Inbound Logistics

Is Slow Steaming Good for the Supply Chain?

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST

Lars Kloch of SBS Worldwide, looks at the impact of slow steaming containerships on supply chain reliability, speed, and transport costs.

Preparing Your Supply Chain For Seasonal Peaks

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

Plan for seasonal peaks by securing efficient labor, sufficient warehouse space, and reliable carriers.

Supply Chain Force Multipliers

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

By providing end-to-end visibility, demand driven logistics practices deliver competitive advantage and solve supply chain challenges for businesses of all sizes, writes Publisher Keith Biondo.

The Great Equalizer

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

Supply chain management makes a difference by empowering companies to do more with less, and project a stronger competitive force, writes Editor Felecia Stratton.

Improving Supplier Compliance

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

Developing an effective supplier compliance program requires planning and communication, writes Peter Wharton of IBM.

Connectivity-Visibility-Optimization: Three Keys To a Successful Supply Chain Trading Partner Network

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

A well-oiled trading partner network allows one-to-many and many-to-many partners to collaborate and communicate using a single source of truth garnered from real-time information, writes Christopher P. Mazza of IAS.

Trends—January 2013

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

Shifting production and consumption patterns push inter-regional trade; Ford tinkers with polymers, finds hidden green; Motorola Mobility flexes its supply chain with outsourcing approach; American consumer electronics companies more transparent than Asian competitors; Smaller Florida ports bullish on Panama Canal-triggered growth potential; Retail supply chain sophistication makes overstock sales obsolete; Sustainability and CSR rank low in procurement priorities; Retailers fail to appreciate the true power of mobility

Supply Chain Management: The Great Equalizer

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

In a business world defined and dictated by change, supply chain management balances challenges and competitive advantage. Companies large and small are leveraging transportation and logistics best practices to act as great equalizers.

Demand-Driven Logistics: Remote Control

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

Adopting demand-driven logistics can increase visibility, drive supply chain efficiency, and offset any market advantage your competitors might have.

Inbound Logistics’ Winter Reading Guide 2013

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST

Whether you want to casually brush up on your supply chain management techniques or drastically reorganize your purchasing processes, you’ll find the knowledge you need in the pages of these supply chain resources.

What Sandy Showed Me

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Inbound Logistics Editor Felecia Stratton sees the supply chain industry's true colors firsthand.

Measuring the Value of Collaboration

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST

In a true collaborative relationship between purchasing and logistics, order and routing pattern planning comprises a single, optimized decision process that yields measurable results, writes Bill Michalski of ArrowStream.

How to Drive Visibility Through a Supply Chain Network Control Tower

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST

Shippers can create a "control tower" view within their own supply chains—a common platform for aggregating, cleansing, and communicating real-time data.

Complying with Export Regulations and Requirements

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST

To successfully manage export compliance, companies must fully understand export regulations and filing requirements, advises Scott Byrnes, Amber Road.

Emily Ross: Good Blood

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST

As senior supply chain manager at blood management devices manufacturer Haemonetics Corporation, Emily Ross monitors the pulse of the company’s transportation and warehousing services sourcing.

Trends—October 2012

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST

Greyhound partners with One Network to enhance parcel delivery business. Truck driver turnover increases,Urban Outfitters equips Nevada e-fulfillment center with state-of-the-art materials handling system. Shippers turn to spot market to find capacity and compare carrier rates. MSC Beatrice debut in Asia-U.S. trade signals new wave of larger containerships.

Visibility is the Key to Mitigating Supply Chain Risk

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST

Supply chain visibility helps flag upcoming supply or demand problems, allowing a company either to take action to prevent disasters or to respond by activating backup plans, writes George W. Prest of Material Handling Industry of America.

Global Logistics—October 2012

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST

Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba invests in logistics to support online shopping growth; Jamaica looks to transform economy with the development of a global logistics hub; Vietnam faces a dearth of logistics talent and expertise; China grants licenses to UPS and FedEx to provide parcel delivery services in select cities; China Airlines Cargo joins SkyTeam Cargo alliance; Germany debuts JadeWeserPort amid slack container volume growth

Understanding the Implications of Related Party Transactions and Transfer Pricing

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST

Supply chain managers should work closely with compliance professionals and corporate tax specialists when making decisions about related-party transactions, writes J. Anthony Hardenburgh of Amber Road.

Return to Sender: Managing Reverse Logistics

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST

While many factors influence customer loyalty, a well-run returns process has proven to drive repeat orders and improve consumer satisfaction. Paul Galpin of P2P Mailing outlines three points companies should consider when designing their reverse logistics.

Eliminating Wasted Motion

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST

Lean concepts such as 5S, Visual Workplace, and Kanban help reduce motion waste to create safer, more efficient workplaces.

Shared Technology Resources Hold the Key to Supply Chain Optimization

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST

Supply chain managers must determine the best technology for their supply chain based on their specific organizational needs, says Krishna Rallabhandi of Four Soft.

Supply Chain Therapy Strikes a Balance

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST

As retailers look to grow their business, the challenge of keeping up with the market becomes exponentially greater—especially as new channels emerge, writes Editor Felecia Stratton. Supply chain management can help create balance between supply and demand.

Managing Global Complexity: The Right Tools for the Job

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST

New international supply chain optimization tools are capable of considering all appropriate shipment flows, modes, routes, and cargo to come up with an ideal workable plan – as often as needed and anytime things change.

Great Partnerships: 3PLs and Shippers

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST

Many companies, including Kimberly-Clark, Ebro, and USG Corporation, are moving beyond the traditional, transactional shipper-3PL relationship to form collaborative partnerships focused on mutual gain.

3PL Perspectives 2012: Shippers and 3PLs—Perfect Together

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST

Inbound Logistics’ eighth-annual 3PL market research report demonstrates how 3PLs and shippers are connecting to confront existing challenges and capitalize on new opportunities.

Inbound Logistics’ Summer Reading Guide 2012

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST

New publications on supply chain and logistics topics such as warehousing, sustainability, and procurement help logistics professionals stay sharp. Here are some recent books on supply chain topics of interest.

Supply Chain Control Towers Offer a Bird’s-Eye View

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST

Companies are increasingly realizing that supply chain must become a core competency. Adding a supply chain control tower and taking on the fourth-party logistics (4PL) role offers them the ability to accelerate collaboration and achieve higher performance levels.

Trends—June 2012

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST

Land O’Lakes focuses on workplace culture to improve supply chain yield; Fuel consumption major concern for management,less so for drivers; Gartner poses four supply chain predictions for 2016

Trends—May 2012

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:00 EST

Cloud-based business networks are the future of supply chain intelligence; Chemical supply scarcity threatens global auto production; Fuel costs eat into transportation revenues; Organizations should consider insurance options to mitigate supply chain risk and improve resiliency

Proper Care and Nurturing of a Supply Chain

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:00 EST

With proper care and nurturing, you can create a supply chain that performs beautifully – even in the midst of today’s ever-changing business environment, writes Wendy Buxton, LynnCo Supply Chain Solutions.

Hey! Your Numbers are Trying to Talk to You!

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:00 EST

Capturing and analyzing transportation spend data is the key to outstanding supply chain management, writes Steven Shoemaker, RateLinx.

5 Ways to Excel in China

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST

U.S. businesses operating in China face a number of challenges. Angela Yang of Penske Logistics Asia offers advice on supporting your business’ China operations.

Understanding INCOTERMS 2010

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST

Incoterms are an internationally accepted set of standard commercial terms used between buyers and sellers. J. Anthony Hardenburgh of Amber Road helps shippers understand these rules.

The Fifth P of Marketing

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST

People are a vital component of marketing - the fifth P - supporting products and companies with advanced logistics and supply chain management skills, writes Inbound Logistics Publisher Keith Biondo.

A Lost Art?

