Carlos Perico of ProcureAbility talks about sourcing best practices in a tariff-driven world & how to turn procurement from cost center to competitive advantage   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [04.29] An introduction to Carlos and ProcureAbility. “All we do is procurement! It’s our speciality, it’s what we’re passionate about. And that’s key.” [05.59] Tariffs: what they are, and why supply chain professionals need to pay attention. [07.07] Diversification: Some of the strategies companies can employ to build agile supply chains for long-term resilience, the big challenge with long-term strategies, and why your supply chain is like Tetris. “Diversification is the name of the game. You don’t want to have all your eggs in one basket – but the challenge now is that the baskets are getting very complex!!” “For those long-term strategies to pay off, you have to start now.” [14.08] How companies can utilize scenario planning or future-proofing to prepare for further tariff fluctuations. “You need to know your risk. It sounds simple… but you need to go deeper. You need to dive deeper into understanding your supply chain at different levels, your supplier network – and data becomes even more important.” [19.17] Dual-sourcing: what it is, and the impact that implementing dual-sourcing strategies can have on risk mitigation. “Communicate to your stakeholders, because we human beings have a tendency to forget the risk when it’s not present... Communicate the risk you’re trying to mitigate in advance, build that relationship with the business.” [24.57] How to effectively work with suppliers: How fluctuating tariffs are impacting supplier pricing and contract stability, and how businesses can think about strengthening long-term partnerships whilst retaining the need for short-term agility. [31.19] Working with technology: How businesses can leverage AI and data analytics to predict and mitigate tariff impacts. “Live data visibility is critical right now… Technology is allowing us to be immediately alert… So you can prepare and be more educated.” [37.09] How AI helps businesses to shift the focus from damage control to proactivity, and turn procurement into a competitive advantage rather than a cost center. “Everybody wants to mitigate cost… But you need to continuously evolve your procurement organization to become more of a business support and value driver, as opposed to just one cost center.” [39.49] The key lessons to learn from this discussion. [42.01] How Let’s Talk Supply Chain listeners can benefit from a limited-time discount with ProcureAbility.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to ProcureAbility’s <a href= "https://procureability.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">website</a> now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with ProcureAbility and keep up to date with the latest over on <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/company/procureability/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LinkedIn</a> or <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsgUIE2RZU0KPJnMtPXuWJA" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube</a>, or you can connect with Carlos on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlosperico/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LinkedIn</a>. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about procurement, read <a href= "https://letstalksupplychain.com/the-three-biggest-challenges-for-procurement-and-what-to-do-about-them/"> The Three Biggest Challenges For Procurement – And What To Do About Them</a> or listen to <a href= "https://letstalksupplychain.com/episode243/">243: Reinventing Freight Procurement with Emerge</a> or <a href= "https://letstalksupplychain.com/episode-211/">211: Transform Your Procurement Process, with Zip</a>.

