Restaurant Logistics: Serving up the Perfect Meal
To satisfy consumers’ hunger for quality food at low prices, the restaurant industry adds enhanced supply chain management processes to the menu.
Navigating Pharma Logistics
Temperature control, security, chain of custody, and regulatory compliance obstacles can stop pharmaceutical manufacturers at every turn. Strategic supply chain management helps provide a way out.
Utilities & Site Selection: Energized for Success
The availability of low-cost and reliable energy creates super-charged opportunities for locating warehouses and distribution centers.
Data Warehousing System Puts an End to Paperwork
Paper distributor and converter Roosevelt Paper wraps up manual information processes, and implements an automated data collection and management system to streamline operations.
3PL Partnerships: From Tactical to Strategic
It was déjà vu all over again as I sorted through the responses to this year’s Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards survey and 3PL Perspectives research. Like last year, and the year before, and the year before that, a sizable percentage of survey respondents said they select logistics partners based on their ability to secure […]
3PL Partnerships: From Transactions to Trust
In business context, transactional relationships are often laden with legal conditions—unlimited liability, implied agency, utmost good faith. Even with assurances that a partner will do the right thing, it all comes down to costs and consequences. For many years, the supply chain operated in a similar fashion. Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) demonstrated their value by […]
Determining If AS/RS Fits Your Facility
Most businesses that incorporate large-load automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) store and handle full pallet loads moving at high volumes in and out of a distribution center or manufacturing plant. But other business types may also benefit from the solution. Norm Saenz, senior vice president and principal, TranSystems Corporation, offers these tips on deciding […]
Dennis Omanoff: Hard-Driving Man
Dennis Omanoff joined Seagate in 2011 and serves as senior vice president of supply chain and procurement. Based in Cupertino, Calif., Seagate is a leading manufacturer of hard drives and storage solutions. Responsibilities: Supply and demand planning, commodity management, procurement, retail supply chain, service supply chain, logistics, and freight. Experience includes: Several positions in manufacturing […]
Trends–July 2012
The 23rd Annual State of Logistics Report: Sputtering Toward Sustained Growth The city was abuzz with speculation about the fall presidential election in June 2008 when Rosalyn Wilson, senior business analyst for Delcan Corp., gave her annual State of Logistics presentation in Washington, D.C. Stormy economic clouds were already gathering as a consequence of the […]
Global Logistics—July 2012
Latin America Charts Path to Growth Considering trade with Latin America? Here’s a look at five key countries in various stages of economic, political, and trade/supply chain growth. Argentina. Until recently, Argentina has been relatively resilient to global economic woes, and the impact of slower growth in Brazil. Ernst & Young’s Rapid Growth Markets Forecast […]
Think Outside the Border
Companies of all sizes are benefitting from international trade, and those that don’t are getting left behind. Whether your company is small, mid-sized or a global multi-national, there is a way for you to get in the global trade game. Global Solutions For Global Companies For large North American companies operating in multi-national markets, moving […]
Ports Can Help Ensure Ship-Shape Supply Chains
As shippers see their business volumes increasing even as revenues lag, it becomes more important than ever for ports to focus on reliable and prompt service. Shippers are entitled to a high level of service, and they should be able to expect that their ports of call will take a proactive role in managing the […]
TAPA Standards Safeguard Cargo
Cargo theft is a major concern for high-value, high-risk product manufacturers and their logistics service providers. In the third quarter of 2011 alone, 263 cargo thefts of building/industrial, electronics, and consumer care products occurred in the United States, according to logistics security firm FreightWatch International. One way to help ensure cargo safety in storage facilities […]
Containerization’s Benefits Can’t Be Contained
Today’s leading companies are reexamining their supply chain operations, and implementing new strategies and technology to improve performance and enhance efficiencies. Moving cargo in containers, or containerization, is one area of opportunity shippers can leverage, not only in downstream transportation and logistics functions, but also in unexpected upstream supply chain planning functions. In its simplest […]
Don’t Be Afraid Of Product Lifecycle Assessment
Sustainability, carbon footprint, and lifecycle assessment (LCA) are becoming common discussion topics in the boardroom. These terms often generate fear as well as discussion, as executives worry about how their company will stack up against competitors, how much an environmental impact analysis will cost, and whether the measurements will be accurate. The benefit of analyzing […]
Blazing Trails from the Crossroads of America
Missouri’s transportation system is an essential component of many industries, and the heartbeat of everyday life, working as a conduit between its rural areas and its big cities. But, because it’s always there, it can be easy to take the state’s transportation infrastructure for granted. Sometimes we need to be reminded that transportation can—and does—make […]
Sophisticated Innovations Enhance Supply Chain Security
The global economy relies on moving goods securely and efficiently through an increasingly extended multimodal transport system. Aggressive thieves with sophisticated techniques have spurred innovations in shipment processes, technology tools, and regulatory compliance to enhance logistics security efforts. As a framework for better security processes, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 28000 standards on supply […]
Managing Global Complexity: The Right Tools for the Job
Henry Ford is popularly quoted as saying that his customers could have any color Model T they wanted—as long as it was black. For years, global logistics professionals using optimization could relate to Ford’s quote, because they could apply this highly respected engineering practice to virtually any shipping challenge they faced—as long as they were […]
Failure is Not an Option: Questions and Answers with Brian Hancock
As the world’s largest distributor of products to the world’s largest restaurant company, Martin-Brower is under extreme pressure to deliver to McDonald’s accurately, on time, every time. Inbound Logistics met with Brian Hancock, president, North America, for Martin-Brower, to discuss the unique supply chain supporting the Golden Arches.
Southeast Ports: What’s on the Horizon?
Looking out to 2015, anticipation is swirling about the Panama Canal’s expansion and impact on U.S. trade. Among southeastern ports and shippers, that wave of anticipation has already made landfall.
Great Partnerships: 3PLs and Shippers
Many companies have traded old-style transactional relationships with 3PLs for collaborative partnerships that stand the test of time.
3PL Perspectives 2012: Shippers and 3PLs—Perfect Together
Inbound Logistics’ eighth-annual 3PL market research report demonstrates how 3PLs and shippers are connecting to confront existing challenges and capitalize on new opportunities.
Readers’ Choice: Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards 2012
What elevates a relationship from a workable collaboration to a truly great partnership? MORE TO THE STORY: 3PLs to Watch About the Survey Respondents Partner Appreciation: A Sampling of Reader Comments We try to describe this elusive state in so many ways: “He just gets me.” “She’s the yin to my yang.” “It’s like he […]
Loading Dock Safety: No More Risky Business
Busy loading docks can create a dangerous work environment. But recent advances in dock safety technology help keep workers safe on the job.
Urban Delivery: Getting Into the Grid
Traffic congestion and infrastructure limitations complicate delivery in major cities, but expedited carriers use network engineering, communication tools, and contingency planning to ensure they meet shipper needs.
Thinking Small: The Business Case for LCL
Using less-than-containerload (LCL) services to ship smaller ocean freight volumes can reap large benefits.
Lift Truck Strategies Raise the Bar
Materials handling automation and warehouse technology are transforming forklift fleets into competitive weapons—and distribution facilities into finely tuned, demand-responsive machines.
Inbound Transportation Management and Control: Why It’s Important and How to Grab It
Do inbound shipments just seem to appear on your dock? Here’s how to seize control.
Inbound Logistics’ Summer Reading Guide 2012
Whether you brush up on fundamental logistics concepts, or explore emerging warehousing, sustainability, and procurement trends, you’ll be brighter than ever after dipping into these supply chain bestsellers.
Canada Trade: Driving Growth Northward
Increasing demand for U.S. goods in Canada represents a positive sign for the economies of both countries. But keeping cross-border shipments moving requires building smart and savvy logistics partnerships.
Co-locating Reverse and Forward Logistics Unlocks Value of Returns
Q: Why is reverse logistics an important function in today’s consumer electronics supply chain? A: Companies are trying to extend product lifecycles, as well as maximize asset recovery value. If they spend money to make a product, they want to recapture as much of the original cost as possible. Consider that 65 to 70 percent […]
Developing a Comprehensive Transportation Strategy
Q: What advice do you have for companies attempting to optimize their inbound freight? A: It’s worth the effort. Traditionally, companies have focused on low-hanging fruit, such as improving efficiencies and reducing outbound transportation costs. Overlooked is the more difficult task of managing inbound transportation, which can often be multi-modal, multi-leg, and international. Companies need […]
SaaS-Based TMS Empowers Global Freight Management
Q: What are the biggest challenges facing shippers in today’s economic environment? A: In today’s volatile market, managing transportation domestically and globally is a key factor for a more efficient and cohesive supply chain. Many businesses still use manual methods to manage freight, with no way to measure service or performance. Other companies are bound […]
3PLs Control Loads to Provide Shippers Superior Service
Q: Third-party logistics (3PL) companies face many challenges with each shipment they manage. Why is it critical for 3PLs to take control of their shipments? A: In today’s difficult economy, shippers look for efficiencies such as maintaining smaller inventories and scheduling employees to unload freight at key consumption and/or distribution times. This demand only increases […]
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 […]
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 […]
Supply Chain Control Towers Offer a Bird’s-Eye View
Q: How can companies better manage their supply chains to gain competitive advantage? A: Over the past year, the concept of a supply chain control tower has been gaining momentum. A control tower is a single command center for visibility, decision-making, and action, based on real-time data. “A supply chain control tower is a central […]
Improving Reverse Logistics Moves Shippers Forward
Q: How can shippers improve their reverse supply chain? A: Amid today’s higher fuel and transportation costs, technology becomes critical as companies search for efficiencies within the supply chain. The reverse supply chain has historically been viewed as a cost center and is often overlooked as a place where profit can be found. In the […]
Helping Shippers Do More With Less
Q: What challenges or issues are shippers facing in an era of globalization? A: Our world has certainly become a much smaller place, but our challenges have only increased. Coupled with a tough economic climate, the need for greater supply chain visibility is paramount. Transportation costs over the past several years have come under greater […]
Opening the Door To Real-Time Visibility
The WHITING Group replaced siloed systems with integrated ERP, ushering in transparency and real-time decision-making across its multiple divisions.
Stacker Cranes Cure Pallet Pain
Pharmaceutical manufacturer Catalent prescribed an automated storage and retrieval system to treat inefficient pallet storage in its high-bay warehouse.
Green Leadership for Lean Times
Current economic conditions are cooling enthusiasm for green initiatives in some quarters. But not in Bentonville, Ark., where Walmart recently released its 2012 Global Responsibility report. Someone once said, "as Walmart goes, so goes the nation." I don’t know if that’s true, but despite lean times, the retailer is providing leadership in supply chain sustainability. […]
Keeping Shipping Costs in Check
With fuel costs continually rising, and consumers demanding faster delivery—preferably for free—it is more important than ever for companies to control their shipping costs. John Haber, founder and CEO of consulting firm Spend Management Experts, offers these tips for managing freight costs. 1. Carefully analyze your current carrier base. Be sure to take into account […]
Mary Foster’s Excellent Adventure
Mary Foster has served as vice president, supply chain management, at Inteva Products in Troy, Mich., since 2007. Inteva is a major global supplier of automotive closure systems, interiors systems, motors, electronics, and roof systems. Responsibilities: Direct and indirect material purchasing, logistics. Experience: Capacity planning, purchasing, Ford Tractor Operations; various positions in purchasing and production […]
Trends—June 2012
4 Supply Chain Predictions For the Next 4 Years Four trends are expected to impact global logistics organizations over the next four years, according to Gartner, a consultancy based in Stamford, Conn. The predictions come as 60 percent of companies surveyed as a primer for Gartner’s July 2012 Supply Chain Executive Conference in Sydney, Australia, […]
Global Logistics—June 2012
Air Cargo Growth in Holding Pattern Hitting bottom might be a sign of better things to come. Freight demand was down 4.2 percent year-over-year, according to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) April 2012 global traffic results. While some of this volume degradation can be attributed to monthly volatility, some signs indicate that different areas […]
CNG Fuels Trucking Sustainability Efforts
Nearly 55 percent of U.S. executives report their organization now has a formal sustainability strategy in place, according to a KPMG International corporate sustainability study. One development gaining momentum in the trucking industry is investing in vehicles that run on alternative fuels. Companies are exploring a variety of options, including electricity, ethanol, biodiesel, liquefied natural […]
Inventory…What a Waste
We all know that inventory is a necessity. When you fully understand its purpose and cost, however, you realize why lean practitioners consider it one of the Eight Wastes. Inventory can be among a company’s most expensive assets, representing up to half of total invested capital. The major reasons for carrying inventory are to decouple […]
Nearsourcing to Mexico Improves Operational Efficiency
For years, Asia was the location of choice for low-priced manufacturing. The Asian shipping market was hit hard by the global recession in late 2008 and 2009, however, and the region became less appealing as a manufacturing site when labor costs began rising. Then, as the global economy improved, demand for product quickly outpaced supply […]
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 […]
Chemical Logistics: Shippers/Providers Achieve Perfect Chemistry
For the right blend of expertise, experience, and equipment, many shippers of chemical products turn to specialized carriers and 3PLs.
