IT Matters: Logistics & Supply Chain Technology
Using IoT to Move From Push to Pull
Moving a whole supply chain from push to pull isn’t easy, but the benefits are worth the effort.
Leveraging Technology: Put Strategy First
Tech trends enable strategies that are reshaping global supply chains. These new technologies complement each other; used in combination they create synergies far beyond their individual impacts. Here are five key strategies that technologies of the near future will empower.
IoT: Where We Are, What Comes Next
Here are the benefits and drawbacks of the Internet of Things (IoT) and advice for a successful IoT implementation.
Last-Mile Technology Needs a Radical Rethink
Without great delivery route planning and scheduling, all the smart, powerful technology invested in grinds to a halt at the final hurdle.
Can You Handle the IoT Big Data Onslaught?
How the rise of big data tools levels the playing field and offers insights across a global supply chain.
Global Trade Networks Bring Certainty to Uncertain Times
There is no magic bullet to overcome the challenges associated with the capacity crunch, but the supply chain has proven to be the competitive battleground of the future.
5 Reasons to Make Demand Modeling Part of Your Supply Chain Design Process
Demand Modeling helps improve the design of your supply chain to better account for explainable changes in demand.
Blockchain Technology: Good in a Supply Chain Crisis
With the massive scope of supply chain, the benefits that blockchain could provide are well worth exploring, particularly in times of crisis.
Building Visibility, Response, Resiliency
To maximize productivity, efficiency, and profit, Chief Supply Chain Officers should strive for visibility into the supply chain and confidence that it could handle any type of disruption.
Purchasing a Cloud-Based WMS? Get Grounded
Cloud-based warehouse management systems have many merits, but don’t presume they offer a cheap, one-size-fits-all option for your organization. In other words, read the fine print.
From Nervous to Chill: Unlocking IoT's Value Across the Cold Chain
Here are five steps to consider when implementing the Internet of Things across the cold chain.
Global Trade Content: Unlocking the Supply Chain Value
Integrating external content is becoming more valuable for companies seeking more automation and real-time control over their supply chain planning and execution functions.
How New Technology is Boosting Human Potential in the Supply Chain
A new opportunity for significantly better operational performance is emerging due to advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, and prescriptive analytics.
Today's Competitive Supply Chain: Digital, Smaller, More Resilient
As consumers demand a greater personal experience and more sophisticated product, the digital revolution will prove a competitive advantage to those who embrace it.
The Whole Industry Is Struggling to Define TMS. Here's My Take.
With no standard terminology in an already-complex industry, it’s not surprising that so many TMS buyers have trouble figuring out the differences between solutions and which one best fits their needs. Here's how to cut through the confusion.
7 Ways to Digitally Transform Your Supply Chain
Data integration across systems can help optimize the supply chain and enable organizations to provide their customers with the best possible service from order to delivery.
How Precise Forecasting Tames Item Proliferation
More accurate forecasts enable better planning, lower inventory and manufacturing costs, and improved service levels.
Supply Chain Analytics: Creating Value from Data with Machine Learning
From item-level inventory data and GPS to condition monitoring and signals from social media, new data sources are augmenting available supply chain data. Find out how to extract value from this influx of information.
Using IoT to Enable Tomorrow’s Supply Chain
The Internet of Things is about to shake up the supply chain. Shippers need to develop mid- and long-term IoT strategies.
Accurate Product Data Drives Supply Chain Systems
Supply chain applications stumble when the product data they’re using is inaccurate. Here's how to make sure data is consistent and comes from well-crafted and executed processes.
Cargo Becomes Intelligent So Do Ports
Having all supply chain players connected to an intelligent cargo system maximizes the use of port infrastructure and keeps everyone informed on the “where is my cargo?” question. Accessing and sharing information on cargo through new technologies will not only smooth flows but it will also secure them.
To Boost Shipment Productivity, Look to the Cloud
Deploying a cloud-based shipment execution system can promote a healthier ecosystem within the company, reduce costs, and pay big dividends via customer satisfaction.
How to Succeed With a Supply Chain Technological Rollout
When considering, procuring, and implementing new logistics/supply chain technology, here are three steps to take to ensure a smooth rollout.