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Today's supply chain professionals are tough, practical, and undeterred by the specter of failure, writes Inbound Logistics Publisher Keith Biondo.

The Art of Integration

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Inbound Logistics Editor Felecia Stratton discusses supply chain integration, citing articles from the January 2012 Logistics Planner issue.

Global Supply Chain Strategy: Decision Points

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

In strategic supply chain analysis, multiple groups of decision makers may have conflicting interests, since there can be an impact across departments and business units. Aaron Baker of Damco USA offers two global supply chain strategy examples that illustrate the decision makers and decision variables needed to ensure the chosen solution is optimal for the business.

Responsive and Flexible Logistics Management Solutions for 2012 and Beyond

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Companies require a logistics technology platform and an integrated set of services that can adapt to the pressures of a changing market, writes Glenn Riggs of Odyssey Logistics & Technology.

Trends—January 2012

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Supply chain trends for 2012; update on transportation issues in California, Washington, Kentucky, and South Dakota; reverse logistics helps retailers generate customer goodwill and create demand; airport warehousing demand soars; FAA regulations limit pilot flight time; Coca-Cola extends its environmental stewardship; Trucking industry responds to Hours-of-Service legislation

Purchasing Managers: Minding Everyone's Business

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

With companies intent on optimizing the supply chain, purchasing managers have emerged as key players in the business plan. To be successful, they need to communicate, collaborate, and venture into new territory.

Safeguarding Your Supply Chain Against Rising Fuel Prices

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST

Shippers can protect their supply chains against rising fuel costs by optimizing distribution networks, creating a flexible infrastructure, and managing shipping practices.

Healthcare Supply Chain Costs: A Tough Pill to Swallow

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST

Organizations all along the healthcare supply chain are taking a dose of smarter procurement and logistics practices to cure high costs and treat ailments in other areas of the business.

How to Ship in Alaska

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST

The variety of cargoes that fly in and out of Alaska—ranging from time-sensitive medical supplies and oil field equipment to perishable seafood—means companies must identify specific shipment needs and align them with asset and service requirements.

Building Efficiency Into Your Supply Chain

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST

Ellen Fontaine, VASCOR Ltd, offers advice for boosting supply chain efficiency.

Delivering a Slice Of Fresh Supply Chain Solutions

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST

A new inbound/outbound logistics operations solution helps pizza chain Papa John's handle rapid expansion.

Managing the Three V’s of Logistics

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST

A combination of factors such as increased competition and global security threats have increased the pressure on companies to improve logistics efficiencies. Page Siplon, executive director, Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics, addresses these factors and offers strategies for handling them.

Maneuvering Freight Through Challenging International Areas

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST

If your business plans include shipping to areas where civil unrest or natural disasters have occurred, be flexible and make strong connections, advises Larry Wenrich, Pilot Freight Services.

3PL Capability is Key to Logistics Cost Reduction

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST

Capable third-party logistics (3PL) providers can help you manage rising logistics costs because they have highly developed processes and critical infrastructures in place, writes Brad Constantini, Comprehensive Logistics.

Distribution Network Optimization: Repairing Cracked Supply Chain Design

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST

Vehicle glass manufacturer Safelite increased distribution efficiency, enhanced customer service, and lowered costs by transforming its supply chain.

Rallying CFO Support for Your Supply Chain Initiatives

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST

Steve Ford, CFO of TradeCard, outlines strategies for enlisting your chief financial officer’s support for supply chain initiatives.

Trends—June 2011

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST

Restaurant chains squeeze costs out of the supply chain; TMW Systems acquires Appian Logistics; CPG companies pushed to adopt extended producer responsibility programs

Excellence in Supply Chain Execution

Sun, 15 May 2011 12:00:00 EST

These elements of good supply chain management must come together to achieve exceptional execution, according to John Williford of Ryder Global Supply Chain Solutions.

Finance & The Supply Chain: Show Me the Money

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST

Innovative supply chain management delivers financial benefits to your bottom line.

