costs you a little bit more in shipping."
[00:43:29] "Moving from static planning to dynamic planning and then to navigation through the supply chain is the future trend I'm most excited about. It will minimize the amount of unproductive work made by human beings and allow them to focus on more strategic discussions."

Find out more about Inna Kuznetsova in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ikuznetsova/

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SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, we dive deep into the world of e-commerce logistics, discussing the intricate challenges and innovative solutions within the industry. Krish Iyer, Vice President of Strategic Partners and Industry Relations at Auctane, shares insights on returns, packaging inefficiencies, sustainability, and the future trends shaping the logistics landscape.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:45] Implementing small yet impactful measures, like improving product photos, size charts, and detailed descriptions, significantly reduces returns at minimal cost.
[00:06:34] The returns space lacks an overarching solution despite various innovations like in-person return options, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive end-to-end returns system.
[00:18:53] The reluctance of carriers to efficiently handle residential pickups stems from historical perceptions of residential shipments, hindering effective return logistics.
[00:20:16] Challenges in packaging efficiency persist with oversize boxes and minimal packaging, highlighting the need for proper package engineering aligned with buyer habits and profile.
[00:29:25] The evolving trend focuses on integrating shipping and delivery intricacies with the shopping experience, emphasizing the significance of marrying shipping logistics with cart interactions for enhanced efficiency.

QUOTES

[00:11:04] "The best solutions for returns are free or low cost – get your product and listing right."
[00:13:19] "The initiation process of the return itself is an issue, often overlooked in return discussions."
[00:21:56] "You can't thwart human behavior or underestimate what humans will do in the packaging process."
[00:28:59] "It starts with what the consumer is buying – packaging solutions should align with consumer habits."

Find out more about Krish Iyer in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/globalkrishna/

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SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast,

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:02:05] Looking back at the past 12 months in the logistics industry
[00:06:39] Signs that things are starting to get better in the industry
[00:08:42] The impact of bankruptcies on correcting supply and demand imbalances
[00:11:00] Positive outlook due to more favorable interest rates and inflation stabilization
[00:13:28] Examples of companies with moats: Green Screens and ReverseLogix
[00:19:13] Advice: Companies should focus on doing one thing extremely well
[00:22:45] Examples of companies doing an outstanding job in their field: Green Screens and ReverseLogix
[00:29:42] BGSA Supply Chain Conference aims to gather top industry leaders
[00:33:35] Invitation-only event, but open to inquiries for invitations
[00:38:51] The conference will take place in Palm Beach, Florida.

QUOTES

[00:03:38] "Too much capacity chasing too little demand is one of the consequences of the cyclical nature of the logistics industry."
[00:19:53] "The most successful companies tend to be doing one thing extremely well."
[00:22:35] "Focus on doing one thing really well and become a leader in that area."

Find out more about Benjamin Gordon in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengordon18/

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SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Pam Simon joins to discuss the trends and innovations in the logistics industry. She shares insights on the impact of AI and machine learning, the rise of drone delivery, and the importance of nearshoring and reshoring in supply chain strategies. Pam also highlights the key areas attracting significant investment in logistics technology and provides advice on how to make the most of conferences like Manifest.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:03:11] Pam's background and the inspiration behind launching Manifest
[00:05:13] Technological innovations in logistics, including robotics, AI, sustainability, and visibility
[00:09:27] Focus on circular economy and re-commerce
[00:14:56] Exploration of use cases for generative AI
[00:17:54] Trend towards reshoring and nearshoring in the supply chain
[00:20:27] Adoption of automation and the 3-2-1 cross-border strategy
[00:22:01] Automation and robotics to assist with labor shortage
[00:25:30] Challenges and opportunities in drone delivery
[00:27:31] Intelligent infrastructure and sustainability in logistics
[00:33:06] Conferences as a strategic place to meet investors

QUOTES

[00:23:49] "I think we are going to see, we already starting to see some, but we'll see more drones that can lift heavier loads.
[00:31:38] "If you're going to something that you're interested in, guess what everyone else that's in that room is interested in solving the same problem that you are."
[00:34:46] "All money is not made equal. You want to take money from strategics, of course."

