Next Level Supply Chain with GS1 US

What happens when a single digit in your product data is wrong? In this episode of Next Level Supply Chain, Steve Madsen, Founder and CEO of RxERP, joins hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to explore the critical role of master data in pharmaceutical logistics. When product information like GTINs, NDCs, and trading partner data don't align, entire warehouse operations can grind to a halt. Steve shares how his team experienced these challenges firsthand and how that led them to build a new approach to serialized inventory management and automated master data. You'll learn how trusted data sources, automation, and GS1 standards help supply chains move faster, stay compliant with DSCSA, and reduce costly human errors. In this episode, you'll learn: Why small data errors can disrupt supply chains How automation reduces human error in master data management Why trusted data sources are essential for DSCSA compliance Things to listen for: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (01:20) Steve's journey in building a pharmaceutical ERP platform (05:29) Why serialization matters (14:17) The benefits of automating master data management (16:54) Connecting master data to DSCSA compliance (30:03) Steve's favorite technology Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn Register now for this year's GS1 Connect and get an early bird discount of 10% when you register by March 31 at connect.gs1us.org. Connect with the guest: Steve Madsen on LinkedIn Visit RxERP at https://rxerp.com/

Automation in supply chains often brings to mind robots and conveyor belts. But one of the most impactful forms of automation happens behind the scenes: labeling. In this episode, Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl speak with Nick Recht, Director of Sales at TEKLYNX, about how labeling automation improves accuracy, reduces costly manual steps, and connects critical data across supply chain systems. Nick explains why the industry still relies on the risky "file, open, print, and pray" process and how integrating labeling directly with business systems like ERP and WMS platforms can eliminate errors and save hours of manual work. In this episode, you'll learn: Why labeling automation reduces costly errors and manual processes How integrating labeling with business systems improves efficiency What the shift to 2D barcodes and RFID means for supply chain visibility Things to listen for: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (01:17) Nick Recht's journey at TEKLYNX (06:52) What automation really means in labeling (08:48) The "file, open, print, and pray" problem (15:08) Measuring the ROI of labeling automation (21:01) The shift from 1D to 2D barcodes (27:15) How automation supports 2D barcodes and RFID (31:50) A real-world automation success story (37:37) Nick Recht's favorite tech Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn Register now for this year's GS1 Connect and get an early bird discount of 10% when you register by March 31 at connect.gs1us.org. Connect with the guest: Nick Recht on LinkedInVisit TEKLYNX at teklynx.com

MSG has been labeled as the villain of the food world, but Jennifer Ko is rewriting the story and bringing it back with a bold new twist. In this episode, Reid Jackson sits down with Jennifer Ko, the founder of Dime, a company that's reinventing how we think about MSG. Jennifer shares her personal connection to MSG, the cultural beliefs that shaped her family's avoidance of it, and how she's working to debunk common myths about this misunderstood ingredient. She also discusses the challenges of packaging, logistics, and the supply chain that come with launching a product in the competitive CPG space. In this episode, you'll learn: How Jennifer's curiosity about MSG turned into a business idea The challenge of changing consumer perceptions The importance of streamlining packaging and logistics in CPG Things to listen for: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (01:57) Jennifer's entrepreneurial journey (06:08) Breaking down the misconceptions about MSG (11:33) Building a brand around a stigmatized product (18:28) The challenges of building a business in the food industry (29:17) Advice for startups and aspiring entrepreneurs (33:19) Jennifer Ko's favorite tech Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn Register now for this year's GS1 Connect and get an early bird discount of 10% when you register by March 31 at connect.gs1us.org. Connect with the guest: Jennifer Ko on LinkedInVisit Dime at dimemsg.com

