What does the digital supply chain mean for your company? More integration, better visibility, a single version of the truth, a clearer view of the future—and maybe a few flying robots.
As more consumers choose e-commerce for a variety of goods, how are less-than-truckload carriers being impacted? Trucking companies are developing new strategies to serve retailers and manufacturers creating the goods that impatient consumers expect fast and free.
Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) drive continuous improvement for the shippers they serve through innovative solutions, up-to-date technology, and sheer effort.
E-commerce is redrawing the landscape for freight transportation. Do truckload carriers have a place in this new world of high-velocity supply chains, especially as shipments get smaller and delivery windows shrink?
The U.S. healthcare system faces many challenges that efficient supply chain management can help heal.
This story looks at some ways in which companies are using IoT or IIoT technology along the supply chain and discusses the added value companies will gain as they move from discrete applications to integrated ones.
Vendor-managed inventory partnerships strive to improve efficiency by allowing suppliers to maintain the inventory of their products at the stores and other locations operated by their partners in the supply chain. VMI relies on a tight-knit collaboration between supplier and buyer to improve product availability while decreasing excess inventory.
Artificial intelligence, hidden cameras, robots—These are not part of a new movie, but reflect daily life in a "hurry up" world of impatient consumers. Read how supply chains are adapting to serve a market increasingly driven by e-commerce and Amazon-like business models.
Global trade disruptions come in all shapes and sizes, and can wreak havoc on supply chains. Find out what proactive strategies and tactics leading companies are using to tackle the escalating challenge of supply chain risk management.
Supply chain technology ecosystems are evolving as once distinct processes for executing TMS, WMS and YMS functions converge. Is the best path forward stitching together a trifecta of best-of-breed technologies, or going all-in on a single instance, single platform for all three?
Supply chain financing allows companies to delay paying for transportation or goods while suppliers are still paid quickly – for a fee. While it might seem counterintuitive, participants say it’s a win-win for all. Here’s how it works and trends worth watching.
Digital loadboards are transforming the spot market from a people business to a fast-paced online marketplace that matches freight and shippers faster than ever. Shippers can tap into the flexibility of the spot market while working with carriers that meet their standards.
Technological advances in the past decade have provided shippers with increasingly detailed visibility of their supply chain from end to end. As the tools available to view the supply chain become more sophisticated, shippers are taking advantage of this new level of insight to improve efficiency and better manage their inventory. Shippers no longer view supply chain visibility as a tool designed only to help cut costs – they see it as a potential contributor to growth.
When moving high-value items, proper packaging and labeling, efficient scheduling, discretion, and a bit of extra effort are key to minimizing the risk of theft or damage.
The Global Food Safety Initiative is working to improve food safety across the globe through GFSI-recognized certification programs and its platform for collaboration, and by reducing redundant audits and developing food safety capacity around the world.
Shipper demands, customer expectations and 3PL capabilities increase, putting supply chain at the forefront.
With one in every six jobs now tied to manufacturing, American-made products are making a profound comeback in today’s progressive U.S. economy. Known as Industry 4.0, this trending wave of innovative disruptors - 3D printing, robotics, big data, and the Internet of Things - is changing the global supply chain and the world's geo-political view of American manufacturing.
Crumbling U.S. transportation infrastructure gets worse every year, and failure to address it soon will leave us in the midst of a crisis we can’t dig out of. There’s no more time to sit on our hands; it’s up to the U.S. government and the private sector to act before we reach a point of no return.
As more and more consumers order delivered meals from restaurants or through pre-packaged meal kits, foodservice companies will need to focus on quality and safety as much as they do speed and cost-efficiency.
A review of the hottest logistics and supply chain books available to help shippers boost their knowledge and skills.
Casebook
Partnering with a third-party logistics company enabled to Velour Imports to sell regional products on a global scale.
I.T. Toolkit
With its distribution center approaching capacity, Michael Kors had several options to consider, including one that would expand the existing facility. The fashion company turned to supply chain software company LLamasoft for help evaluating possible solutions. The collaboration also led to Michael Kors developing a core supply chain decision-making capability as well as systems it could use for other purposes.