Find out more about Pam Simon in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pgranoff4/

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SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Remington shares his passion for working with high-growth startups and his journey from raising funds in the VC world to the world of commerce and logistics. He believes in the power of unifying digital and physical operations to create a seamless and efficient customer experience. Remington discusses the challenges faced by software-native companies in the fulfillment space and explains how cart.com is redefining unified commerce by integrating pre-purchase and post-purchase capabilities. He emphasizes the importance of real-time data and cross-functional insight in driving growth and making informed decisions. Remington also highlights the potential of B2B commerce and the need for strategic advice in the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:03:33] Journey into Logistics
[00:10:13] Complexity in Parcel Execution
[00:12:44] Enterprise Solutions vs. Online Applications
[00:19:03] Optimizing Transportation Spend
[00:26:00] Expertise and Advising
[00:32:04] Evolving Solutions for Growing Businesses
[00:33:35] Investing in Scalable Solutions
[00:35:28] Certified Solutions & Carrier Relationships
[00:41:56] Carrier Diversification Mitigates Risks
[00:47:57] Drone Integration in Logistics

QUOTES

[00:09:13] "Fulfillment operates like classical mechanics than quantum mechanics, right? There is no spooky action at a distance in fulfillment, right? You have to get up there and like move something."
[00:28:16] "The whole perspective on, you know, where does the decision come from? Where does the data push from needs to be inverted. And it needs to actually start with the real consumer event, which is not the purchase. It's the consumer getting the product they ordered and opening the box and saying, yes, this is exactly what I ordered."
[00:40:26] "You know, at some point there will be, you know, some type of alliance to your point of different players that band together and are actually able to pull that off."

Find out more about Remington Tonar in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/remingtontonar/

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SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Bill joins Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya to unravel the intricacies of e-commerce logistics. With over two decades of expertise in logistics technology, Bill provides valuable insights into the challenges and nuances of this space. The conversation navigates through tailored parcel solutions, the evolution of carrier systems, and the potential integration of cutting-edge technologies like drones in shaping the future of logistics.

They delve into the complexities of parcel execution, highlighting the varying needs between fulfillment houses and smaller e-commerce entities. They discuss the crucial role of multi-carrier shipping solutions and underscore the importance of optimizing transportation spend through expert negotiations and understanding logistics intricacies.

Bill also explores the evolving landscape of warehouse management systems (WMS) in the context of e-commerce growth. From the challenges of scaling businesses to the significance of adopting scalable, carrier-approved software solutions, the discussion emphasizes the pivotal role of technology in meeting the demands of an evolving logistics landscape. Carrier diversification, certified solutions, and the potential integration of drone technology emerge as key considerations for companies aiming to future-proof their logistics strategies.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:03:33] Journey into Logistics

[00:10:13] Complexity in Parcel Execution

[00:12:44] Enterprise Solutions vs. Online Applications

[00:19:03] Optimizing Transportation Spend

[00:26:00] Expertise and Advising

[00:32:04] Evolving Solutions for Growing Businesses

[00:33:35] Investing in Scalable Solutions

[00:35:28] Certified Solutions & Carrier Relationships

[00:41:56] Carrier Diversification Mitigates Risks

[00:47:57] Drone Integration in Logistics

QUOTES

[00:21:04] "The most expensive solution you can possibly use is the free one from the carrier."

[00:25:13] "You need someone really experienced to even start talking about it."

[00:28:48] "There's so many places I'd advise looking on LinkedIn... just imagine what you get if you actually engage with them."

[00:40:02] "I think we've re-normalized back to where we would have been organically, had there been no COVID."

[00:42:26] "Having multiple carriers at your fingertips is a good thing, a risk mitigation strategy, or an opportunity taking strategy. It works both ways."

[00:47:06] "Ultimately, in the end, though, drones are going to win that last mile."

Find out more about Bill Schroeder in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-schroeder1/

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After winning Season 2 of NBC's The Apprentice, Kelly spent a year as an Executive Vice President in the Trump Organization, managing real estate projects. He is a renowned speaker on leadership, technology, and entrepreneurship. Kelly holds degrees from the US Military Academy, West Point, UCLA School of Law, and Anderson School at UCLA. He authored "Take Command: 10 Leadership Principles I Learned in the Military and Put to Work for Donald Trump," donating a percentage of the royalties to the USO. His philanthropic involvement includes roles as a national spokesperson for Big Brothers/Sisters and The National Guard Youth Challenge Program. Kelly is an investor, advisor, and/or board member for companies like Scopely, ID.me, Red 6, and several others. He resides with his wife Dawn and their twins, Grant and Grace.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Kelly shares insights on eCommerce logistics, leadership, and venture capital. He emphasizes the importance of extraordinary leadership in startups and discusses the qualities he looks for in founders. Kelly also highlights the challenges and opportunities in the current VC landscape and provides advice on building effective boards. He shares his experience investing in cart.com and the key factors that attracted him to the company. Kelly concludes by discussing his book, "Take Command: 10 Leadership Principles I Learned in the Military and Put to Work for Donald Trump."

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:05:10] Moonshot Capital's focus on investing in extraordinary leadership.