The Universal Product Code (UPC) has powered retail for 50 years, but it was never designed to handle the data demands of today's complex supply chains and consumer expectations. In this episode, Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl sit down with Ned Mears, Senior Director of Global Standards at GS1 US, to explore how 2D barcodes will revolutionize the retail landscape, starting with Sunrise 2027. Ned explains how 2D barcodes go beyond simple price lookups, enabling enhanced traceability, connected packaging, and compliance with future regulations. He also offers practical advice on barcode placement, point-of-sale readiness, and why delaying action increases risk. In this episode, you'll learn: How 2D barcodes change what's possible at checkout and across the supply chain What brands and retailers need to do now to prepare for Sunrise 2027 How early planning reduces risk, cost, and operational disruption Things to listen for: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (04:01) How 2D barcodes differ from traditional UPCs (07:41) Measuring industry progress toward Sunrise 2027 (12:46) How brands can prepare to implement 2D barcodes (19:22) What retailers need to assess to be ready for 2D at the point of sale (21:26) The risks of waiting until 2027 before preparing for 2D barcodes (27:00) Ned's favorite tech Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn Register now for this year's GS1 Connect and get an early bird discount of 10% when you register by March 31 at connect.gs1us.org. Connect with the guest: Ned Mears on LinkedIn

A hot sauce brand doesn't scale on taste alone. It scales on consistency, traceability, and trust. Matt Pittaluga, Co-Founder of Hank Sauce, joins hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to share how a college project became a product sold in more than 5,000 stores. He breaks down the early hustle, the jump into retail, and what it takes to keep quality tight as demand grows. You'll also hear how Hank Sauce approaches traceability through product codes to track ingredients from batch creation to store shelves. This episode is a replay of our conversation with Matt, brought back for anyone building, scaling, or supplying food brands. In this episode, you'll learn: How Hank Sauce scaled its distribution to national retailers The importance of traceability in ensuring food safety and product quality Strategies for building networks to expand brand reach Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (01:34) The Hank Sauce story (06:38) Grassroots marketing and early sales strategies (13:34) Scaling up distribution to large retailers (16:38) The importance of traceability and food safety (19:51) Building a brand with a limited marketing budget (23:43) Advice for new entrepreneurs (31:22) Matt Pittaluga's favorite tech Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.org GS1 US on LinkedIn Register now for this year's GS1 Connect and get an early bird discount of 10% when you register by March 31 at connect.gs1us.org. Connect with the guest: Matt Pittaluga on LinkedIn Check out Hank Sauce

In this episode, Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl sit down with Bob Czechowicz and Nick Latwis from the GS1 US Innovation Team. They discuss the most promising trends, the challenges businesses face when navigating new tech, and the critical role of pilots in testing the viability of these innovations. Gain actionable insights into how companies can successfully experiment with new technologies and drive meaningful change in their supply chains. In this episode, you'll learn: Key emerging technologies in supply chains How to use AI as a creative partner for innovation The indicators teams use to decide when a pilot is ready to scale Things to listen for: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (02:54) Emerging technologies in the next three to five years (06:48) Using data to decide which trends matter (16:00) How to design and conduct a pilot test (19:52) Determining market readiness for new technology (27:38) Nick & Bob's favorite tech Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn Register now for this year's GS1 Connect and get an early bird discount of 10% when you register by March 31 at connect.gs1us.org. Connect with the guests: Nick Latwis on LinkedInBob Czechowicz on LinkedIn

Resilience isn't just for small startups—it's vital for businesses of all sizes. In this episode, Jonathan Biddle, author of Supply Chain for Startups, joins Reid Jackson to discuss how companies can build resilient supply chains using key metrics and smart strategies. Jonathan explains how early decisions about structure, visibility, and supplier engagement can set you up for long-term success. This conversation offers a clear view of what it takes to build supply chain operations that can adapt as the business grows. In this episode, you'll learn: How process mapping uncovers weak points that limit supply chain stability Why consistent supplier communication strengthens visibility and reduces risk The early operational signals that indicate it's time to upgrade systems Things to listen for: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (04:07) Building resilience for early-stage supply chains (06:37) Why supplier insight matters for managing risk (09:41) Daily and weekly habits that improve operations (14:36) Signals that current processes are no longer scalable (20:06) Tools that support growing operations (25:11) How AI can help small supply chain teams (30:21) Jonathan's favorite tech Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn This episode is brought to you by: Aarongraphics and Wholechain If you're interested in becoming or working with a GS1 US solution partner, please connect with us on LinkedIn or on our website. Connect with the guests: Jonathan Biddle on LinkedInCheck out Jonathan's book, Supply Chain for Startups

