Innovation in supply chain: An exclusive interview with Sarah Barnes-Humphrey

May 27, 2024

3 min read

At EU Automation, we stay at the forefront of industry trends and supply chain innovation. Recently, we had the pleasure of interviewing Sarah Barnes-Humphrey. She is a renowned supply chain entrepreneur and the founder of the podcast, Let’s Talk Supply Chain.

Sarah shared her journey, insights, and vision for the future of supply chain management with us. As a result, this means she has offered valuable perspectives that align with our mission and values.

Interview with Sarah Barnes-Humphrey on supply chain innovation

A journey rooted in supply chain

Sarah’s career path in supply chain was influenced early in her life by the family business. Reflecting on her upbringing in a logistics environment, she claims, "Supply chain is truly in my blood." Her exposure at a young age set the stage for her successful career.

However, things took a major turn when she decided to start her own podcast, despite facing numerous personal and professional obstacles. "Losing everything forced me to rethink my career and make intentional choices," she explains.

The inspiration behind Let’s Talk Supply Chain was to create engaging, informative content for the supply chain community. "I thought that with my industry knowledge and personality, I could do better," Sarah recalls. Her vision quickly proved successful, with the podcast becoming a cornerstone for industry discussions. "To empower diverse voices and provide entertaining but valuable content has always been my goal," she adds.

In her interview, Sarah underlines technology's innovative role in modern supply chains. Instances of automation technologies include artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), digital twins, and predictive analysis. These technologies help to improve efficiency and support proactive initiatives. Therefore, this allows businesses to anticipate and address potential problems before they disrupt the flow of goods.

"Efficiency is the name of the game," she explains, highlighting examples such as Schneider Electric's utilization of AI for maintenance. As well as, DHL's adoption of autonomous solutions to enhance operational turnover.

Collaboration and supply chain community

One of Sarah's firm convictions is the importance of collaboration. "Collaboration is the future of business," she asserts. This highlights how automation technologies can break down traditional silos and bring stakeholders together more effectively.

At EU Automation, we share Sarah's beliefs regarding the value of collaboration

By working with us, companies can leverage our extensive network and expertise to ensure seamless integration of automation technologies. Our commitment to reliability and efficiency helps businesses reduce downtime and enhance productivity.

The future of supply chain management

Sarah envisions a future where AI, blockchain, and IoT are integral to business operations, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and resilience.

She underscores the critical need for continuous upskilling in data analytics and technology integration for industry professionals to stay ahead of the curve. "Ongoing learning and education are a must," she advises, promoting a culture of innovation and collaboration within organizations.

Read the full interview here

Sarah Barnes-Humphrey's journey and insights provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone in the supply chain industry. Her emphasis on technology, collaboration, and continuous learning aligns perfectly with our values at EU Automation. When you partner with us, you'll have the advantage of accessing cutting-edge automation solutions. In addition, our dedicated team is fully committed to ensuring your operational success.

For more on Sarah Barnes-Humphrey and her work, visit the Let's Talk Supply Chain website and follow them on LinkedIn.

Let's Talk Supply Chain logo