LeaderSHIP
Profile of Ryan Wall, president and CEO of FHI (Freight Handlers, Inc.) in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina
Reader Profile
Profile of Steve Ahern, manager of supply chain operational design with BASF, a leading chemical company
Ten Tips
Today’s world of disruptors and changing consumer behaviors drive companies to continuously revisit their network strategies. Use these tips to create a demand-driven supply chain.
Lease Me a Loan: Transport Financing on the Upswing
Three Supply Chain Trends You Need to Know
E-Commerce Warehouses: SuperSize Me
Acquiring Shipt Will Bring Target Shoppers Same-Day Delivery
Connectivity, Advanced Telematics Buoy LATAM Logistics
SCPA: One for the Record Books
Peak Season Piques Airfreight Demand
WTO Conference Marked by Lack of Consensus on Pretty Much Everything
Venezuela Crisis Surpasses Great Depression
U.S. Economy Going Strong and Steady
Knowledge Base
Shippers with solid TMS platforms in place can save money not only in terms of freight rates, but also in terms of cost avoidance and labor expenses.
Knowledge Base
A rapid implementation strategy is ideal for enterprises whom must implement very fast, as well as continuing focus on process improvements.
Knowledge Base
While machine learning and predictive intelligence will shape this era, creative companies which value collaboration, human expertise and servant leadership can change the game.
Knowledge Base
It’s time to make inbound freight a priority and begin reaping the benefits of a program that creates win-win rewards for all supply chain partners.
Knowledge Base
Blockchain and robotic process automation is the next big bet.
Knowledge Base
Here is a snapshot into the top pain-points and how to deal with these challenges.
Knowledge Base
During a supply chain check-up, focusing on a few of the right diagnostics results in healthy cost savings.
Solved!
Transplace established an LTL consolidation program to increase load capacity and reduce freight costs for a Canadian hardware wholesaler.
Solved!
Use this advice to implement a leadership training program.
3PL Line: Third-Party Logistics PerspectivesPerry Belcastro
5 Ways Your 3PL Can Help Meet E-commerce Challenges
A 3PL could offer benefits worth exploring to help you accommodate e-commerce growth.
Carriers Corner: Air, Ocean, Rail, Road TopicsRandy Swart
Slowing Down the Driver Shortage
Companies need to develop successful tactics and strategies in the recruitment and retention of drivers in order to remain competitive.
Checking InKeith Biondo
Status Quo? No.
Status quo will not be the norm in 2018 as major and minor changes are brewing in business operations.
Checking InFelecia Stratton
Status Grow? Yes.
There is a great opportunity for growth in many business sectors, and the role of supply chain excellence is fundamentally important in that economic environment.
EcoDevMichele Brown
Welcome to the Neo-Panamax Era: Big Ships, Big Opportunities
The widening of the Panama Canal ushers in an era of big ships and big opportunities. Companies with a New Jersey location are well-positioned to capitalize on this exciting new era.
E_CommerceJonathan Tran
Inventory Strategies That Satisfy and Retain Customers
Good QuestionKatrina Arabe
What’s the Supply Chain Buzzword for 2018?
Readers reveal the term that will loom large in 2018.
IT Matters: Logistics & Supply Chain TechnologyMac McGary
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.
Reverse LogisticsDr. Ron Lembke
Seamless Returns Start With Serial Numbers
Although serial numbers were initially created to track production, they are an invaluable tool for reverse logistics. Here’s how to get the most out of serial numbers.
Risks and Rewards: Risk Management StrategiesJim Wetekamp
How to Prepare for the Unexpected
High-performing supply chain organizations are differentiated on how well they respond to the unexpected.
The Lean Supply ChainPaul Myerson
Peak Season Planning: A Year-Round Venture
This year, you may want to start your holiday planning earlier with a more structured methodology. Here’s why.
Viewpoint: Logistics & Supply Chain AnalysisShreyas Bhat
Four Ways to Optimize Your Supply Chain
These primary techniques help achieve supply chain optimization.