[00:08:36] Importance of chemistry and long-term commitment with founders.

[00:09:44] Overview of the current VC landscape and increased competition.

[00:11:18] Potential for companies to avoid additional financing rounds with proper planning.

[00:13:11] Logistics industry challenges and need for leadership during tough times.

[00:29:25] Cart.com's growth and success in under three years.

[00:33:08] Kelly Perdew's book on military leadership principles.

QUOTES

[00:32:46] "Passion has to be for something other than, Oh, I just want to be a tech, you know, a tech CEO. It's got to typically be around the problem that they're solving for, whether it's from the industry, whether it's from something that personally happened to them, whether they worked in that industry and know that this problem is pain exists and they're the ones to solve it."

[00:38:15] "Having that coachability where I know you are going to hear what I'm saying, and that I'm only saying it from a place of wanting you to succeed. And if that's there, and that's got a little bit to do with humility, thirst for knowledge, like a lot of things go into that coachability piece.”

Find out more about Kelly Perdew in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyperdew/

Leadership Prevails Blog: 

https://medium.com/leadership-prevails

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SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, hosts Ninaad and Nenad are joined by Laura Ritchie. Laura, who brings a wealth of experience from the retail industry, discusses her journey from working with renowned brands to leading a 3PL company and the challenges and opportunities in this transition.

The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of e-commerce logistics, the changing dynamics of customer expectations, and the role of 3PL partners in meeting these demands. They explore the concept of omni-channel fulfillment, the impact of emerging marketplaces like TikTok, and the delicate balance between speed, sustainability, and brand experience in shipping.

Laura also sheds light on the integration of AI and machine learning in logistics, with a focus on forecasting and labor planning. She emphasizes the importance of automation as an enabler rather than a replacement for human expertise and how it contributes to delivering an ideal customer experience.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:16] Customer Experience and Packaging: Laura Ritchey emphasizes the importance of packaging and presentation in creating brand loyalty.
[00:01:15] Laura Ritchey's Background: She's introduced as the CEO of Radial with extensive experience in leadership and retail.
[00:02:49] Transition from Retail to 3PL: Laura discusses her transition and the importance of a branded experience in 3PL.
[00:03:26] Importance of Customer Expectations: Meeting expectations is key to building brand loyalty in 3PL.
[00:07:47] Challenges in 3PL: Addressing challenges collaboratively is vital for success.
[00:13:47] Omni-Channel Experience: Providing a consistent brand experience across various channels is a challenge.
[00:22:31] Sustainable Choices: Focus on eco-friendly shipping and sustainable options.
[00:27:22] AI and Machine Learning: AI is used for labor forecasting, employee training, and multilingual support.
[00:31:24] Efficient Picking: Laura stresses the need for efficient picking and gradual robotic integration to manage high volumes.
[00:46:50] Peak Season 2023: Laura foresees a peak season similar to the previous year, with consumer anticipation for discounts.

QUOTES

[00:03:26] "The 3PL switch wasn't as difficult as you might think, because what you're doing is delivering that same branded experience for your partners."
[00:05:48] "You have to view your 3PLs as strategic partners, as an extension of your business, and it can't be a procurement exercise."
[00:15:47] "At the end of the day, it's about less friction and making it convenient and fast."
[00:23:46] "It's not so easy if your transportation management system is set up a certain way and it basically puts packages, and then you say, 'I want to slow it down.'"

Find out more about Laura Ritchey in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-ritchey-55836a8/
Radial's Official Website: https://www.radial.com/?utm_campaign=2023-eCom-Logistics&utm_source=eComLogistics&utm_medium=Referral

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SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Art Eldred, Vice President and Growth Officer at Vargo, discusses warehouse execution systems (WES). He explains that a WES is a system that executes tasks and flows within a fulfillment operation, managing the workflow and synchronizing and sequencing work tasks. Art emphasizes the importance of decoupling processes and leveraging technology to optimize workflows. He also highlights the need for clear definitions and understanding of WES, as many companies market solutions that are simply dashboarding systems. Art, Dan, and Ninaad discuss the evolution of automation in the industry, including the accessibility of technology and the emergence of robotic solutions. They stress the importance of aligning different departments within an organization and the value of integrating various technologies to achieve efficiency and productivity.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:01:17] Art's background and professional journey in e-commerce fulfillment
[00:03:11] Art's passion for bringing together software and hardware in logistics
[00:08:55] Definition of a warehouse execution system (WES)
[00:15:16] Successful implementation of a WES project
[00:20:25] The trade-off between expediency and efficiency
[00:25:06] When to consider implementing a warehouse execution system
[00:30:01] The evolving role of automation in warehousing
[00:34:07] Importance of integrating different capabilities and not leaving them in silos
[00:36:06] Excitement about the accessibility of automation technology
[00:40:13] The difference between a warehouse execution system (WES) and a warehouse management system (WMS)

