Jason Bonito

How do you build a sourcing team that stays sharp, curious, and a few steps ahead of the curve? You create space for learning. That’s exactly what we do with our Strategic Sourcing Lead and Learn series at Target. Each month, 3–4 team members share ideas, insights, and “here’s-what-I-wish-I-knew” moments from the world of Strategic Sourcing. It’s not a performance—it’s about learning from each other. And it’s making us better. With the help of Eric Sodergren, Claus Emmer, and Becca Boser this month we covered: * Influence and impact come from listening first—both internally and externally * Collaborative sourcing approaches should reflect all parties’ needs, timeline expectations, and deliver clarity at every step * Tips on showing up as a consultant—it starts with strong, trust-based partnerships with internal clients When people are generous with what they know, everyone levels up. Proud to be part of a team where knowledge sharing isn’t optional—it’s part of the culture. #StrategicSourcing #Procurement #makingprocurementcool

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It is a classic case of $32M Question Your CIO Isn’t Asking? Finish Line an athlete footwear and apparel retailer reportedly lost $32M and closed several stores after their WMS implementation failed. What was the main reason attributed by CEO? Failure of WMS and ordering system. They tested the software but not the reality. Usually 67% of digital transformation failures stem from people problems, not technology problems. Yet most WMS business cases focus exclusively on system capabilities, ignoring organizational readiness. Why invest now? In all probability your current WMS was designed for yesterday’s omnichannel complexity. Today you’re managing ship-from-store, buy-online-pickup-in-store, same-day fulfillment, and returns-as-exchanges simultaneously. Legacy systems become liability as these are not covered in its architecture. While implementing WMS over the years I have focused on team and work flow that will run the show and not theoretical. WMS is a competitive advantage where Companies with modern WMS have achieve 40% faster order cycle times and 99.8% inventory accuracy versus industry average of 96%. To 97% That accuracy gap represents millions in working capital and stockout losses. Don’t think WMS implementation is an IT project. It’s competitive repositioning and must be treated that way.

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One of my favorite things to do is interview candidates in person for new roles Regardless of the role or department Everyone has their own unique story, interests, and why This week it was Head of Marketing and Hardware Technicians I've always found basic questions to go a long way in getting to know someone rather quickly - How'd you end up here today? - What are 2-3 things you are prioritizing in your next career move? - How would previous peers describe you in one to two words (dive into examples) - What concerns do you have about the company or the role (address them head on immediately) As Path Robotics continues to grow 📈 I'm excited to meet more and more new people, hear their stories, and welcome them to the team #werehiring #roboticsjobs #manufacturingtech #hardtech

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We're always looking for ways to improve safety. Nicholas Campbell, our Director of Safe Design, recently led a review at one of our fulfillment centers focused on pick carts. By collaborating with Engineering, Design, Operations, and Process Improvement teams, data-driven analysis and structured problem-solving methods were used to identify potential opportunities and things we might be able to do better, including updating our training experiences. We’re also working with our cross-functional partners to identify broader design standards that will help streamline solutions across our supply chain.    This work showcases proactive, collaborative safety and supports smoother operations for our associates. I'm proud of the way the team is focused on constant improvement and working safely every day.   #TeamWalmart #Safety #StriveForExcellence

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We’re excited to celebrate 16 suppliers advancing in Tractor Supply Company's “Fixturing for Life Out Here” campaign, a program focused on in-store fixtures and display solutions that bring Tractor Supply’s “Life Out Here” mission to life. This initiative reinforces that innovation isn’t limited to what’s on the shelf; it extends to the materials, design, and sustainability practices that shape how customers experience retail. It also highlights how ECRM and RangeMe continue to support GNFR (Goods Not For Resale) sourcing, connecting retailers with trusted partners who deliver high-quality, cost-effective, and scalable solutions across categories like fixturing, packaging, and operations. These approved suppliers — including 3C Store Fixtures, Inc., Agility Retail, Bish Creative, Bishop Fixture, Display Source Alliance, Henschel-Steinau, Inc., SightLine Display, Reeve Store Equipment Co. — will meet with Tractor Supply’s team during the virtual Fixture Vendor Open House on October 28th. Huge congratulations to all the suppliers helping Tractor Supply reimagine the in-store experience and set new standards for innovation and efficiency! #ECRM #RangeMe #TractorSupplyCompany #GNFR #SupplierOpportunities #RetailInnovation #StoreDesign #Fixtures #BrandsWithImpact