Managing Risk in a Chain of Fire

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST

Man-made disruptions and natural disasters have a radiating effect on global supply chains. Inbound Logistics Editor Felecia Stratton discusses ways of coping.

Benchmark Your Way to Successful Crossdocking

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST

Companies can benchmark their way to crossdocking success by following these five steps recommended by Andre Thornton, President and CEO, ASW Global LLC.

Gaining Ground

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

Inbound Logistics Publisher Keith Biondo cites real-world cases of supply chain gains, including Del Monte Foods, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, and National Starch.

Gaining Even More Ground

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

Inbound Logistics Editor Felecia Stratton reflects on the magazine's January 2011 coverage of supply chain gains.

The Wheels of Change: Questions & Answers with Ed Melching

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

To roll out a supply chain overhaul, truck and engine manufacturer Navistar chose third-party logistics provider Menlo as its strategic partner. Ed Melching, director, Global Logistics, describes the project.

Trends—January 2011

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

A look at supply chain stimuli that have left their mark on logistics over the past decade; cautious pessimism pervades NITL Conference; companies improve supply chain operations, signaling economic optimism among manufacturers; longtime cotton merchandiser Dunavant switches focus to providing logistics services; Ernst & Young reports growing demand for supplier sustainability efforts; Automotive Industry Action Group issues new communication guidelines to help ocean shippers prevent waste and errors

Unleashing Logistics Excellence

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

Natural pet food manufacturer WellPet partnered with Aspen Logistics and Kane is Able to improve its supply chain and warehousing operations.

Managing a Customer-Driven Supply Chain

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST

Logistics providers who work to understand shippers' needs help create customer service success, as illustrated by case studies involving Pep Boys, McCain Foods, and USG Corporation.

Trends—December 2010

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST

U.S. Department of Transportation pursues ban on cell phone use while driving; Proposed air cargo screening legislation enhances security measures; U.S. retailers place increased emphasis on supply chain management

Cutting Costs From Your Logistics Budget

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST

Nathan Pieri of Management Dynamics provides tips for reducing logistics costs through improved supply chain management.

CSCMP Annual Conference: Can We Talk?

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST

Wherever you went, attendees at the 2010 CSCMP Annual Conference were talking supply chain risk, volatility, disruption, and visibility.

How to Drive Collaborative Distribution

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST

Collaborative distribution lets manufacturers, especially consumer product goods (CPG) companies, merge loads destined for the same end point to maximize trucking efficiency.

How to Enable a Proactive Supply Chain

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST

Transaction and shipment exceptions are common, so businesses must be able to account for these variables by enabling a proactive supply chain.

Trends—November 2010

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST

David Bennett of Schneider Logistics addresses how shippers, ocean carriers, and trucking companies are struggling with responsibility for providing chassis for cargo container units at ports; Boeing appoints new VP to handle 787 Dreamliner delays; companies restructure outsourced technology contracts.

Getting a Seat at the Leadership Table

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST

Leo Espinoza of Korn/Ferry International discusses qualities companies look for in supply chain executives.

Great Logistics Sites: Supply Chain Central

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST

Here is a look at the attributes that rank high on the list for any company seeking a location for supply chain activities.

Integrate Contract Packaging Into Distribution Operations to Cut Costs by 30%

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST

By integrating contract packaging into distribution operations, companies can cut costs by 30 percent.

Memphis: America’s Aerotropolis

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST

Geography, transportation infrastructure, and a strong distribution sector make Memphis a natural logistics hub.

Optimizing Global Supply Chain Management

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST

Andrea Robinson of CargoWise provides tips on handling global supply chain management challenges.

Trends—October 2010

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST

U.S. transportation spending lags, according to Transportation Performance Indexes; International air cargo traffic increases; Ocean volumes rise; Large corporations band together to help smaller suppliers sell goods and services to global companies.

Supplier Disruptions: Preparing for the Unpredictable

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST

Chandler Hall of BravoSolution explains how to reduce the frequency and severity of disruptions by fostering collaborative relationships with your suppliers.

