Articles
How-To
Is Your Supply Chain Resilient? How Manufacturers Can Map Dependencies and Minimize Risk During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically disrupted many global supply chains, and there is no way of knowing when the disruptions will peak or begin to return “normal.” Presently, the focus on public health and welfare is paramount—the ability of nations to contain the pandemic comes first. But the health of the global economy is also […]
Read MoreStreamlining E-Commerce Fulfillment
Creating an efficient e-commerce fulfillment strategy isn’t easy. Here are tips every digital retailer needs to know to simplify the process.
Read More6 Work From Home Tips for Manufacturing Professionals
When you begin working from home, you may feel a sense of freedom wash over you. Telecommuting means more free time and no stressful commute. However, after a few days, you may start to feel isolated, uninformed, and less effective than usual—especially if you’ve been asked to work from home because of a traumatic event, […]
Read MoreGrowing a Green Supply Chain
Green is the new black in supply chains. Whether it’s a conscious effort or the byproduct of streamlining your operations, going green can pay off.
Read MoreEnsuring Supply Chain Visibility
In today’s increasingly omnichannel marketplace, good visibility is vital throughout the supply chain. Here’s how to maintain optimal visibility at 10 key touchpoints.
Read MoreTackling E-Commerce Shipping
E-commerce is quickly becoming a part of our everyday lives—putting pressure on retailers. Here are tips to help shippers keep costs down and customers happy.
Read MoreOptimizing the Last Mile
Doing last-mile logistics correctly leads to repeat business and loyal customers, but final-mile processes involve more than just a truck and driver.
Read MoreSelecting a TMS
For those involved in managing freight movement, selecting the best transportation management system (TMS) is a crucial decision. Here’s how to evaluate a solution.
Read MoreLeveraging IoT in the Supply Chain
The Internet of Things (IoT) captures location, temperature, moisture, pressure, and other data that can be crucial to properly managing your supply chain.
Read MoreMaximizing Packaging Efficiency
Your packaging strategy and processes can significantly impact your ability to maintain a smooth and efficient supply chain.
Read MoreCutting Transportation Costs
Transportation market volatility stems from an inevitable pendulum swing between a buyer’s and a seller’s market. Here are some innovative ways to reduce transport costs.
Read MoreSecuring Truckload Capacity
2019 promises continued growth and above-average truckload demand. While there are no shortcuts to fixing the capacity gap, shippers can take steps to ensure their freight moves on time.
Read MoreOptimizing a 3PL Partnership
Taking time to invest in a strong relationship with your 3PL can have a remarkable return on investment for your business.
Read MoreSelecting a Cloud-based TMS
Selecting and implementing a SaaS-based Transportation Management System (TMS) requires careful thought. Future users and decision-makers need to: 1. Establish clear goals and priorities in advance. Clearly understanding your priorities and goals in advance will help narrow your TMS search to only those SaaS platforms that meet your needs. Calculate the expected return on investment. […]
Read MoreMinimizing Airfreight Costs
To combat trade wars, tariffs, and other obstacles, it’s important to optimize your supply chain. One way is to minimize the cost of air freight, which is generally a fast and reliable—but expensive—option. 1. Evaluate lead times and use THE appropriate transport mode. If lead times aren’t tight, consider using slower transportation methods, such as […]
Read MoreOptimizing Ocean Transport
The growth in e-commerce orders and strong economy mean companies are extending their supply chains to reach a global audience. Ocean transportation is a complex mode with unique considerations. To streamline your ocean freight process: 1. start consolidating Minimize less-than-containerload shipments by consolidating multiple products coming from the same area into a single container. Shipping […]
Read MoreDefending Against Supply Chain Hackers
While your company may have excellent cyber security practices in place, your suppliers may not. These best practices will help protect your company from hackers who attack your supply chain partners. 1. Review Incident Response Plans. Always make sure vendors have an incident response plan in place before conducting business with them. If there is […]
Read MoreMoving Cross-border Shipments
As your suppliers and customers become more geographically diverse, more of your supply chain and customer experience depends on moving shipments through Customs accurately and without delay. 1. Create a dashboard for incoming orders. A visual tracker of inbound shipments may help simplify the importing process. Tracking where orders and shipments are while in transit, […]
Read MoreMitigating Cargo Theft Risk
Cargo theft continues to be a challenge to shippers, totaling an estimated $145 million in losses each year in North America. 1. Develop a plan. Establish security procedures for carriers hauling your freight. Ask drivers not to stop within the first 250 or 300 miles of pickup unless there is a real emergency. It’s not advisable […]
Read MoreImplementing Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology creates a global and trustworthy history of a product—from transaction to production to consumption. It has the potential to revolutionize workflows across international borders, empowering an automated, connected supply chain with simplicity and traceability. 1. Flip your thinking. Many consider blockchain a solution seeking a problem. It’s actually the answer to an array […]
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