Articles

Logistics I.T.

Michael Watson, Ph.D.

Discovering the Value of Analytics

Many companies are building analytics strategies, which use data to facilitate better decisions. To develop improved analytics strategies, consider the three different types of analytics: descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive. Each type uses data in a different way to provide a different type of value. Descriptive analytics: Using data to improve how you describe or report […]

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Garry Neeves

Harnessing the Power of Information Technology

Q: How do you squeeze the most reliability, accuracy, and cost efficiency out of today’s supply chain? A: Smart information technology (IT) is fundamental to success. Leading manufacturers know the importance of effective logistics management. Getting your product to the right place, just in time, and exactly as the retailer demands is crucial to the […]

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Chandra Allred

Tech Tools Serve Retailers’ Diverse Needs

Q: What do retailers need to know about working with 3PLs today? A: Retailers are challenging third-party logistics (3PL) providers to supplement their offerings with a broader range of services. To obtain and retain business, 3PLs must meet retailers’ diverse reporting, visibility, and delivery needs—yet not increase their cost structure. Achieving this goal is particularly […]

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Bobby Kaemmer

Sharing Data Creates Optimal Supply Chain Visibility

In the past decade, analysts have written volumes about the value of supply chain visibility and execution systems. It’s hard to argue with the concept. When all supply chain partners’ systems work together to fulfill orders perfectly, execute on-time shipments, and provide early alerts to problems, life is good. Many companies have turned to on-demand […]

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Charles Myers

Load Boards Evolve Into Social Networking Tools

When you look at an Internet-based load board, it’s hard to believe how far the freight and logistics sector has come. It wasn’t long ago that carriers all over the country found much-needed backhauls by posting handwritten notes on truckstop bulletin boards, and brokers used those same boards to locate trucks. But technology—particularly the Internet—has […]

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Nigel Hughes

Benchmarking Keeps Logistics IT Outsourcing On Track

Logistics departments rely on technology to drive operational excellence. Benchmarking—analyzing an organization’s performance against the comparable activities of another or its own over time—has traditionally been applied to validate and/or improve a service contract’s value. In an economy characterized by unstable growth and eroding margins, optimal logistics IT performance is necessary for companies to remain […]

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Chris Wright

Tracking Rugged Tablets

Q: It seems that tablet computers are growing in popularity. Is this true in our field, where conditions can be difficult? A: Although the tablet has been available for years, it is receiving renewed attention for its combination of an easy-to-read display and keypad-free data entry and retrieval. Tablets offer several advantages over notebook computers […]

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