<description>&lt;p&gt;Carlos Perico of ProcureAbility talks about sourcing best practices in a tariff-driven world &amp; how to turn procurement from cost center to competitive advantage  &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[04.29] An introduction to Carlos and ProcureAbility.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“All we do is procurement! It’s our speciality, it’s what we’re passionate about. And that’s key.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[05.59] Tariffs: what they are, and why supply chain professionals need to pay attention.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[07.07] &lt;strong&gt;Diversification:&lt;/strong&gt; Some of the strategies companies can employ to build agile supply chains for long-term resilience, the big challenge with long-term strategies, and why your supply chain is like Tetris.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“Diversification is the name of the game. You don’t want to have all your eggs in one basket – but the challenge now is that the baskets are getting very complex!!”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;“For those long-term strategies to pay off, you have to start now.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[14.08] How companies can utilize scenario planning or future-proofing to prepare for further tariff fluctuations.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“You need to know your risk. It sounds simple… but you need to go deeper. You need to dive deeper into understanding your supply chain at different levels, your supplier network – and data becomes even more important.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[19.17] Dual-sourcing: what it is, and the impact that implementing dual-sourcing strategies can have on risk mitigation.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“Communicate to your stakeholders, because we human beings have a tendency to forget the risk when it’s not present... Communicate the risk you’re trying to mitigate in advance, build that relationship with the business.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[24.57] &lt;strong&gt;How to effectively work with suppliers:&lt;/strong&gt; How fluctuating tariffs are impacting supplier pricing and contract stability, and how businesses can think about strengthening long-term partnerships whilst retaining the need for short-term agility.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[31.19] &lt;strong&gt;Working with technology:&lt;/strong&gt; How businesses can leverage AI and data analytics to predict and mitigate tariff impacts.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“Live data visibility is critical right now… Technology is allowing us to be immediately alert… So you can prepare and be more educated.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[37.09] How AI helps businesses to shift the focus from damage control to proactivity, and turn procurement into a competitive advantage rather than a cost center.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“Everybody wants to mitigate cost… But you need to continuously evolve your procurement organization to become more of a business support and value driver, as opposed to just one cost center.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[39.49] The key lessons to learn from this discussion.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[42.01] How Let’s Talk Supply Chain listeners can benefit from a limited-time discount with ProcureAbility.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Head over to ProcureAbility’s &lt;a href= "https://procureability.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;website&lt;/a&gt; now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with ProcureAbility and keep up to date with the latest over on &lt;a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/company/procureability/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href= "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsgUIE2RZU0KPJnMtPXuWJA" target= "_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;YouTube&lt;/a&gt;, or you can connect with Carlos on &lt;a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlosperico/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about procurement, read &lt;a href= "https://letstalksupplychain.com/the-three-biggest-challenges-for-procurement-and-what-to-do-about-them/"&gt; The Three Biggest Challenges For Procurement – And What To Do About Them&lt;/a&gt; or listen to &lt;a href= "https://letstalksupplychain.com/episode243/"&gt;243: Reinventing Freight Procurement with Emerge&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href= "https://letstalksupplychain.com/episode-211/"&gt;211: Transform Your Procurement Process, with Zip&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>

Carlos Perico of ProcureAbility talks about sourcing best practices in a tariff-driven world & how to turn procurement from cost center to competitive advantage   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [04.29] An introduction to Carlos and...

462: Procurement Unlocked: Sourcing Best Practices in a Tariff-Driven World, with ProcureAbility

Bill Catania of OneRail and Anna Farberov of PepsiCo talk all about their strategic partnership, how it works & the benefits it drives for Pepsi customers. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [03.42] Introductions to Bill and OneRail, and Anna and PepsiCo Labs. [06.22] Why PepsiCo reached out to OneRail to explore partnership opportunities. “They have the solution and we have the problem; they have an entrepreneurial mindset and can move fast, and we have the business expertise and deep industry understanding. And when we’re able to feed that back, that’s where the magic happens.” [06.48] The PepsiCo Labs model, and how the team proactively seek out companies to partner with. “We want to solve problems in the business versus having shiny toys, saying a lot of buzzwords and ticking boxes.” [08.52] The impact of their strategic partnership for PepsiCo and their customers, and OneRail’s business. [11.24] From expanding capacity to maintaining service levels across different customer sizes, the business challenges PepsiCo were looking to solve. [12.19] How OneRail approached the relationship with PepsiCo. “It comes down to being a good listener… There have been a lot of operational changes that had to happen that weren’t easy… But we’ve perfected the model.” [13.54] How OneRail worked flexibly with PepsiCo to achieve strategic alignment and become a true extension of their team. [16.19] The importance of transparency, and the ability to positively give and receive feedback, in building successful partnerships. [17.15] From an increased top line to improved customer experience, the benefits PepsiCo are realizing through their partnership with OneRail. “The vastness of PepsiCo is unbelievable! I get excited when I think about the path forward, because there are so many different things we can do together and problems we can solve.” [18.38] What 2025 is going to bring for the PepsiCo and OneRail partnership.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to OneRail’s <a href="https://www.onerail.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a> now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with OneRail and keep up to date with the latest over on <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/company/onerail-lastmile/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">LinkedIn</a>, <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/c/OneRail" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">YouTube</a>, <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/OneRailapp/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Facebook</a> or <a href= "https://twitter.com/onerailapp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a> or you can connect with <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/billcatania/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Bill</a> or <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-farberov/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Anna</a> on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more from OneRail, we have plenty more great content for you. Check out: <ul> <li><a href= "https://letstalksupplychain.com/episode-440-level-up-your-fulfillment-capabilities-with-onerail/"> 440: Level Up Your Fulfillment Capabilities, with OneRail</a></li> <li><a href= "https://letstalksupplychain.com/old-backup/episode-419-discover-omnipoint-inventory-visibility-and-tackle-shrinkage-with-onerail/"> 419: Discover OmniPoint Inventory Visibility and Tackle Shrinkage, with OneRail</a></li> <li><a href= "https://letstalksupplychain.com/old-backup/episode-349-deliver-a-frictionless-last-mile-with-onerail/"> 349: Deliver a Frictionless Last Mile, with OneRail</a></li> <li><a href= "https://letstalksupplychain.com/old-backup/episode-393-get-100-visibility-over-your-final-mile-with-onerail/"> 393: Get 100% Visibility Over Your Final Mile, with OneRail</a></li> </ul>

