In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton and Matt McKinney, CEO and co-founder of Loop, welcome Suzanne Wilsbacher of Cengage and Ben Smith of Clemens Food Group for a data-driven discussion about the transformation AI is bringing to global supply chains.
They dive deep into the messy reality of supply chain data, from disconnected systems and inconsistent formats to lagging digital transformation in transportation and logistics. Suzanne and Ben share real-world examples of how they’re leveraging AI—not just to clean data but to make faster, smarter decisions that avoid costly penalties and improve service quality.
Matt highlights the growing importance of scenario planning and digital twins in modern supply chain operations, and how AI platforms like Loop are unlocking new levels of visibility and agility. Together, the panel explores how leading companies are creating decades-long competitive advantages by acting now, starting small, and scaling smartly.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(00:49) Overview and AI in supply chain
(02:25) Meet the panelists
(05:45) Supply chain data challenges
(13:53) AI's role in supply Chain
(24:38) Suzanne’s example of AI in supply chain
(27:21) Ben's AI success story
(28:14) Matt's insights on AI's value
(30:15) Advice for AI beginners
(32:56) Tackling disconnected systems
(35:53) Future predictions for AI in supply chain
(36:25) Selecting the right AI partner
(38:52) Suzanne's vision for AI evolution
(42:12) Matt's bold predictions
(44:17) Takeaways and ways to connect
Additional Links & Resources:
- Transportation spend intelligence: The AI-native transformation- https://www.loop.com/asset/transportation-spend-intelligence-the-ai-powered-transformation
- Connect with Suzanne Wilsbacher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-wilsbacher-6968912/
- Check out Cengage Group: https://www.cengagegroup.com/
- Connect with Ben Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-smith-77855a26/
- Check out Clemens Food Group: http://www.clemensfoodgroup.com
- Connect with Matt McKinney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlmckinney/
- Learn more about Loop: https://www.loop.com/
- Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
- Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
- Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
- Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
- WEBINAR- Cleared for Takeoff: Workforce Development in the Aviation Industry: https://bit.ly/42X4dey
- WEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration
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