GOODQUESTION
TRACEABILITY VS. THE BOTTOM LINE. The value of traceability is often represented as a cost trade-o . The value of tracing a product’s components, ingredients, or materials through each stage exceeds the cost; traceability provides a foundation for compliance, agility, integrity, and di erentiation. –Je Wells Chief Visionary Ocer, Metrc SAFETY VS. EFFICIENCY. The supposed trade-o between worker safety and operational eciency is a myth. Ecient organizations integrate safety into their operations, leading to fewer disruptions, better productivity, and higher employee engagement. –Josh Ortega VP Safety, Sustainability, and Procurement, Veriforce
Cost vs. Quality
The cost-service quality trade-o is not a fixed rule ; with the right strategies, processes, and technologies, supply chains can simultaneously improve cost eciency and customer service. Take for example AI-driven systems that can identify and prevent flawed decisions like shipping premium air when ground service meets delivery expectations. –Brad Forester CEO, JBF Consulting Don’t sacrifice quality for lower-cost suppliers. Compromising on quality or performance ultimately leads to greater hidden costs, operational disruptions, and long-term damage that outweigh the initial savings. The quality of your supply base is foundational and should not be negotiated. –Bill Remy CEO, TBM Consulting Many assume reducing costs inevitably lowers quality. However, through optimization, territory management, and technology integration, organizations can consistently improve service levels while optimizing costs, demonstrating that cost reduction does not imply decreased quality. –Mat Witte CEO, ORTEC Americas
SUSTAINABILITY VS...
…PROFITABILITY. In reality, sustainable practices often drive eciency, reduce waste, lower costs, and improve brand reputation. –Scott Lehmann VP, Product Management, Sphera …EFFICIENCY. Pursuing sustainable initiatives in the supply chain can seem like it would cost more, but many sustainable transportation solutions enable cost savings and optimize eciency. Retail consolidation, for instance, results in fewer trucks on the road, cutting emissions and saving on fuel costs, while enabling for more direct delivery to big box suppliers. –Jay Gustafson EVP, Brokerage Operations, Echo Global Logistics …GROWTH. Some say you have to choose between profits and a lighter carbon footprint, but more often than not, that’s a false choice. In practice, sustainability goes hand in hand with cost-e ectiveness. Intermodal is a clear example: Greater modal flexibility lowers costs while also reducing emissions. –Charlie Taylor VP Intermodal Sales, Odyssey Logistics
…STRATEGY. Traditionally, companies had to choose between optimizing their networks for long- term cost eciency or staying flexible enough to respond to short- term disruptions like tari s. But the shift from reactionary to dynamic processes is eliminating the old either/or. With cloud-based systems and AI-enabled visibility, businesses can be both reactive in the short term and strategic in the long term without blowing up their budgets or operational timelines. –Farzin Shadpour Partner, Silicon Foundry
SPEED VS...
...ACCURACY. The idea that you have to choose between speed and accuracy is outdated. We’ve seen firsthand how automation and smarter workflows not only reduce delays but also improve data quality and execution. –Karli Sage Sr. Director, Emerging Technology, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits …COMPLIANCE. Cutting corners to save time only leads to long-term risk and cost. “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” With the right partners and infrastructure, brands can achieve fast delivery and regulatory compliance. –Thomas Taggart VP, Global Trade, Passport Global …INVENTORY AVAILABILITY. With AI platforms, you can accelerate decision cycles while improving SKU- level precision. Real-time signals allow you to localize replenishment without inflating total inventory or losing on availability. –Pini Usha CEO, Buers.ai
Answer upcoming Good Questions at: www.inboundlogistics.com/ good-question
July 2025 • Inbound Logistics 15
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