Welcome to another episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, where Kevin chats with Adrian Betts, founder of Xpandur, a firm specializing in supply chain execution consulting. Drawing on decades of experience across distribution, transportation, and technology, Adrian shares how Xpandur helps companies execute more efficiently, not just design a better strategy. From fixing warehouse workflows to managing tech implementation, Xpandur brings pragmatic, boots-on-the-ground guidance to companies struggling to close the gap between vision and reality. In this conversation, Adrian breaks down his consulting approach, shares real-world insights, and highlights how supply chain execution, rather than planning, is where most operations often fall short.
Bridging the Gap Between Strategy and Supply Chain Execution
Many companies have supply chain strategies but struggle with implementation. “Most of the time, people don’t fail because of a bad plan—they fail because of poor execution,” Adrian explains. That’s where Xpandur comes in: rolling up their sleeves to improve the day-to-day flow of materials, people, and processes.
Xpandur focuses on site-level supply chain execution, where the strategy becomes reality. Whether a company is expanding, outsourcing, or integrating a new system, Adrian’s team assesses what’s working and what’s not, then helps build repeatable processes that improve consistency. “We’re not in the room with the whiteboard—we’re out on the floor with the operators,” he says.
The firm’s cross-functional background—spanning warehouse design, transportation optimization, and change management—helps them bring clarity to chaotic operations and restore alignment between teams.
Building Credibility on the Warehouse Floor
What sets Xpandur apart is its practitioner-led approach. Adrian has spent years in warehouses, distribution centers, and implementation roles, which creates immediate credibility with operators and team leads.
“We’ve stood in their shoes. We’ve picked the product. We’ve loaded the truck,” Adrian says. That relatability helps overcome resistance and unlock real change. When consulting firms show up with binders and buzzwords but no hands-on understanding, it can backfire. “You can’t drive execution from a conference room,” he adds.
Xpandur often enters chaotic situations, such as post-merger transitions, labor gaps, or missed service-level targets, and helps stabilize operations by working closely with staff. They don’t just tell people what needs to happen; they model it, refine it, and build ownership across shifts and departments.
Scaling for Growth Without Breaking the System
One of the greatest risks for fast-growing companies is scaling too quickly without solid execution practices in place. Adrian often sees businesses invest in ERP or WMS upgrades before fixing foundational process issues. “Technology won’t save you from broken execution,” he warns.
Instead, Xpandur focuses on enabling growth through sustainable process design. That means right-sizing labor models, creating KPIs people understand, and balancing customer expectations with internal capabilities. “You don’t want your first big win to be the last thing your team gets right,” Adrian notes.
Whether it’s helping a client recover from missed SLAs or preparing a 3PL for onboarding new business, Xpandur builds playbooks that stick. As Adrian says, “Our job is to make sure the ops team isn’t holding its breath every time volume spikes.”
Key Takeaways
- Execution > Strategy – Most failures stem from poor execution, not poor planning.
- Xpandur Works the Floor – Consultants work alongside teams, not just in boardrooms.
- Process Before Tech – Broken workflows won’t be fixed by software alone.
- Stability Enables Growth – Companies scale more effectively when their operational foundations are solid.
- Real-World Experience Matters – Operators respond better to advisors who’ve done the job.