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We were fortunate for Coresight Research to be invited by Zebra Technologies to attend its recent ZONE 2025 Customer Conference. The conference this year centered on the frontline worker. A couple of key observations: * Zebra classified its Modern Store concept into three categories: elevated customer experience, optimized inventory and engaged associates * Its “Frontline AI Enablers” include hard-to-accomplish technologies under the hood such as a shelf and product localizer, a product recognizer and feature extractor * The company added clarity to its broad product line with technologies for transforming the employee experience (task management, worker communication, and inventory visibility) and operations (actionable intelligence, forecasting and analysis, scheduling and timekeeping) Our take: Zebra possesses a compelling combination of hardware (wearables and mobile computers), the seamless integration of AI and a  broad software portfolio to tie it all together. #retailtech #retailtechnology #frontline #associateenablement

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Supply chain planning should move as fast as retail. But for most, it doesn't. In this NRF interview, Ryan Gifford breaks down why batch-based planning and siloed teams are holding retailers back. He shares the shift that happens when planning and execution operate on one unified, real-time inventory plan. A straightforward look at how bidirectional flow turns plans into action. ▶️Watch the interview. #NRF2026

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Your OTIF problem isn’t the warehouse. It starts in the product portfolio. Every time a company calls me about service issues, the first suspects are the same: “The warehouse layout is wrong.” “Pickers are too slow.” “We need a better WMS.” Sometimes that’s true — but usually, it’s not. One discrete manufacturer I worked with was stuck at 82% OTIF. They re-slotted the warehouse, installed a new WMS, optimized pick paths. Nothing moved. So we did something unpopular: We stopped looking at the warehouse and looked at the catalogue. What we found was brutal: 8,000+ SKUs Near-duplicates Custom variants sold twice a year “Strategic” SKUs no one could justify On paper: “customer choice.” In reality: operational roulette. Fast movers were short because capacity was eaten by exotic, low-volume items. Safety stocks spread too thin. One bad forecast on a tiny SKU created noise everywhere. The warehouse was just where the pain showed up. We reframed it: “We don’t have a logistics issue. We have a promise issue.” Then we changed three things: 1️⃣ Ruthless SKU segmentation We grouped SKUs: • Workhorse: high volume, high margin, must-win • Enabler: needed, but not stars • Vanity: low volume, low margin, high complexity For each we defined service promise, planning, inventory approach. We asked: “If this SKU vanished tomorrow, who would scream — and would it matter?” Dozens vanished. Only planners noticed — finally some breathing room. 2️⃣ A real A-list for availability A-list SKUs were: • Always available • Protected capacity • Clear minimum stock Everything else: “best effort,” transparent lead time. No heroics that damage the A-list. Sales got a script: “If you want speed, sell from here.” The plant got a spine: “If we must choose, we choose the A-list.” Warehouse improved without touching a rack — flow finally made sense. 3️⃣ Portfolio decisions before process improvements Instead of “How do we handle all this complexity better?” we asked: “Which complexity should we stop handling?” Only then did we revisit slotting, pick paths, waves — and it stuck. Within 6 months: ✅ A-list OTIF: 82% → 94% ✅ Fewer expedites on low-value SKUs ✅ Warehouse mindset shifted to “We know what matters” Same people. Same building. Same WMS. The difference? Service became a strategic choice — not a warehouse sport. If you’re staring at bad OTIF numbers, don’t start with tech or more labor. Start with one honest workshop: Put your SKU list on the wall. Mark what drives profit and what drives complexity. Decide what can be “good enough” so your winners can be great. Because you don’t fix OTIF where the truck leaves the gate. You fix it where the promise is made. ♺ Reshare this — your Commercial, Ops, and Supply Chain leaders need this conversation. ► For more no-BS manufacturing and Supply Chain transformation stories: Join the newsletter → https://lnkd.in/dMGaUj4p

