3PL Provides Recipe for Distribution and Fulfillment Network Efficiencies
A national baked goods company reduces retail chargebacks and streamlines their distribution center footprint by 30% with ODW Logistics.
Better Service, Lower Cost—The LTL Electronic Bill of Lading
Future Proofing Your Shipment Lifecycle with Electronic Bills of Lading
Specialized Products Require Specialized Logistics Capabilities
Before engaging a logistics partner to help you store or move inventory with unique requirements, verify the provider has the capabilities for handling specialized products.
Panama Canal: Drought, Shipping, and the Supply Chain
The past few months have been unusually dry across Panama and there is no sign of improvement over the next few weeks, let alone the rest of the spring season. In 2022, nearly 15,000 vessels with 520 million tons of cargo passed through the channel.
This year, there’s simply not enough water – leading to vessel restrictions and ultimately fewer goods able to travel through this area that normally moves about 6% of global maritime trade. Everstream Analytics’ Chief Meteorologist Jon Davis reveals how low rain levels at the Panama Canal are set to impact supply chains.
Drop Ship Guide: Meaning, Benefits, and Tips
In 2023, analysts predict 265 million digital shoppers will buy products across the globe. With such a massive transition into the age of e-commerce, there are opportunities to make the most of this market dynamic. Enter drop shipping. Whether you consider it a get-rich-quick scheme or not, it has tons of profit potential, but it’s […]
Container Ship: Definition, Types, and Design
Container shipping allows even small manufacturers and business owners to take advantage of economies of scale and transport their products to consumers around the world. Though many people have some understanding of what a container ship is and how they work, few understand the process on a detailed level, including operating costs, supply chain, port […]
Net Weight vs Gross Weight: Differences and Calculations
International shipments need the net, gross, and tare weights to ensure vessels are not overloaded. In addition, the quotes, paperwork, and bill of lading indicate which weights determine the shipment costs for the given freight company. Understanding the differences between the types of weights is critical to interpreting the paperwork. Container weight is one of […]
How Manufacturers Can Optimize their Supply Chain Workforce
Adopting a 5S workplace organization strategy can be the key to a successful post-COVID workforce. By implementing these policies, manufacturers will be able to optimize their supply chains and workforces in a way that will allow them to overcome the challenges they have faced since the COVID-19 pandemic.
How Importers Can Comply with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act
Through heightened due diligence, a strong understanding of their supply chains, and the right supporting technology, importers can do their part in the fight to help eradicate human rights violations around the globe.
To Efficiently Unload Trucks, You First Need to Dance: A Winning Collaboration Between DHL Supply Chain and Boston Dynamics
Boston Dynamics has established a reputation as one of the most innovative and advanced robotics companies in the world. Much of this reputation has grown through the many videos of its dancing robots. And, while the videos are fun, they also serve a very real purpose in spurring innovation and advancing robotic technology. The videos, […]
Why Mentorship Programs Make a Difference
Creating future leaders within your organization via a mentorship program is instrumental to long-term success, providing a wide range of benefits.
Bourbon Boom
Demand for this whiskey is not staying bottled up. Here’s how bourbon makers stir up production.
Balancing Shipping Costs with Inventory Carrying Costs
Shippers must learn how to navigate the new balancing act between just-in-time and just-in-case demands, especially as the shipping market increases in complexity. Just-in-time logistics will stay with us in the coming years, but it will be augmented by a slight increase in just-in-case inventory, depending on the industry. However, creating better resilience is far […]
Remaining Vigilant, Post Pandemic
The supply and demand imbalances wrought during the pandemic magnified deficiencies in public and private infrastructure and investment. And although the pandemic may no longer be throwing logistics operations into upheaval, shippers should remain vigilant. With these challenges in mind, where should shippers focus their attention and what can they do to mitigate these threats? […]
Playing Nice
Distributors and manufacturers can find themselves at odds when it comes to supply chain management. Overcoming siloed data streams, friction in workflows, and misalignment on goals can cause tension in partnerships. In worst case scenarios, these disconnects can lead to arguments, disputes, and a lack of customer focus. It pays to focus on a solution. […]
Are Things Looking Up?