QUOTES

[00:03:12] "My passion isn't one or the other, it's bringing it all together." - Art Eldred
[00:04:51] "The warehouse execution system sits below the warehouse management system and it's managing the workflow." - Art Eldred
[00:14:10] "The warehouse execution system can really unleash the capabilities of both the software element and the hardware and technology world." - Art Eldred

Find out more about Art Eldred in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arteldred/

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He founded and is active with Goodness Now, a charitable organization that provides weekend meals to nutrition challenged elementary school children in Monmouth County, NJ.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya are joined by Steve Denton, CEO of Ware2Go, a UPS company with a focus on supply chain innovation. Together, they explore the rapidly changing landscape of e-commerce logistics and the emergence of 4PL and 5PL models. Steve shares insights from his extensive career, highlighting the importance of adapting to the evolving needs of merchants and consumers. The discussion delves into topics like personalization, technology, and inventory placement in the modern supply chain. Discover how the logistics industry is transforming to meet the demands of today's connected consumers and what it means for businesses of all sizes.

Steve also discusses the evolving landscape of peak demand and consumer expectations in 2023. Steve highlights the importance of flexible and resilient supply chains and shares valuable insights on how retailers and merchants can prepare for the upcoming holiday season. From the impact of Prime Days to the significance of sustainability, Steve provides expert perspectives on what to expect during this year's peak and how to stay competitive in a rapidly changing commerce environment.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:00] Logistics Evolution: Explore logistics' transformation from 3PL to 4PL and 5PL due to rapid commerce shifts.
00:10:33] Personalization's Significance: Personalization is vital in meeting connected consumer demands, backed by technology and flexible warehousing.
[00:17:16] Headless Commerce Platforms: 5PLs act as headless commerce hubs, connecting merchants with optimized supply from various sources.
[00:21:47] Strategic Inventory Placement: Strategic inventory placement across locations becomes crucial for efficient customer service.
[00:23:08] API Integration: Emphasize API integration instead of building new WMS systems for adaptability and flexibility.[00:23:52] Accurate demand forecasting is essential; even the best inventory planning relies on it.
[00:24:24] AI and machine learning greatly enhance demand forecasting, benefiting retailers of all sizes.
[00:24:44] Integrating promotion schedules is critical for precise demand forecasting impacted by marketing activities.
[00:25:16] Diversifying marketing channels, beyond Google and Amazon, can boost demand forecasting for mid-tier merchants
[00:25:38] Effective, non-condescending communication with merchants is vital for successful demand forecasting.
[00:26:06] Tools like network view guide optimal inventory placement and replenishment strategies based on sales and regional demand.
[00:27:29] Offering options and flexibility to accommodate individual merchant preferences improves business relationships.[00:32:17] E-commerce demands meeting consumer expectations for consistent, speedy, stable, and sustainable delivery times.

QUOTES

[00:13:07] Steve Denton: "We are not in the supply chain and logistics business. We are in the commerce business." 
[00:18:03] Steve Denton: "The days of taking the low hanging fruit of the slappers or the pick and stick are over. You better be able to do those things, and if you can do it with technology versus people, then you're going to be able to scale more."
[00:17:16] Steve Denton: "A 5PL is really about meeting merchants and consumers where they want to be met with the right type of supply in the right locations for the right type of capabilities."
[00:23:52] "You've got to start with demand planning, and like, look, not as a where-to-go plug, but we've been spending a ton of time with AI machine learning to help our clients do demand forecasting."
[00:32:03] "Stability is required, sustainable. You've got to put that in there too. Absolutely. And then certainty."
[00:48:44] "It's flexible resiliency that's required to meet today's commerce landscape." 

Find out more about Stephen in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sdenton/

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SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya welcomes Blake Coram to share his journey from a consultant to product management at Manhattan, emphasizing the evolution of warehouse management solutions and the move towards unified supply chain solutions. They discuss topics like automation, robotics as a service, large language models, and digital twins, highlighting the exciting innovations shaping the future of supply chain and warehousing operations

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:01:20] Blake Coram's journey to product management at Manhattan Associates
[00:03:45] Evolution of warehouse management solutions
[00:05:30] The shift towards unified supply chain solutions
[00:09:15] The role of automation in modern warehousing
[00:11:40] Robotics as a Service (RaaS) and its benefits
[00:15:20] The potential of large language models in supply chain operations
[00:17:45] Digital twins for optimizing warehouse operations
[00:20:10] Balancing automation with human involvement
[00:22:30] Addressing concerns about automation and job displacement
[00:25:15] The importance of adaptability in supply chain technology
[00:28:00] The future of supply chain and warehousing

QUOTES

[00:06:53] Blake Coram: "It's no longer about siloed solutions; it's about integrated, unified supply chain solutions that adapt and execute efficiently."
[00:09:47] Blake Coram: "Data is the lifeblood of modern supply chains. Real-time analytics enable smarter, more agile decisions in an ever-changing market."
[00:15:28] Blake Coram: "Sustainability isn't just a buzzword anymore; it's a core driver in supply chain strategy. Companies that embrace eco-friendly practices will thrive."
[00:22:02] Ninaad Acharya: "I think there's a world in the not too distant future where it's robots as a service. The man-machine execution within warehouses is becoming more prevalent."

Find out more about Blake in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-coram-1633b231/

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Nate Skiver, Founder of LPF Spend Management, is a parcel transportation and eCommerce delivery expert with 20 years of experience. He previously worked for Abercrombie & Fitch and Gap Inc., managing global parcel programs. Nate is a thought leader in parcel and eCommerce delivery, contributing articles to PARCEL Magazine and being featured in publications like The Wall Street Journal and Business Insider.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, hosts Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya are joined by e-commerce veterans Rick Watson and Nate Skiver to provide valuable insights into the e-commerce peak season in 2023. The discussion covers various aspects, including capacity concerns in small parcel delivery, the influence of promotions and discounts on consumer spending, and the challenges of managing inventory and avoiding out-of-stocks during peak season.

The guests emphasize the importance of preparation and scenario planning, sharing their own experiences and lessons learned from past peak seasons. They also discuss the evolving dynamics of peak season, with a shift towards earlier sales and the need for retailers to stay agile and responsive to changing consumer behaviors and economic conditions.

Overall, this episode offers valuable advice and strategies for navigating the e-commerce peak season successfully in 2023

QUOTES

[00:22:51] "Capacity itself, I don't see being a constraint or challenge. But allocating the volume and managing it between carriers might be kind of the other direction." - Nate Skiver
[00:28:44] "Returns cost six to eight dollars. If you want to return to them directly now, um, you can't just drop it by the UPS store anymore." - Rick Watson
[00:26:12] "The decisions were made six months ago, and I remember six months ago, even thinking about our own business, there was an environment of fear." - Ninaad Acharya
[00:34:34] "If less than 50 percent of your digital orders are shipped from the store, then you should probably be very careful what you're offering." - Rick Watson

Find out more about Rick and Nate in the link below:

Rick’s LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ecommercestrategyconsulting/
Nate’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levelplayingfield/

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SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Mark Lavelle discusses the changing landscape of e-commerce logistics and the opportunities for disruption in the market. He emphasizes the importance of meeting customer expectations for fast and transparent delivery, and how companies can optimize their shipping processes to achieve this. Mark also highlights the potential impact of Amazon entering the small parcel delivery space and the need for consolidation in the final mile segment. He shares insights on Maergo's approach to solving the shipping problem and the benefits of their end-to-end solution. Mark concludes by discussing the future of e-commerce logistics and the need for sustainable business models in the industry.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:01:28] Mark's background and his involvement with PayPal Mafia
[00:05:32] The changing landscape of small parcel delivery
[00:06:11] Opportunities for disruption in the market
[00:08:00] Tackling the end-to-end problem in shipping
[00:09:00] Defining the problem of growing consumer expectations for delivery
[00:10:23] Solving the logistics challenge for small to medium-sized sellers
[00:15:16] New entrants like DoorDash and Instacart change the delivery equation.
[00:16:26] The control over the pre-click experience is valuable.
[00:17:15] Shipping transparency and costs are crucial to consumers.
[00:18:49] The gap in consumer expectations needs to be addressed.
[00:27:14] Need for A/B testing to show the impact of faster delivery
[00:28:29] Challenges of splitting inventory and the need for cost containment
[00:30:07] Advantages of operating out of a single node for efficiency
[00:38:02] Frustration with slow-moving warehouse systems
[00:38:35] The need for multi-carrier systems to easily add new carriers[00:39:12] Amazon's announcement of charging a 2% cut for self-fulfilled orders
[00:41:01] Amazon's focus on customer expectations and delivery promise
[00:44:39] Lack of dominance in the logistics industry and opportunity for strategic VCs

QUOTES

[00:21:44] "You have to orient your supply chain and your parcel chain, and your consumer brand strategy really to meet their needs of up leveling expected delivery date, transparency around cost, and transparency around every stage of delivery." - Mark Lavelle
[00:22:55] "If you want it expedited, there's going to be a way, it's going to be this. It builds more trust than waiting until the end of the process and having the customer abandoned."