The Illuminating Power of Yard Management Systems
Trailer yards can be supply chain black holes between the visibility provided by transportation and warehouse management systems. Yard management systems shed light on trailer and shipment location.
Air Cargo’s Future: Ready for Anything
Developing international markets and growing consumer confidence raise hopes for increased airfreight demand.
Beating the Odds in Latin America
Multinational corporations are gambling on the Latin American market’s growth potential. But when it comes to meeting the region’s supply chain challenges, all bets are off.
Battlefields and Boardrooms: The Military-Private Sector Connection
Military skills are put to good use in the private sector. The traits of an exceptional soldier—leadership, persistence, teamwork, order—are also the traits of exceptional logistics professionals.
Supporting a Glass Act
When Mexican automotive glassmaker Vitro opened a distribution center in the United States, it became crystal clear that the site would need a logistics-savvy workforce.
Materials Handling: A Better View
Visual technologies manufacturer Christie sees clear benefits from its new storage and retrieval system.
Green is Still White Hot
While freight costs and capacity dominate water cooler conversations, sustainability embers smolder deep within the supply chain. The fire is still perceptible. So are the justifications.
Warehousing ‘Outside the Box’
Historically, warehousing was viewed as a function that exists inside “four walls.” Visibly, that’s true. But when you consider all the different parts and impulses that influence a distribution operation, it can no longer be cornered so conveniently. That’s why our May 2012 issue spotlights warehousing and distribution wall-to-wall—and beyond. For example, it’s easy to […]
Becoming a Transportation Industry Advocate
Legislators are currently considering and implementing laws and regulations many transportation experts fear will significantly erode trucking productivity and increase the delivered cost of goods. There’s no time like the present to begin advocating your company’s interests. Brian Everett, ABC, executive director for the National Shipper’s Strategic Transportation Council (NASSTRAC), outlines how business leaders can […]
Michael Gilbert: A Fresh Start
Michael Gilbert is director of logistics and facilities at Indianapolis Fruit Company, which provides fresh fruits and vegetables to grocery stores and restaurants in eight midwestern states. He joined the company in 2011. Responsibilities: Supervising a team of four managers who run the warehouse’s shipping department, the facilities maintenance and sanitation department, and regional inbound […]
Trends—May 2012
Seeding the Cloud, Harvesting Supply Chain Intelligence The rise of "the cloud" and the proliferation of social media networks—both public and private—offer companies new avenues toward better analytical insight about their supply chains, says Siddharth Taparia, senior director, solution marketing for SAP. Inbound Logistics sat in on his recent presentation at the Supply Chain World […]
Global Logistics—May 2012
London Braces for Olympic-sized Logistics Logjam For global TV viewers, the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London will be a two-week parade of sports pomp and pageantry. But behind the scenes, a grittier story will unfold—how the rest of London gets on with life during a busy fortnight. The Freight Transport Association (FTA), a United […]
Proper Care and Nurturing of a Supply Chain
Supply chain can be complicated, but managing it effectively doesn’t have to be. Creating a superior supply chain is like parenting a baby through adulthood. It requires continual focus, monitoring, and care. Taking your eyes off your baby can be costly! But with proper care and nurturing, you can grow something that performs beautifully—even in […]
Hey! Your Numbers are Trying to Talk to You!
I run across many companies in my travels. For a while, I’ve been centering a bit on different companies’ methodologies for the continuous quest of supply chain network optimization, amongst other things. Some do quite a bit of planning and research, even hiring consultants, while others, it appears, do not. Particularly, the methodology for the […]
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 […]
LCL Plays Growing Role in Global Ocean Transportation
Demand for less-than-containerload (LCL) services is rising among global importers and exporters whose business models rely on cost, inventory control, and supply chain visibility. The shift to more LCL services in industries such as oil and gas (O&G), retail, and automotive can be attributed to several factors. Oil and gas fuels change: Running an end-to-end […]
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 […]
The Bionic Warehouse
When using warehouse technology to improve labor productivity, combining the right tools with the right people produces super-human results.
