Calling in the Troops
The ingenuity of America’s fighting forces has been the deciding factor in the greatest challenges the world has ever seen. Could history’s best-trained military men and women provide the answers to the supply chain workforce challenges we face today? Military leaders’ claim on logistics is pervasive throughout history. Everyone from Patton to Sun Tzu acknowledges […]
Read MoreIN BRIEF: New Services and Solutions
PRODUCTS The new BG Line Sorter from BEUMER increases the handling mix of materials handling operations by utilizing active slat-belt technology and offering the handling capabilities of a high-speed, cross-belt sorter. With the ability to be reconfigured, the BEUMER system offers scalability and uses low-friction components. Panasonic Connect North America unveiled the TOUGHBOOK 40, a […]
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What’s the Word: the Language of Logistics
Load Balancing To load balance inventory means to distribute inventory across a network of warehouses with the main purpose of positioning inventory closer to the end customer prior to purchase. Retailers load balance inventory to reduce last-mile costs and ensure faster delivery. When leveraging a well-balanced network, it also allows for redundancy in their supply […]
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2022 Inbound Logistics Perspectives: 3PL Market Research Report
Our 17th annual 3PL market research report takes a deep-dish dive into the dynamics of logistics partnerships in 2022. Rampant inflation, including high transportation costs. A tight labor market. Commodities shortages. Uncertainties tied to the war in Ukraine and the pandemic. There seems to be no end to the obstacles ready to frustrate shippers as […]
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5 Phases of Disruption Response
While supply chain problems appeared at first to be temporary ramifications of the pandemic, research now suggests that restoring previous supply chain functioning will take more than time. New solutions will have to be developed, and innovation in the tech space will have to be part of these solutions. In a recent presentation, Palash Barandwaj, […]
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Maritime Challenges: Ports Sea It Through
Ports ease rough supply chain conditions with new services, technology, and other initiatives. Even as many books, music, and movies travel electronically, physical goods still need to move, well, physically. More than four-fifths of global merchandise trade by volume travels by sea at some point, according to The Container Port Performance Index 2021, a publication […]
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AMRs Move Dock-to-Stock Metrics in the Right Direction
Manufacturers, 3PLs, distributors, and retailers are under pressure to get goods picked, packed, and shipped faster than ever. Here’s the thing, though: it will be difficult to get orders out the door on time if raw materials or pass-through inventory aren’t processed efficiently. That’s why any conversation about improving outbound processes—especially when exploring automation as […]
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Full Steam Ahead, Don’t Let Ocean Costs Detain You
With rising ocean and detention costs, controls and analysis are more important than ever to protect profitability.
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Loup Transloading Network: Creative Shipping Solutions Expand Market Reach
Learn how Loup creates seamless transportation solutions by combining the economics of long-haul rail service and the flexibility of over-the-road shipping to reimagine supply chain opportunities. The Challenge One of the leading roofing manufacturers in North America moves locally manufactured roofing shingles from a non-rail-served facility in the Inland Empire to Utah. This business moved […]
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Shifting Gears to Drive Improvement
National Oak Distributors, an automotive paint, body, and equipment warehouse distributing company founded in 1995, reaches more than 95% of the country with next-day delivery. Because timeliness lies at the heart of its business model, supply chain visibility and accurate reporting are key. THE CUSTOMER National Oak Distributors is an automotive paint, body, and equipment […]
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Scaling E-commerce Operations to Meet Social Media-Driven Sales Spikes
When digitally native, fashion-forward company Edikted experienced exponential growth after trending on TikTok, it turned to Ryder Ecommerce by Whiplash’s technology-forward solutions. THE CHALLENGE In today’s digital age, the influence of social media can expand a brand’s reach and boost sales in a matter of minutes. When an e-commerce brand goes viral, they’ll need to […]
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Situational Awareness in 3PL Warehousing
Only with a WMS supporting the rapid onboarding of new customers can a 3PL expand its operations exponentially.
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How Location Intelligence Improves Supply Chain Management
The effects of the pandemic have strained the global supply chain, resulting in manufacturing and shipping delays that impact nearly every business that receives goods or ships products. It’s clear that supply chain management now requires an increasingly digitized strategy. That’s why companies should use real-world data, like location intelligence, to enhance their supply chains. […]
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NOTED: The Supply Chain In Brief
Sealed Deals CEVA Logistics signed a five-year, omnichannel logistics contract with Sephora in Brazil to provide logistics services for stores and e-commerce fulfillment. In addition, CEVA will provide climate-controlled infrastructure to meet Sephora”’s product requirements. Gummy candy brand HARIBO tapped ODW Logistics to help streamline distribution capabilities and scale operations. ODW now provides warehousing and […]
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Steering the Future of Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous vehicles could reshape the trucking industry, presenting a solution to improve safety and can be a freight mobility multiplier to support supply chain efficiency and reliability. But a patchwork of state laws creates a hindrance to implementing emerging technology. Currently the United States has no federal guidelines for how autonomous trucking vehicles should operate. […]
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Should You Build to Suit or Lease Your Next Distribution Center?
As shippers redesign their distribution center strategies to embrace e-commerce, automation, and other trends, the typical short-term response is to lease available space as soon as possible, often at a premium. A strategic assessment of business needs over the long term could take network planning in a different direction. Q: What factors should I consider […]
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The Music Man
Phil Rich brings strategy, patience, fundamentals, focus, positive feedback, corrective direction, and celebration of achievements to everything he does—from playing guitar to flying planes. One way or another, Phil Rich was destined for a music career. His military service included nearly seven years as a guitarist and sound engineer in the Navy Band. Back in […]
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Cut Carbon Emissions With Multi-Modal
The transportation industry is responsible for almost 30% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest contributor in the country. It’s also one of the largest opportunities for improvement. While many worry that going green might be expensive, sustainability and cost savings go hand in hand for shippers. Moving freight with a mix […]
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Overcoming Challenges and Increasing Supply Chain Efficiency with Rail Transloading
Rail transload facilities allow shippers to realize supply chain benefits from a combination of rail and truck. Here’s how to choose the right one.
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10 Ways KPIs Combat Disruptions
It’s essential to measure performance to create a competitive advantage and prepare for unpredictable events. Therefore, I have put together my “10 commandments” of key performance indicators (KPIs) to mitigate supply chain disruptions. 1. Make Sure KPIs Align with Overall Business Goals. What are your specific goals? Are those goals limited by staff hours or […]
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