As 2023 began, the global economy focused on inflation and recession fears. Now add geopolitical tensions and domestic challenges in key markets that are slowing return to sustained growth, according to KPMG’s latest Global Economic Outlook report. Pressure on global supply chains has eased in 2023 and shipping costs have dropped, which should alleviate some […]
Turn Up the Tech
Driven by the need to improve visibility and better manage the workforce, nearly three-quarters of supply chain leaders are increasing technology and innovation investments, finds the 2023 MHI Annual Industry Report, The Responsible Supply Chain: Transparency, Sustainability, and the Case for Business, conducted with Deloitte. Sustainability is also top of mind, as nearly half of […]
Specialty Retail Hits the Mark
What makes a successful retailer? To answer that question, Manhattan Associates, in partnership with Google Cloud and Zebra Technologies, examined data insight from real purchases, returns, and customer journeys across digital and physical channels to create The Unified Commerce Benchmark for Specialty Retail, a report conducted by Incisiv. The benchmark assesses retailers across 11 specialty […]
WMS Grows Up
As technology adoption increases and ecommerce continues to grow, companies are looking to smart warehouses to meet customer demands. As a result, warehouse management systems (WMS) are poised to take off. The WMS market will see a 17.3% compounded annual growth rate—culminating in a market worth more than $51 billion by 2030—predicts an Insight Partners […]
A Closed-Loop Solution Provides Savings and Streamlines Supply Chains
Q. Why should a company consider a closed-loop supply chain solution? A. Supply chain disruptions have affected multiple industries this year. A closed-loop approach to your company’s logistics needs allows you to access thousands of additional carriers, enforce business rules throughout the shipment process, identify incorrect charge codes, and easily recoup hard-dollar savings. The cloud-based […]
Shippers, It’s Time to Seize the Moment and Take Control of Your Rates
The transportation and logistics industry ecosystem continues to adapt and innovate as conditions shift. In the past couple years, shippers have had to contend with increased direct rates and exposure to the spot market, as well as supply chain disruption caused by macroeconomic conditions such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, there’s finally a window of […]
2023 Logistics IT Perspectives
In our annual logistics IT market research report, Inbound Logistics looks at the imperatives that drive shippers to embrace new technology solutions.
Now Playing: Technology You Need
These technologies will play a starring role in supply chain management.
2023 3PL Technology Companies
Best-in-class technology solutions play leading roles at many third-party providers. Here are just a few of the many 3PLs offering technology with star power.
3PLs Spotlight Technology
Third-party logistics providers are rolling out increasingly sophisticated technology solutions to set the stage for supply chain efficiency.
Alaska Logistics: Delivering Reliability Day in & Day Out
Presenting both extreme logistics challenges and prime opportunities, Alaska tests the mettle of the most resourceful and resilient logistics providers. These companies rise to the challenge.
GOOD QUESTION: How has logistics technology impacted your job?
We’re going through an enterprise resource planning (ERP) switchover that requires a great deal of patience, change management, and transactional discipline. The change is definitely tough and requires a steep learning curve to keep up. The new technology allows for greater control and visibility of product locations as they move from the production team through […]
Digitalization Unlocks Resiliency
Brands and retailers are navigating a seemingly endless cavalcade of new supply chain threats ranging from inflationary pressures to trade wars. Conditions seem unlikely to improve soon. As businesses work to build more resilient supplier networks, they must start by investing in a comprehensive digital transformation.
