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Smart Clothes Hit the Rack
Will warehouse workers suit up in electronic clothing? Possibly. MIT researchers released a line of smart clothes that can track physical movement, and Fudan University researchers in China unveiled state-of-the-art electronic textiles that can produce visual displays. This is all happening as wearable devices continue to streamline supply chain operations and provide critical feedback in […]
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Designers Cultivate Plant-Based Leather
Fashion designers branch out to plant-based textiles in response to growing demand for sustainable and cruelty-free products, and as supply chains seek to lower their carbon footprint. These leather alternatives are heating up: Cactus: Fast fashion company H&M is partnering with Mexico-based Desserto to create a new collection, including shoes made from cactus leather. Desserto […]
Read MoreCisco Snags Top Supply Chain Spot
Cisco Systems earned the number-one spot in Gartner’s ranking of the 2021 top 25 supply chains. The technology company’s agility and strength in environmental, social, and governance initiatives helped prioritize critical infrastructure for hospitals and vaccine research, Gartner says. Four new companies on this year’s list include Dell Technologies, Pfizer, General Mills, and Bristol Myers […]
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Supplier Information Still a Concern
The pandemic revealed widespread problems with supplier information on a global scale. While many procurement leaders responding to the 2021 Supplier Information Study, commissioned by Tealbook, had initially vowed to invest in supply chain resiliency, almost a year after the pandemic they still grapple with issues surrounding poor supplier information: Agility: Nearly all respondents agree […]
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Hailing Robotaxis for Delivery
Cruise, GM’s autonomous vehicle arm, was mainly focused on launching an autonomous ridesharing service, but may use its "robotaxis" for delivery services instead. It recently added Walmart as an investor in an extended fundraising round that grew to $2.75 billion, and had completed a delivery pilot with DoorDash in San Francisco even before the pandemic. […]
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Target Practices Faster Fulfillment
Instead of using carriers to ship all its online orders, Target is building its own team of dedicated delivery personnel to get packages to customers’ doors even faster, helping the retailer compete with its e-commerce rivals, says a CNBC report. The new approach involves three companies that Target acquired: Grand Junction, Deliv, and Shipt. Target […]
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Amazon Delivery Drivers, Assemble!
Amazon shoppers may soon have the option to have their orders assembled upon arrival, says a Bloomberg report. The e-commerce giant is testing the premium service as online furniture and housewares sales continue to soar and shoppers get more comfortable making big-ticket purchases online. Amazon currently offers scheduled at-home delivery to a particular room, but […]
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Vertical Focus | Textiles
Dawn of the Deadstock To address pandemic-induced material shortages, economic volatility, and environmental concerns, many retailers are working to make their supply chains circular. These initiatives help the cause by reviving deadstock material—unused fabric that fashion brands typically store or destroy. Here’s how some retailers are bringing their deadstock to life: Queen of Raw: This […]
Read MoreNOTED: The Supply Chain In Brief-June 2021
Good Works Oversize air freight transportation provider Volga-Dnepr Airlines operated three charter flights to India from China, Ireland, and Germany to aid the nation during its COVID-19 crisis. Volga-Dnepr delivered more than 200 tons of medical equipment, including oxygen-storing and cryogenic containers, to various regions that experienced oxygen equipment shortages. IAG Cargo and its sister […]
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