Thought Leaders
Second-Generation Logistics Software: Accessible Anywhere
New logistics technology makes supply chain data accessible around the clock, says Tom Heine, Aljex Software.
GTM Solutions Keep Businesses Plugged In
Adopting global trade management (GTM) technology helps standardize business processes and facilitate communication, says Nathan Pieri of Amber Road.
World-Class Logistics Operations Require Multi-Party Processes and Technology
Supply chain executives must think differently about their logistics processes, and implement multi-party technology that gives them and their logistics partners greater control of the supply chain, says Chris Jones of Descartes.
Taking Control of Transportation Spend Management
Reviewing your current transportation spend management processes and identifying opportunities is an excellent way to start logistics cloud computing, as these initiatives pay for themselves very quickly, says Martin Hubert, Freightgate.
Maximizing Global Logistics Management Effectiveness
Global logistics technology enables companies to successfully manage all modes of transportation under a common umbrella while providing complete visibility, says Chris Johnson, LeanLogistics.
Bringing Clarity to Visibility Solution Investments
Having better supply chain visibility improves a business’s ability to sense and react to change faster and more efficiently, says Scott Fenwick of Manhattan Associates.
KPI Data Creates Improvement Opportunities
Using actionable data provided by key performance indicators (KPIs), businesses can automate shipping decisions and identify areas for improvement, writes Steven Shoemaker of Ratelinx.
Leveraging Lean and Labor Management
Using lean components as a foundation for labor management is a powerful way to increase productivity and reduce costs in a warehouse or distribution center, according to Ryder Supply Chain Solutions’ Jeff Boudreau.
The Right ERP Solution Puts All the Pieces Together
A well-implemented enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution can help manufactures remain agile in the ever-changing, volatile economy, with its decreased spending, increased competition, and changing regulations, says Erik Kaas of Sage.
Automated Routing: The Path to Optimization
Transportation network modeling isn’t necessary for operations, but it’s an invaluable tool for strategic supply chain decision-making and risk mitigation, writes TMW Systems' Mike Kositzky.
Collaborative Trade Communities Keep Companies Competitive
Collaborative trade communities enable supply chains to react more quickly to strategy changes that are needed to keep the corporation competitive as it reacts market shifts, says Bryn Heimbeck, Trade Tech Inc.
Technology Enables You to Be Positively Different
Strategic and practical use of the right supply chain technologies enables sharp pricing competitiveness, creates better customer experiences, reduces expenses, and raises productivity, says Les Hamashima, Transite Technology.
APIs Enrich Software Users’ Experience
Tom Heine, CEO, Aljex Software Inc., explains how application programming interfaces (APIs) enrich software users’ experience by connecting them to Web tools.
Getting a Handle on Specialized Transportation Costs
Specialized carriers can help shippers cut transportation and fuel costs when moving heavy equipment, writes David Lowry, Bennett Motor Express.
Coordinated Transportation Improves Margins for Wholesalers
Leading wholesalers understand the limitation of planning transportation in a silo, writes Manhattan Associates’ Mike Mulqueen.
Technology Provides Visibility into Global Supply Chains
Access to transportation network data allows companies to benchmark with better business intelligence, enabling smarter decisions for continuous improvements, says Matt Ahearn, LeanLogistics.
What Makes a Great TMS?
With the improved visibility supplied by transportation management systems, shippers can leverage shipment data internally to generate top-line revenue, says Geoff Comrie, Transite Technology.
Cloud Computing: Think Globally, Leverage Locally
Cloud computing provides companies productivity gains and improved supply chain visibility, says TradeTech's Bryn Heimbeck.
Managing the Logistics Lifecycle
Transportation procurement provides the greatest opportunity to create efficiency in the the Logistics Management Lifecycle, says Martin Hubert, Freightgate.
The Perfect Time to Optimize Labor Management
A comprehensive supply chain labor management solution that automates processes such as hiring, time, and attendance, and scheduling can help control costs, minimize compliance risk, and improve productivity, says Malysa O'Connor, Kronos.
Upgrading Order Fulfillment Systems Boosts Warehouse Efficiency
Peter Hartman of Retrotech offers strategies for optimizing product flow through warehouse automation to achieve better order fulfillment performance.
Mobile Robots Expand Warehouse Automation Options
Mobile-robotic systems are easy to design and install, with overall lower installation and operational costs than traditional warehouse automation systems, says Mick Mountz of Kiva Systems.
Tracking Warehouse Inventory on the Move
Warehouse operations visibility means knowing the real-time location of your materials handling vehicles, drivers, and inventory so operations can be optimized for maximum productivity, says Phil Van Wormer of Sky-Trax.
RFID Delivers the Power to Transform Markets
RFID technologies allow computers, objects, and individuals to interact in new ways, supplying logistics providers and materials handlers with predictable and actionable data to enhance their service offerings and operations, explains Ravi Pappu of ThingMagic.
Data in a Flash: Utilizing EDI
EDI can reduce labor costs, cut data-entry error, and ties you to your customers and vendors, cementing your place in the supply chain.
Third-Party Services Can Simplify Global Trade Complexity
The complexities of global trade management, sustainability and business intelligence technology call for the help of a third-party logistics provider.
The New Breed of Cloud-Based TMS
Today’s new cloud-based transportation management systems empower companies to connect in real-time with their global supply chain partners, helping supply chain managers streamline their processes and save significant time, costs, and resources.
TMS Helps Shippers Rise Above the Status Quo
Move out of your comfort zone and into a multi-functional, cost-saving, online transportation management system.
Achieving Air and Ocean Freight Flexibility
To be operationally flexible, freight forwarders need one “go-to" resource for information about what is in the shipment pipeline as well as quick access to customer and shipment data.