Innovative Warehouse Strategies: Four Walls, Three Takes
In most warehouses, change is a constant—especially when you consider seasonal demand forecasts, supply exceptions, and inventory flows. Distribution centers (DCs) are critical sense-and-respond nodes within the supply chain. Warehouse management is about mediating variability so supply flows to demand as economically and efficiently as possible. In today’s consumer economy, however, the warehousing function faces […]
The Power of Pallets
There’s more to these warehouse workhorses than meets the eye. Companies that use pallet systems strategically can reduce transport costs and promote supply chain efficiency.
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 […]
Warehouse Automation Management Goes Mobile
Q: Consumer devices, such as smartphones, are becoming more common in warehousing applications. How is the personal wireless space affecting the industrial/commercial wireless space? A: The form, function, and ease of use industry decision-makers experience when using their personal mobile devices is affecting their expectations of enterprise devices. It is driving demand for smaller and […]
Making a Business Case for Lean MHE
Q: What are the biggest cost drivers in a distribution center? A: Distribution centers are driven by four primary costs. Labor is usually the largest cost, which is why companies focus on it so much. Second is the building itself. Third are the IT systems necessary to support the operation. Finally, there’s materials handling equipment […]
Intermodal: More Than Roads and Rails
Intermodal service excellence requires well-connected transportation infrastructure, best-of-breed logistics service providers, a skilled workforce, and affordable utilities.
San Antonio: At the Crossroads of Opportunity
Centralized location and a fast-growing economy are luring U.S. and international businesses to discover San Antonio’s supply chain benefits.
A New Recipe for Effective Warehouse Management
Hungry to improve order fulfillment, Tastefully Simple orders a highly customizable WMS and savors a 20-percent improvement in pick rates.
Economic Development: Pulling the Right Strings
It’s one thing for politicians to say they support transportation and logistics investment, but it’s another thing for them to take action. Here are five states and government leaders going above and beyond to influence economic growth.
IT: Advantage @Light Speed
A professor at a well-known university recently remarked at a logistics conference, "Information technology is not a source of competitive advantage. It makes good systems better, and bad systems worse. It allows companies to do stupid things at the speed of light." Maybe. But IT can be a change agent that will almost always open […]
Achieving LEED Certification
Many manufacturing and distribution facility owners consider the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification the ultimate sustainability prize. Thomas Taylor, general manager for St. Louis-based sustainability consultant firm Vertegy, offers tips for earning LEED certification. 1. In warm-climate regions, install a white roof. A white or light-colored roof may […]
John Snider Does It Best
John Snider joined Do it Best Corp., Fort Wayne, Ind., in 1985, and has served as vice president of retail logistics since 2000. A buying cooperative that serves more than 4,000 independent member stores in the hardware, lumber, and building materials industry, Do it Best offers approximately 67,000 items. Responsibilities: Warehousing, inbound and outbound transportation, […]
Preparing for an Ocean Capacity Crunch
Shipping lines are suffering from an oversupply of vessel capacity on key Transatlantic and Asia-Europe trade lanes. Normally, this situation would be good news for shippers, because it means they have plenty of access to capacity—and the upper hand in negotiations with ocean carriers. Shippers should be worried about the overcapacity situation, combined with rapidly […]
The Journey to Continuous Supply Chain Improvement
For the past several years, businesses have focused on cutting supply chain and logistics costs. Their efforts have been partially successful, but they have left a lot on the table, not only in terms of cost reduction opportunities, but also productivity and quality. Applying lean manufacturing principles to supply chain and logistics operations is one […]
The Three Pillars of Effective Returns Management
Returns management presents both challenges and opportunities for inbound logistics. Waste management regulations and non-compliance penalties are increasing. Rising commodity prices and a growing secondary marketplace, however, create an opportunity to recover value from used and scrapped materials. A cost-effective reverse logistics program connects the incoming supply of returns with the product information and demand […]
Universities Produce Supply Chain Management Talent
Where do companies find their supply chain talent? Does that talent match their needs? Are supply chain management skill requirements the same across all industries? Firms, universities, and professional associations have struggled with these questions for years, and there are no one-size-fits-all answers. Universities are similar to manufacturing companies in that, to survive and prosper, […]
All-in-One
An ERP solution equipped with supply chain management functions gives businesses all the logistics tools they need.