Shoppers lose trust the moment they see that your data is inconsistent. In this episode, Jon Gatrell of Loren Data Corp. joins Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to discuss why product information must stay consistent across every channel. Jon explains how aligned data reduces friction between partners, supports accurate inventory management, and strengthens the experience for buyers and internal teams. This conversation shows how accurate product data becomes the thread that keeps every part of the supply chain working in sync. In this episode, you'll learn: The operational value of keeping product data consistent across channels The challenges that emerge when item information falls out of sync How accurate data protects customer trust Things to listen for: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (02:54) What customers expect from product data (05:29) How inconsistent product information affects buying decisions (07:37) The biggest data challenges supply chain teams face today (12:55) What the industry is doing to improve data synchronization (19:32) Data strategy shifts companies should prepare for next (25:19) Jon's favorite tech Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn This episode is brought to you by: AccuGraphiX and LSPedia If you're interested in becoming or working with a GS1 US solution partner, please connect with us on LinkedIn or on our website. Connect with the guests: Jon Gatrell on LinkedIn Check out Loren Data

Behind every safe meal is someone who got the data right. Brandon Ballew, Senior Product Information Analyst at Beaver Street Fisheries, joins hosts Liz Sertl and Reid Jackson to discuss how the seafood industry is preparing for FSMA Rule 204, and how GS1 standards like GLNs, GTINs, and 2D barcodes are helping ensure food safety from port to plate. Brandon shares how his team uses data to improve visibility, partner collaboration, and customer confidence, proving that accurate and standardized information benefits everyone in the supply chain. In this episode, you'll learn: How GS1 standards support FSMA 204 traceability Why data quality impacts both compliance and customer trust How Beaver Street Fisheries uses GLNs to connect digital and physical supply chains Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (03:51) Preparing for FSMA 204 and data-driven traceability (06:08) Lessons from SIMP and early adoption of seafood standards (09:04) Creative uses of GLNs across operations (12:31) Data synchronization with GS1 Data Hub and 1WorldSync (15:34) The cost of inaccurate data in online ordering (19:00) Educating trading partners about FSMA compliance (22:11) The benefit of 2D barcodes for consumers (26:37) Brandon's favorite technologies Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn This episode is brought to you by: Avery Dennison and Syndigo If you're interested in becoming or working with a GS1 US solution partner, please connect with us on LinkedIn or on our website. Connect with the guests: Brandon Ballew on LinkedIn Check out Beaver Street Fisheries

A single contamination can have serious consequences for vulnerable populations, such as students. Traceability is essential to ensure food safety from the farm to the school cafeteria. In this episode, Jim White, President and Co-Founder of ENSESO4Food, and Candice Bevis, Farm Operations Manager at Spartanburg County School District 6, explain how digital traceability simplifies FSMA 204 compliance and strengthens confidence in the food supply chain. They discuss how affordable technology and GS1 standards help small farms operate with the same precision as large suppliers, connecting farms, processors, and cafeterias for a safer food system. In this episode, you'll learn: How to ensure accountability in food sourcing and delivery Why simplicity and affordability matter for technology adoption Ways schools are using visibility to improve food safety Things to listen for: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (04:22) How the Trakkey partnership began (07:59) Connecting farms, processors, and schools (12:33) How digital tools simplify compliance (18:03) Teaching students where their food comes from (20:56) Making food safety simpler for farmers (23:31) Reducing waste and improving efficiency (26:32) Jim and Candice's favorite tech Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn This episode is brought to you by:AccuGraphix If you're interested in becoming or working with a GS1 US solution partner, please connect with us on LinkedIn or on our website. Connect with the guests: Jim White on LinkedInCheck out ENSESO4Food and Spartanburg County School District Six