VERTICAL FOCUS: Project Logistics
Tracking 60 Tons Across Two Continents Shipping large, heavy, and irregular sized cargo isn’t simply a matter of getting it from point A to point B. It also requires flexibility to tackle unique challenges. Take the case of a 60-ton autoclave moving from Germany to India. A German machinery and plant manufacturer commissioned DACHSER to […]
IN BRIEF: New Services and Solutions
Services cargo-partner launched less-than-container-load services from Asia to Western Europe via the port of Rotterdam. Its new weekly sea freight consolidation services from China and India to Rotterdam call on various destinations in Western Europe. TLI, a provider of transportation and logistics services, expanded into Houston, Texas, bringing managed LTL solutions to shippers in the […]
Get the Load on the Road: Addressing Drayage Challenges
Drayage was an often overlooked part of the supply chain until early pandemic port congestion thrust it into the spotlight. Today, drayage providers are focused on accelerating a technology-based approach to meet communication and visibility challenges.
NOTED: Supply Chain Highlights
Good Works For the fourth consecutive year, Averitt Express donated more than $1 million to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This year’s $1.2 million represents the company’s largest ever donation to the hospital. Redwood Logistics contributed $209,125 to the Danny Did Foundation—a nonprofit organization that advances public awareness of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy and […]
Embracing the Opportunity in Returns
With the explosive growth of online shopping in recent years, largely fueled by the pandemic, returns are on the rise and have become a logistics headache for retailers, carriers, and consumers. The long-term impacts of this increased demand, and the resulting strain on retailers and supply chains, will largely depend on how retailers respond.
Robots, Robots, Robots
Robots generated much of the excitement and glory at MHI’s recent ProMat exhibition in Chicago, especially the ones that walked on two feet. Bipedal humanoid robots are sexy and you can’t blame logistics pros for being intrigued by the possibilities. But robots with no legs are still doing most, if not all, of the real […]
Just In Time to Near-Source or Nearly Time to In-Source?
As the global economy grows more complex, the concepts of in-sourcing and near-sourcing are receiving increased attention from many supply chain professionals.
Making the Most of Your Logistics Data: How to Prioritize and Contextualize It
Q. How can logistics technologies be utilized as a competitive differentiator? A. Today everyone has access to the same vast offerings in the logistics technology arena. Typically, one solution won’t solve your problem, but it will offer data that enhances your staff to make better and faster decisions. Differentiate from others by putting your own […]
Navigating Freight Embargoes: No Need to Panic
Q. Unexpected weather events are on the rise. Is it time to panic over freight embargoes? A. As weather-related events become more common, what are the chances that freight embargoes could disrupt a somewhat upbeat outlook? There’s always a chance that a carrier will set a freight embargo, even in relatively normal years. Freight embargoes […]
Dancing a Maritime Ballet, Every Day
Every day, Barbara Melvin is up at 3:30 a.m. and asleep by 8:30 p.m. In between, the first woman to lead a top U.S. operating container port walks the halls, talks to people, creates an open environment for collaboration and problem-solving, and celebrates victories of any magnitude.
Building Supplier Relationships
Relationships are key to any successful partnership. The strength of your relationships with suppliers can impact your business’ ability to grow, adapt, and pivot. Here’s how to build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure success.
Five Steps to Six Sigma Success
A great way for distributors to improve processes and optimize space is to deploy Six Sigma methodologies. An effective starting point for introducing these methodologies into a company’s operation is through five-step (5S) projects.
Uniting a Fragmented Supply Chain Ecosystem to Harmonize Operations
Recent history has exposed the glaring weaknesses in our supply chains networks. One issue and it all comes crashing down like a house of cards. Resulting in expensive quick fixes to save the day. It’s time to build supply chains that are resilient, customer centric AND cost-effective. That’s what senior management is demanding. How do […]
The Great Outdoors: Peak Opportunities
As more Americans venture outdoors, apparel and gear makers net more direct-to-consumer sales and embark on the path to a more sustainable supply chain.
Incoterms: The Good, The Bad, and The Ambiguous
Incoterms are a set of international rules that interpret the most commonly used trade terms. Applying Incoterms to sales and purchase contracts makes global trade easier and helps partners in different countries understand one another.
Gettin’ Giggy With It
The gig economy’s impact on last-mile delivery and fulfillment expectations has not gone unnoticed by the retail and e-commerce behemoths. Acknowledging that impact, investment activity is spinning up this year. It seems odd but, despite finely tuned distribution systems, e-commerce leaders now feel they have to add to their “legacy” fulfillment infrastructure, technology, and expertise […]
10 Tips: Optimizing Mobile Devices in Your Supply Chain
Mobile devices are indispensable tools for businesses to stay connected and manage their supply chains—placing them on the front lines of technology transformation. Here are 10 action items to better optimize the use of mobile devices in your supply chain.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Tracking and Labeling Solutions
NB Series Mobile Powered Cart: The redesigned workstation from Newcastle Systems streamlines labeling processes and can be configured for different workflows in the warehouse, production or retail floor. Able to run up to 4 devices for 8 to 12 hours of normal use, the NB Series accommodates laser printers, monitors, testing equipment, and scales. Oyster3 […]
Shaun Bunch: Best of the Bunch
Shaun Bunch is senior vice president of supply chain with Northern Tool + Equipment, which offers more than 100,000 tools—from air compressors to welding tables—through 130-plus stores, catalog, and website.
Your Supply Chain Reality in 5 Years: What ChatGPT Can’t Tell You
We asked our readers: How will supply chain management transform in the next five years? Here are the three major transformations supply chain managers can anticipate. 1. Adoption of advanced supply chain technology will be a major source of competitive advantage for companies. Platforms that improve human decision making and asset management will be areas […]
NOTED: Supply Chain Highlights
Milestone Milky Way, a division of LTI, celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2023. The bulk milk transporter serves producers in Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Good Works Atlas Air sent a 747-8F aircraft filled with humanitarian and relief supplies from Washington Dulles International Airport to earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. Atlas Air donated the use […]
IN BRIEF: New Services and Solutions
Products The new EFFER iQ.950 HP heavy loader crane from Hiab, part of Cargotec, lets operators perform a wide range of vertical and horizontal lifting jobs safely and precisely at high speeds. The multipurpose crane’s dimensions and weight make it suitable for installation on several trucks. The nestable Retail E5.3 order picking pallet from Cabka […]
Preparing Now For What the Future May Bring
In 2022, it became clear that effective supply chain risk management (SCRM) is not a luxury but a necessity. The year saw numerous disruptions to global supply chains, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Log4Shell vulnerability, and concerns over rail strikes.
Ukraine War’s Supply Chain Impact
In February 2022, Russian forces invaded Ukraine. While this is a terrible humanitarian event, it also impacts the global economy. There are economic repercussions not only in Europe, but also across the globe, especially since the timing of the war was not ideal.
You’re Invited To: Bring New Trading Partners to the Party
More U.S. companies are asking a Plus One guest to join China sourcing strategies, inviting suppliers beyond the border of the world’s primary outsourcing powerhouse to the dance.
VERTICAL FOCUS: Cosmetics
Inventory Management Gets a Makeover From managing ingredient shortages to finding a production plan that delivers the right amount of product when and where it’s needed, cosmetics companies face significant supply chain challenges. Many are turning to automation to meet these challenges. One example is Belcorp, a multinational beauty brand corporation operating for more than […]
Keeping the Last Mile In Sight
When customers order an item, they want it delivered now. Retailers realize this, but they also have to keep costs in mind. A study FarEye conducted with Researchscape International finds that retailers with more than $100 million in sales seek to improve the top key performance indicators of on-time delivery (74%) and cost per delivery […]
Gaining Vision in Ocean Freight’s Murky Depths
What you don’t know can hurt you. Half of ocean freight stakeholders responding to a recent report released by FourKites say they have zero visibility into their ocean freight. More than 20% still rely on manual track-and-trace processes to locate their ocean freight in the supply chain. Once that cargo hits land, the numbers get […]
Air Cargo Gains Altitude
Air cargo levels are showing signs of rebounding to pre-pandemic levels. North American carriers reported a 5.1% decrease in demand in 2022 when compared with 2021, but capacity increased 4.2%, according to the International Air Transport Association. Comparing these figures with 2019 shows demand at 13.7% and capacity at 8.2% above pre-pandemic levels. Here are […]
Look Ma, No Hands
As autonomous driving gains some traction, transportation companies are building partnerships to bring self-driving trucks from concept to reality. To that end, Ascend, a truckload carrier that offers middle-mile supply chain solutions, partnered with Volvo Autonomous Solutions (VAS) to test autonomous, long distance linehaul options. As part of the pilot, Ascend will pick up customer […]
War in Ukraine Squeezes Shipping
More than one year after Russia’s initial invasion of Ukraine, global supply chains are feeling the impact. In the months after the invasion, total vessels moving in and out of Ukraine dropped from 109 in January 2022 to just two in June 2022, according to data tracked by project44. Combine the lack of vessel movement […]
Operating in Style
After working for several years in the field of styling and fashion, Joelle Desaulniers created the eponymous JOELLE Collection. The Quebec-based company offers unique dresses, sweaters, jumpsuits, and jewelry, among other items, through a thriving online business and a boutique in Trois-Rivieres. Another boutique in Place Ste-Foy is slated to open later in 2023.
Container Shipping Shifts Balance
The East Coast is back in fashion for import supply chains that rely on containerized ocean freight. However, for many small and mid-sized shippers with historic dependency on Southern California distribution hubs, old habits will be hard to break.
Stabilizing the Chemical Supply Chain
The chemicals industry may be stable, but the risks companies frequently face are volatile. Multi-stage shipping routes for hazardous or delicate materials incur risk at every step. Shifting to just-in-time inventories, with more frequent, smaller shipments, is a catalyst for procurement and logistics problems.
Global Trade Management Systems Guide 2023
Global trade management (GTM) systems and services are more important than ever in today’s complex and disrupted business environment. GTM solutions support the logistics, compliance, and communication aspects of import/export operations, and help manage multiple transportation modes. From resource planning and trade compliance to customs filings and data analytics, here are the providers that can help ensure your global supply chain runs smoothly.
Georgia: Propelled by Logistics
With an expansive infrastructure, more cargo capacity on the way, and access to a qualified workforce, continued logistics prominence is on Georgia’s horizon.
Increasing E-Commerce Efficiencies Block by Block
Consumer expectations continue to stack up, and pressures on e-tailers are mounting. Here’s how companies are building efficiencies and constructing e-fulfillment strategies.
Key Ingredients for Efficiency: 3PL Partnership Delivers Multiple Benefits
By partnering with Hub Group, a major dairy and food ingredient company is finding the right capacity at the right time while using supply chain data to become more time- and cost-efficient.
Transportation Management System: Meaning, Importance, and Benefits
Transportation management systems help manage various transportation activities such as shipping, tracking, and delivery. A transportation management system (TMS) — also referred to as a transport order management system, transportation management solution, on demand transportation management system, 3pl transportation management system, or integrated transport management system—benefits businesses by providing cost savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced […]
Bulk Cargo: Definition, Containers, and Handling
Bulk cargo poses unique handling and transportation challenges, due to its volume and weight. Effective bulk cargo handling requires a comprehensive understanding of the specific materials in transit and the appropriate storage, handling, and transportation methods to ensure safety and efficiency throughout the transaction. Container handling systems quickly and efficiently unload, load, and handle bulk […]
Bonded Warehouse: Definition, Classes, and Benefits
International trade has increased by about 3.5% from the previous year, reflecting a trend that has been growing over several years. The increase in international shipping can be attributed in part to a growing global economy, which has introduced several new business opportunities. However, inventory storage remains a limiting factor as some products are fragile […]
10 Tips: Choosing a Freight Bill Audit and Payment Provider
When it’s time to select a freight audit and payment provider, evaluate the services and solutions each prospective company offers against what your company needs. Here are 10 capabilities to consider.