<description>&lt;p&gt;Bill Catania of OneRail and Anna Farberov of PepsiCo talk all about their strategic partnership, how it works &amp; the benefits it drives for Pepsi customers.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[03.42] Introductions to Bill and OneRail, and Anna and PepsiCo Labs.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[06.22] Why PepsiCo reached out to OneRail to explore partnership opportunities.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“They have the solution and we have the problem; they have an entrepreneurial mindset and can move fast, and we have the business expertise and deep industry understanding. And when we’re able to feed that back, that’s where the magic happens.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[06.48] The PepsiCo Labs model, and how the team proactively seek out companies to partner with.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“We want to solve problems in the business versus having shiny toys, saying a lot of buzzwords and ticking boxes.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[08.52] The impact of their strategic partnership for PepsiCo and their customers, and OneRail’s business.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[11.24] From expanding capacity to maintaining service levels across different customer sizes, the business challenges PepsiCo were looking to solve.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[12.19] How OneRail approached the relationship with PepsiCo.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“It comes down to being a good listener… There have been a lot of operational changes that had to happen that weren’t easy… But we’ve perfected the model.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[13.54] How OneRail worked flexibly with PepsiCo to achieve strategic alignment and become a true extension of their team.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[16.19] The importance of transparency, and the ability to positively give and receive feedback, in building successful partnerships.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[17.15] From an increased top line to improved customer experience, the benefits PepsiCo are realizing through their partnership with OneRail.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“The vastness of PepsiCo is unbelievable! I get excited when I think about the path forward, because there are so many different things we can do together and problems we can solve.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[18.38] What 2025 is going to bring for the PepsiCo and OneRail partnership.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Head over to OneRail’s &lt;a href="https://www.onerail.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;website&lt;/a&gt; now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with OneRail and keep up to date with the latest over on &lt;a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/company/onerail-lastmile/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href= "https://www.youtube.com/c/OneRail" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;YouTube&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href= "https://www.facebook.com/OneRailapp/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href= "https://twitter.com/onerailapp" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;X (Twitter)&lt;/a&gt; or you can connect with &lt;a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/billcatania/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;Bill&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-farberov/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;Anna&lt;/a&gt; on LinkedIn.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more from OneRail, we have plenty more great content for you. Check out:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href= "https://letstalksupplychain.com/episode-440-level-up-your-fulfillment-capabilities-with-onerail/"&gt; 440: Level Up Your Fulfillment Capabilities, with OneRail&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href= "https://letstalksupplychain.com/old-backup/episode-419-discover-omnipoint-inventory-visibility-and-tackle-shrinkage-with-onerail/"&gt; 419: Discover OmniPoint Inventory Visibility and Tackle Shrinkage, with OneRail&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href= "https://letstalksupplychain.com/old-backup/episode-349-deliver-a-frictionless-last-mile-with-onerail/"&gt; 349: Deliver a Frictionless Last Mile, with OneRail&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href= "https://letstalksupplychain.com/old-backup/episode-393-get-100-visibility-over-your-final-mile-with-onerail/"&gt; 393: Get 100% Visibility Over Your Final Mile, with OneRail&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt;</description>

Bill Catania of OneRail and Anna Farberov of PepsiCo talk all about their strategic partnership, how it works & the benefits it drives for Pepsi customers. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [03.42] Introductions to Bill and OneRail, and Anna and...