Efficiency works when everything goes to plan. But as disruptions grow more frequent and complex, resilience and preparation are what set strong supply chains apart. In this episode, logistics expert John Manners-Bell, founder and CEO of Transport Intelligence, joins hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to discuss what leaders need to know about supply chain risk, technology, and balance. With over 40 years in the industry advising organizations like the World Economic Forum, the UN, and the European Commission, John shares hard-earned lessons from real-world crises and why efficiency is not enough. Listeners will gain a sharper understanding of how to prepare for disruption, enhance visibility across their networks, and utilize AI and data to build more resilient operations. In this episode, you'll learn: How to measure the cost of supply chain risk Why you need to prioritize resilience in supply chain strategy How AI helps logistics leaders anticipate risks and plan accordingly Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (04:14) Why supply chain risk is everyone's problem (06:41) Balancing efficiency and resilience for long-term success (11:07) Why inventory alone won't save your business (12:51) How visibility and data transform modern supply chains (16:24) Cyberattacks, paper backups, and recovery stories (18:18) The rise of AI and automation in logistics (22:12) Lessons from companies that built resilience (25:57) The mindset every future-ready supply chain leader needs Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn Connect with the guests: John Manners-Bell on LinkedIn Check out Transport Intelligence

From Sunday suppers to 2,000 stores… and almost losing them all. Andrew Arbogast turned his dad's cheese dip recipe into a fast-growing CPG brand, only to face the harsh realities of shelf life, co-packing, and retailer expectations. In this episode, he joins Liz Sertl to share how he scaled Arbo's Cheese Dip, what nearly sank the business, and the turning point that gave him a second chance. Listeners will hear the unfiltered story behind bringing a homemade recipe to the national stage, and the resilience, partnerships, and supply chain decisions that made survival possible. In this episode, you'll learn: How shelf life testing and packaging decisions directly impact scalability Why rapid national expansion without brand awareness creates costly supply and demand mismatches What strategies helped Arbo stabilize its operations Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (02:33) Family traditions that inspired Arbo's recipe (04:25) Why barcodes matter for brand credibility (06:03) Shelf life challenges with early co-packers (08:11) Reformulating products for large-scale production (09:24) Rapid retail expansion that backfired (11:31) Winning Walmart Open Call and scaling mistakes (13:28) Debt crisis and asking for help (17:33) Grants and innovation with Real California Milk (19:31) Favorite flavors and unexpected uses for cheese dip Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn Connect with the guests: Andrew Arbogast on LinkedIn Check out Arbo's Cheese Dip

When food safety is on the line, every hour counts. The FDA's new FSMA 204 rule is raising the standard for traceability, with stronger requirements designed to track products faster and manage recalls more effectively. At stake is not just compliance, but the ability to protect both consumers and businesses when outbreaks occur. In this episode, Angela Fields from the FDA joins hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to explain what FSMA 204 means for supply chains. They explore why proactive traceability is replacing outdated reactive models and how better data is improving the speed and accuracy of investigations. You'll also hear real stories from outbreak response, how electronic records can cut weeks off investigations, and why collaboration across the food industry makes a difference for everyone. In this episode, you'll learn: How FSMA 204 creates new opportunities for supply chain transparency Why recalls work best when industry and regulators communicate clearly What steps companies can take now to prepare for the 2028 compliance deadline Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (01:58) Angela Fields' background (02:59) Food safety from a regulatory perspective (04:13) How the environment affects supply chain risks (06:59) What FSMA 204 means for industry (08:40) Spinach outbreaks and the cost of recalls (09:53) Why regulations also protect food companies (14:23) How electronic records speed outbreak investigations (17:17) Who triggers recalls and how they happen (19:33) Best practices companies use to prevent recalls (22:15) Where consumers can track recalls and outbreaks Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn Connect with the guests: Angela Fields on LinkedIn Check out the FDA