Find out more about Mark Lavelle in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklave/

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Ninaad Acharya, Co-founder and CEO of Fulfillment IQ, is a dynamic supply chain leader with 20 years of experience in digital transformation. He's driven by simplicity and effectiveness, having spearheaded disruptive tech solutions for Fortune 50 firms, retailers, 3PLs, and eCommerce brands, including Nordstrom and FedEx. Ninaad accelerates supply chain startups to market, saving costs and enabling $500M in capital automation and 135+ warehouse tech projects. His dedicated team counters rising costs and fosters tech-enabled supply chain solutions, helping companies reach their supply chain's full potential.

Dan Coll, partner and Chief Revenue Officer at Fulfillment IQ and an award-winning supply chain leader, is well-known in the industry for creating winning e-commerce strategies and solutions for global e-commerce brands, retailers, 3PLs and many emerging companies (including unicorns).

He has dedicated over 20 years of his life to fixing eCommerce fulfillment problems by driving notable results through the sheer power of his knowledge, network and expertise. Currently, Dan leverages his previous experience of leading the largest 3PL’s in North America to help 3PL’s, eCommerce and retail companies grow.

Harshida Acharya, Partner and Chief Marketing Officer at Fulfillment IQ. She’s a full-funnel marketer with hands-on experience in brand & performance marketing for hyper-growth tech startups, enterprise brands and supply chain and logistics companies. She’s also the creator and producer of the hit eCom Logistics Podcast. 

With almost 15 years of experience in the space, Harshida has led successful go-to-market campaigns for supply chain and logistics firms by flipping the industry mindset to focus on valuable content creation, demand generation, and building long term relationships. 

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, hosts Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya are joined by Harshida Acharya, the CMO and Partner of Fulfillment IQ, to reflect on their one-year journey of hosting the Ecom Logistics podcast. They discuss the growth and evolution of the supply chain tech market, the current state of affairs, and the impact of the pandemic on the industry. They also highlight the importance of proactive planning and strategic initiatives for the future. The hosts emphasize the need for brands and 3PLs to invest in supply chain software, integrate systems, and adapt to changing consumer expectations. They express optimism for the upcoming peak season and provide advice for organizations to stay ahead in the ever-evolving supply chain landscape.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:01:15] Reflection on the podcast's one-year journey
[00:04:15] Importance of community feedback and engagement
[00:08:03] Discussion on the current state of the supply chain tech market
[00:11:20] Enterprise players' increased investment in supply chain software
[00:13:23] Importance of proactive planning for 2024
[00:20:37] Growing focus on integrations in the supply chain space
[00:23:00] Trends in supply chain software investment and automation projects
[00:30:11] Importance of choosing the right technology for scaling
[00:39:14] Optimistic outlook for peak season and advice for 3PLs and brands

QUOTES

[00:26:44] “A lot of different systems play. But at the end of the day, the ‘why’ is because the consumer expectation continues to shift. And we thought maybe the Amazon prime two day experience was going to maybe go away or stay or stick or whatever, but it's here to stay. So consumers are still looking for their goods at a very low cost or free and fast.” - Dan Coll
[00:33:30] “The tech that helped you scale up to $10 million in revenue is not the same tech that's gonna help you get to a hundred. You're gonna have to make some adjustments and you're gonna have to prepare yourself and prepare to kind of meet that kind of scale.” - Harshida Acharya
[00:38:25] “Find great partners, find great tools. It's gonna help you in the long run. Don't write code for the sake of writing code.” - Ninaad Acharya

Connect and find out more about us through the links below.

Dan Coll’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcoll/
Ninaad’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninaad/
Harshida’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harshida/

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SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Jorrit Steinz, CEO and founder of ChannelEngine, shares his insights on the state of multi-channel eCommerce and the opportunities for brands and retailers to expand into new markets. He discusses the shift from channel conflict to channel expansion, the rise of direct-to-consumer sales for brands, and the importance of connecting to marketplaces to stay competitive. Jorrit also highlights the cultural nuances and logistics challenges of expanding internationally and emphasizes the need for brands to partner with logistics providers and agencies to navigate these complexities.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:02:14] Guest's journey in eCommerce and the founding of ChannelEngine
[00:08:01] The current state of multi-channel eCommerce and international expansion
[00:11:24] Importance of connecting to marketplaces and the concept of the buy box
[00:19:44] The impact of delays in the one P model and the need for a three P contingency plan
[00:24:28] Cultural nuances and advice for expanding into international markets
[00:30:11] The balance between sales-driven goals and product-centric objectives
[00:34:59] The importance of building a strong logistics infrastructure
[00:38:14] The growth of ChannelEngine and the focus on product development
[00:44:30] Where to learn more about ChannelEngine and connect with the guest

