Podcast Summary: Supply Chain Now

Episode: From Purchase Orders to Predictive Control: How Early PO Visibility Prevents Costly Supply Chain Surprises

Air date: April 13, 2026
Guests: Nayeli Valladares (VP, Solution Design & Deployment, DP World), Mike Wiggins (Head of PO Management, US & Mexico, DP World)
Hosts: Scott Luton & Corinne Bursa

Episode Overview

This episode explores the pivotal role of early purchase order (PO) visibility in creating proactive, resilient, and collaborative supply chain operations. Host Scott Luton, co-host Corinne Bursa, and their guests from DP World discuss why PO data is no longer just a transaction record but a demand signal—a source of business intelligence. Through anecdotes, industry shifts, and actionable insights, the conversation covers how organizations can transform PO management into predictive control, building competitive advantage and reducing costly surprises in an unpredictable global environment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Purchase Orders Matter More Than Ever

• Market Shifts and Complexity:
  The global supply chain has transitioned from siloed, linear models to complex webs, driven by tariff changes, carrier alliances, and shifting production geographies.

  • "The logistics team—they've got to get the visibility of these POs much earlier in the process. ...the tariff roller coaster we've been on the last couple of years really put this into the spotlight..." (Mike Wiggins, 07:53)

• POs as Demand Signals:
  Historically viewed as transactional, POs are now seen as early indicators of demand, inventory needs, and sourcing changes.

  • "I want you to think of the PO as not a transaction record anymore, but an intelligence asset." (Corinne Bursa, 10:35)

2. Early PO Visibility: Building a Competitive Edge

• Supplier Synchronization & Communication:
  Early visibility allows suppliers to confirm production timelines, flag delays, and prioritize critical shipments—well before issues cascade downstream.

  • "The supplier can review the purchase order and confirm the production capabilities and timelines... they can also start sending us signals or future risks of any delays..." (Nayeli Valladares, 12:02)

• Forecasting and Volume Management:
  Early PO data helps logistics teams forecast needed space, reroute as necessary, and ensure commitments are met—crucial in seasonal or promotional contexts.

• Inventory Flow:
  Advanced visibility enables better distribution center planning and inventory flow, smoothing peaks and valleys in shipping.

  • "It is a time phased quantity-based inventory number that we should be working with." (Corinne Bursa, 15:55)
  • "Anytime we can stretch that decision horizon by again having that advanced visibility, then we're going to get the opportunity to evaluate more scenarios, make better decisions, and keep that inventory flowing..." (Corinne Bursa, 15:55)

3. Moving from Hindsight to Predictive Control

• Beyond "Predictive" as a Buzzword:
  Predictive power is real when PO data is leveraged for actionable intelligence—using historical information and KPIs to forecast, set alerts, and optimize processes.

  • "We like to run purchase order KPIs… see if the lead times… are enough time for suppliers to provide that demand… we like to review monthly, quarterly..." (Nayeli Valladares, 18:56)
  • "We can now start to plan accordingly as it relates to our ability to support those purchase orders. As sourcing starts to shift, we need to then support different geographies..." (Mike Wiggins, 17:07)

• Systemic Communication:
  True predictive control means aligning everyone—procurement, logistics, operations, suppliers—with real-time, shared data rather than working off disconnected records or legacy “folklore.”

  • "We actually bring everybody into the room and… see how the overall process really impacts each one of those team members." (Nayeli Valladares, 21:57)

4. Silo Busting: Technology + People + Process

• Cross-Functional Buy-in:
  Sustainable early PO visibility depends on breaking down silos, uniting all departments from order creation to delivery.

  • "Part of what her and her team do is... one of the biggest things that we insist on is to be in the room with the customer and all of the stakeholders all in the same room to start asking questions..." (Mike Wiggins, 22:47)

• Process Reengineering:
  Automation and direct system integrations (e.g., via ERP links) eliminate manual data entry, reduce errors, and speed information flow—removing the need for “touching a PO” at every step.

