With disruptions becoming more frequent, companies must adapt or risk falling behind.

To stay ahead, many are embracing new technology, with AI emerging as a powerful tool for enhancing supply chain agility and resilience.

In this episode, Steve Hochman, VP of Research at Zero100, joins hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to talk about the key trends shaping the future of supply chains. He highlights the need for organizations to adapt by improving cross-functional collaboration and leveraging artificial intelligence.

In today’s rapidly changing global environment, organizations must focus on their people, processes, and technology to build lasting supply chain resilience.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Effective ways to leverage AI for automating supply chain operations
• The importance of cross-collaboration for a more integrated and responsive system
• How to implement small-scale AI experiments for meaningful impact

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain

(03:10) The rise of supply chain volatility

(08:12) Cross-functional collaboration in supply chains

(15:35) Innovation through AI experiments

(17:48) Case study: Shein’s use of AI for e-commerce

(21:07) The importance of data management

(25:40) Considering the ethical implications of AI

(31:16) Future trends of AI in supply chains

(32:39) Steve Hochman’s favorite tech

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guest:

Steve Hochman on LinkedIn

Check out Zero100

With less than 10% of warehouses currently automated, the industry is on the verge of a major transformation.

As automation surges, one element will define success: the power of high-quality data.

In this episode, Ries Bouwman, Product Manager at KNAPP, and Gasper Gulotta, Director of Software Consultancy at KNAPP, join hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to discuss how accurate data is essential to the future of warehouse automation.

Reis and Gasper share examples of how poor data can disrupt automated systems, causing costly delays and inefficiencies. They emphasize that by improving data management, companies can not only prevent these issues but also unlock the full potential of automation.

Automation isn’t just about the machines—it’s about ensuring accurate, complete data that systems can rely on to function smoothly.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why data accuracy is critical for successful warehouse automation

• The challenges and costs associated with incorrect or incomplete data

• The role of GS1 standards in improving data quality across supply chains

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain

(02:28) KNAPP and its journey in automation

(05:22) The importance of data quality in automation

(08:38) Connecting KiSoft to ERP systems

(13:23) Verifying data accuracy

(18:13) Raising industry standards for better data

(24:20) Bad data causing issues for warehouse automation

(30:39) Ries and Gaspar’s favorite tech

(34:32) Smarter data collection through AI and quantum computing

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guests:

Ries Bouwman on LinkedIn

Gasper Gulotta on LinkedIn

As supply chains become increasingly complex and stringent regulations like DSCSA and FSMA become more prevalent, understanding how to leverage EPCIS (Electronic Product Code Information Services) for granular visibility and efficient data management is more crucial than ever.

In this episode, hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl are joined by Matt Andrews, Global Standards Director at GS1 US. Matt unpacks the fundamentals and applications of EPCIS, from its role in modeling supply chain processes to its transformative impact across industries like healthcare, food, retail, and logistics.

EPCIS can help your organization achieve unparalleled supply chain visibility, improve compliance, and drive competitive advantage.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The intricacies of EPCIS (Electronic Product Code Information Services) and its universal application across industries for enhanced supply chain visibility, compliance, and efficiency.

• How EPCIS can revolutionize inventory management with real-time data accuracy, from monitoring cycle counts to tracking product movement from back of house to point of sale.

• How industries such as healthcare and food service leverage EPCIS to comply with regulations like DSCSA and FSMA 204, ensuring traceability down to the unique item level.

Jump into the Conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain

(06:25) Benefits that organizations are seeing by leveraging EPCIS

(08:00) Full granular visibility, item-level tracking, inventory management

(13:54) How EPCIS can log events from manufacturing to sales

(17:03) Enhanced supply chain visibility through real-time EPCIS data

(18:28) Accessing claims compliance through advanced visibility

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guests:

Matt Andrews on LinkedIn

Imagine if barcodes not only speed up your grocery checkout but also transform logistics, healthcare, and the overall efficiency of global supply chains.

In this episode, hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl are joined by Rich Eicher, Director of codeREADr. With his extensive experience in barcode innovation, Rich shares insights into how modern camera-based barcode readers surpass traditional laser readers and why dedicated barcode scanning devices are preferred in specific environments.

Rich explains barcodes' critical role in various business applications, from facilitating accurate inventory management to preventing costly supply chain errors. He also elaborates on the industry's adaptation to consumer demands, the significant challenges of barcode inaccuracies and their impact on delivery services, and how advancements in AI and ChatGPT are poised to revolutionize data capture and processing across industries.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The differences between laser and camera-based barcode readers commonly used in grocery stores.

• The importance of barcodes in various business applications and the issues caused by barcode discrepancies in the supply chain.

• The upcoming GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiative is transitioning to QR codes for enhanced data capture.

Jump into the Conversation:

[00:00] Introducing Next Level Supply Chain

[01:01] Who Rich Eicher is, and what he does

[03:08] The different barcodes and their significance

[10:13] All about laser reading barcodes

[13:12] The importance of using barcodes and why companies are shifting to using them more

[16:22] The problems that come along with not using barcodes

[22:16] Other trends happening outside of barcodes

[27:22] Rich’s favorite technology he is using right now

[29:51] Closing

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guest:

Rich Eicher on LinkedIn

Imagine a world where combating climate change and protecting the environment is integrated into every step of global trade.