461: Go Behind the Scenes of a History-Making Partnership, with OneRail and PepsiCo

Eric Downing of Werner talks about dedicated freight solutions, the benefits, and the landscape of freight shipping and logistics in 2025.    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [05.54] Eric’s background and transition from US Air Force to supply chain, and the different business areas he’s moved through in his 27-year tenure at Werner. [08.57] The landscape of freight shipping and logistics and the biggest challenges in 2025, from tariffs to navigating seasonal disruption. “Most carriers are glad to put 2023 and 2024 in the rear-view mirror. 2025 is better, we’re seeing more robust bid activity, better engagement with customers… Are we out of the woods? No. But are we seeing some good things? Yes!” [11.39] Why an increasing number of shippers are turning to outsourced dedicated solutions instead of managing their own private fleets. “Customers want to focus their resources, time, and people on what they do – their primary business. Because it’s a competitive world… And, let’s be honest, running your own trucking company takes a ton of capital investment.” [13.34] The challenges of tracking and visibility when working with multiple third-party providers and the benefit of having a single dedicated outsourced solution. [15.45] The Werner approach and how they work with clients to understand their fleet challenges and opportunities and deliver customized solutions. “The first step is actually listening to your customer! Dedicated providers can get caught up in “I know how to do this, I’ve done this business before” – but you’ve got to start out by learning your customer’s business… Every business is unique, and you’ve got to treat it that way.” [18.34] Werner’s investment in new equipment, sustainability initiatives, and maintenance programs, and how it’s helping to ensure the highest levels of reliability and efficiency for shippers. [23.04] The critical role of driver training, compliance, and proactive safety measures in dedicated fleet operations, and how companies can leverage safety as a competitive advantage. [27.03] The technology that supports Werner’s dedicated solutions, and where they are on their own digital transformation journey. “Everybody has limited resources, so how you do not chase every shiny bauble? How do you focus and vet what’s going to make the biggest difference?” [32.57] The value in dedicated freight solutions and the impact they have on teams at a business level and at a wider industry level. [35.04] A case study showing how Werner worked with one of their most long-standing clients to optimize their business, from reducing fleet on the road and boosting productivity to improving service and visibility and driving sales in-store. [39.43] From customer service to growth, Werner’s focus for the next six months.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Werner’s <a href="https://www.werner.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a> to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Werner and keep up to date with the latest over on <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/company/werner-enterprises/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">LinkedIn</a>, <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/WernerEnterprisesInc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>, <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/user/WernerEnterprises" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube</a>, <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/one_werner/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Instagram</a>, or <a href= "https://twitter.com/one_Werner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>, or you can connect with Eric on <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-downing-a135614/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LinkedIn</a>. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Werner, check out <a href= "https://letstalksupplychain.com/episode-446-keep-america-moving-with-werner/"> 446: Keep America Moving, with Werner</a>.