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SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS shared by Professor Bill Stankiewicz, Savannah Technical College: PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., announced plans to deploy Agentforce, the digital labor platform from Salesforce for bringing trusted, autonomous AI agents into the flow of work. Through this expanded collaboration with Salesforce, PepsiCo will leverage AI agents to manage key functions, enhancing customer support and operational efficiency, while empowering sales teams to focus on strategic growth and deeper engagement with retailers, it says.  PepsiCo is one of the first major food and beverage companies to deploy Agentforce at scale, marking an important step in PepsiCo's AI roadmap, it adds. Best Regards, Professor Bill Stankiewicz, OSHA Trainer, Heavy Lift & Crane Instructor Savannah Technical College Subject Matter Expert International Logistics Member of Câmara Internacional de Logística e Transportes - CIT The International Transportation Industry Chamber

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Bob Hoheisal and I enjoyed attending and presenting at the Beauty Retailer RFID Summit hosted by Marshall Kay of #AveryDennison and #RandyDunn of Zebra Technologies in Chicago, IL, recently. We spent time with other like-minded retailers where we discussed exciting advances in the use of RFID by the industry --- including in the Cosmetics, Fragrance & Skin Care categories --- as well as additional business case unlocks and the many ways RFID creates enterprise value at scale. Inventory Accuracy at scale: "what do you have and where it is located", allows retailers to serve their customers what they need, how they need it and when they need it. A true omni-channel experience! RFID signals also provide for better data-driven insights for other stakeholders including, supply chain, merchandising partners, suppliers and store operations. As RFID expands to more category types (e.g. health & beauty aids, cosmetics, infant formula and other items), the data signals generated with machine learning models (AI) provide better and faster decisions at scale for all internal and external stakeholders. Thanks to the retailer partners in the room sharing valuable insights and experiences: Macy's, Ulta Beauty, Walgreens, CVS Health, Dillard's, Kohl's, Kroger, Nordstrom, Gap, Inc., Loss Prevention Council and GS1 Bill Toney, Maryna N., Nathan Watson, Jeff Dahm, Patrick Miller. Chuck Lasley, Andrea Toney, Trent Hoverman, Amy Reiter, Jeana Vassallo, Janell Wise, #KevinHill, Mark Hambidge, Cory Lowe, PhD, Jordan Losiniecki, CORCI, Bridget Callan, Marybeth Boyle, Cynthia Grizzle, Amy Sommerseth, Kelly Dawson, Adam Stokes LPC, Dan Petrousek, Scott Fink, Martin Balow #MultiSignal #Data #AI #MachineLearning #Retail #Strategy #Fortune1

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Faster Checkout. Less Shrink. Same root problem. Same solution. Retail has chased frictionless checkout and shrink reduction for years. -What’s changed? -We finally have the data to support both. RFID is working because it fixes the foundation: -Inventory accuracy you can trust -Real-time item visibility across stores and channels -Checkout and loss prevention that don’t rely on line-of-sight guesswork Here’s the quiet truth: -Shrink isn’t just theft. -It’s uncertainty. When systems say “in stock” and reality says otherwise: -Sales disappear -Orders cancel -Confidence erodes Let’s be clear: Fast checkout without item accuracy is still risk. Shrink reduction without visibility is still reactive. RFID closes the gap, turning chaos into clarity. This isn’t an innovation project. It’s revenue infrastructure. #RFID #RetailTransformation #LossPrevention #InventoryAccuracy #Omnichannel #ApparelRetail #FootwearRetail #TechInnovation #ClarityRFID

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💡 Weekend Leadership Reflection: “Direction Over Speed” In retail, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush — new metrics, new directives, new expectations every week. But great operations aren’t built on speed alone… they’re built on clarity and consistency. True leadership isn’t about how fast your team moves. It’s about how aligned your team moves. When you lead with direction: ✅ Your scheduling and task priorities reflect what truly drives results. ✅ Your team stops reacting and starts anticipating. ✅ Your store grows not just in sales — but in culture, accountability, and pride. Sometimes slowing down to rethink the planogram, the routine, or the process puts you further ahead than rushing through another checklist. This weekend, ask yourself and your team: “Are we moving fast… or are we moving right?” Because momentum without direction is just motion. And operational growth without clarity is just noise. #Leadership #RetailOperations #StoreManager #Motivation #WeekendWisdom #DirectionOverSpeed #BusinessGrowth #OperationalExcellence #RetailLeadership

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