Self-Improving Supply Chains Have Arrived
Supply chain planning systems can greatly benefit from combining artificial intelligence techniques so they become more intelligent, dynamic, and user-friendly.
Make Port Dray Street-turns Mainstream to Reduce Supply Chain Costs
When shippers pair an import transport move with an export transport move inland, without returning empty to the port, they get a matchback or street-turn. Optimizing these street-turns can improve supply chains.
Is Your Warehouse Ready for Black Friday? Start Preparing This Summer
Rising consumer expectations are driving change throughout the supply chain. And there’s no tougher test for meeting increased expectations than Black Friday. The time is now for warehouse managers to examine the three critical success factors in warehouse labor management.
B2B Commerce Technology Improves Fulfillment Times and Supply Management
With demand for speed and convenience at an all-time high, companies must streamline and speed up order fulfillment. Technology that allows sales reps and customers to rapidly write orders and submit them almost instantaneously for fulfillment is a major competitive advantage.
Supply Chain Execs Shift Focus From Sustenance to Survival
If they haven’t already, supply chain executives need to immediately deploy more flexible and agile supply chain management solutions that encompass an enterprise resource planning system.
How Real-Time Information Can Transform Your Supply Chain
Enhancing supply chains with real-time visibility gives shippers the insight and details needed to operate quickly, accurately, and more effectively than ever before.
Goodbye, Linear Supply Chain. Hello, Digital Supply Network
Connected, intelligent, scalable, and rapid, the digital supply network is ready to be deployed today. Companies may hold on to the dying linear supply chain, but they are closing themselves off from a strategy that operates at a lower price point and enables growth.
Enterprise Technology Freight Train Finally Reaches Logistics Sector
Increased funding, bigger ideas, and changing mindsets are setting the stage for the explosive growth of enterprise technology in the logistics sector.
Two Key Factors Drive WMS Adoption Today
The warehouse management system (WMS) has emerged as a valuable tool for tracking and streamlining tasks, the workforce, and material/equipment flows. Here are two factors driving its adoption today.
Enterprise Labeling for a Connected, Flexible, and Efficient Supply Chain
Companies are beginning to understand that they need to develop a labeling strategy to meet all of the challenges of today’s global supply chain. Here's how to implement an enterprise labeling approach.
What Is Your Fleet Trying to Tell You?
Evolving technologies such as data warehousing, in-memory architecture, and data visualization are helping unlock fleet insights.
Tapping the Power of Performance Management
When performance management processes are functioning properly, the link between strategic business objectives and day-to-day actions comes together.
Leverage Dashboard Technology to Improve Decision-Making Capabilities
For logistics professionals, data is meaningless without context. Dashboards help provide context and enhance decision-making capabilities.
Getting Fleets Mobile Ready
Asking the right questions as you begin the evaluation and purchase process is a step in the right direction to help get your fleet mobile ready.
Five Driving Forces Behind Driverless Trucks
The introduction of driverless trucks could be the biggest change the road haulage industry will ever see, and the concept is closer to reality than people think.
The Future Is Now: Strategic Technology Thinking for Shipping and Logistics Facility Managers
Forward-thinking shipping and logistics facility management (FM) professionals turn to next-generation FM software to efficiently manage their facilities.
Building the Connected Warehouse
A connected warehouse maximizes warehouse efficiency, as well as positions a company to decisively navigate constant changes across the supply chain. Real-time data intelligence delivers the visibility and control needed to effect measurable improvements.
Dimensioning on the Move
For quickly measuring freight at the point of pick-up, for reclassifying pallets, and for low-volume operations, mobile dimensioning is a low-cost game-changer.
Optimizing the Holiday Supply Chain With Reliable ETA
Timeliness is top of mind during the holiday season. Here's how analytics can help shippers meet delivery spikes and prepare their supply chains.
Why Parcel Sorting Automation Can't Wait
As e-commerce continues to surge, the case for automation is now too compelling to ignore. One good way to start can be to automate parcel sorting at local and regional distribution centers.
Shipping for the Digital Age
In order to create a consistent end-to-end logistics system, shippers need to connect the technological dots. Find out how.