<description>&lt;p&gt;Eric Downing of Werner talks about dedicated freight solutions, the benefits, and the landscape of freight shipping and logistics in 2025. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[05.54] Eric’s background and transition from US Air Force to supply chain, and the different business areas he’s moved through in his 27-year tenure at Werner.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[08.57] The landscape of freight shipping and logistics and the biggest challenges in 2025, from tariffs to navigating seasonal disruption.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“Most carriers are glad to put 2023 and 2024 in the rear-view mirror. 2025 is better, we’re seeing more robust bid activity, better engagement with customers… Are we out of the woods? No. But are we seeing some good things? Yes!”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[11.39] Why an increasing number of shippers are turning to outsourced dedicated solutions instead of managing their own private fleets.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“Customers want to focus their resources, time, and people on what they do – their primary business. Because it’s a competitive world… And, let’s be honest, running your own trucking company takes a ton of capital investment.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[13.34] The challenges of tracking and visibility when working with multiple third-party providers and the benefit of having a single dedicated outsourced solution.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[15.45] The Werner approach and how they work with clients to understand their fleet challenges and opportunities and deliver customized solutions.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“The first step is actually listening to your customer! Dedicated providers can get caught up in “I know how to do this, I’ve done this business before” – but you’ve got to start out by learning your customer’s business… Every business is unique, and you’ve got to treat it that way.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[18.34] Werner’s investment in new equipment, sustainability initiatives, and maintenance programs, and how it’s helping to ensure the highest levels of reliability and efficiency for shippers.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[23.04] The critical role of driver training, compliance, and proactive safety measures in dedicated fleet operations, and how companies can leverage safety as a competitive advantage.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[27.03] The technology that supports Werner’s dedicated solutions, and where they are on their own digital transformation journey.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“Everybody has limited resources, so how you do not chase every shiny bauble? How do you focus and vet what’s going to make the biggest difference?”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[32.57] The value in dedicated freight solutions and the impact they have on teams at a business level and at a wider industry level.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[35.04] A case study showing how Werner worked with one of their most long-standing clients to optimize their business, from reducing fleet on the road and boosting productivity to improving service and visibility and driving sales in-store.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[39.43] From customer service to growth, Werner’s focus for the next six months.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Head over to Werner’s &lt;a href="https://www.werner.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;website&lt;/a&gt; to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Werner and keep up to date with the latest over on &lt;a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/company/werner-enterprises/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href= "https://www.facebook.com/WernerEnterprisesInc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href= "https://www.youtube.com/user/WernerEnterprises" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;YouTube&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href= "https://www.instagram.com/one_werner/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;, or &lt;a href= "https://twitter.com/one_Werner" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;X (Twitter)&lt;/a&gt;, or you can connect with Eric on &lt;a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-downing-a135614/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Werner, check out &lt;a href= "https://letstalksupplychain.com/episode-446-keep-america-moving-with-werner/"&gt; 446: Keep America Moving, with Werner&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Eric Downing of Werner talks about dedicated freight solutions, the benefits, and the landscape of freight shipping and logistics in 2025.    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [05.54] Eric’s background and transition from US Air Force to...

460: Discover the Limitless Value of Dedicated Freight in Today’s Market, with Werner

Allen Thomas of Lynxis talks about industry challenges, the biggest buzzwords, and why organizations need to pay more attention to improved orchestration.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [04.20] An introduction to Allen, and Lynxis. [04.53] The biggest conversations on the show floor at Manifest. “Agentic AI is the new buzzword – it’s the new blockchain! There’s a lot of hype, but there’s also a lot of hope.” [06.29] The biggest problems in the intermodal industry right now. “Visibility is still key, because there’s so much complexity when all of this data comes together. We’re not certain who’s right and who’s wrong, there’s no system of record as this cargo moves inland and then back through the flow.” “A lot of the technology projects we’ve seen have been focused on an insular basis, intra-company process improvement versus: how do we make this entire supply chain more efficient and effective for the shippers and carriers that move it?… We’re trying to take costs out of our own internal operations, but we’re not looking at the big picture on what makes everything more seamless.” [10.24] What Lynxis is building to help solve the industry’s biggest challenges. “We’re a custodian of technology for our customers... And we add the infrastructure to support it.” [11.59] AI and how it’s being talked about, and utilized, across the industry. “Everybody wants to use the AI buzzword, when what they’re using isn’t actually AI.” [16.11] Why process automation, not robotic automation, needs to be top of the priority list for landside logistics facilities. “Most container operations we see really can leverage more of the process automation.” [18.28] The importance of data and analytics in driving operational performance and competitive advantage. “You either have to invest in-house, or have a good partner to help you mine the data that’s critical to your business operation. The thing that differentiates you, and enables your core competencies, is a firm grasp on data.” [22.25] Why AI isn’t an easy fix for scheduling, and why organizations need to pay more attention to improved orchestration. “It’s nothing that AI needs to solve, or even can solve right now, because there’s not even the connectivity between all the players.” “When you say automation and scheduling, we hear ‘orchestration.’” [24.46] How improved planning and orchestration can help shippers eliminate excess inventory and reduce costs. [26.17] From talent shortages to managing infrastructure, the biggest obstacles standing in the way of improved intermodal efficiency. [32.02] The importance of case studies and why Allen wants to talk about proven results, not just hype.

