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Felecia Stratton

5 Steps to a Contract High

In the mid-2000s, a U.S. computer manufacturer signed a long-term contract with an overnight delivery service to transport its products. By the eighth year of the 10-year contract, both the manufacturer and carrier wanted out. But both companies knew ending the agreement would be a lose-lose. The result: two years of distrust, retaliatory measures, and […]

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Automated Materials Handling Gets a Lift

Automated Materials Handling Gets a Lift

A labor market in which it is increasingly difficult to recruit, train, and retain workers is a major factor driving growth of the automated materials handling equipment market in North America, finds a report by BCC Research. The market expects a compound annual growth rate of 7.1% through 2024 and may be worth $28.7 billion. […]

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VERTICAL FOCUS | Automotive

VERTICAL FOCUS | Automotive

On the Road to Sustainable Mobility Mercedes-Benz, working with Circulor, a startup specializing in blockchain technology, is conducting a pilot project dubbed Ambition 2039 that aims for a carbon-neutral new passenger car fleet in less than 20 years. This transformation will require detailed knowledge of all climate-relevant processes associated with the entire vehicle value chain. […]

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Predicting the Future of Consumer Demand

Predicting the Future of Consumer Demand

Improving demand forecasting is a priority for manufacturers—61% of respondents to a recent AIMMS report say that improving forecast accuracy is either important or extremely important for their organizations. However, only 2% of respondents are extremely satisfied with their forecasts. Many bet on new technologies such as machine learning and demand sensing to improve forecast […]

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Going in Reverse in the Circular Economy

Going in Reverse in the Circular Economy

While 70% of supply chain leaders plan to invest in the circular economy in 2020-2021, only 12% have aligned their digital and circular economy strategies so far, according to a recent survey by Gartner. About 27% of respondents currently use digital technologies to improve reverse logistics, and 39% plan to do so in the next […]

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Useful COVID-19 Information & Guidance

The following links provide practical information and official guidance related to COVID-19, including new workplace guidelines, frequently asked questions, and updates from the government. CDC’s official guide for business OSHA’s guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19 EPA’s list of disinfectants suitable for use against COVID-19 John Hopkin’s Coronavirus Dashboard showing real-time data on COVID-19 spread […]

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Map Mishaps Throw Last-Mile Drivers Off Course

Map Mishaps Throw Last-Mile Drivers Off Course

Nearly all last-mile delivery drivers say they would be more effective if they had better maps, according to a new report from Mapillary, a street-level imagery platform that uses computer vision to automate mapping. The delivery industry is racking up $2.5 billion in wasted salary and $611 million in extra miles due to bad maps, […]

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Shippers Have Hope for 2020

Shippers Have Hope for 2020

What supply chain challenges did shippers experience in 2019, and what supply chain services held their interest compared to previous years? The Averitt Express 2019 State of the North American Supply Chain survey of more than 1,800 shippers from a variety of industries throughout North America finds: 66.2% of shippers anticipate increased shipping volumes in […]

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Swinging for the Fences

Before a single major leaguer steps up to the plate on opening day March 26, 2020, industry players are already scoring with supply chain team-ups and spring training send-offs.

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