Use Supply Chain Modeling to Mitigate Port Shutdowns and Other Risks
Supply chain continuity planning is critical for global businesses. Armed with an end-to-end digital model of their supply chains, shippers can react rapidly and intelligently when unplanned events occur.
Using Analytics to Differentiate Your Customer Service
Descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics are necessary to contribute to an organization’s goal of improved and more informed decision-making.
How to Make Ship Arrival Analytics and Predictions More Precise
Automatic Identification System (AIS) can provide analytics that enable companies to more accurately predict ship arrival times.
Reducing Supply Chain Risk by Outsourcing Technology
When downtime impacts a company’s line, outsourcing technology infrastructure to a third party might help.
How to Wirelessly Enable Your Supply Chain
Companies are increasingly using M2M to maximize operational efficiency, minimize loss and theft, and better serve their customers.
Benchmarking Transportation Processes With TMS Data
Using the data the TMS is already providing can help shippers improve their transport operations.
Inventory Replenishment: Why Push When You Can Pull?
Retailers are implementing technology to more accurately forecast demand.
Ditch the Spreadsheet and Grow Your Business with Quality Data
To grow and evolve, shippers of all sizes need the high-quality data provided by modern technologies.
Gamification: A New Way of Tracking and Improving KPIs
A little healthy competition between employees can help to improve performance and metrics.
Finding an Inventory Solution That’s Just Right for Your Small Business
Inventory management is often difficult and time-consuming for smaller businesses, but the right solution can remove some of the pressure.
Manufacturing Skills Gap Calls for New Approaches to Talent Development
To fill the skills gap, manufacturers must build skills from within, as well as partner with outside agencies.
Improving Customer Satisfaction with Consumer Engagement Apps
Offering apps with products helps manufacturers improve customer satisfaction and lower complaints and returns.
Tracking Isn’t Just Tracking Anymore
Fleet management platforms represent the evolution of location information.
Is Your Warehouse Software Holding You Back?
New software helps warehouse operators keep up with the real-time demands of omni-channel fulfillment.
Protecting Your Brand With Product Lifecycle Management
Product Lifecycle Management software produces metrics that can help business make sure they are using ethical vendors.
Improving Your Fleet With Telematics
Telematics technology can bring improved operational visibility to fleet management.
Searching For the New Perfect Order
Retailers need new technologies and capabilities to operate in a new omni-channel world.
Supply Chain Resilience: Turning Risk Into Opportunity
Managing supply chain risk means recognizing that things won’t always go according to plan, and having the right infrastructure in place to succeed even through the unexpected.
Filling the Manufacturing Skills Gap With Technology
How manufacturers can use technology to stretch the capabilities of their existing workforce.
Keeping Vendor Risk Under Control During the Holiday Season
With the holiday season in full swing, logistics managers must be able to rely on their vendors to perform.
The Ins and Outs of Crossdocking Solutions
Crossdocking reduces inventory costs and improves delivery times by eliminating intermediate warehousing activity.
Five Key Questions to Ask a Vendor Before Buying Supply Chain Software
Five key questions to ask a software vendor to make sure they are the right fit for your operation.
Avoiding Christmas Past: Use Technology to Ensure Timely Holiday Deliveries
Investments in technology might just be the way to save Christmas.
Why BYOD Can Actually Cost You Money
Logistics and transportation companies are finding the flaw in the BYOD movement.
Three Ways a WCS Can Improve Your Operation
A modular warehouse control system can help smaller operations keep up with larger competitors.
Challenges for Today’s Global Supply Chain: Cost, Profitability and Personalization
An optimized supply chain allows companies to reduce costs, lower risk, increase transparency, and support new products.
Regulation as an Opportunity
Manufacturers should view legislation as an opportunity to achieve better control and supply chain integration.
Transportation Modeling: Is There Ever an Average Day?
Shippers must maintain flexibility in their data-driven transportation policies.
Electronic On-board Recorders: The Gateway to Intelligent Fleet Management
Fleet managers increasingly rely on electronic on-board recorders (EOBRs) to manage fleet data.
Are You Ready to ACE It?
Importers and exporters should update operations to ensure they are ready for the Automated Commercial Environment.
How the Internet of Things Impacts Supply Chains
The Internet of Things can affect supply chain operations by increasing in-transit visibility.
Forecasting Seasonal Surges Keeps Products on the Shelf
Transportation forecasting lets shippers collaborate with carriers to identify capacity gaps and reallocate assets.
Optimizing the Fashion Supply Chain
Fashion businesses must react instantly to fashion shifts and focus on getting goods to consumers quickly.
Measuring the Value of Warehouse Data
Warehouse technology that supports communication and data analysis improves efficiency and reduces waste.
Technology Convergence of Forces Offers Improvements for Logistics Sector
Technology trends are transforming the logistics sector, improving safety, efficiency, and competitiveness.
Fight Inventory Pain Points
Avoid common inventory issues: inaccurate inventory counts, costly end-of-year write-offs, and lost inventory.
Dispelling Five Common Myths about Voice-Directed Work
Voice-directed technology can help improve worker safety and reduce employee-training time, yet some companies avoid them because of these five common misconceptions.
What Transportation Providers Gain From an Integrated TMS Platform
With an integrated transportation management software (TMS) platform, service providers can gain complete visibility over their diverse and complex operations.
Is Your Freight Payment Company Equipped to Audit Your Invoices?
Companies can gain several benefits by partnering with the right freight payment company.
Networked Track Sensors Keep Rails and Workers Safe
Track sensors monitor rails for signs of buckling or breakage, improving rail freight safety.
Using Operational Analytics to Achieve a Digitized, Visible Supply Chain
Developing a business system based on operational analytics requires a focus on decision-making and a clear plan.
Supply Chain Analytics: Overcoming Obstacles to Stay Ahead of Your Competitors
Leveraging data analysis and technology integration can generate powerful insights to transform today’s supply chains.
Achieving True Mobility in Supply Chain and Logistics Operations
Mobile technology offers flexible, affordable solutions for supply chain operations.
A New Paradigm in Vendor Partner Management
Implementing tools and processes that enable better shipment visibility and control of in-transit inventory helps improve vendor partner management.
Seeking Innovation? Stop IT Overspending
Companies must identify and eliminate overspending on supply chain IT solutions to free up capital for new projects.
Creating More Intelligent Supply Chains with BI Technology
Incorporating business intelligence tools into logistics strategy gives companies access to efficiency-boosting data.
The Five New Rules of E-commerce and the Path to Successful B2B Online Sales
Business to business (B2B) e-commerce sites must be well planned to increase revenue and support a growing client base.
Moving Logistics Technology to the Cloud Dispels the Fog of Uncertainty
Cloud computing offers democracy to logistics and transportation providers, putting small and mid-sized providers on the same playing field as large global companies.
Three Top Myths About Foreign Trade Zones Dispelled
Foreign Trade Zones allow companies to defer paying customs duties, fees, and taxes on items imported into the U.S.
Get Airborne with Asset Tracking
GPS tracking devices give shippers shipment visibility, even when cargo is in the air.
What Happens When Your Warehouse Is Unplugged?
Technology management can affect warehouse operations’ connectivity during and after a power outage. Whether the facility’s warehouse management system (WMS) is installed on-site, delivered via a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) program, or hosted in the cloud can have a huge impact on maintaining productivity, writes John Sterling of Foxfire Software.
Performance-Based Negotiations: Simulation as Support for Decision-Making
Using an advanced logistics simulation tool to analyze system performance and lifecycle cost can help logisticians negotiate better performance-based logistics contracts, writes Justin Woulfe of WPI Services.
Leveraging Technology to Accelerate Productivity and Profit
With the right investments in technology, 3PLs can make their business more attractive to current and potential clients by offering additional value-added services, superior inventory control, and overall cost reduction, writes Chuck Fuerst of HighJump Software.
You’re Faced With a Recall. Can You Find That Product?
Automated traceability technology allows companies to locate products anywhere in the supply chain, minimizing the impact of product recalls, writes Tom Kozenski of JDA Software.
Yard and Dock Management Tools: An Extra Set of Eyes in Your Facility
Yard and dock management systems use real-time and physical data to assist facilities in efficiently managing operations such as loading dock visibility, live and staged trailer coordination, and turn time management, writes Eric Breen of 4SIGHT.
