Related Articles
Lean Logistics, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain
Does Your Supply Chain Need an Alignment?
If your company’s supply chain isn’t aligned with your overall business competitive strategy, then performance may fall short of expectations, with higher costs, poor execution, and reduced revenue and profits.
Green Logistics, Lean Logistics, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain, Sustainability
Supply Chain Sustainability Takes Root
Whether to help the environment or just to cut costs, companies are making lean and green changes with a major impact.
Lean Logistics, Lean, Supply Chain, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Technology
Intelligent Technology Provides Visibility into Supply Chain
Intelligent transportation technology provides new sources of competitive advantage through complete supply chain visibility.
Automation, Robotics, Fulfillment, Third-Party Logistics, Supply Chain, Warehousing
Find the Right Robotics and Automation Fit for Your 3PL
Choose the solution and vendor that can work hand in hand with you to analyze your objectives and design a solution that supports your needs. Here's how.
Lean Logistics, Demand Planning, Inventory Management, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management
Lean Isn't Mean and Agile Isn't Cheap
Back in 2014, I wrote a column extolling the benefits of a lean and agile supply chain, also known as a hybrid strategy. Depending on your product or service, your supply chain may tilt more one way or the other, or it might be segmented but still exhibit characteristics of both. For example, if you sell commodities, you would focus more on efficiency. If you were in fashion, you’d tend to be more responsive.
Robotics, Technology , Warehousing
I, Robotics
Faced with congestion in warehouse aisles, Integrated Supply Network deployed autonomous mobile robots, which proved to be a game changer for warehouse employees and customers.
Lean Logistics, Logistics I.T.
Winter Reading Guide 2022
Grab a warm mug and dig into the latest logistics learnings covering everything from textile supply chain tactics to dominating in the digital age.
Robotics, Technology , Warehousing
10 Tips for Deploying a Robotics System
10 tips for deploying a robotics system in your warehouse or distribution center
Robotics, Trucking, Warehousing
Robots Do Yardwork, Too
Automated yard solutions can gain back trucker hours and speed warehouse operations nationwide.
Robotics, Technology , Warehousing
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT | Robotics Solutions
From materials handling workhorses to AI-driven solutions, these robotics systems boost productivity and improve efficiency.
Food Logistics, Robotics, Retail
2021 Summer Reading Guide
When it's time to absorb your next audiobook or crack open a book this summer, take a dip into this collection of fresh research, actionable advice, and best practices to refresh your supply chain knowledge.
From Robots to Running Shoes
DHL Supply Chain and Locus Robotics helped Brooks Running meet consumer demand during the pandemic.
Robotics, Fulfillment, Warehousing
Deploy a Robotics-Driven Fulfillment Solution to Reach Peak Productivity
Forward-thinking 3PLs and retailers are making moves now to digitize their operations and prepare for possibly their best peak season yet. Locus’s Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) model offers considerable flexibility as volumes and workflows change.
Automation, Robotics, Transportation
Hailing Robotaxis for Delivery
Cruise, GM's autonomous vehicle arm, was mainly focused on launching an autonomous ridesharing service, but may use its "robotaxis" for delivery services instead.
Robotics, Technology , Warehousing
Robots and People: Co-Evolving
The virus economy may have spawned an increase in investing in automation, but wearables and new handheld devices remind us that humans have the edge over robots in terms of efficiency, flexibility, and costs for many supply chain-related jobs.
Lean Logistics, Lean, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management
Does Lean Have a Limit?
Automation and intelligence will be key tools in developing supply chain resilience. Companies can start by implementing these three key enablers.
Lean Logistics, Manufacturing, Risk Management
The Road Map Out of This Mess
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the shortcomings of a supply chain that is perhaps too lean. However, to be “lean” doesn’t mean keeping extremely low inventory levels with no coordination or backup plan.
The View From the Control Tower
Control towers can be a critical component in managing a lean and agile supply chain.
Lean Logistics, Lean, Sourcing/Negotiations, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management
Going Straight to the Sourcing
This article defines strategic sourcing and how to implement it.
Lean Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management
Sometimes It's Better Not to Be So Pushy
It’s worthwhile to consider the push/pull boundaries already in place at your company and where they should be to best serve your customers–and shareholders–in the future.
Lean Logistics, Lean, Risk Management, Supply Chain
Global Supply Chain Risk: Don’t Wait, Mitigate
Having a global supply chain risk management strategy in place can not only increase value to your customers but also reduce your costs and increase performance.
Lean Logistics, Inventory Management, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management
Golf Ball Maker Hits Supply Chain Sweet Spot
With a pull instead of a push replenishment strategy, golf ball maker Acushnet increased supply chain efficiency.
Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Transportation
Stay Competitive with a Flexible TMS
Volatile demand, shrinking lead times, and new consumption patterns have impacted transportation systems in many ways. That makes it ever more important to maintain an agile, flexible supply chain to gain a competitive advantage.
What's Your Sourcing Strategy?
Despite Lean traditionally being thought of as a “pen and pencil” technique, it is in fact a key enabler of a lean supply chain linking lean thinking with available and affordable systems and technologies to get the most out of improved processes.
Lean, Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain
Predictive Analytics Takes Forecasting to a New Level
Predictive analytics utilizes various statistical techniques and models that analyze current and historical facts to make predictions about future.
Health Care Logistics, Inventory Management, Lean, Logistics, Risk Management, Supply Chain, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management
Caldwell Hospital Gets a Lean Bill of Health
A North Carolina hospital improves patient care by prescribing a lean and healthy supply chain.
Fulfillment, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology
Using Network Optimization Technology To Enable Your Lean Supply Chain
From a Lean and agile supply chain perspective,an optimally designed supply chain can significantly improve margins,support expansion into new markets,enhance the customer experience,and reduce operating costs.
3PL, Lean Logistics, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management
3PL Partnerships: You're In Good Company
As product demand continues to rise, companies in all industries are partnering with third-party logistics (3PL) providers to ensure their products are delivered to customers on time and cost effectively.
Education & Careers, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain
Winning, With Integrity
Profile of Kirsten Hall, CEO of Logistics Planning Services in Woodbury, Minn.
E-commerce, Lean, Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain
How Supply Chain Strategies Impact
E-commerce Success
The emergence of e-commerce as part of a company’s omni-channel marketing program requires not only an agile, lean supply chain but also a strategy to get there.
Distribution, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology
How to Optimize Demand Chain Management
The demand chain model drastically reduces a distribution center’s footprint and associated costs by replacing safety stock with information.
Lean: It’s Not About Pens and Pencils Anymore
Despite Lean traditionally being thought of as a “pen and pencil” technique, it is in fact a key enabler of a lean supply chain linking lean thinking with available and affordable systems and technologies to get the most out of improved processes.
Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain, Trucking, Technology , Transportation
Adapters Win in the Multi-Modal, Omni-Channel Fast Lane
Competitive agility and adaptability help shippers win the multi- and omni-channel race to the customer.
Air Cargo, Lean, Logistics, Packaging, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Transportation
Summer Reading Guide: 16 Must-Reads This Summer
A handy reading guide summarizing supply chain books and their key takeaways.
Green Logistics, Lean Logistics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Technology , Transportation, Warehousing
G75: Inbound Logistics' 75 Green Supply Chain Partners
These supply chain, logistics, and transportation companies lead the way in supporting sustainability.
Air Cargo, Distribution, Lean, Logistics, Packaging, Pallets, Supply Chain, Rail, Sustainability, Trucking, Transportation, Warehousing
Creating a Lean and Green Culture
Launching a cost cutting, productivity-enhancing, or sustainability initiative creates efficiencies with environmental benefits and cost reductions.
Reverse Logistics, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain
Saving Green While Going Green
Supply chain sustainability, while good for the environment, can also be good for the bottom line if incorporated into a company’s supply chain strategy.
Education & Careers, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain
Michael Fries: No Small Potatoes
Profile of Michael Fries, senior business intelligence logistics analyst at U.S. Foods, drills into data to find opportunities to make or save money in the company’s logistics operations.
Manufacturing Logistics, Lean, Manufacturing, Logistics, Partnership
Lean Management: Ready, Set, Grow
Contract manufacturer Apex International had seen its growth halt as it struggled to deliver products on time and provide sufficient quality control. With the help of Simpler Consulting, Apex adopted Lean management principles to transform its culture and return the company to a path of growth.
Retail Logistics, Distribution, Lean, Retail, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology
RFID: More Than Just a Better Barcode
Radio Frequency Identification Technology has a multitude of benefits that can have a significant impact on reducing and eliminating waste in the extended supply chain.
Lean, Logistics, Technology , Supply Chain Management
Measuring to Manage or Barely Managing to Measure
It is critical to set meaningful, relevant, and attainable targets to ensure that everyone is focused on a Lean supply chain.
3PL, Lean Logistics, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership, Supply Chain, Warehousing
Nourishing a Healthy Supply Chain
Nutrabolt’s rapid growth created several logistics challenges, including processing orders efficiently and quickly; absorbing dramatic swings in order volumes to support promotional campaigns; and providing omni-channel fulfillment through a single warehouse. A third-party logistics partnership with Kane Is Able helped Nutrabolt meet these challenges.
Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain Management
Procurement and Purchasing:
Buying into Lean
When applying Lean principles to procurement and purchasing processes, non-traditional sources of waste can be identified, which benefits the entire supply chain.
Green Logistics, Lean, Logistics, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation
How to Cut Seven Non-Traditional Wastes
These seven non-traditional forms of waste can have a direct impact on your bottom line.
Green Logistics, 3PL, Lean, Third-Party Logistics, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management
Growing a Culture of Sustainability
Finding a common ground between cost and corporate social responsibility remains a challenging proposition – unless organizations nurture a culture of sustainability.
Green Logistics, 3PL, Lean, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management
G75: Inbound Logistics' 75 Green Supply Chain Partners
These supply chain, logistics, and transportation companies lead the way in supporting sustainability.
Lean, Logistics, Site Selection, Supply Chain Management
How Location Decisions Impact a Lean Strategy
When trying to avoid waste in your supply chain, it’s all about location, location, location.
Big Data, Lean, Logistics I.T., Supply Chain Management
The Next Frontier of Supply Chain Innovation: Analytics, LEAN and the Power of Big Data
The confluence of faster data access, better analytical tools, and data-driven business decisions, make it more likely that future supply chain optimization will be continuous.
3PL, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain Management
Leverage Data to Navigate Uncertain Times
Companies are seeking data to help them understand their supply chain networks, and strategic enterprise partners are providing the needed information to them through logistics.
Distribution, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation
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.
Air Cargo, 3PL, Lean, Ocean, Rail, Trucking
Reducing Freight Costs
As transportation prices rise, shippers are engaging in smart planning to reduce logistics costs.
A Lean and Agile Supply Chain: Not an Option, But a Necessity
Companies can benefit from have a hybrid supply chain that is not only Lean, but also agile.
Selecting the Right Technology to Support Your Lean Operations
Before choosing enterprise solutions, companies should conduct intensive requirements research.
3PL, Lean, Partnership, Supply Chain Management
The Evolution of Enterprise Logistics
Enterprise logistics providers are developing solutions that fuse data elements for insights that enable decisionmaking.
Lean Retail: It’s About Time – and Money
Retailers can identify and eliminate waste from their retail strategy, merchandise management, and store operations.
Lean: Winning Strategies for Cutting Waste
With Lean tools and processes, companies can reduce waste in their supply chain operations.
Inventory Management, Lean, Supply Chain Management
Streamlining Inventory Through SKU Rationalization
The number of stockkeeping units has increased considerably. Doing an ABC analysis helps eliminate unneeded inventory.
Inventory Management, Lean, Partnership, Supply Chain Management
Collaborative Programs: Not a Chore But an Opportunity
Programs such as vendor managed inventory (VMI) and efficient consumer response (ECR) fuel supply chain growth.
Automotive Logistics, Global Logistics, Lean, Manufacturing, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management
Automotive Logistics: The Upside of Resiliency
Collaborative risk management helps automakers and their supply chain partners protect against disruptions.
How to Deploy a Successful Improvement Program
Successful continuous improvement initiatives require focusing on achievable goals.
Lean, Logistics I.T., Warehousing
Tapping Technology To Improve Lean Warehouses
Tools such as electronic data interchange (EDI) and advanced picking solutions support lean supply chain operations.
Putting a Lean Spin on Reverse Logistics
Managing reverse logistics with a Lean outlook can not only improve profitability, but also add value for customers.
We’re All in This Together: Teamwork in a Lean Workplace
Building strong teams can facilitate Lean initiatives in warehouses and supply chain operations.
Reducing Defects and Errors: Don't Make the Same Mistake Twice
Apply Lean concepts to eliminate product defects and operator errors in supply chain and logistics operations.
The Lean Supply Chain: Watch Your Waste Line
Shippers and 3PLs have applied lean principles to remove waste from their operations and improve performance.
Getting Green, Going Lean
Demand-driven logistics practices are a perfect focal point to integrate green strategies with Lean methodologies.
Are Your Processes Adding Value or Waste?
Value-added warehouse processes such as kitting and assembling may be introducing overprocessing waste into your supply chain.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Overproduction
Producing or purchasing too much inventory leads to waste and carrying costs. Companies can apply the Lean principle of Takt time to ensure the right level of product is on hand to meet customer needs.
The Lean Supply Chain: A Field of Opportunity
The Lean Supply Chain is a system of interconnected and interdependent forces that operate in unison to accomplish overarching supply chain objectives, writes Robert Martichenko of LeanCor Supply Chain Group.
Playing the Waiting Game
Identify the sources of delay to reduce the time workers spend waiting for instructions and supplies. Lean tools such as Kanban and Total Productive Maintenance can help, writes Paul A. Myerson.
Eliminating Wasted Motion
Lean concepts such as 5S, Visual Workplace, and Kanban help reduce motion waste to create safer, more efficient workplaces.
Minimizing Wasted Movement
Eliminating unnecessary movements in warehousing operations goes a long way toward improving your supply chain’s Lean profile.
Inventory…What a Waste
Carrying excess inventory ties up valuable capital and warehouse space. Using lean tools to analyze and optimize inventory levels helps companies operate more efficiently.
Lean, Materials Handling, Warehousing
Making a Business Case for Lean MHE
Applying lean principles to materials handling equipment purchases and configurations helps companies cut costs, writes Robert Arndt, Ryder Supply Chain Solutions.
The Journey to Continuous Supply Chain Improvement
Applying lean manufacturing principles to supply chain and logistics operations can help businesses reduce costs and gain efficiencies, writes Paul A. Myerson of LPA, LLC.
Lean, Labor Management, Logistics I.T.
Leveraging Lean and Labor Management
Using lean components as a foundation for labor management is a powerful way to increase productivity and reduce costs in a warehouse or distribution center, according to Ryder Supply Chain Solutions’ Jeff Boudreau.
Tough Economic Times Require LEAN Logistics Solutions
Forward-thinking organizations are pursuing lean assessments to evaluate their supply chain, combined with innovative lean solutions to help them design the future state of their value stream, writes Eric Lail of Transportation Insight.
Integration: Bucking Convention
Buck Knives’ lean integration has allowed the company to sharpen efficiencies in its manufacturing operation, increase output, and pull back production from China.
Lean: The Next Best Thing to ‘Clip-and-Save’
Charlie Jacobs of APL Logistics explains the cost savings and efficiency benefits of implementing lean practices, as demonstrated by three warehousing case studies.
3PL, Lean, Supply Chain Management
Lean Six Sigma: Leaning by Degrees
Lean Six Sigma enablers and practitioners are using continuous improvement methodologies to squeeze cost and inefficiency out of the supply chain.
Deere Customer
A lean manufacturing value chain sometimes carries the risk of falling behind demand, as John Deere discovered, but the alternative can be worse, writes Inbound Logistics Publisher Keith Biondo.
Crack the WIP for a Leaner Supply Chain
Zebra Technologies' David Phillips explains how eliminating excess work-in-process waste improves your supply chain.
Automation, Robotics, Forklifts, Materials Handling
Automation and Materials Handling Innovation: And The Award Goes To...
Much warehouse innovation has focused on AMRs and AGVs, but innovation is happening with other aspects of materials handling, too. Here’s a sampling of how companies are innovating to meet demand.
Green Logistics, Robotics, Warehousing
Noted: The Supply Chain In Brief
From recent mergers and acquisitions to sustainability programs, here's what's new and notable in the supply chain.
Robotics, Technology , Warehousing
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT | AMRs and AGVs
These automated guided vehicle (AGV) and autonomous mobile robot (AMR) solutions optimize warehouse operations.
Follow the Sun
Chief executive officer Arch Thomason basks in a mentor list 33 names long, lean principles, and a team of smart people to keep Sunland Logistics Solutions shining bright and set customers up for success.
Big Data, Robotics, Technology
3 Ways AI Can Reap Benefits
Here are three key areas where artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can reap significant benefits for both shippers and carriers.
There's No Easy Button for AI and ML
Companies willing to give AI and ML a chance often get off on the wrong foot. Here’s an effective way to get going.
Big Data, Robotics, Technology
Technology Can Supercharge Your Supply Chain, Here's Where to Start
The inevitable trend of utilizing artificial intelligence in the supply chain has already started to pay forward. Here's what shippers should do to supercharge their supply chains.
Robotics Deployment Increases 3PL's Productivity from Day 1
Locus Robotics deployed autonomous mobile robots along with actionable reporting tools and dashboards for Taylored Services. The scalable solution brought immediate gains.
