Articles | January 2015

Feature Stories

30 Under 30: Rising Supply Chain Stars

Announcing the 2014 winners of the 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars program. Meet some of the brightest new lights in our industry’s firmament and see what makes them shine.

Trucking From the Driver’s Seat

From first mile to last mile and every mile in between, truck drivers are the lifeblood of your supply chain. Meet some of these dedicated professionals.

Regulatory Update: Playing by the Rules

Mark our words: Legislative and regulatory resolutions could spell trouble for shippers and carriers in 2015.

Clothes Encounters: The Logistics of a Revolving Closet

With its subscription-based clothing rental model, Gwynnie Bee is tailoring the rules of e-commerce to make fashion fulfillment a perfect fit.

A New Die is Cast: Digging Into the Rare Metals Supply Chain

IBC Advanced Alloys puts a pedal to the metals to manage the logistics of complex manufacturing.

Diving into Data: A Lean Six Sigma Journey

Six Sigma helps electronic products company Jabil run like a lean, green manufacturing machine.

Streamlining the Hospital Supply Chain: Just What the Doctor Ordered

As hospitals begin transforming to adapt to new healthcare initiatives, they are easing the pain by restructuring and streamlining supply chain operations.

Supply Chain Excellence: A Manufacturing Firestarter

Whirlpool is taking a page out of its Lean production manual and following Penske’s lead to create a more flexible and responsive North American supply chain.

VMI 2.0: A Whole New Game

Vendor Managed Inventory is shaking off its old-school image and regaining popularity thanks to improved technology, robust communication, tighter demand signal linkage, and a new openness to collaboration that has turbo-charged enterprise benefits.

Rail Freight: What’s Coming Down the Track?

We hit the road this past fall to get an up close view, around the bend, of where the railroad industry is tracking in 2015 and beyond.

Medical Devices: A Tale of Two Countries

It was the worst of times for U.S./Mexico healthcare. Can demand-driven logistics make it the best of times?

Breaking Down Big Data

Big data is a big deal, but what is it? Inbound Logistics asks four industry experts to file their report on big data and its benefits.

Global Ports: A Boatload of Opportunity

Facing a number of challenges and constraints, the global port industry is addressing concerns and capitalizing on new opportunities.

A DIM Future for Packaging

Inbound Logistics asked these experts to weigh in on the dimensional weight pricing changes that UPS and FedEx implemented on January 1, 2015.

U.S. Manufacturing: All Systems Grow

North America’s manufacturing sector is on an upward trajectory. However, a shortage of young talent, compounded by Baby Boomers’ negative perceptions about Millennials, could impact its continued expansion, according to ThomasNet’s latest Industry Market Barometer® (IMB) research.

Adding Resilience to Your Supply Chain

This article looks at issues that companies should consider when developing a more resilient supply chain.

2015 Inbound Logistics Winter Reading Guide

Inclement weather and capacity problems giving your supply chain the winter woes? Chill out! Here are some good reads to keep you up to date on supply chain, logistics, and transportation best practices.

Case Studies

Casebook

Building a Bridge to Continuous Improvement

Tired of relying on e-mail blasts to place freight, L.B. Foster ups its game with a third-party solution that has transformed the enterprise.

I.T. Toolkit

The Luxury of Logistics Excellence

To expand its footprint in the luxury accessories market, Royce Leather indulged in a solution that connects it to new customers and streamlines fulfillment. That’s how Royce rolls.

Reader Profile

Eelco de Graaf: Four-Continent Career

Eelco de Graaf, vice president, supply chain operations at Lewis-Goetz and Company, is responsible for purchasing, shipping, manufacturing, and operational excellence.

Commentary

3PL Line: Third-Party Logistics PerspectivesTom Patterson

Six Secrets to Controlling Supply Chain Costs Without Sacrificing Service

Saving a few bucks doesn’t always mean throwing the customer under the bus.

Carriers Corner: Air, Ocean, Rail, Road TopicsJohn Lloyd

How to Close the Supply Chain Talent Gap

All logistics and transportation stakeholders must work together to eliminate the supply chain talent gap.

Checking InKeith Biondo

Talent Gap: How Did We Get Here?

A review of the important mile markers in supply chain management that brought us to present day shows we have made progress, but there is more work to be done.

Checking InFelecia Stratton

Talent Gap: Where Are We Going?

ThomasNet, ISM and Inbound Logistics partner to create the 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars program to recognize the brightest young stars in supply chain management today.

EcoDevLake Ray

How to Choose a Business-Friendly Site

Areas like Northeast Florida actively work to make their local climate a business-friendly one.

Green Landscape: Supply Chain SustainabilityChris Miget

Reimagining Molded Pulp Packaging: It’s Not Just For Eggs Anymore

Many manufacturers have turned to molded pulp as an environmentally friendly packaging alternative.

IT Matters: Logistics & Supply Chain TechnologyRich Becks

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.

Online ExclusiveIT Matters: Logistics & Supply Chain TechnologyJoe Langner

Filling the Manufacturing Skills Gap With Technology

How manufacturers can use technology to stretch the capabilities of their existing workforce.

Smart Moves: Supply Chain Careers & Education AdviceRex Beck

The Human Factor: What is Technology Without Leadership?

All the technology in the world won’t help an organization improve if they don’t have what it takes in the leadership department.

Online ExclusiveViewpoint: Logistics & Supply Chain AnalysisMarcia Faschingbauer

Contingency Planning Keeps Freight Moving

Carriers need to be ready to keep freight moving no matter what gets in the way.

Viewpoint: Logistics & Supply Chain AnalysisJames Min

Customs Compliance: Small Mistakes Can Lead to Big Problems

Before entering the international trade arena, shippers must understand the stakes involved in regulatory compliance.

Online ExclusiveViewpoint: Logistics & Supply Chain AnalysisThierry Tosi

Managing the Aerospace Supply Chain

Increases in public and private aircraft demand have aerospace supply chain stakeholders changing the way they get things done.

How-To

Ten Tips

Choosing a Route Planning System

A route planning systems can drastically reduce the time it takes to plan your transportation schedule. Other benefits include lower mileage and fuel usage, decreased carbon emissions, and increased customer service.