Measuring the Value of Collaboration
In a true collaborative relationship between purchasing and logistics, order and routing pattern planning comprises a single, optimized decision process that yields measurable results, writes Bill Michalski of ArrowStream.
Why Innovation Matters for Rugged Mobile Technology
Advances in consumer technologies such as smartphones and tablets are driving a new generation of rugged mobility innovation for logistics and supply chain applications, writes Tim Eusterman of Intermec Technologies.
Why Supply Chains Need Business Intelligence
Business Intelligence within the supply chain improves internal efficiencies and accountability while saving time and eliminating costs with metrics-driven decision-making and change management, writes Steve Dowse, International Asset Systems.
Embarking On an IT Modernization Journey
Modernizing information technology infrastructure helps companies save money and provide better value for their customers, writes Steve Biondi of Micro Focus.
“Sell By” Dates Cost Shippers Billions in Wasted Perishable Goods
Shippers and business logistics professionals can easily use bar codes rather than ink stamps to ensure fresh food items are delivered to customers, writes Mark Croxton of Aldata.
3PL Value-Adds Mean Millions
By identifying the value-adds that brand and retail shippers want, logistics providers can position their offerings to bring millions in benefits to their customers and make the relationship stick, writes Greg White of Blue Ridge.
Filling the Cloud with High-Quality Data
Cloud-based supply chain networks allow for real-time data sharing among companies, but rely on high-quality data for effectiveness, writes Greg Kefer of GT Nexus.
Handling Change: There's an App for That
An open business planning platform allows business planners, partners, and others to build simple apps that enhance their master Sales & Operations Planning system to adapt their S&OP process for unique – and changing – needs, writes Nari Viswanathan, Steelwedge Software.
Can Your Global Supply Chain Withstand a Crisis?
Risk management strategies must address the everyday sources of supply chain disruption, and managers must incorporate the identification of potential supply chain risk into their daily practices, writes Mark Humphlett, Infor.
Wireless Workstations Unplug Savings
Choosing the right mobile powered workstations for your warehouse or distribution center will energize your workforce, and deliver improved accuracy and efficiency, writes Christine Wheeler, Newcastle Systems.
Mobile TMS Applications Improve Supply Chain Visibility
Mobile applications give carriers and shipper instant access to transportation management system (TMS) data, resulting in improved supply chain visibility, write Mike Skinner of VistaLogix Global.
Improving Logistics and Distribution Processes at International Subsidiaries
By automating distribution and logistics processes of subsidiaries via an integrated business system using a two-tier enterprise resource planning (ERP) model, a large company can increase the distribution and logistics operational performance at these subsidiaries, improve customer order delivery metrics, and gain an ability to compete in the local markets more effectively and efficiently, writes Mike Morel, SAP.
Discovering the Value of Analytics
To better define analytics and develop better analytics strategies, consider the three different types of analytics: descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive. IBM’s Michael Watson explains each type.
Containerization’s Benefits Can’t Be Contained
By incorporating containerization into downstream transportation and upstream supply chain workflows, companies can improve asset utilization, use fewer trucks, drive fewer miles, reduce fuel costs, and enhance distribution center operations, writes Fabrizio Brasca, JDA Software.
Sharing Data Creates Optimal Supply Chain Visibility
Supply chain visibility is a valuable result of trading partner collaboration, writes Bobby Kaemmer, Cadre Technologies. On-demand and cloud-based solutions can help supply chain partners share data.
Benchmarking Keeps Logistics IT Outsourcing On Track
By highlighting the differences between an organization’s performance and a comparative reference standard, benchmarks can identify improvement opportunities and identify activities required to achieve superior performance.
The Three Pillars of Effective Returns Management
Software solutions can help shippers maximize value recovery from inbound shipments of returned material, writes Tamara Dwyer of TAKE Solutions.
Managing Supply Chain Disruptions
Supply chain disruptions become more manageable when shippers have supply chain technology that provides shipment visibility, writes Henry Hicks, Progress Software.
Use Transportation Planning for Competitive Advantage
Logistics can now be aligned with supply chain and manufacturing through solutions that create daily transportation need forecasts by lane/mode/carrier. Robert F. Byrne of Terra Technology outlines the benefits.