VERTICAL FOCUS: Home Improvement
Building Smarter Homes Consumers love their smart home devices. Spending on smart home hardware that includes individual devices, such as automated lighting systems and controllers, grew in 2022. It surpassed $30 billion worldwide, up 15% over 2021 spending, according to an ABI Research market data report. Manufacturers have taken notice. The largest consumer technology and […]
With a Little Help From My Friendshoring
For more than 40 years, economic policies encouraged companies in the developed world to move production offshore to reap the benefits of cheap labor and raw materials. But times are changing.
Bye, Bye Barcode?
For more than 70 years, the barcode has been an integral component of nearly all supply chains. But is the ubiquitous technology taking its last breaths after Amazon announced it is developing a new warehouse reader technology?
Snail Mail Goes Green
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is ready to deliver your mail greener and quieter. As it begins to replace its aging fleet of more than 220,000 vehicles, USPS expects to acquire at least 66,000 battery electric delivery vehicles as part of its 106,000 vehicle acquisition plan between now and 2028. As part of a […]
Follow the Process
Process automation plays an important role in building supply chains, finds a benchmark report from Precisely and SAPinsider.
What Keeps CEOs Up at Night?
Fears of inflation, recession, and overall slow growth are the top worries interrupting the sleep of many CEOs around the world.
SMBs Find Ways to Compete
The business disruptions of the past few years have made it harder to optimize supply chains and forced all businesses to examine the best use of resources. It’s tough enough for large companies with deep pockets, but how are small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) adapting?
IN BRIEF: New Services and Solutions
Technology Pio (Product In/Out), a plug-and-play version of AutoStore’s cube storage technology tailored for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), is now available in North America. Based on a pay-per-pick service model, Pio allows SMBs, such as retailers of apparel, sporting goods, crafts, and cosmetics, to deploy robotic automation for storage and distribution for a relatively […]
Warehouse Slotting: Definition, Benefits, and Best Practices
Planning and organization are the cornerstones of a successful warehouse. When a company’s inventory products are in their proper locations, pickers can quickly assemble and dispatch orders, increasing productivity and overall efficiency. This article explains warehouse slotting, its benefits, and best practices. What Is Slotting? Slotting refers to organizing warehouse inventory to maximize the efficiency […]
What is Outsourcing? Definition, Advantages, and Examples
Many businesses have successfully adopted outsourcing processes into various aspects of their logistics and supply chain operations. Outsourcing (or out sourcing, as some refer to it) all or part of these functions can improve efficiency and in some cases, reduce costs. This article describes the concept of outsourcing, as well as the pros, cons, and […]
Supply Planning: Definition, Process, and Best Practices
Supply planning is a business management tool that impacts supply, demand, and inventory levels. Retailers use supply chain planning systems to provide projected demand for products and materials needed to support those demands. The process is designed to balance plans for future demand with the availability of goods in inventory. Supply planning helps companies determine […]
Supply Chain Education Kindles New Skills
Eager to turn the page on disruption and upheaval, supply chain programs bookmark critical skill sets and help prepare future leaders and logisticians.
GOOD QUESTION: What’s your biggest supply chain takeaway from peak season?
With peak season 2022 in the rear view, readers and industry insiders reveal key lessons and insights.
Finding Stability in a Turbulent Truckload Market
SMC³’s Cost Intelligence System provides a freight costing tool that helps carriers make better decisions and achieve profitability in both inflationary and deflationary times.
Omnichannel Fulfillment for Retail E-Commerce
Here’s how to double shipping capacity without doubling your staff. Start with a full stack warehouse management system (WMS) toolset.