  • "It can slow down in a touchless fashion, which accelerates our visibility." (Corinne Bursa, 26:19)
  • "We use import necess. ...the minute that they have written a purchase order, it comes into our platform... Any of the collaboration and changes... are communicated back and forth." (Mike Wiggins, 25:18)

5. Practical Actions and Real-World Anecdotes

• Implementation Best Practices:
  The DP World team shares that when onboarding new customers, bringing everyone together to scrutinize PO flow uncovers inconsistencies and opportunities. This is often the first time some organizations have mapped their end-to-end PO process.

• Types of POs:
  Replenishment, promotional, and seasonal POs have different touchpoints, demands, and performance requirements. Early visibility supports smarter bundling, booking, and carrier negotiation.

• The "Blanket" Analogy:
  Building comfort through relationships, tech, and transparency.

  • "It's about giving the customer comfort. ...And at the end of the day, yes there's technology here... but it's still a people business." (Mike Wiggins, 28:56)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Silo Busting:
  "We can't put the hammers down until we're done with all the silo busting that still has to take place." (Scott Luton, 21:17)

• On PO Visibility as Action:
  "The earlier we have the visibility, the more actionable it is. ...It gives us more time. It buys us time to be better partners in our supply chain..." (Corinne Bursa, 39:06)

• On the Role of People:
  "Our folks with boots on the ground, those teams are the ones that are really impacting the very beginning of the supply chain." (Mike Wiggins, 35:51)

• On Making the Most of PO Intelligence:
  "It's not just visibility, it's what actions are we going to take based on that visibility." (Corinne Bursa, 32:24)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:43: Show introduction and overview of today's theme
• 05:28: Guest backgrounds (Nayeli & Mike)
• 07:53: Why POs matter more than ever—industry shifts (Mike)
• 10:35: PO as a demand signal & intelligence asset (Corinne)
• 12:02: How early PO visibility gives competitive advantage (Nayeli)
• 15:55: Using PO data for forecasting and inventory flow (Corinne)
• 17:07: From predictive buzzword to predictive planning (Mike)
• 18:56: Leveraging PO KPIs and historical data for action (Nayeli)
• 21:57: Cross-functional onboarding—“everyone in the room” (Nayeli, Mike)
• 25:18: Technology’s role—ERP integration and automation (Mike)
• 32:24: Visibility → Action; lessons on disruption (Corinne)
• 39:06: Key takeaway—Visibility is only valuable when turned into timely action (Corinne)

Key Takeaways

1. PO Visibility is Intelligence

• Viewing POs as a source of real-time business intelligence allows organizations to move from having information to acting with foresight.

2. Early Visibility Expands Decision Windows

• The sooner potential issues surface, the more options exist to prevent, mitigate, or resolve disruptions.

3. Collaboration Beats Isolation

• Siloed approaches are outdated. True agility comes from aligning all stakeholders, internal and external, around shared data and goals.

4. Technology Amplifies, But People Deliver

• Automation and integration accelerate insights, but domain expertise, cross-functional meetings, and trust are irreplaceable.

5. Turn Visibility Into Control

• The ultimate goal is not just to know what's happening in the supply chain, but to control outcomes and delight customers by being proactive, not reactive.

Suggested Next Steps for Listeners

• Map your PO process: Bring all departments to the table to identify bottlenecks and opportunities in your PO-to-fulfillment cycle.
• Leverage technology: Explore ERP integration for touchless PO management, and monitor real-time KPIs.
• Act on insight: Build processes that empower staff to quickly translate PO exceptions into actionable plans.
• Contact the experts: Reach out to guests like Nayeli or Mike for demos or consultative sessions; consider downloading referenced white papers for deeper dives.

Additional Resources

• White Paper: "Early Visibility, Real Impact: Rethinking Purchase Order Management" by DP World (as referenced at 38:00)

For those who want to elevate their supply chain operations, this episode provides practical wisdom, actionable steps, and a clear case for making early PO visibility a pillar of predictive, agile supply chains.