In this episode, hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl are joined by Lea-Ann Bigelow, Director of Green Trade at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). With a wealth of experience in environmental regulation and sustainability, Lea-Ann shares how U.S. Customs is evolving to meet the challenges of climate change through innovative trade practices.

Lea-Ann discusses how CBP's efforts are not just about regulating imports but about leading the charge in reducing emissions, enhancing traceability, and fighting environmental crimes. By integrating sustainability into the global supply chain, these initiatives are paving the way for a cleaner, safer world.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How U.S. Customs and Border Protection is pioneering green trade practices to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability across global supply chains.

• The implementation of advanced traceability systems to combat environmental crime and ensure compliance in international trade.

• The collaborative strategies between government and industry that are shaping a more resilient and environmentally responsible future for global trade.

Jump into the Conversation:

[00:00] Introducing Next Level Supply Chain

[00:40] Lea-Ann Bigelow Discusses Green Trade Initiatives at CBP

[01:23] The Dark Side of Trade: Environmental Crime and Its Ties to Other Offenses

[01:52] Why GS1 Connect Is Crucial for Environmental Compliance

[02:55] The Role of GS1 Standards in Enhancing Global Trade Compliance

[04:41] Developing the Green Standard for Global Trade

[04:50] International Collaboration on Environmental Regulations

[05:31] Navigating Complex Global Environmental Regulations

[06:02] Closing Thoughts: The Future of Green Trade

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guests:

Lea-Ann Bigelow on LinkedIn

Imagine a world where ensuring patient safety and improving healthcare outcomes begins with something as simple as smart inventory management.

In this episode, hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl are joined by Chris Anderson, Director of Technical Program Management at VUEMED. Chris, with nearly a decade of experience in data management and analytics, shares the intricate world of inventory management solutions for hospitals—focusing on implantable medical devices.

Chris also discusses how a unified system not only enhances the tracking of medical devices but also bolsters patient safety through more effective recall management and improved patient outcomes.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How unique device identification (UDI) standardization is transforming hospital inventory management, enabling more precise tracking and significantly improving patient safety outcomes.

• Insights into the seamless integration of GS1 standards within healthcare supply chains and learn practical approaches to overcoming compliance pitfalls and maximizing data utility.

• The emerging trends and legislative updates that are set to impact future supply chain regulations in healthcare, providing a strategic edge to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guests:

Chris Anderson on LinkedIn

Food safety is intricate, and for some, it can be emotional. But as food safety evolves, technology and innovation are more crucial now than ever.

Reid Jackson and Darin Detwiler, Founder and CEO of Detwiler Consulting Group, discuss the intricacies of food safety. Darin, an expert with over 31 years of experience, opens up about his journey, which began with the tragic loss of his son to E. coli and evolved into a lifelong commitment to improving food safety standards.

They discuss the roles that new technologies and procedures play in fortifying food safety systems, the emotional and operational challenges faced by professionals in the field, and the essential human elements—like courage—that drive meaningful change. They also address the complexities of balancing short-term and long-term goals in food safety investments, emphasizing the importance of preparing and integrating cutting-edge solutions amid ongoing production challenges.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How integrating advanced digital solutions like data analytics and blockchain can simultaneously address long-term and short-term goals within the food safety sector, ensuring a sustainable and secure supply chain.

• The importance of cultivating courage within food safety leadership roles, emphasizing the critical need for a proactive approach in preventing and mitigating safety crises.

• The transformative role of social media in empowering consumers as active stakeholders in food safety, contributing real-time data, and enhancing industry transparency and responsiveness to potential risks.

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guests:

Darin Detwiler on LinkedIn

More about Detwiler Consulting Group - https://www.herculeaneffort.net/

In the supply chain, technical requirements are the cornerstone for creating scalable and interoperable systems that ensure a seamless flow of information and enhance the accountability and traceability of materials and products throughout their lifecycle.

Liz and Reid got to talk about this with Elyse Tosi, the Vice President of Accounts and Implementation at EON, an innovator in product digitization. Elyse shares her extensive knowledge and experience in supply chain management, touching on her work with brands like Victoria's Secret and Eileen Fisher, to discuss the transformative impact of technology and standards on global supply chains.

They discuss enhancing value chain efficiency through interoperability, the significance of the EPCIS standard in scaling and achieving interoperability, and how EON, chosen by the EU to pilot digital product passports, is influencing legislation and standards adoption—an initiative critical for compliance, brand protection, and product authentication. They also explore emerging trends like digital twins, QR codes, digital links, and their game-changing potential for retail and customer engagement.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How EPCIS standards ensure interoperability and scalability for digital product passports, enabling seamless data exchange and lifecycle management in supply chains

• The transformative impact of digital twins, QR codes, and digital links on retail experiences, customer engagement, and product data connectivity, driving new commerce channels and incremental revenue opportunities.

• How Eon leverages compliance with EU legislation to provide commercial benefits such as brand protection and product authentication, reinforcing the importance of scalable and cost-effective blockchain applications.

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guests:

Elyse Tosi on LinkedIn

More about EON -https://www.eon.xyz/