Supply chains around the world are navigating relentless disruption, rising expectations for speed and resilience, and rapid advances in AI-driven decision-making. Leaders are under pressure to move beyond experimentation and deliver measurable value faster than ever.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton sits down with two industry leaders: Philip Vervloesem, Chief Commercial & Markets Officer at OMP, and Scott Barnard, Managing Director at Bluecrux, live from the Gartner Supply Chain Planning Summit in Denver. Drawing on their work across global enterprises, both guests discuss how organizations translate advanced planning concepts into real-world results.

The interviews with Philip and Scott explore the evolution toward autonomous, data-driven planning, the importance of self-funding ROI models, and why successful transformation depends on blending human expertise with machine intelligence. From OMP’s Unison platform and rapid value delivery approach to Bluecrux’s AI-powered analytics and decision intelligence capabilities, the conversation highlights how supply chain leaders can move from surface-level automation to profound, scalable impact.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(00:19) Gartner Supply Chain Planning Summit overview

(01:15) Interview with Philip Vervloesem from OMP

(02:05) OMP's approach to supply chain optimization

(03:52) Challenges and innovations in supply chain

(08:09) Interview with Scott Barnard from Bluecrux

(09:03) Bluecrux's Solutions and Innovations

(11:08) AI and supply chain balance

(13:33) Upcoming events

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Philip Vervloesem: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvervloesem
2. Connect with Scott Barnard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-barnard-a350814/
3. Learn more about OMP: https://www.omp.com
4. Learn more about Bluecrux: https://www.bluecrux.com
5. Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
6. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
7. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
8. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
9. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua...

The future of supply chain is entering a defining chapter, and today, we dig into the signals, shifts, and strategic decisions shaping what’s ahead in 2026. From ongoing trade volatility and labor disruptions to the accelerating role of AI and integrated planning, this episode cuts through the noise to focus on what leaders must prepare for now. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EPG!

Listen in as hosts Scott Luton and Karin Bursa break down the most important developments influencing global supply chains — and how leaders can build resilience in the face of constant disruption. They’re joined by special guest Alex Pradhan, Founder of Alchemy Advisors, who brings practical perspective on how organizations are adapting strategy, technology, and decision-making for what’s next.

Together, they discuss:

1. Why systemic disruptions — from trade policy shifts and labor unrest to natural disasters — are no longer exceptions, and how leaders must rethink resilience as a core capability
2. Key predictions for 2026, including the normalization of tariff impacts, a potential U.S. manufacturing boom, and the continued maturation of integrated business planning
3. How AI is moving beyond experimentation to accelerate decision-making, supported by a real-world case study from a major beauty brand using AI to speed product development
4. Why orchestration matters more than ever, and how system-level decisions can move outcomes instead of simply reacting to disruption
5. How AI may soon become foundational to employee productivity, shifting the conversation from functional ROI to long-term human capital development

Tune in as we connect the dots, challenge assumptions, and explore what these trends mean for manufacturers, retailers, and supply chain leaders preparing for 2026 and beyond.

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
2. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
3. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
4. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com

As global supply chains navigate through cybersecurity threats and rapid technological integration, companies must rethink their strategies to stay competitive. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting corporate systems through sophisticated tactics, such as email infiltration, to gain access to sensitive data, including bills of lading. This underscores the need for organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity and ensure their supply chains remain secure.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Karin Bursa sit down with Gustav Khambatta, SVP, Head of Freight Payment Sales at U.S. Bank, to explore key themes in supply chain management. They discuss the evolving role of cybersecurity, AI's impact on the industry, and the challenges posed by cargo theft and security breaches.

They talk about the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, highlighting how technology is transforming business operations. AI is being integrated into supply chain processes, with use cases ranging from fraud prevention to streamlining document verification. However, as AI adoption accelerates, so does the potential for security vulnerabilities. The conversation underscores the importance of continuous adaptation in a rapidly changing supply chain landscape, where technology and security will play a central role in shaping the future.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(04:02) Sports talk: Patriots, Falcons, F1

(06:19) Gustav’s professional journey

(08:01) US Bank Freight Payment Index insights

(14:39) Cybersecurity in the corporate world

(20:22) AI in supply chain and cybersecurity

(23:28) AI and cybersecurity integration

(24:08) Regulatory environment and leadership challenges

(24:38) Supply chain evolution and technology

(27:26) AI in supply chain management

(29:35) Reflections on 2025

(32:29) Energy demand and AI

(37:02) Predictions for 2026

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Gustav Khambatta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustav-khambatta-384852/
2. Learn more about U.S. Bank: https://www.usbank.com/index.html
3. Download the most recent edition of the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: bit.ly/scn-us-bank
4. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
5. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
6. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join