<description>&lt;p&gt;Allen Thomas of Lynxis talks about industry challenges, the biggest buzzwords, and why organizations need to pay more attention to improved orchestration.  &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[04.20] An introduction to Allen, and Lynxis.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[04.53] The biggest conversations on the show floor at Manifest.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“Agentic AI is the new buzzword – it’s the new blockchain! There’s a lot of hype, but there’s also a lot of hope.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[06.29] The biggest problems in the intermodal industry right now.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“Visibility is still key, because there’s so much complexity when all of this data comes together. We’re not certain who’s right and who’s wrong, there’s no system of record as this cargo moves inland and then back through the flow.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;“A lot of the technology projects we’ve seen have been focused on an insular basis, intra-company process improvement versus: how do we make this entire supply chain more efficient and effective for the shippers and carriers that move it?… We’re trying to take costs out of our own internal operations, but we’re not looking at the big picture on what makes everything more seamless.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[10.24] What Lynxis is building to help solve the industry’s biggest challenges.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“We’re a custodian of technology for our customers... And we add the infrastructure to support it.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[11.59] AI and how it’s being talked about, and utilized, across the industry.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“Everybody wants to use the AI buzzword, when what they’re using isn’t actually AI.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[16.11] Why process automation, not robotic automation, needs to be top of the priority list for landside logistics facilities.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“Most container operations we see really can leverage more of the process automation.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[18.28] The importance of data and analytics in driving operational performance and competitive advantage.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“You either have to invest in-house, or have a good partner to help you mine the data that’s critical to your business operation. The thing that differentiates you, and enables your core competencies, is a firm grasp on data.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[22.25] Why AI isn’t an easy fix for scheduling, and why organizations need to pay more attention to improved orchestration.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“It’s nothing that AI needs to solve, or even can solve right now, because there’s not even the connectivity between all the players.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;“When you say automation and scheduling, we hear ‘orchestration.’”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[24.46] How improved planning and orchestration can help shippers eliminate excess inventory and reduce costs.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[26.17] From talent shortages to managing infrastructure, the biggest obstacles standing in the way of improved intermodal efficiency.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[32.02] The importance of case studies and why Allen wants to talk about proven results, not just hype.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Allen Thomas of Lynxis talks about industry challenges, the biggest buzzwords, and why organizations need to pay more attention to improved orchestration.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [04.20] An introduction to Allen, and Lynxis. [04.53]...

458: Demystifying Industry Buzzwords and Innovating Intermodal, with Lynxis

Tony Winters of Rygen Technologies talks about being inspired by customer challenges; why visibility is still a challenge; & investing big in agentic AI. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.33] An introduction to Tony, his career journey, and his role at Rygen Technologies. “In college, you learn how to solve these algorithms and problems. And, in supply chain, you really get to implement them.” [06.24] An overview of Rygen Technologies – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. “We’re hoping to leave our mark on the industry, solve some problems – and have fun doing it!” [08.14] From visibility to technology, the biggest challenges Rygen customers are facing right now. [09.39] Why Rygen is inspired by customer challenges, and their approach to technology and problem-solving. “We crave what the industry wants. They’re asking for things, and we crave that knowledge!.. We take the feedback, learn from it, and make it better.” [11.22] Rygen’s Corsair transportation management, and why it’s not your typical TMS. [12.32] How Rygen are bringing ‘integration platform as a service’ to their customers with their X1 technology. “Integrate at the speed of AI.” [13.40] How Rygen's Blackbird Business Intelligence is solving big data challenges for customers. “We have disparate systems, tech stacks for days, legacy systems, big monster enterprise systems, ERPs, WMS’s, TMS’s... Blackbird is an attempt to forget the bias and have an industry standard.” [15.39] A case study exploring how Rygen helped a major customer to identify and understand their biggest operational problems, and bring together their disparate systems with Corsair, improving processes, boosting visibility, and allowing them to manage their whole supply chain in one place. [18.27] Tony’s hot takes from Manifest, and what Rygen is investing in for 2025 and beyond.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Rygen Technologies’ <a href= "https://www.rygen.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">website</a> now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Rygen and keep up to date with the latest over <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/company/rygentech/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Rygen_Tech" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X (Twitter)</a>, <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUEKX_ZpqdwLOOzBatvg0bw" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube</a>, and <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/rygentech/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Instagram</a>, or you can connect with Tony on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/twinters21/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">LinkedIn</a>. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more of our special episodes filmed live at Manifest, check out <a href= "https://letstalksupplychain.com/episode-453-driving-supply-chain-innovation-with-reveel-and-deposco/"> 453: Driving Supply Chain Innovation with Reveel and Deposco</a> or <a href= "https://letstalksupplychain.com/episode-455-discover-event-driven-platform-technology-with-blackberry-radar/"> 455: Discover Event-Driven Platform Technology, with BlackBerry Radar</a>.