QUOTES

[00:10:48] "If you're not ready as a brand, you're just clearly missing out on revenue if you don't connect to these marketplaces." - Jorrit Steinz
[00:17:53] "Winning the buy box is based on seller performance and price optimization. It's crucial to have the right technology and automation to compete effectively." - Jorrit Steinz
[00:37:11] "Don't try to do everything yourself if you're a brand or retailer. Leverage the expertise of partners and focus on your core competencies." - Jorrit Steinz

Find out more about Jorrit Steinz in the link below:

LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorritsteinz/

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ABOUT UDAI 

Udai Tennati is a supply chain software applications expert with an impressive track record spanning over 20 years. He has dedicated his career to enhancing end-user experiences, making supply chain processes smoother and more efficient.

Udai's leadership skills have been honed through his 23-year journey at Manhattan Associates, where he held pivotal roles, including Vice President, Technical. In this position, he led global teams and was responsible for delivering essential product suites such as Distribution Management and Enterprise Order Management.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Udai is also passionate about making a positive impact on the community. He played a key role in establishing the Atlanta Chapter of Asha for Education and actively contributed to research as a Research Associate at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:00] Introduction to the podcast and guest, Udai Tennati

[00:02:25] Evolution of WMS technology from mainframe to cloud-based

[00:04:56] Factors to consider when choosing a WMS solution

[00:09:02] Importance of being API-savvy in using cloud-based applications

[00:12:55] Shift in resource allocation for WMS implementation

[00:16:03] The future of WMS and the role of AI

[00:19:10] Simplification of user interface and access to information

[00:22:07] The role of professional services in WMS implementation

[00:26:12] The impact of cloud technology on WMS implementation time

[00:42:13] Exciting developments in WMS, such as AI and digital twins

QUOTES

[00:10:42] “The leap of faith there was not that large. Because most technologists, most consumers of software saw that hey, this thing actually scales and the response times are really great and it's highly resilient.” - Udai Tennati

[00:29:33] “It's not really the size of your network, because you may have a very simple box in box outflow. Big boxes coming in, big boxes going out. You may have 50 such buildings spread all over the country or many countries, but the flow is fairly simplistic” - Udai Tennati

Find out more about Will Udai in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/utennati/

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ABOUT WILL

Will Lovatt is the General Manager and Vice President of Deposc. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Will has worked with companies like IBM, JDA, and Llamasoft. He specializes in helping direct-to-consumer supply chains optimize their operations and navigate the complexities of the European market. Currently working with some of the world's most demanding, innovative and fast-growing direct-to-consumer supply chains to improve their responsiveness and efficiency. Deposco native web SaaS solutions power the supply chains of Consumer Packaged goods, 3PLs, and a wide spectrum of eCommerce operations.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:02:13] Will Lovatt's background and experience in the logistics industry

[00:05:02] The evolution of supply chain and the need for flexible and dynamic solutions

[00:08:03] The accessibility of enterprise-level solutions for mid-market brands

[00:10:18] The challenges and complexities of expanding into the European market

[00:15:07] The differences in consumer expectations between the UK and the US

[00:18:34] Considerations for brands entering the UK or European market

[00:21:53] The importance of location and planning laws in setting up a warehouse

[00:23:24] The adoption of pickup spots and lockers in the UK

[00:26:09] The importance of reliability in meeting customer expectations

[00:29:04] The adoption of automation in the UK and Europe

[00:32:50] The importance of having a holistic omni-channel strategy

[00:40:31] How to learn more about DePosco and connect with Will Lovatt

QUOTES

[00:25:49] “Customers are openly comparing. And if you have a look at forums, they're talking about the courier that we have. Either failed them or satisfied their order openly.” - Will Lovatt

[00:22:26] “I guess the point is that the country governments have got a role to play in either being attractive to eCommerce operators or not. Um, and whether they realize that or not, that they're making some small decisions, which are, which are pushing. Boundaries one way or the other and or the preference for one side of a boundary or the other.” - Will Lovatt

Find out more about Will Lovatt in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willlovatt/?originalSubdomain=uk

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ABOUT COREY

As an accomplished Supply Chain and Operations Leader with more than 15 years of senior management experience, Corey finds that his successes have been achieved by effectively developing and executing strategies to drive significant growth, savings, and exceptional service. He specializes in eCommerce and channel merchandising, aligning operational initiatives with corporate objectives, and building and leading high performing teams that succeed through a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and engagement. He is also proficient in product development and management, conducting successful contract negotiations, implementing continuous improvements and emerging technologies, and cultivating key relationships and partnerships.

