The Buzz: Why Supply Chain Resilience Depends on Judgment, Data, and Action

Global supply chains are facing no shortage of complexity from shifting tariffs and changing consumer behavior to rapid advances in artificial intelligence. But having more technology and data does not automatically create a more resilient operation. What matters is how leaders interpret that information and turn it into action. In this episode of The Buzz, powered by Zebra Technologies, host Scott Luton is joined by guest co-host David Shillingford and Shannon Vaillancourt, founder and president of RateLinx. Together, they explore the latest developments affecting global trade, grocery spending, freight operations, supply chain resilience, and AI adoption. The conversation examines why resilience is ultimately a leadership challenge, how poor data can undermine even the most advanced technology, and where human judgment remains essential as organizations automate more decisions. Key Takeaways Why increased tariffs create additional complexity and uncertainty for global trade and supply chain teams How consumer spending pressures, food waste, inflation, and changing purchasing habits may be influencing grocery sales Why supply chain resilience requires action, not simply visibility, risk documentation, or additional technology How experienced leaders use patterns, information, and anticipation to make stronger decisions Why AI often exposes existing data-quality problems rather than creating new ones Which routine supply chain tasks are best suited for AI and where human oversight remains critical How technology can eliminate repetitive work and help teams focus on higher-value decisions Why conversations, collaboration, and real-world experience remain powerful sources of supply chain insight Supply chain leaders do not need more information for information’s sake—they need the ability to recognize patterns, evaluate risks, and act with confidence. Tune in to hear practical perspectives on using AI responsibly, strengthening operational resilience, improving decision-making, and preparing your organization for the next disruption. Additional Links & Resources: Zebra: https://www.zebra.com/machinevision With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-19-JULY-2026 Easypost Playbook: https://bit.ly/3PL-Carrier-Playbook US imposes tariffs over forced labor before global duty ends: https://bit.ly/New-Tariffs-July2026 The Slave-Free Alliance: https://www.slavefreealliance.org/ Grocery unit sales sink for five straight months: https://bit.ly/US-Grocery-Shopping-Data David's Post: https://bit.ly/David-Shillingford-SC-Resilience Supply chain resilience isn’t a data problem; it’s a judgment problem: https://www.scmr.com/article/supply-chain-resilience-isnt-a-data-problem-its-a-judgment-problem Zebra: zebra.com/warehouse-vision Insight 26: https://www.ratelinx.com/ratelinx-insight-conference/ RateLinx: https://www.ratelinx.com/ Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shillingford/ Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-vaillancourt/ Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/ Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: