eCom Logistics Podcast

A supply chain and operations leader, Marcus Chung has worked at both large, established retailers and smaller startups. His experience spans brick-and-mortar stores, direct-to-consumer e-commerce and wholesale distribution.

Marcus's career has focused on delivering value through strategic supply chain management. He has led global teams to drive exceptional product quality, cost and delivery results, while also engaging with the broader apparel industry to drive sustainability and protect garment workers' rights in the supply chain.

Marcus earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Wesleyan University and an MBA from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. He served as a Trustee for Wesleyan University and served two terms on the board of directors for Net Impact, a non-profit organization whose mission is to mobilize a new generation to use their careers to drive transformational change in their workplaces and the world.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, join Dan Coll in this insightful episode as he sits down with Marcus Chung, COO of Coyuchi, a premium bedding and bath brand deeply committed to sustainability. Recorded at the Manifest conference in Las Vegas, Marcus shares Coyuchi's journey towards decarbonization and achieving net zero goals by 2050. From understanding the interconnected global supply chain to implementing innovative circular economy practices, this episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of making e-commerce logistics more sustainable

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:24] Consumers today are more globally aware and pose questions about brands' impact on the planet, driving a shift towards sustainability.
[00:01:32] Marcus introduces Coyuchi, a brand focused on building an organic supply chain rooted in sustainability for over 30 years.

[00:03:31] Marcus reflects on the evolution of sustainability in his 20-year career, from social responsibility to a broader focus on environmental impact.
[00:05:27] The younger generation's increasing awareness of global supply chains influences their purchasing decisions, pushing brands towards sustainability.
[00:09:13] Engaging manufacturers and suppliers in clean energy discussions as a meaningful way for brands to reduce their carbon footprint.
[00:09:52] European brands are leading the sustainability agenda, while vendors worldwide are open to sustainability initiatives due to consumer expectations.
[00:16:51] The economics of recycling and remanufacturing.
[00:19:36] Marcus advises starting small and piloting sustainability initiatives, emphasizing the importance of intentional and measured efforts.

QUOTES

[00:04:38] "Consumers are more savvy... too many people really understand what meaningful action looks like."
[00:08:35] "Collaboration with your suppliers, having the conversation, asking the questions... has a huge impact."
[00:15:17] "We call it the Full Circle Blanket... using our own recycled product to make brand new Coyuchi product out of it."

Find out more about Marcus Chung in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusbchung/

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Krish Iyer is the Vice President of Strategic Partners and Industry Relations for Auctane, which includes ShipStation, ShippingEasy, ShipEngine and Stamps.com. A respected expert in e-commerce, Krish is often quoted in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Business Insider and the New York Times. An industry leader with over 20 years of experience, Krish brings perspectives from FedEx, Pitney Bowes, Neopost and Auctane. In addition, Krish serves as the Vice President of the Package Shippers Association (PSA), which serves as the voice of the package shipping industry.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, we dive deep into the world of e-commerce logistics, discussing the intricate challenges and innovative solutions within the industry. Krish Iyer, Vice President of Strategic Partners and Industry Relations at Auctane, shares insights on returns, packaging inefficiencies, sustainability, and the future trends shaping the logistics landscape.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:45] Implementing small yet impactful measures, like improving product photos, size charts, and detailed descriptions, significantly reduces returns at minimal cost.
[00:06:34] The returns space lacks an overarching solution despite various innovations like in-person return options, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive end-to-end returns system.
[00:18:53] The reluctance of carriers to efficiently handle residential pickups stems from historical perceptions of residential shipments, hindering effective return logistics.
[00:20:16] Challenges in packaging efficiency persist with oversize boxes and minimal packaging, highlighting the need for proper package engineering aligned with buyer habits and profile.
[00:29:25] The evolving trend focuses on integrating shipping and delivery intricacies with the shopping experience, emphasizing the significance of marrying shipping logistics with cart interactions for enhanced efficiency.

QUOTES

[00:11:04] "The best solutions for returns are free or low cost – get your product and listing right."
[00:13:19] "The initiation process of the return itself is an issue, often overlooked in return discussions."
[00:21:56] "You can't thwart human behavior or underestimate what humans will do in the packaging process."
[00:28:59] "It starts with what the consumer is buying – packaging solutions should align with consumer habits."

Find out more about Krish Iyer in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/globalkrishna/

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If you’re a logistics leader looking to scale sustainably, don’t miss out! Subscribe for more expert strategies on tackling modern supply chain challenges.

Be sure to follow and tag the eCom Logistics Podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Erhan Musaoglu, Founder and CEO of Logiwa. Seeing a need, Erhan developed their own high-volume online order fulfillment execution system that functions much more holistically than just a WMS.

Any e-commerce business needs even the barest fulfillment execution system to realize greater productivity in its warehouses and be able to ship orders quickly and efficiently. Erhan also discusses market trends like product returns and the current climate with tight delivery windows.

HIGHLIGHTS

05:24 the day you landed - Moving to the US and building a leading WMS

09:27 i used to implement - Differences between WMS and order fulfillment solution

16:07 first of all - Warehousing and WMS are crucial for an e-commerce business's success

21:20 you don't need - Facilitate quicker UPH with an inexpensive fulfillment execution system

28:28 we constantly - Trends in the market: Adapting to unique workflows, package optimization, and labor

34:12 how do you - Multi SKU management in a warehouse

QUOTES

05:50 On moving to the US and focusing on online order fulfillment - Erhan: “You cannot do everything perfect. You have to select one vertical, you have to select one solution, and you have to stick with it. And you have to make it better than anyone else."

14:46 Implement a good warehousing and fulfillment system - Ninaad: "Just because you have a warehouse management system does not translate into it being a good fulfillment system. They are 2 different universes. I would go to say that a fulfillment system is just as far apart from a traditional warehousing system as a store operations system is from a distribution center."

18:04 Warehousing is the top consideration of e-commerce businesses - Erhan: “Warehouse is the most crucial element for an online business. Otherwise, you are going to fail. If you cannot pick, if you cannot pack, and if you cannot ship faster, you're going to fail."

Find out more about Erhan in the links below:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erhanmusaoglu/

Website:

https://www.logiwa.com/

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If you’re a logistics leader looking to scale sustainably, don’t miss out! Subscribe for more expert strategies on tackling modern supply chain challenges.

Be sure to follow and tag the eCom Logistics Podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Radu Palamariu, Managing Director of Europe and Asia Pacific at Alcott Global Founder. He is also the host of the Leaders in Supply Chain and Logistics podcast.

Radu shares many valuable insights into logistics and shaping leadership within a company's supply chain talent. He discusses the characteristics that attribute to quality logistics leadership, how to leverage this, and understanding the impact of diversity in this environment as well.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 07:06 Why Chief Supply Chain Officers (CSCOs) make great CEOs
• 21:45 Key characteristics to look for in quality logistics leadership talent
• 31:00 Diversity in supply chain leadership

QUOTES

09:12 Why those with supply chain backgrounds make it to CEO positions - Radu: "The density of people that come from an operations and supply chain background that will make it to CEO is going to be higher. Because now they are making it to the board conversations and, of course, the board makes the decision of who is the next CEO it's just a normal transition"

12:14 Amazon's growth through supply chain - Radu: "Ultimately, Amazon built a logistics machine. They win on logistics, they win on supply chain. Of course, they are an e-commerce market place ultimately that's where they win."

26:51 Insights on finding value when hiring somebody - Radu: Look for the mindset, look for the attitude, and also place bets on people. I think drive, motivation, and willingness to make it work are much more important than actual expertise on a lot of things."

Find out more about Radu and check out his book in the links below:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/radupalamariu/
• Book: https://sourcetosold.com/
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-in-supply-chain-and-logistics/id1263842780

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If you’re a logistics leader looking to scale sustainably, don’t miss out! Subscribe for more expert strategies on tackling modern supply chain challenges.

Be sure to follow and tag the eCom Logistics Podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube

Rahul (RD) Deshmukh is a pivotal figure in logistics and distribution, specializing in operational excellence strategies for distribution centers, focusing on optimization, automation, safety standards, and cost savings. With extensive experience partnering with Fortune 500 companies and expertise in automation, digitalization, and logistics network optimization, RD has a proven track record in driving supply chain operations. Prior to Amazon, RD led supply chain operations at DHL across North America, demonstrating his prowess in managing people, processes, and costs. With over 15 years of experience, RD has led numerous successful digitalization transformations and received accolades for pioneering next-generation distribution center models. His deep understanding of both supply chain dynamics and technology enables him to implement impactful changes that benefit stakeholders.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya are joined by Rahul Deshmukh (RD), Principal eCommerce Fulfillment and Warehouse at Amazon, live from MODEX 2024. They discuss insights, trends, and challenges in eCommerce logistics, focusing on embracing digitalization, AI, and robotics in the supply chain. RD shares his journey in the logistics space, emphasizing the importance of quick decision-making, learning from failures, and improving processes. They delve into strategies for optimizing customer satisfaction, evolving consumer expectations, and navigating the evolving landscape of logistics technology showcased at MODEX.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:27] Embrace digitalization and AI to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.

[00:04:53] Focus on leading-edge engineering in logistics design to meet evolving customer demands.

[00:10:02] Implement actionable data analysis for better forecasting and planning.

[00:14:08] Attend conferences like MODEX with a clear agenda to focus on innovation and problem-solving.

[00:22:19] Make quick decisions, learn from failures, and continuously improve processes.

[00:30:37] Apply AI to automation, forecasting, and warehouse optimization for enhanced productivity.

QUOTES

[00:11:52] "Standardize. Learn, be curious, and then you do bias for action... which will make our stakeholders happy, which will make my people happy, which will make the team happy, and they will go home satisfied."

[00:22:22] "The worst thing is to not implement anything for having paralysis of analysis, make a quick decision, move on, learn from it, fail fast and improve."

Find out more about Rahul (RD) Deshmukh in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/getrd1/

This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit www.gandpconstruction.com to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations.

Subscribe and Keep Learning!

If you’re a logistics leader looking to scale sustainably, don’t miss out! Subscribe for more expert strategies on tackling modern supply chain challenges.

Be sure to follow and tag the eCom Logistics Podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube