Articles

Commentary

Felecia Stratton

Finding Supply Chain Feng Shui

Business process improvement is especially important in today’s economic climate. Businesses are sensitive to fixed costs when the economy is swinging like a pendulum. There’s shared recognition that they have to stick to their principal business to grow out of the recession; and logistics execution and supply chain excellence is too important to ignore. That’s […]

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Bobby Harris

3PLs Can Provide Soft Cost Savings for Small Businesses

Shipping is the second-largest cost many small businesses incur, after labor. Despite the challenges they face—including high gas prices, advancing technologies, and competitive markets—small companies must continue to move products from Point A to Point B. To keep productivity high and customers happy, some small businesses seek ways to cut shipping costs, including engaging third-party […]

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Lorcan Sheehan

Preparation: Your Best Asset in Managing Supply Chain Disruptions

Supply disruptions occur daily, caused by delayed deliveries; weather impacts on inbound supply; and prolonged standstills associated with natural disasters, port labor strikes, or critical supplier failures. Whatever the reason for the disruption, supply chain managers prove their value by delivering—no matter the circumstances. An active risk management process helps identify a range of possible […]

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Kurt Nagle

Improving America’s Ports: A Vital Step in U.S. Economic Recovery

In its March 2013 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) included port infrastructure for the first time in its comprehensive infrastructure analysis. ASCE’s reports are instrumental in showing the need for infrastructure investment, and the economic impact of its neglect. Advocating for increased federal investment in seaport-related infrastructure—including both […]

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Robert Martichenko

Adopting Online Training To Enrich Your Workforce

The popularity of online training is skyrocketing. Many companies are discovering the benefits of using online training to help supply chain employees boost their knowledge and add cross-functional value to the organization. The advantages of online training include: Reducing the travel and tuition costs associated with training. Training more employees at less cost. Reinforcing alignment […]

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Frank Clary

10 Trends Driving Greener Supply Chains

Many businesses today are seeking smart ways to reduce supply chain waste and carbon impact. Over the next several years, the following trends could transform logistics operations, particularly in emerging markets. 1. Creative, collaborative planning. Logistics providers and shippers can find simple ways to better manage schedule requirements, such as building slow-steaming into overseas shipment […]

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Jose Minarro

C-TPAT: Building Safer Supply Chains

The growing security concerns companies face in the global market make it critical to understand potential supply chain risks, and establish a managed, proactive approach to security. One significant step companies can take to protect their supply chains is becoming a member of the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. As C-TPAT members, organizations […]

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Chris Swearingen

Sensor-based Logistics: Monitoring Shipment Vital Signs in Real Time

The global supply chain’s rapid growth is encouraging companies to look for new ways to improve efficiency, cut waste, and enhance supply chain dependability to deliver a superior customer experience. One tool for accomplishing these goals is sensor-based logistics (SBL). SBL provides full visibility inside shipments while they’re in motion, helping to ensure they reach […]

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