Modern technology makes starting an online business easy. However, that also means stiffer competition.

How can aspiring entrepreneurs succeed in the world of e-commerce?

In this episode, Jesse Ness, at Ecwid by Lightspeed, joins hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to discuss the essential steps and common pitfalls of starting and growing an online business. They discuss ways high-quality imagery, detailed product descriptions, and social media engagement can help your store stand out. Jesse also shares insights on emerging market trends like live selling and community engagement.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How storytelling helps brands stand out in a crowded e-commerce market

• The first steps to setting up a successful online store

• Tips to overcome growth plateaus and how to scale your business effectively

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain

(01:43) Online selling with Ecwid

(04:02) How to set up an online store

(08:27) Share your brand story

(12:11) Why entrepreneurs give up too soon

(17:10) The rise of live selling and other e-commerce trends

(22:16) Jesse Ness’ favorite tech

(24:34) Using AI to enhance daily life

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guest:

Jesse Ness on LinkedIn

Check out Ecwid by Lightspeed

This year has been packed with incredible supply chain stories showcasing innovation, collaboration, and inspiring moments in supply chain logistics.

In this episode, hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl take you through their favorite conversations of the year, featuring insights from industry leaders like Gena Morgan, Dr. Darin Detwiler, and Chuck Lasley. They discuss key topics that defined the year—data quality, traceability, retail automation, and the UPC barcode—all while looking ahead to what’s next in 2025.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Key trends that influenced supply chains in 2024

• Innovations driving transparency and traceability

• Exploring the future of 2D barcodes and data quality

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain

(01:48) 2D barcodes, data quality, and GS1 standards

(05:20) E-commerce and supply chain challenges

(06:37) Improving traceability and food safety

(11:04) The adoption of the barcode and its multiple uses

(13:11) Liz’s favorite episodes

(15:14) Reid’s favorite episodes

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

What started as a college project has now become a pantry staple sold in over 5,000 stores.

In this episode, Matt Pittaluga, Co-Founder of Hank Sauce, joins hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to share how a homemade hot sauce grew into a beloved national brand.

Matt explains how traceability and consistency have been key to scaling the business while keeping product quality high. Through detailed product codes and a robust production database, Hank Sauce tracks every ingredient from batch creation to store shelves, ensuring full transparency and control.

This meticulous approach to data and process has fueled Hank Sauce’s growth from a local favorite to a nationwide success.

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

(10:09) Scaling up distribution to large retailers

(13:22) The importance of traceability and food safety

(16:11) Building a brand with a limited marketing budget

(19:21) Advice for new entrepreneurs

(26:30) Matt Pittaluga’s favorite tech

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guest:

Matt Pittaluga on LinkedIn

Check out Hank Sauce

With disruptions becoming more frequent, companies must adapt or risk falling behind.

To stay ahead, many are embracing new technology, with AI emerging as a powerful tool for enhancing supply chain agility and resilience.

In this episode, Steve Hochman, VP of Research at Zero100, joins hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to talk about the key trends shaping the future of supply chains. He highlights the need for organizations to adapt by improving cross-functional collaboration and leveraging artificial intelligence.

In today’s rapidly changing global environment, organizations must focus on their people, processes, and technology to build lasting supply chain resilience.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Effective ways to leverage AI for automating supply chain operations
• The importance of cross-collaboration for a more integrated and responsive system
• How to implement small-scale AI experiments for meaningful impact

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain

(03:10) The rise of supply chain volatility

(08:12) Cross-functional collaboration in supply chains

(15:35) Innovation through AI experiments

(17:48) Case study: Shein’s use of AI for e-commerce

(21:07) The importance of data management

(25:40) Considering the ethical implications of AI

(31:16) Future trends of AI in supply chains

(32:39) Steve Hochman’s favorite tech

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guest:

Steve Hochman on LinkedIn

Check out Zero100

With less than 10% of warehouses currently automated, the industry is on the verge of a major transformation.

As automation surges, one element will define success: the power of high-quality data.

In this episode, Ries Bouwman, Product Manager at KNAPP, and Gasper Gulotta, Director of Software Consultancy at KNAPP, join hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to discuss how accurate data is essential to the future of warehouse automation.

Reis and Gasper share examples of how poor data can disrupt automated systems, causing costly delays and inefficiencies. They emphasize that by improving data management, companies can not only prevent these issues but also unlock the full potential of automation.

