Articles
Thought Leaders
2021: Next-Generation In-Transit Visibility
To optimize visibility for all customers using in-transit visibility solutions, Tive has launched the Open Visibility Network (OVN) starting with project44 and FourKites. Q: What is the Open Visibility Network? Is it open to anyone (tech providers, carriers, shippers, etc.)? A: The Open Visibility Network is the collection and sharing of critical shipment data across […]
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Robotic Automation: Now Is the Time to Deploy
Q: Are you seeing growing interest in the use of robots in distribution and warehouse operations? A: Absolutely. Since the early onset of the pandemic last year, there has been a notable increase in the number of companies looking into adding robotics and automation to their fulfillment operations. The pandemic caused a dramatic shift to […]
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Managing Transitions Effectively to Enhance Project Success
Q: Why is transition management so critical? A: The effectiveness of the transition depends on how well the change is managed. It is essential to have a documented project plan and a dedicated project manager with experience across multiple disciplines. Their job is to manage the process, hold the team accountable, and develop a formalized […]
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Converging Order and Logistics Management on One Platform
Q: Order management systems relate closely to supply chain management by better matching demand to supply. What are the new developments in OMS? A: Today’s technology empowers brands to offer a range of diverse, quality products, as well as customizable delivery or omni-channel fulfillment options to their customers. Doing so cost-effectively has always been a […]
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E-Commerce Trends Drive Automation Initiatives
Q: Do you think the adoption of automated systems will increase with the accelerated e-commerce penetration rate? A: Based on what we have seen in the past several months, the answer is a resounding yes. Someone a long time ago said, "necessity is the mother of invention." I recently had a 3PL prospect, who is […]
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New Directions in U.S.-Mexico Trade and Logistics
Q: Why is trade with Mexico so important and where do you see the opportunities? A: Mexico is already the United States’ second largest trading partner, with two-way trade in goods totaling over $615 billion per year. The recent implementation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), combined with global sourcing strategies resulting in more nearshoring […]
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The Three Trends Driving Supply Chain Efficacy in 2021
Change is the one constant in supply chain management. And today, shippers need a flexible, agile, and data-driven process to control freight spend. Given the state of last year’s record-breaking e-commerce growth and the uncertainty in the market today, it’s essential to know how a few trends will shape the rest of 2021 and build […]
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Build Supply Chain Resiliency with Digital Transformation
Q: How has the pandemic revealed shortcomings in supply chains? A: The pandemic highlighted the need for a resilient supply chain. The companies that best weathered this crisis were able to make informed decisions and collaborate across their supply chain to minimize the impact of the disruption. It’s clear that adopting an integrated transportation management […]
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Outsourcing Helps Close IT Gaps and Meet Milestones
Q: To meet new and changing shipper demands, what areas of focus should be the highest priorities for tech investment by carriers in 2021? A: One challenge we’re witnessing right now is the increasing need for carriers to provide more realtime visibility of a shipment’s journey. Carriers have begun taking steps to do just that […]
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Agility, Data, and No-Code: Three Trends for the Future
Q: How are new technologies shaping the future of the supply chain? A: Advances in data integration, IoT, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are changing every part of the supply chain. These technologies can link systems and enable you to: Deliver better customer experiences with end-to-end order data and item status from multiple systems. Automate […]
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Scaling SCM Ecosystems—Boardroom Insights
Q: Can you reflect on your last customer transformation experience and the takeaways from that engagement? A: Modernizing ecosystems while keeping up the ongoing business operations is the reality of every business. The current ecosystem, future solution expectations, and resource models are the drivers that determine the program’s pace. Practical challenges in the transformation include: […]
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What Is the Best Method to Measure Customer Satisfaction?
Q: How is Ruan’s Customer Satisfaction Program structured? A: At Ruan, customer satisfaction is one of our five guiding principles. Ruan believes in developing strong partnerships by understanding our customers’ stories and continuing to improve our service as their needs evolve. And the best way to know if we are achieving that goal is to […]
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Control Tower Capabilities—Redefined
Q: What is a control tower? A: There are many definitions of a control tower in the market today. Some are analytics overlays without a network to get data or application intelligence. Some provide one functional area (e.g. planning) and encompass internal operations and maybe tier 1 providers. These can sound helpful but won’t get […]
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Top Priorities for 3PL Warehouse IT in 2021
Q: When looking ahead to 2021, what’s the number-one priority companies should make to stay competitive? A: Since labor is the most expensive component of the business, we say start there. Smartly planning your resources to best suit the needs of the company and the company’s digital transformation and customer experience goals is paramount. Barcoding […]
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Shining New Light on Dock Operations
The loading dock is a complicated place, with many people and a lot of equipment working together. With better visibility into dock activity, companies can bring significant improvements to their warehouse operations. Q: What important challenges do warehouse operators face because they lack access to crucial real-time and historical data about what’s going on at […]
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Partnering with a Logistics Specialist Brings Major Benefits
Q: What are the customer’s benefits of working with a large, experienced logistics company versus one that is part of a diversified organization? A: The most obvious benefit to the customer is that logistics is their specialty. When you work with a logistics company that is part of a large, diversified business, their focus is […]
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Leveraging the Benefits of New Industrial Printers for Compliance
Q: What are the benefits of investing in the latest industrial printers? A: The latest industrial printers offer a new set of features and advantages, so end users will not be upgrading just to ensure continued performance and support—they will enable new productivity and efficiency benefits. This includes higher image resolutions, improved feeds-and-speeds, and user-replaceable […]
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Why Companies Should Consider Employing Robots
Q: What is robotic process automation? A: Modern robotic process automation (RPA) technology began forming 20 years ago, and has become the transformative tool it is today within the past five years. RPA is a high-tech solution where a process that was previously performed by a human is now performed by a computer. RPA “bots” […]
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Shared Truckload Creates Efficiencies, Reducing Shipment Costs
COVID-19 upended supply chains, increased costs, and tightened capacity, leaving shippers struggling to deliver high-quality service. Shared truckload could be the answer. Q: How has shared truckload alleviated shippers’ issues during the pandemic? A: Capacity challenges and increased costs across supply chains have driven shippers to become more creative and innovative. When faced with substantially […]
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3 Critical Questions About Oversize/Overweight Shipments
Although your supply chain may not require oversize/overweight shipments on a regular basis, there will likely be a time when the need arises. If this level of specialized shipping is not within your comfort zone, you should turn to the expertise of a heavy haul carrier to guide you rather than trying to handle it […]
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