Articles
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Going Mobile: Optimizing Inventory Management
One of the easiest ways to save money in your organization is by operating efficiently and productively, with no wasted resources. Central to this strategy is having the right amount of product at the right time—no more, no less. By optimizing inventory, organizations are able to improve customer service levels up to 25 percent, according […]
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Managing Risk in a Chain of Fire
Supply chain dominoes keep falling far and wide. In addition to man-made disruptions such as political instability, piracy, terrorism, and war, natural disasters such as the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, 2011, and the tidal waves that rippled throughout the Pacific ring including Alaska and Hawaii, have rattled the world over […]
Read MoreConsuming Confidence
America is consuming again. More importantly, it also appears to be producing.
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Efficient Use of State Resources Keeps Transportation Flowing
States have fewer dollars to spend on transportation these days, but that does not mean that highways and roads are destined to fall into disrepair. How can transport departments ensure the smooth, safe travel of goods and people in cash-strapped times? The Show-Me State’s answer: Change the way business is done. Missouri, on track to […]
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Retail Recovery Depends on an Integrated Supply Chain Strategy
Although retail sales have shown some increase in early 2011, many economists caution that spending will remain modest as long as wages stay flat and job creation weak. Even as consumers begin to loosen their purse strings, it is essential for retailers to remain cautious and operate at the most efficient levels possible to ensure […]
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Five Market Concerns Driving Shipper Cost Increases
It has never been more expensive or frustrating to be a shipper. Rates are up, capacity is down, and, while Wall Street analysts are bullish on the transportation sector, many businesses are still struggling. It’s a disparity that contributes to billions of dollars of shipper overspending each year. The following market concerns will have the […]
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Benchmark Your Way to Successful Crossdocking
Companies can benchmark their way to crossdocking success by following these five steps recommended by Andre Thornton, President and CEO, ASW Global LLC.
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Who’s Comparing Your Import Data?
If you don’t file accurate import data with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, you put your company at risk for penalties and fines, warns Kevin Shoemaker, director, global solutions for Integration Point Inc.
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School’s in Forever
Inbound Logistics’ editorial helps you realize new opportunities as you grow your career.
Read MoreInvesting in Human Infrastructure
Roads, rails, and bridges are not the only kind of infrastructure worth investing in. What about people?
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Balancing Shipper and Carrier Interests
The past two years have been a roller coaster ride for both carriers and shippers. After the financial crisis, carriers dropped their rates to unprecedented levels. Service contracts locked in these non-compensatory rates, and volumes dropped precipitously. Ocean carriers took ships out of service, and capacity cuts were steep and drastic. The financial viability of […]
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How the Driver Shortage Impacts Capacity
It is likely that a driver shortage is coming, due to pressures such as an aging driver workforce, the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Compliance Safety Accountability program, and the anticipated DOT-mandated reduction in driving hours. Yet many supply chain professionals have yet to grasp how a driver shortage impacts capacity. Simply put, a driver shortage […]
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White Glove Services: Ask for What You Need
White glove service is one of the supply chain’s most complex specialty areas, encompassing everything from first- and final-mile value-added services, to delicate or high-value product handling. Because of white glove services’ specialized nature, shippers must define their specific requirements for these projects in their RFPs, and service providers need to thoroughly evaluate the scope […]
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Gaining Ground
The fortunes of many companies were balanced on the backs of their supply chain, logistics, and transportation managers during the past year. In concert with their carriers, and technology and logistics partners, business logistics professionals across the country produced real supply chain gain by aligning demand to supply. That’s why we chose “Supply Chain Gain” […]
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Gaining Even More Ground
Building the January Logistics Planner is always a process of incremental addition. That’s the only way you can even approach, let alone execute, a 528-page issue during the busy holiday season. Along the way, there are measured benchmarks: meetings, deadlines, rough drafts, edits, designed proofs, polished articles, then a print date. The final product, which […]
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Growing a Statewide Logistics Sector
Recognizing that advanced manufacturing and the logistics sector represent a key economic development opportunity for Indiana, local leaders formed Conexus Indiana, a statewide forum for key logistics and manufacturing employers, academia, and government. Its goals are to attract and grow logistics and advanced manufacturing companies, add value to the goods that move through the state, […]
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Making Sustainability a Reality
The logistics and transport market sector contributes 5.5 percent of total global greenhouse gas emissions, according to 2009 research produced by the World Economic Forum. The sector’s lack of understanding about the current emissions baseline is the biggest obstacle to establishing a meaningful green supply chain strategy. Even with a starting point of such magnitude, […]
Read MoreFreight Equals Politics
As the population shifts and Republicans gain control of Congress, it is time to strengthen the connection between our economic engine and political tide.
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Top Five Ways Warehouse Management Systems Deliver ROI
As the economy recovers, many companies are considering upgrades to their existing warehouse management systems (WMS) or deciding to invest in a WMS for the first time. All executives making these decisions want to know when they can expect to see a return on investment (ROI) for their technology selection. Here are five areas where […]
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Do You Know Who You’re Doing Business With?
Q: My company’s cargo volumes are increasing now that the economic slowdown is beginning to turn. We are receiving orders from new customers we developed through international marketing efforts. What should we look for when screening new clients? A: As you enter into new business relationships, it is important that you know your customer. Five […]
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