Education: A Call to Action
A lot of transportation, logistics, and supply chain expertise is cycling out of day-to-day operations in the United States and it is worrisome.
NOTED: Supply Chain Highlights
Good Works Toyota Material Handling Solutions (TMHS) donated $2,500 to The Foodbank of Southern California. TMHS associates (pictured) also collected 500 pounds of canned goods to accompany the cash donation. The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) launched an initiative funded through a Walmart Foundation grant to provide disaster-focused non-profits with the opportunity to apply best […]
Logistics Disasters: Hang On
As extreme weather events increase in number and severity, logistics professionals must overcome some wet and wild challenges to deliver much-needed disaster relief supplies as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Managing Your Automated Warehouse
While more than 80% of warehouses are not automated, everyone is thinking about it. As supply chain technology continues to evolve, here’s what to consider if it’s time for you to implement automation and robotics to improve warehouse operations.
LeaderSHIP Profile: Omnidirectional Capability
Because he leads by consensus and allows team members to course-correct on their own, JJ Schickel can devote his time to creating innovative solutions that help customers sleep better.
Leveraging NFTs to Elevate Shipment Security
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have the potential to revolutionize shipping. By digitizing the shipment process and providing a secure, tamper-proof way to track shipments, NFTs can help shippers protect their valuable cargo from theft and fraud.
4 Ways Procurement Will Evolve in 2023
It may be easy for procurement professionals to have a dampened outlook for 2023 due to ongoing supply chain disruption and a potential recession looming. Despite these market conditions, there remains cause for optimism, as procurement leaders uncover opportunities to help their organizations navigate bumps in the road.
Collaboration and Connectivity Have to Come Before Technology
Supply chain disruptions are at an all-time high, so it’s no surprise that technology designed to solve problems is plentiful. It should be. With pressure on everyone in the supply chain, we need tools like digital bookings, automated invoicing, and instant integration of data into transportation management systems. Let’s give thanks for technology, because nine times out of 10, it makes a difference.
Plastic vs. Wood Pallets: Key Differences and Comparisons
Pallets are flat platforms used as a base for storing, stacking, handling, and transporting goods and products. Their design allows for lifting by a pallet jack, forklift, or other material-handling equipment. This design facilitates the efficient movement of goods through the supply chain, enabling easy loading and unloading onto trucks, ships, and other vehicles. Plastic […]
Proforma vs. Commercial Invoice: Definitions, Examples, and Differences
There are significant differences between a proforma and a commercial invoice. Both documents look alike, so it is important to know how to differentiate one from the other. What Is a Proforma Invoice? A proforma invoice may answer a letter of inquiry from a potential buyer or provide the terms of a final invoice, so […]
Order Fulfillment: Meaning, Process, and How To Optimize
The process of order fulfillment can be complex and time-consuming. However, it can be optimized with the right strategies and ultimately improve customer satisfaction, increase repeat business, and reduce costs.
Discrete Manufacturing: Definition, Benefits, and Examples
In the past, manufacturing tended to involve long assembly lines with armies of workers playing a part in creating the finished products. This description fits well for conventional manufacturing industries. However, with rapid technological advancements, various alternative manufacturing options exist now. Discrete manufacturing is one of the most prevalent manufacturing processes that utilize a production […]
Just In Time Manufacturing: Definition, Benefits, and Origin
New technologies, raw materials, and production strategies are being adopted daily as companies strive to remain competitive in their respective industries and to meet changing customers’ demands. Manufacturers must remain flexible and adaptable in their production methods to allow adjustments to their supply chain. Manufacturers can adopt many different production strategies, each with advantages and […]
Electronic Data Interchange: Definition, Process, and Benefits
The use of technology is rapidly increasing in many industry sectors worldwide, including logistics. Technologies such as cloud computing and IoT devices have enabled logistics companies to access real-time data and improve the coordination of their operations. One key improvement area is how Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is used in logistics operations. This technology has […]