Archive: Apr 2009

Initiating an Effective Inbound Program

Controlling inbound shipments maximizes efficiency and saves money, but creating an inbound program can be a daunting task. Gene Nusekabel, transportation and logistics industry marketing manager for Sterling Commerce, Dublin, Ohio, offers tips for getting your program on the right track. 1. Create a project team.Call on the expertise of your procurement and logistics representatives, […]

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From Click to Curb: Earning and Keeping E-commerce Customers

For consumers who want to avoid dealing with overzealous salespeople and crowded stores, online shopping offers the perfect alternative. U.S. online sales are expected to grow from $132 billion in 2006 to $271 billion in 2011, according to a study by Forrester Research. The same report estimates that the e-commerce market segment could soon claim […]

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Finding New Value in Truck Leasing

Back when the economy was humming along, business logistics managers turned to leasing for their transportation programs because it enabled them to focus energy on their core business. Today, logistics managers’ priorities have changed dramatically, but leasing still makes sense. Now, with all eyes on the bottom line, businesses choose leasing because it’s a viable […]

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SaaS: A Distribution Model For Tough Times?

The lead article in our annual technology issue 15 years ago featured Barbara Barnhill, transportation supervisor for Elizabeth Arden. She excitedly shared the details of her company’s “revolutionary” inbound transportation program, which racked up million-dollar savings by using the latest technology—a fax machine. Times have changed since the fax machine and its dial tone were […]

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IT Perspectives 2009: Exclusive IL Research

Logistics information technology is many things to different companies. It is an investment, a risk, a market neutralizer, and often a competitive differentiator. Technology can micromanage the mundane with extraordinary savings; or it can tackle the extraordinary with mundane consistency. Even as companies tame wanton spending, table strategic endeavors, and closely measure return on investments, […]

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How to Close the Supply Chain Value Gap

When it comes to IT investments in Supply Chain Management, what you see isn’t always what you get (WYSIAWYG for short!). Studies indicate that there’s a huge gap between what customers in various industry groups perceive as required investments and satisfaction with the delivered IT solution. Nevertheless, in today’s competitive and vulnerable economy, it becomes […]

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Mike Segal: The Paper Chase

Mike Segal always keeps one eye on the weather. When you ship paper, water damage is a constant concern. “You need watertight equipment and good procedures for managing equipment integrity,” says Segal, director of logistics at Sappi Fine Paper North America, a division of Sappi Ltd., a global company headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. The […]

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