<description>&lt;p&gt;Tony Winters of Rygen Technologies talks about being inspired by customer challenges; why visibility is still a challenge; &amp; investing big in agentic AI.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p&gt;[04.33] An introduction to Tony, his career journey, and his role at Rygen Technologies.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“In college, you learn how to solve these algorithms and problems. And, in supply chain, you really get to implement them.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[06.24] An overview of Rygen Technologies – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“We’re hoping to leave our mark on the industry, solve some problems – and have fun doing it!”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[08.14] From visibility to technology, the biggest challenges Rygen customers are facing right now.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[09.39] Why Rygen is inspired by customer challenges, and their approach to technology and problem-solving.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“We crave what the industry wants. They’re asking for things, and we crave that knowledge!.. We take the feedback, learn from it, and make it better.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[11.22] Rygen’s Corsair transportation management, and why it’s not your typical TMS.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[12.32] How Rygen are bringing ‘integration platform as a service’ to their customers with their X1 technology.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“Integrate at the speed of AI.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[13.40] How Rygen's Blackbird Business Intelligence is solving big data challenges for customers.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;“We have disparate systems, tech stacks for days, legacy systems, big monster enterprise systems, ERPs, WMS’s, TMS’s... Blackbird is an attempt to forget the bias and have an industry standard.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;p&gt;[15.39] A case study exploring how Rygen helped a major customer to identify and understand their biggest operational problems, and bring together their disparate systems with Corsair, improving processes, boosting visibility, and allowing them to manage their whole supply chain in one place.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;[18.27] Tony’s hot takes from Manifest, and what Rygen is investing in for 2025 and beyond.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Head over to Rygen Technologies’ &lt;a href= "https://www.rygen.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;website&lt;/a&gt; now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Rygen and keep up to date with the latest over &lt;a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/company/rygentech/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/Rygen_Tech" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;X (Twitter)&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href= "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUEKX_ZpqdwLOOzBatvg0bw" target= "_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;YouTube&lt;/a&gt;, and &lt;a href= "https://www.instagram.com/rygentech/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;, or you can connect with Tony on &lt;a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/twinters21/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more of our special episodes filmed live at Manifest, check out &lt;a href= "https://letstalksupplychain.com/episode-453-driving-supply-chain-innovation-with-reveel-and-deposco/"&gt; 453: Driving Supply Chain Innovation with Reveel and Deposco&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href= "https://letstalksupplychain.com/episode-455-discover-event-driven-platform-technology-with-blackberry-radar/"&gt; 455: Discover Event-Driven Platform Technology, with BlackBerry Radar&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Tony Winters of Rygen Technologies talks about being inspired by customer challenges; why visibility is still a challenge; & investing big in agentic AI. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.33] An introduction to Tony, his career journey, and his...

457: Discover Supply Chain Software that People Love, with Rygen Technologies

My Name is Sarah Barnes-Humphrey and this is Let's Talk Supply Chain where I interview the top Supply Chain professionals in the industry. You will learn about best practices, changes in the industry and Hot Topics surrounding Supply Chain. 
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