Automation isn’t just about the machines—it’s about ensuring accurate, complete data that systems can rely on to function smoothly.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why data accuracy is critical for successful warehouse automation

• The challenges and costs associated with incorrect or incomplete data

• The role of GS1 standards in improving data quality across supply chains

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain

(02:28) KNAPP and its journey in automation

(05:22) The importance of data quality in automation

(08:38) Connecting KiSoft to ERP systems

(13:23) Verifying data accuracy

(18:13) Raising industry standards for better data

(24:20) Bad data causing issues for warehouse automation

(30:39) Ries and Gaspar’s favorite tech

(34:32) Smarter data collection through AI and quantum computing

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guests:

Ries Bouwman on LinkedIn

Gasper Gulotta on LinkedIn

As supply chains become increasingly complex and stringent regulations like DSCSA and FSMA become more prevalent, understanding how to leverage EPCIS (Electronic Product Code Information Services) for granular visibility and efficient data management is more crucial than ever.

In this episode, hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl are joined by Matt Andrews, Global Standards Director at GS1 US. Matt unpacks the fundamentals and applications of EPCIS, from its role in modeling supply chain processes to its transformative impact across industries like healthcare, food, retail, and logistics.

EPCIS can help your organization achieve unparalleled supply chain visibility, improve compliance, and drive competitive advantage.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The intricacies of EPCIS (Electronic Product Code Information Services) and its universal application across industries for enhanced supply chain visibility, compliance, and efficiency.

• How EPCIS can revolutionize inventory management with real-time data accuracy, from monitoring cycle counts to tracking product movement from back of house to point of sale.

• How industries such as healthcare and food service leverage EPCIS to comply with regulations like DSCSA and FSMA 204, ensuring traceability down to the unique item level.

Jump into the Conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain

(06:25) Benefits that organizations are seeing by leveraging EPCIS

(08:00) Full granular visibility, item-level tracking, inventory management

(13:54) How EPCIS can log events from manufacturing to sales

(17:03) Enhanced supply chain visibility through real-time EPCIS data

(18:28) Accessing claims compliance through advanced visibility

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guests:

Matt Andrews on LinkedIn

Imagine if barcodes not only speed up your grocery checkout but also transform logistics, healthcare, and the overall efficiency of global supply chains.

In this episode, hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl are joined by Rich Eicher, Director of codeREADr. With his extensive experience in barcode innovation, Rich shares insights into how modern camera-based barcode readers surpass traditional laser readers and why dedicated barcode scanning devices are preferred in specific environments.

Rich explains barcodes' critical role in various business applications, from facilitating accurate inventory management to preventing costly supply chain errors. He also elaborates on the industry's adaptation to consumer demands, the significant challenges of barcode inaccuracies and their impact on delivery services, and how advancements in AI and ChatGPT are poised to revolutionize data capture and processing across industries.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The differences between laser and camera-based barcode readers commonly used in grocery stores.

• The importance of barcodes in various business applications and the issues caused by barcode discrepancies in the supply chain.

• The upcoming GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiative is transitioning to QR codes for enhanced data capture.

Jump into the Conversation:

[00:00] Introducing Next Level Supply Chain

[01:01] Who Rich Eicher is, and what he does

[03:08] The different barcodes and their significance

[10:13] All about laser reading barcodes

[13:12] The importance of using barcodes and why companies are shifting to using them more

[16:22] The problems that come along with not using barcodes

[22:16] Other trends happening outside of barcodes

[27:22] Rich’s favorite technology he is using right now

[29:51] Closing

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guest:

Rich Eicher on LinkedIn

Imagine a world where combating climate change and protecting the environment is integrated into every step of global trade.

In this episode, hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl are joined by Lea-Ann Bigelow, Director of Green Trade at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). With a wealth of experience in environmental regulation and sustainability, Lea-Ann shares how U.S. Customs is evolving to meet the challenges of climate change through innovative trade practices.

Lea-Ann discusses how CBP's efforts are not just about regulating imports but about leading the charge in reducing emissions, enhancing traceability, and fighting environmental crimes. By integrating sustainability into the global supply chain, these initiatives are paving the way for a cleaner, safer world.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How U.S. Customs and Border Protection is pioneering green trade practices to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability across global supply chains.

• The implementation of advanced traceability systems to combat environmental crime and ensure compliance in international trade.

• The collaborative strategies between government and industry that are shaping a more resilient and environmentally responsible future for global trade.

Jump into the Conversation:

[00:00] Introducing Next Level Supply Chain

[00:40] Lea-Ann Bigelow Discusses Green Trade Initiatives at CBP

[01:23] The Dark Side of Trade: Environmental Crime and Its Ties to Other Offenses

[01:52] Why GS1 Connect Is Crucial for Environmental Compliance

[02:55] The Role of GS1 Standards in Enhancing Global Trade Compliance

[04:41] Developing the Green Standard for Global Trade

[04:50] International Collaboration on Environmental Regulations

[05:31] Navigating Complex Global Environmental Regulations

[06:02] Closing Thoughts: The Future of Green Trade

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Connect with the guests:

Lea-Ann Bigelow on LinkedIn