Trucking Alert: Steep Grade Ahead

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST

Faced with challenges such as a capacity shortage and lack of qualified drivers, companies that ship product by truck are learning that working collaboratively with carriers can benefit both parties.

Gemma Fillmore: Supply Chain Advocate

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST

To improve supply chain performance at Medco Health Solutions, Gemma Fillmore focuses on getting C-level executives to give logistics issues the attention they deserve.

Inbound 3.0 at Walmart

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST

Inbound Logistics Publisher Keith Biondo outlines how Walmart is taking inbound logistics to the next level.

Trends—August 2010

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST

Gulf ports maintain container volumes despite Deepwater Horizon oil spill; Supply chain leaders climb the corporate ladder; Toyota Material Handling engineers work with MIT scientists and the U.S. Army to develop a remote-operated fork lift

Your Guide to Routing Guides

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST

Retailers publish routing guides to establish rules for manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors to follow when fulfilling and shipping orders. Here are the benefits of establishing a routing guide.

Lean Six Sigma: Leaning by Degrees

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST

Lean Six Sigma enablers and practitioners are using continuous improvement methodologies to squeeze cost and inefficiency out of the supply chain.

What We’ve Got Here is Failure to Communicate

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

A failure to communicate is the primary reason that 3PL relationships fall apart, according to Inbound Logistics' annual third-party logistics survey.

Flower Power: John Kuehn

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

ProFlowers' time- and temperature-sensitive shipments create plenty of challenges for John Kuehn, senior vice president of supply chain operations. Here's how he nips problems in the bud.

Humanitarian Aid: The Logistics of Doing Good

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

Nonprofit organization MedShare distributes recovered medical supplies to the places of greatest need.

Trends—July 2010

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

21st annual State of Logistics Report: Beating the Recession; Making dollars and Sense out of Jabulanis and Vuvuzelas; Mergers and Acquisitions Show signs of Recovery

Inbound Logistics’ 2010 Summer Reading Guide

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

Recent books shed light on various aspects of supply chain, logistics, and transportation management.

Are You Talkin’ to Me?

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

To be successful, a close relationship between third-party logistics providers and their shipper customers requires a great deal of communication.

Managing Labor Boosts Warehouse Operations

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

Labor management tools can help you determine if your workforce is performing at the level necessary to deliver cost-effective service to customers.

Digitizing the Global Supply Chain

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

Global supply chain visibility and detail can only be achieved by modern electronic data transmissions that are already available and can reduce the costs of international cargo movement.

10 Paths to Supply Chain Innovation

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

To move your business along the road to supply chain improvement, take a journey down these 10 paths to innovation.

Freight Forwarders: The Vital Link in Logistics Communication

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

A professional freight forwarder that represents the interests of all supply chain participants can serve as the missing link in supply chain communication.

Strengthening Your China Operations

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST

Learn five strategies for keeping your Far East concerns running smoothly.

Deere Customer

Mon, 17 May 2010 12:00:00 EST

A lean manufacturing value chain sometimes carries the risk of falling behind demand, as John Deere discovered, but the alternative can be worse, writes Inbound Logistics Publisher Keith Biondo.

Using Social Networking for Logistics

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

Tim Richards of States Logistics Services offers advice on using Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social networking sites to enhance your supply chain.

Brought!

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

A logistician's resilience is valuable when opportunities are ripe, but it's invaluable when problems persist, writes Inbound Logistics Editor Felecia Stratton.

On the Road | Introduction: Off the Beaten Path

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

Inbound Logistics Senior Writer Joseph O'Reilly's supply chain travelogue details a year spent visiting logistics and transportation sites and businesses around the country.

What’s the Difference?

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

Industry experts explain the source of some common misperceptions regarding supply chain and logistics lexicon.

Ready for the Rebound

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

Smart companies are using the recession to address supply chain inefficiencies so they will be ready for the economic rebound, writes Kurt Cavano of TradeCard.