HIGHLIGHTS

• (00:02:14) Corey's Background
• (00:03:39) Starting a Multi-Million Dollar Business with Amazon's Drop-Ship Program
• (00:15:08) The Benefits of Micro-Fulfillment
• (00:15:10) The Importance of Understanding Your Assortment and Selling Strategy
• (00:35:11) The Potential for Automation in Sortation
• (00:36:14) Micro-Fulfillment vs. Quick/Fast Commerce
• (00:40:35) Ideal Inventory Turns for Micro-Fulfillment
• (00:40:38) Inventory Control and Dead Inventory
• (00:41:11) The Importance of Merchandising and Automation for Micro-Fulfillment
• (00:42:15) Finding a Good Partner for Micro-Fulfillment

QUOTES

(00:17:21) Explanation of direct fulfillment and earning and maintaining metrics for prime eligibility. - Corey: “You have to ship on time so that those goods not only have to be manifested on time, but they have to be scanned into the carrier network on time. They have to be delivering at the same time that Amazon told the customer that it's delivering and that has to be accurate. Right? There's like really four levels of metric. To maintain what they call a GD, Guaranteed Delivery status. And in many cases, it requires up to a six hour cycle time on orders.”

(00:32:08) The disruption and innovation in last mile delivery and the potential for consolidation. - Corey: “Not to disrespect UPS, FedEx and the post office, because what they have built is just incredible over the past couple of decades. And they're the pioneers, right? And maybe on some level dealing with an innovator's dilemma, they drive down the last block to go deliver packages, but they're not a last mile carrier in the sense of that of that word, this point to point delivery and this quality delivery and the cost of that delivery, I think that's the unlock that they're trying to bring.”

Find out more about Corey in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-apirian/

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ABOUT SIMON

Simon founded Nimble in 2017 after dropping out of his PhD at Stanford. He's spent the last 5 years inventing and scaling intelligent next-gen autonomous logistics systems. Previously Simon led development of dynamic legged robots for the Department of Defense while completing his masters in robotics at Carnegie Mellon, International Space Station robots for NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab and autonomous off-road vehicles for the Air Force Research Lab.

HIGHLIGHTS

If you try to automate all the one-offs, your warehouse will end up costing way too much.

There's always edge cases and one-off things you have to solve for in logistics.

Deep Imitation Learning allows robots to learn tasks through human demonstration.

Designing warehouses conducive to robots opens up new possibilities for automation.

The future of ecommerce logistics lies in a balance between automation and human involvement.

QUOTES

Real-World Automation Strategist, Variability Management Specialist. Simon: “I saw an opportunity to deploy this in the real world. There are so many monotonous, repetitive tasks out in the real world that are, you know, that are very repetitive, but yet too hard to automate because there's a lot of variability involved. And eCommerce to film is a classic example, right? If you think about a warehouse. You know, all day long is picking and packing and picking and packing. Uh, but the part that makes that task hard to automate is that you could be picking and packing 10 million or 20 million different objects, right? And every object has a different size and shape and weight and texture and stiffness and something you're fragile.”

Labor Optimization, Warehouse Automation. Simon: “Running a warehouse today is very hard because of the labor problem, right? The, it's, it's very hard to find, to recruit, to train and to retain hundreds or thousands of people. Um, and, and that is what makes a warehouse very challenging to operate. And then when you wanna run a network of warehouses, you're multiplying that challenge by. You know, by the number of nodes in, in your network by three nodes, four nodes, five nodes, you know, whatever it might be. And so that, you know, you're quickly managing thousands of people. It takes a lot of money and, and effort and overhead to manage all of that. If you can automate the warehouses and reduce the amount of labor that's needed, um, you know, by an order of magnitude, warehouses all of a sudden don't become, you know, rocket science, uh, to run, you know, if the robots are working and the, you know, the system is highly automated. You know, the, the warehouse is not that hard to run”

Find out more about Simon in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-kalouche-98883343/

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The pivotal experiences of Joe's journey

Making the chaos work to your benefit

Should I do it myself or seek a partner to fulfillment for me?

You can now get a WMS that is affordable and you can implement quickly

The customer is your most important stakeholder

Utilize software that helps you do your job

QUOTES

Focus on what's going to drive revenue - Joe: "I think that's really the question you have to answer for yourself, "What do you want to do? Do you want to be great at fulfillment?" Because you can if you really focus on it. But if you don't have that in-house muscle and a founder or co-founder loves, lives, and breathes supply chain and fulfillment, then you probably shouldn't do it."