5 Steps to Improving Food Product Traceability
Retailers can implement technology and processes to increase traceability and gain greater visibility into their supply chain, which helps track and retrieve products in the event of a product recall, writes Brendan Lowe, Aldata Solution.
Safeguarding Your Supply Chain Against Rising Fuel Prices
Shippers can protect their supply chains against rising fuel costs by optimizing distribution networks, creating a flexible infrastructure, and managing shipping practices.
RFID and Supply Chain Visibility: You Can’t Manage What You Can’t See
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology helps transportation and logistics organizations gain visibility into their global supply chains and boost return on investment (ROI), writes Ralph Lieberthal, Motorola Solutions.
Building Operational Excellence Through EDI
Companies that limit their use of EDI to fundamental transactions, such as purchase orders and invoices, are missing an opportunity to strengthen their customer service and overall competitiveness, writes Chad Collins, HighJump Software.
Inventory Intelligence: The Key to Unlocking Omni-channel Retailing
Retailers who succeed at integrating their inventory intelligence can cut costs, accelerate turns, and build revenue by driving high-fidelity information back into the supply chain, aligning it with shopper demand, write Tyco Retail Solutions’ Karen Bomber and Jim Caudill.
Cloudy Days Ahead for Global Logistics
Cloud-based logistics technology systems offer the speed, accessibility, efficiency, and shared data necessary for success in an increasingly global business environment, writes Echo Global’s Doug Waggoner.
Maximizing TMS Resources Helps Achieve Sustainable ROI
When it comes to transportation management systems, a combination of SaaS plus managed services represents the next step in supply chain optimization, writes Jordan Kass, TMC.
Rallying CFO Support for Your Supply Chain Initiatives
Steve Ford, CFO of TradeCard, outlines strategies for enlisting your chief financial officer’s support for supply chain initiatives.
Going Mobile: Optimizing Inventory Management
Rick Pontin, CEO of Airclic, explains how to improve inventory management through better visibility.
Retail Recovery Depends on an Integrated Supply Chain Strategy
To successfully manage multi-brand and multi-channel selling, retailers need to optimize customer order fulfillment across all brands and channels, writes Jim Bengier of Sterling Commerce.
Who’s Comparing Your Import Data?
If you don't file accurate import data with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, you put your company at risk for penalties and fines, warns Kevin Shoemaker, director, global solutions for Integration Point Inc.
Top Five Ways Warehouse Management Systems Deliver ROI
Here are five areas where supply chain executives can find additional return on investment opportunities from their Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
Navigating Global Supply Chain Risks
Danny Halim of JDA Software offers strategies for minimizing risk in the global supply chain.
Managing Labor Boosts Warehouse Operations
Labor management tools can help you determine if your workforce is performing at the level necessary to deliver cost-effective service to customers.
The Power of Flexible Transportation Management
Flexible transportation management systems empower shippers by integrating inbound and outbound transportation throughout the supply chain management process.
Crack the WIP for a Leaner Supply Chain
Zebra Technologies' David Phillips explains how eliminating excess work-in-process waste improves your supply chain.
Crossdocking: A New Vision for an Old Idea
Jason Howton, TAKE Supply Chain, outlines strategies for achieving best-in-class crossdocking performance.
Getting Off the Bench and Into Benchmarking
Benchmarking before negotiating carrier rates can be a money-saving opportunity, writes Niko Michas of BridgeNet Solutions.
Web-Based WMS Solutions Drive Automotive Supply Chain Efficiency
For the aftermarket auto parts business, where materials handling is as important to the bottom line as execution, planning begins with implementing a Web-based warehouse and inventory management system, writes Jim Burleigh of SmartTurn.
Warehouse Metrics: Measure What Matters
Managers should identify and focus on the most useful warehouse metrics to gather, report, and apply, writes Eric Allais of PathGuide Technologies.
Business Intelligence: The Key to Success in Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific companies can implement sophisticated supply chain management solutions quickly and effectively via cloud computing, creating visibility to generate logistics business intelligence data.
All You Need To Know About Co-loading
Co-loading truckload and less-than-truckload shipments can reduce transportation costs, lead times, and shipment damage.
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