Industry Trends | Manufacturing and Logistics & Distribution

Taking on Technology & Tariffs

Strategies for Supply Chain Innovation

From Disruption to Advantage:

3 Actions Forward-Thinking Leaders are Taking Today

The pace of change in manufacturing and supply chain operations is accelerating—from evolving trade policies to the rapid adoption of digital tools. In a recent webinar, "Taking on Technology & Tariffs: Strategies for Supply-Chain Innovation”, hosted by First American and Aprio Advisory Group, thought leaders Jordan Fladell, Kevin Claxton, and Jay Cho, J.D. broke down the pressing challenges and shared actionable strategies for navigating them.

Below, we’ve distilled the conversation into three clear takeaways for executives ready to turn today’s disruption into tomorrow’s advantage.

1. Modernize Your Operations in 90-Day Sprints

Manufacturers and supply-chain leaders are moving away from long, complex IT overhauls. Instead, they may plan to tackle key pain points in focused, 90-day initiatives that build momentum and deliver meaningful ROI.

Outdated systems and disconnected apps often lead to manual work, delayed decisions, and missed opportunities. A phased approach allows teams to fix what matters most—fast—while staying agile as technology evolves.

“Boiling the ocean doesn’t work. Big projects don’t work. The world of technology is changing way too fast for big projects. I highly suggest 90-day projects.” – Jordan Fladell, Aprio

Pinpoint the single most manual process and automate it first. Momentum and visible ROI help drive the next sprint.

Assign a data steward. Accurate, consistent data is the key to getting the most out of AI, predictive maintenance and real-time analytics.

Map your path to a cloud ERP or integration platform. A unified view of operations puts real-time information at leadership’s fingertips.

Choose integration over customization. Seek software that already integrates well, rather than rewriting it yourself. Cloud-based ERPs and SaaS apps plug into each other automatically, so you keep a single, up-to-date view and avoid the intricate code that makes upgrades difficult later.

Companies that standardize processes and data now will be first to benefit from next-generation AI in tomorrow’s ERP and supply-chain tools.

2. Treat Tariffs Like Any Other Volatile Cost

Section 301, Section 232, IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) and “reciprocal” duties can pile up quickly, adding 60% or more to costs with little notice. Visibility today can help prevent margin surprises tomorrow, while also ensuring capital flows to growth initiatives instead of unplanned duty bills.

"With all these stacking rules, calculating the real tariff rate has become a product-by-product exercise.” – Jay Cho J.D., Aprio

Build “tariff shock” into every CapEx and sourcing model. Work tariff volatility into every CapEx and supplier model, stress-testing ROI under possible tariff hikes just as you already do for currency (FX) and commodity price swings.

Create/review a quarterly duty-exposure dashboard. Give leadership the numbers they need to move sourcing or pricing quickly.

Evaluate reshoring and near-shoring side-by-side with tariff forecasts. The economics change fast—look at both before you commit capital.

These steps can help businesses protect gross margin and allow you to pivot sourcing before costs hit your P&L.

3. Turn the Duty Code into a Margin Engine

Don’t pay more than necessary. The tools to reverse that outflow are proven and often underused as seen by Aprio Group.

“More than a third of the companies spend a million dollars or more on customs and duties … and that study was done before the most recent tariff volatility.” – Kevin Claxon, Aprio

Jay Cho J.D. recommends downloading your free ACE import report from U.S. Customs. It will help you determine exactly where—and how much—value is recoverable. “One popular strategy is the first-sale rule, Customs lets you declare the factory price, not the reseller markup.” Every dollar you reclaim drops straight to EBITDA—fuel you can reinvest in automation, talent, and growth.

For more actionable takeaways, watch the full webinar recording here.

Our Perspective

In today’s unpredictable market, flexibility is essential. Supply chain conditions, trade policies, and technology opportunities are shifting faster than ever—and the businesses that move quickly are the ones positioned to lead.

At First American, we help manufacturers and supply chain leaders act on strategic initiatives without tying up capital. Whether you're modernizing operations, responding to tariff changes, or seizing an unexpected growth opportunity, leasing and financing can keep your plans moving while preserving cash for what comes next.

Let’s talk about how smart financing can support your next move. Contact First American

The views and opinions expressed are those of an external organization and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of First American Equipment Finance. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement or representation of First American's views or services.

Featured Speakers

Kevin Claxon

Managing Director, Manufacturing Advisory Services, Aprio Advisory Group, LLC

As a managing director, Kevin leverages his 15 years of operational excellence and supply chain management experience to provide his clients with end-to-end business improvements, best practices, cost reductions, and system integrations across their entire enterprises. His clients include manufacturers across various industries with revenues between $50M – $1B who want to improve or increase value in their organizations. His drive, pragmatism and intense attention to detail make him both a great leader and an excellent partner for any manufacturer who needs help saving money, increasing revenues or driving greater operational efficiencies.

Kevin earned his Bachelor’s degrees in Decision Sciences & Information Systems and Business Management from the University of Kentucky, and his Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt from Villanova University. He is a member of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP).

Jordan Fladell

Managing Director, Technology Advisory, Aprio Advisory Group, LLC

Jordan has more than 30 years of experience in the technology sector. He specializes in helping CEOs, CFOs, and IT professionals maximize the return on their tech investments and learn how to merge their digital worlds with their legacy brick-and-mortar environments.

As a former CEO and entrepreneur, Jordan understands the challenges executive leaders and owners face in implementing new technology. He enjoys helping his clients scale, grow, and use tech advancements to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. During his own tenure as a CEO, he inherited a company with a broken balance sheet and software platform; he was able to rebuild their platforms under cash restraints, balance their books, and modernize their software — from a cloud application to a true SaaS platform — within 18 months of taking on the challenge. Jordan has proven success helping companies of all sizes navigate SaaS, digital, and data-related implementations, leveraging his previous experience to drive new learnings and future insights.

Jordan earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland. He currently serves as a board member of the Technology Association of Georgia.

Jay Cho, J.D.

Tax Director, Tariffs and Customs, Aprio Advisory Group, LLC

Jay Cho is an international trade advisor and a lawyer by training who helps multinational companies better navigate U.S. import and export requirements and complexities. He specializes in providing compliance risk management and strategies to help clients save on duty fees. His clients include C-level executives, tax directors, and procurement/purchasing managers of companies that engage in international trade and source tangible goods from overseas.

With a decade of experience on both the consulting and legal sides of international trade, Jay is also well-positioned to offer guidance on many different customs enforcement matters, including customs inquiries, verification requests, audits, investigations, and penalty cases. He serves both international and domestic organizations across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, machinery, distribution, life sciences, automotive, aerospace, e-commerce, and consumer products.

Jay earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) and transactional law certificate from the Emory University School of Law and has been admitted to the New York State Bar. He also received a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Economics and East Asian Studies from the University of Toronto.

Joel Johnson

Regional Vice President, Manufacturing, First American Equipment Finance

Joel delivers tailored financing solutions that help manufacturers achieve their growth and efficiency goals. He values the critical role manufacturing plays in driving innovation and economic progress and finds great fulfillment in supporting businesses that shape the industry.

With over two decades of equipment financing experience, including 15+ years exclusively serving manufacturing companies, Joel brings extensive expertise to every client relationship. As a Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP), he leverages his deep knowledge to develop strategies aligned with each business’s unique needs. His active involvement in organizations like the Tennessee Manufacturers Association (TMA) and the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) helps him stay informed about industry trends and priorities.

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Taking on Technology & Tariffs

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From Disruption to Advantage:

3 Actions Forward-Thinking Leaders are Taking Today