Enhanced Visibility: The Future of TMS
Software-as-a-Service (Saas) transportation management systems encourage collaboration so that all supply chain partners view the same permission-based data to identify mutually beneficial solutions and improvements.
Ensuring Successful System Integration
As volumes increase and deadlines get shorter, it’s imperative that logistics software systems have out-of-the-box communication with other companies using the same system, and easy setup of communications with companies using other systems.
Global Trade Management Software: International Trading Made Easier
With the advent of cloud computing, companies can collaborate with trading partners around the globe with minimal startup costs and headaches, using a pay-as-you-go model.
Voice Technology Frees the Warehouse Workforce
Integrating voice-enabled logistics with hosted ERP solutions and warehouse management systems can improve productivity and accuracy.
The Secrets to a Successful Global Trade Management Program
The complexities of global trade management call for the help of a third-party logistics provider.
Benchmarking Data Supports Pricing Decisions
Measuring against industry benchmark data allows you to identify areas for improving transportation spend.
Collaborative Distribution Eases the Capacity Crunch
Small and mid-sized manufacturers lack the scale to ship in full truckloads, creating thousands of separate, inefficient lines of supply—all moving to the same mass retailers. Collaborative distribution reduces the number of trucks on the road and cuts distribution costs.
Want Better Service? Take the Driver-Friendly Approach
Weather the driver shortage by keeping detention low and utilization high, practicing good communication, staying flexible in scheduling, and taking advantage of dedicated drivers and equipment.
The Best Partner Carriers Provide Transparency
Shippers shouldn't assume all on-time performance is created equal. Make sure every dollar you spend counts by choosing carriers who provide honest, accurate metrics, and foster innovation to improve your business.
What’s Ahead in Transportation Forecasting?
Transportation forecasts enable planners to shift from reacting to orders to proactively managing capacity. By synchronizing transport forecasts with manufacturing and distribution plans, your entire company can respond to the same demand signals.
Tap the Potential of SaaS and Cloud Computing
Supply chain strategies built around software-as-a-service (SaaS) or Cloud computing eliminate many headaches that often come with supply chain investments. They eliminate the need for presence overseas, cut the time spent integrating systems across internal departments, and greatly reduce the time spent integrating with hundreds of partners and suppliers.
The Evolution of Transportation Buying Practices
It is interesting to witness the changes that have occurred in transportation purchasing. For one, the annual bid mentality is gone. With access and visibility to posting boards, SaaS transportation networks, and optimization technologies, transportation procurement has evolved to the point where it is truly a continuous management function.
Can You See Me Now? Achieving Supply Chain Visibility
Manual data inputs. Multiple data sources. Data latency. Point-to-point interfaces. These are just a few key obstacles to achieving supply chain visibility. But, there are solutions available that deliver visibility and intelligence as a service with process, security, and environmental monitoring.
Getting the Most from Advanced Planning Tools
Third-party logistics providers that use advanced planning tools to model complex routing operations and streamline the bid process have a significant advantage in both demonstrating results and helping clients cut costs. When they cut modeling time to a fraction of what it was, and utilize new tools, 3PLs can uncover opportunities and quickly implement changes that provide benefit for their clients.
The 3 Elements of a Successful Private Label Program
Globally sourced, private label products allow merchants to maximize margins while maintaining price points, ensuring a good return on investment. But sourcing product globally is complex. By focusing on visibility, intelligence and collaboration, retailers, brand owners and wholesalers who globally source private label products can ensure a successful return on investment.
Finding Hidden Profits in Your Warehouse or Transport Operations
Sometimes it's easier than you think to find hidden profits in your warehouse or transportation operations. Many successful companies are doing more with less by simply optimizing their slotting practices, pick paths, truckloads and delivery routes.
Sharing Efficiencies Through Collaboration
LeanLogistics' Chris Timmer explains how collaborating with trading partners, aided by an on-demand transportation management system, helps increase supply chain efficiencies.
GTM Software: Read This Before You Buy
Technology-enabled global trade management offers significant benefits for improving supply chain efficiency and increasing profitability, writes Don Mabry of ClearTrack Information Network.
Keep Partners In the Loop
Jim Caudill of Xterprise recommends strategies for matching retail demand to supply, enhancing enterprise scalability, and increasing supply chain efficiencies through sustainability initiatives.
Drilling Down Into Supply Chain Data
Sharing key information with all parties can lead to decreased waste, increased orders, and new business, writes J. Kenneth Hazen, CTSI-Global.
Strong Relationships Net Long-Term Value
Rich Wilson of CombineNet Inc. explains the value of strong shipper-carrier relationships.
Ditch the Spreadsheets, Implement a TMS
Ongoing cooperation with value chain partners is possible with integrated transportation management software for optimal resource utilization, business efficiencies, and cost control, writes Scott Vanselous, TMW Systems Inc.
Be the Captain of Your Fleet
Fleet optimization software helps you maximize driver, vehicle, and fleet productivity while delivering superior customer service, writes Steve Brown, Intergis LLC.
Free TMS Software: The Price is Right
Tim Higham of Interstate Transport Inc. predicts that within a few years, many service providers will be offering free TMS technology to help their shipper customers move more freight.
Global Trade Compliance: See it All, Know it All
As different countries implement both security and trade-led initiatives around the world, it is critical to improve global regulatory knowledge and visibility, writes Tom Barnes of Integration Point Inc.
FTZ Solutions: Zoning in on the Right Fit
A global trade management system can help support foreign trade zone operations, whether distributing from or manufacturing within the zone, writes Wayne Slossberg of QuestaWeb Inc.
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