Automation, Robotics, Materials Handling, Technology , Warehousing
B2B Materials Supplier Prepares for a Fast-Growth Future with a Fleet of Mobile Robots
Many companies integrating robotics seek to add them to their current warehouse layout to keep the workflow seamless. Material Bank worked with Locus Robotics build their entire business model around the robotic solution for even more gains.
Lean Logistics, Risk Management, Technology
Bringing End-2-End Efficiency to Your Logistics Operations
Companies are looking for ways to manage more efficiently with less—while reallocating resources to more productive activities and maximizing freight spend value. Logistics operations are a great place to start as even the smallest percentage savings could mean triple digit impact to bottom lines.
IBP and Lean: A Match Made in Heaven
Integrated Business Planning (IBP) uses an outside in type of thinking approach, which is more appropriate in today’s business world.
Lean Logistics, Lean, Supply Chain
Managing Change in Turbulent Times
The rules that keep goods moving across borders are only going to get more complex. Staying compliant, let alone keeping track and making sense of scores of countries’ customs and compliance rules, international trade agreements, and a host of new pacts that will soon be coming online is a daunting task.
Lean Logistics, Lean, Sourcing/Negotiations, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management
Going Straight to the Sourcing
This article defines strategic sourcing and how to implement it.
E-commerce, Last Mile Delivery, Lean, Retail, Supply Chain
Store Delivery Keeps Retailers in the Game
The fulfillment part of multi-channel e-commerce is tricky; store delivery is one possible last-mile option.
Lean Logistics, Lean, Risk Management, Supply Chain
Global Supply Chain Risk: Don’t Wait, Mitigate
Having a global supply chain risk management strategy in place can not only increase value to your customers but also reduce your costs and increase performance.
E-commerce, Retail Logistics, Distribution, Fulfillment, Inventory Management, Lean, Supply Chain Management
How can retailers compete with the logistics dominance of the e-commerce behemoths?
Readers share how they keep their smaller retail businesses competitive against massive-commerce companies.
Automation, Robotics, Demand Planning
Scalable Automation Boosts Productivity for Peak Season and Beyond
Verst’s partnership with Locus Robotics addresses labor challenges by using computer-guided bots, enabling Verst to fill orders faster and with greater accuracy.
Robotics, Technology , Warehousing
4 Ways to Unlock the True Potential of Warehouse Automation
While warehouse and logistics professionals are great at problem-solving, they often don’t have access to data that will help them anticipate factors that will impact their operational efficiencies. AI, however, can. Here are four ways AI-powered orchestration engines can help improve productivity and efficiency in warehouse settings.
Lean Logistics, Lean, Supply Chain
Managing Change in Turbulent Times
The rules that keep goods moving across borders are only going to get more complex. Staying compliant, let alone keeping track and making sense of scores of countries’ customs and compliance rules, international trade agreements, and a host of new pacts that will soon be coming online is a daunting task.
Lean Logistics, Retail, Supply Chain
Omnichannel Retail: 4 Rules for Success
It is possible to anticipate and plan for future omnichannel retail challenges by following these four rules.
Lean Logistics, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain
Don't Let Your Office Go to Waste
It can be easy to ignore the efficiency of administrative activities in the supply chain but office activities can constitute approximately 50 percent of the order to shipment lead time. Here’s how to apply lean tools to your office.
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.
Green Logistics, Lean Logistics, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain, Sustainability
19 Steps to Creating a Lean and Green Supply Chain
Developing greener and more sustainable supply chains reduces the legal, financial, and reputational risks to which most companies are exposed, and has a positive impact on the bottom line.
Lean Logistics, Lean, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management
Does Lean Have a Limit?
Automation and intelligence will be key tools in developing supply chain resilience. Companies can start by implementing these three key enablers.
Lean Logistics, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain
Don't Let Your Office Go to Waste
It can be easy to ignore the efficiency of administrative activities in the supply chain but office activities can constitute approximately 50 percent of the order to shipment lead time. Here’s how to apply lean tools to your office.
Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain, Technology
Internet of Things to Come
The Internet of Things offers greater differentiation and innovation of the supply chain, which can lead to a competitive advantage.
Green Logistics, Lean Logistics, Lean, Logistics, Supply Chain, Sustainability
19 Steps to Creating a Lean and Green Supply Chain
Developing greener and more sustainable supply chains reduces the legal, financial, and reputational risks to which most companies are exposed, and has a positive impact on the bottom line.
Air Cargo, Last Mile Delivery, Expedited Air, Robotics, Wind Logistics
Drones: Ready for Takeoff
The latest drone innovations include wind farm duty, last-mile stints, and an end-to-end middle mile cargo system.
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