Warehousing Firm Thrives on Modernization
Customer satisfaction based on timely, accurate, and cost-effective services has always been our mission,” exclaims Fred Ferber, president of Ferber Warehousing. Just ask one of the more than 650 clients who have faithfully utilized Ferber’s warehousing facilities. One example is Jason Twymon, project manager, IAC, who was in a quandary on how he was going […]
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Freight Forwarders: The Vital Link in Logistics Communication
Building a logistics system for today’s sourcing needs requires a quantum leap from past shipping practices, in which companies too often neglected transportation in their strategic planning. A poorly constructed or outdated supply system with inadequate communication can create unnecessary delays and expense caused by information snags, missing or ill-prepared shipping documents, and inappropriate cargo […]
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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. Q: Given the volatility and uncertainty in today’s logistics environment, how are logistics providers remaining profitable? ELLIOTT: Sometimes it’s […]
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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. Q: Today, globally sourced, […]
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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.
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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. Q: What are some of the challenges companies face when trying to achieve supply […]
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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. Q: How has innovation affected the […]
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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. Q: Why is SaaS the next […]
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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. Q: Why isn’t transportation planned with the same level of rigor as finished goods? BYRNE: Transportation cannot be planned with the same […]
Read MoreDemanding Response
Inexpensive transportation and sophisticated IT tools allowed us to operate extended supply chains. But that tide may be turning.
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10 Paths to Supply Chain Innovation
Leaders ask, “How can businesses be more innovative?” But successful innovation is rare. It requires hard work and creative thinking, and its value as an activity is often viewed skeptically. To move your business along the road to supply chain improvement, take a journey down the following paths to innovation. Borrowing. Many of the past […]
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How to Run a Logistics Job Fair
A stressed economy and tight financial market have forced downsizing and job cuts in nearly every industry. In the logistics sector, jobs have been disappearing at two ends of the spectrum. At one end, highly paid positions have been displaced in an effort to cut costs; roughly one executive position equals 10 operating jobs. At […]
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Time to Reconsider Your 3PL Strategy
Third-party logistics companies come in many different forms, and for a while there was not much barrier to entry into the marketplace— particularly the less-than-truckload segment. Until even recently, the following recipe could be utilized to form a 3PL: Ingredients: Freight to leverage Growth potential Industry knowledge Technology— in any form Instructions: Take one former […]
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Digitizing the Global Supply Chain
At one point, we all had a rabbit-eared TV or a clunky cell phone that took muscle to carry. Numerous electronics innovations have made life not only easier, but also more productive. So why are so many international supply chain professionals still living in the dark ages when it comes to supply chain efficiency and […]
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Managing Labor Boosts Warehouse Operations
When up against competition, service is the name of the game, and your labor force is the most important tool you have to win business and increase profitability. Labor management tools help you determine whether your workforce is able to perform at the level necessary to deliver cost-effective service to your customers. With the data […]
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What We’ve Got Here is Failure to Communicate
Remember that great line from the movie Cool Hand Luke, “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate”? That’s what popped into my head as I reviewed the more than 4,700 responses from readers and 3PLs participating in our annual third-party logistics survey. We asked both 3PLs and their customers the same question: What is […]
Read MoreChoosing the Right Product Packaging
With today’s complex supply chain and compliance requirements, manufacturers have a lot to consider when making packaging decisions. Here are some tips on choosing the right packaging for your product from Michael Smyers, CPSM, business development manager, and Matthew Paul, supply chain consultant, of Fort Myers, Fla.-based supply chain management and customs firm Allyn International […]
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Are You Talkin’ to Me?
Some results from our annual third-party logistics survey caused the publisher of this magazine to quote a line from Cool Hand Luke: “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.” When 3PLs and their customers were asked the same question, but provided diametrically opposed answers, the publisher suggested that more shipper/3PL communication may be called for. […]
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Inbound Logistics’ 2010 Summer Reading Guide
Grab one of these knowledge-boosting supply chain and logistics volumes as you head for the hammock. Then when colleagues ask how you spent your summer vacation, you can share your new insights.
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Tying the 3PL Knot
Meet shippers who quit playing the field and settled down with a 3PL partner.
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