Sharing Data Creates Optimal Supply Chain Visibility
In the past decade, analysts have written volumes about the value of supply chain visibility and execution systems. It’s hard to argue with the concept. When all supply chain partners’ systems work together to fulfill orders perfectly, execute on-time shipments, and provide early alerts to problems, life is good. Many companies have turned to on-demand […]
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Green is Still White Hot
While freight costs and capacity dominate water cooler conversations, sustainability embers smolder deep within the supply chain. The fire is still perceptible. So are the justifications.
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Materials Handling: A Better View
Visual technologies manufacturer Christie sees clear benefits from its new storage and retrieval system.
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Supporting a Glass Act
When Mexican automotive glassmaker Vitro opened a distribution center in the United States, it became crystal clear that the site would need a logistics-savvy workforce.
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Battlefields and Boardrooms: The Military-Private Sector Connection
Military skills are put to good use in the private sector. The traits of an exceptional soldier—leadership, persistence, teamwork, order—are also the traits of exceptional logistics professionals.
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Beating the Odds in Latin America
Multinational corporations are gambling on the Latin American market’s growth potential. But when it comes to meeting the region’s supply chain challenges, all bets are off.
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Air Cargo’s Future: Ready for Anything
Developing international markets and growing consumer confidence raise hopes for increased airfreight demand.
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The Illuminating Power of Yard Management Systems
Trailer yards can be supply chain black holes between the visibility provided by transportation and warehouse management systems. Yard management systems shed light on trailer and shipment location.
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Chemical Logistics: Shippers/Providers Achieve Perfect Chemistry
For the right blend of expertise, experience, and equipment, many shippers of chemical products turn to specialized carriers and 3PLs.
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Green Leadership for Lean Times
Current economic conditions are cooling enthusiasm for green initiatives in some quarters. But not in Bentonville, Ark., where Walmart recently released its 2012 Global Responsibility report. Someone once said, "as Walmart goes, so goes the nation." I don’t know if that’s true, but despite lean times, the retailer is providing leadership in supply chain sustainability. […]
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Nearsourcing to Mexico Improves Operational Efficiency
For years, Asia was the location of choice for low-priced manufacturing. The Asian shipping market was hit hard by the global recession in late 2008 and 2009, however, and the region became less appealing as a manufacturing site when labor costs began rising. Then, as the global economy improved, demand for product quickly outpaced supply […]
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Inventory…What a Waste
We all know that inventory is a necessity. When you fully understand its purpose and cost, however, you realize why lean practitioners consider it one of the Eight Wastes. Inventory can be among a company’s most expensive assets, representing up to half of total invested capital. The major reasons for carrying inventory are to decouple […]
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CNG Fuels Trucking Sustainability Efforts
Nearly 55 percent of U.S. executives report their organization now has a formal sustainability strategy in place, according to a KPMG International corporate sustainability study. One development gaining momentum in the trucking industry is investing in vehicles that run on alternative fuels. Companies are exploring a variety of options, including electricity, ethanol, biodiesel, liquefied natural […]
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Global Logistics—June 2012
Air Cargo Growth in Holding Pattern Hitting bottom might be a sign of better things to come. Freight demand was down 4.2 percent year-over-year, according to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) April 2012 global traffic results. While some of this volume degradation can be attributed to monthly volatility, some signs indicate that different areas […]
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Trends—June 2012
4 Supply Chain Predictions For the Next 4 Years Four trends are expected to impact global logistics organizations over the next four years, according to Gartner, a consultancy based in Stamford, Conn. The predictions come as 60 percent of companies surveyed as a primer for Gartner’s July 2012 Supply Chain Executive Conference in Sydney, Australia, […]
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Mary Foster’s Excellent Adventure
Mary Foster has served as vice president, supply chain management, at Inteva Products in Troy, Mich., since 2007. Inteva is a major global supplier of automotive closure systems, interiors systems, motors, electronics, and roof systems. Responsibilities: Direct and indirect material purchasing, logistics. Experience: Capacity planning, purchasing, Ford Tractor Operations; various positions in purchasing and production […]
Read MoreKeeping Shipping Costs in Check
With fuel costs continually rising, and consumers demanding faster delivery—preferably for free—it is more important than ever for companies to control their shipping costs. John Haber, founder and CEO of consulting firm Spend Management Experts, offers these tips for managing freight costs. 1. Carefully analyze your current carrier base. Be sure to take into account […]
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