Carter's just pulled off what many retailers thought was impossible. In only three months, the iconic children's apparel brand rolled out RFID technology across 700 stores: improving accuracy on every item and making life easier for both store teams and customers. In this episode, Gina Maddaloni and Anna Marie Blackburn from Carter's join hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to discuss how RFID became central to Carter's retail operations, what it took to win buy-in across the company, and how it is improving both inventory management and customer experience. You'll also hear how Carter's uses RFID to cut payroll costs for year-end inventory by 50 percent, why the rollout became a recruiting tool for store teams, and where the company sees new opportunities to extend RFID into supply chain operations. In this episode, you'll learn: How Carter's achieved one of the fastest RFID deployments in retail Why RFID is no longer "too complex" or "too expensive" What's next as Carter's expands RFID use into its supply chain operations Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (01:29) Anna Marie and Gina's backgrounds (03:52) What RFID technology means for retail (06:47) The process of rolling out RFID across Carter's stores (13:21) RFID's impact on Carter's operational efficiency (17:49) RFID as a recruiting tool for store teams (18:54) Asset protection benefits and peace of mind (19:34) Expanding RFID into DC operations (21:35) What's next, Carter's move toward serialization (23:01) Advice for companies starting their RFID journey (24:02) Busting RFID myths: cost, complexity, and adoption (26:29) Favorite tech beyond RFID (29:22) What Gina and Anna Marie want to learn next Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.org GS1 US on LinkedIn Connect with the guests: Gina Maddaloni on LinkedIn Anna Marie Blackburn on LinkedIn Check out Carter's Learn more about the GS1 US Solution Partner Program: https://www.gs1us.org/industries-and-insights/partners

The way cash moves through the supply chain is evolving. What was once a paper-heavy process is now embracing digital transformation. In this episode, Robert Skitt, Senior Manager at Axiom Armored Transport, joins hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to discuss the shift from traditional, manual methods to more secure, efficient, and accountable digital solutions. Financial institutions and the Federal Reserve are demanding greater transparency and control over cash movement, and armored transport teams are under increasing pressure to adapt. Robert walks us through the process of how Axiom is modernizing armored transport, replacing handwritten logs with barcode scans and eManifests. In this episode, you'll learn: How GS1 standards are helping digitize cash logistics What "cash visibility" looks like in practice Why early adoption gave Axiom a seat at the table and a competitive edge Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (04:52) What cash visibility looks like (07:23) How GS1 standards changed the workflow (11:32) Turning paper-heavy processes into data (13:32) Barcode tech in armored car logistics (15:14) How digitization improves accuracy and trust (19:25) Advice for starting your visibility journey (20:44) Robert's favorite technology today Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.org GS1 US on LinkedIn Connect with the guest: Robert Skitt on LinkedInCheck out Axiom Armored Transport

The packaging around your product now matters just as much as the product itself. For companies navigating Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, that's quickly becoming the reality. And it's reshaping how teams think about data, packaging, and compliance. In this episode, Lindsay Savage, Senior Director of Data Governance and Business Platforms at Georgia-Pacific LLC, joins hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to demystify what EPR means for manufacturers and retailers. With legislation ramping up across states, Lindsay explains how brands are preparing for complex reporting requirements, coordinating across departments, and turning sustainability regulations into opportunities for smarter product innovation. In this episode, you'll learn: Why EPR is more than a packaging issue and why it matters now How Georgia-Pacific is building scalable systems to manage regulatory data Tips for companies just getting started, from legal teams to logistics Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (02:21) Lindsay Savage's background (03:16) What EPR means for your business (04:50) Every state has its own rules (06:15) Data overload and the push for standards (07:36) Breaking down product, packaging, and pallet (09:27) Two ways to report EPR data (11:20) How to get started with EPR compliance (12:40) Building cross-functional teams for success (17:55) Embracing AI tools to stay ahead Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.org GS1 US on LinkedIn Connect with the guest: Lindsay Savage on LinkedIn Check out Georgia-Pacific