The 2012 Top 100 Logistics IT Providers & Market Research Survey
Inbound Logistics’ annual logistics technology market research report delivers exclusive insights on logistics technology trends, and reveals this year’s best-in-class vendors.
Second-Generation Logistics Software: Accessible Anywhere
Q: What is the latest logistics software trend? A: Transportation management systems (TMS) have morphed into communication hubs with Web and mobile access. The PC user interface for employees—while still crucial—is becoming much less important than it once was. Q: How can that be? The first generation of software focused on employees adding and viewing […]
GTM Solutions Keep Businesses Plugged In
Q: Why is it difficult for organizations to integrate true end-to-end global trade management? A: True end-to-end global trade management (GTM) means managing and optimizing all the functions required to move goods across international borders. Organizations may argue that they are already doing GTM, when in fact they are only undertaking disparate pieces, such as international […]
World-Class Logistics Operations Require Multi-Party Processes and Technology
Q: How can supply chain technology help businesses improve logistics operations? A: The majority of IT solutions available today constrain logistics operations performance. Most logistics problems are inter-enterprise, but the majority of logistics technology solutions are enterprise-focused. As a result, too much of the coordination still takes place over email and phone, and only involves […]
Taking Control of Transportation Spend Management
Q: Cloud computing is fast becoming a reality of everyday business life. How can companies get started in leveraging interconnected shared logistics platforms, and why does it save time and money? A: As enterprises strive to show almost-immediate return on investment, they seek solutions that are globally accessible, scalable, and require minimal up-front investment. Maintaining […]
Maximizing Global Logistics Management Effectiveness
Q: What are the biggest challenges shippers face with globalization in today’s market? A: Many shippers face the challenge of orchestrating an end-to-end process and managing interplay with third parties, such as customers, suppliers, ocean carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and government agencies. Doing so effectively is difficult, regardless of whether the shipper is importing […]
Bringing Clarity to Visibility Solution Investments
Q: How do you define visibility? A: Visibility is understanding the location and current status of key assets—whether on-time shipments or inventory stockouts. Visibility boils down to three elements: orders, shipments against orders, and inventory. Q: Why is supply chain visibility such a challenge for companies? A: Visibility is hard to quantify. Companies may make […]
KPI Data Creates Improvement Opportunities
Q: What are the latest logistics software innovations? A: Improving how key performance indicators (KPIs) specific to freight are developed, measured, and managed seems to be a growing theme with leading software providers. KPIs are used to collect and measure actionable data to help improve accurate shipping decision-making and processes. The key word is actionable. […]
Leveraging Lean and Labor Management
Q: In the context of retail, what is lean labor management and what does it entail? A: Lean has origins in manufacturing, but some of its concepts apply in the retail space—notably, reducing waste and increasing quality. Using these lean components as a foundation for labor management increases productivity and reduces costs in a warehouse […]
The Right ERP Solution Puts All the Pieces Together
Q: How can today’s manufacturers deal with increasing regulations, demand volatility, and shifting global trade currents? A: Success for manufacturers today depends on agility. The one certainty with global trade currents, regulations, and demand is that they will change, and your ability to adapt defines your growth potential. A well-implemented enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution […]
Automated Routing: The Path to Optimization
Q: What guidance can you offer firms exploring routing and scheduling technologies for the first time? A: Automation is a great benefit of logistics technology—though not the only one. Technologies that automate time-consuming, repetitive jobs free us up to do what humans excel at: spotting and dealing with change and exceptions. It can take numerous […]
Collaborative Trade Communities Keep Companies Competitive
Q: What is the primary advantage of Collaborative Trade Communities? A: The way they function is much simpler than how most companies do business today. We spend a significant amount of effort and time tracking what our supply chain partners are doing. This includes sending instructions and entering them into corresponding systems, communicating and updating […]
Technology Enables You to Be Positively Different
Q: How can logistics technologies be utilized as a competitive differentiator? A: Most companies prefer to attract customers by providing unique brand-driven customer experiences and services rather than competing on price. Strategic and practical use of the right technologies enables sharp pricing competitiveness, creates better customer experiences, reduces expenses, and raises productivity. The evolution of […]
Packaging Grows Green
Many shippers are looking to replace fossil fuel-based packaging materials with more sustainable options. But they must do their homework to find the best—and greenest—fit.