Articles
Ten Tips
Selecting a Bar-Code System
If you are looking to purchase a bar-code system, do your homework first. Many suppliers offer all types of systems that can provide you with more than you need, or less than you need. John Caltagirone, vice president, supply chain strategy for Illinois-based Revere Group, offers these 10 tips to make selecting a new bar-code […]
Read MoreSuccessful Global Data Synchronization
Data synchronization is a crucial component of e-commerce. As companies increasingly communicate via computer, organizing and synchronizing data with all trading partners poses a greater challenge. Here are 10 tips to undertaking a successful data synchronization initiative, from Craig Bednarovsky, global retail marketing manager, Global Exchange Services. 1. Get educated. Understand the standard bodies relevant […]
Read MoreChoosing A Warehouse Racking System
A racking system can make or break your warehouse or distribution center. Even if you plan to make some changes and reclaim space in an existing facility, you must consider physical constraints and unique operating requirements before selecting a rack system. Here, Bill Hillebrenner, director of consulting services, CEI Logistics, demystifies the rack selection process. […]
Read MoreAdapting to Hours of Service Rules
On Jan. 4, 2004, the Hours of Service (HOS) rules, adopted in 1939, are changing. The idea behind the changes is to permit commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers more time and opportunities for quality rest and restorative sleep, and to reduce the number of crashes caused by drowsy, tired, or fatigued CMV drivers. Dave Bouchard, […]
Read MoreManaging Truckload Transportation
To successfully manage truckload transportation, transport buyers must begin thinking of transportation procurement as a tactical planning process consistent with their supply chain strategy and not as an operational detail, says Bob Belshaw, vice president of INSIGHT Inc., a supply chain planning and transportation solutions vendor. Here, he offers 10 tips on managing truckload to […]
Read MoreShipping Temperature-Sensitive Products
Moving temperature-sensitive products can be a hassle. Delays and shipping snafus can wreak havoc on your bottom line. Jim Snider, vice president and general manager of FedEx Custom Critical White Glove Services, knows how crucial it is to guarantee that product arrives cool to the customer. Here are his 10 tips for shipping temperature-sensitive products. […]
Read MoreSelecting Forwarders and NVOCs
Receiving and shipping goods from overseas can be confusing. But receiving and sending the goods is only half the battle. It’s actually the selection of the right forwarder or NVOC (Non-Vessel-Operating Carrier) that is the most important task, but one that can cause you the most headache, especially if you make the wrong choice. To […]
Read MoreCreating Effective Routing Guides
A s companies seek to streamline their supply chains and logistics processes, their transportation routing guides have never been more important. Getting vendor and carrier compliance depends how the routing guide is put together. It must be easy to read, simple to use, and flexible. Shawn Masters, group logistics manager for Ryder Systems, offers these […]
Read MoreInvesting in Wireless Systems
Investing in a wireless solution for your warehouse calls for careful consideration. Richard Bauly, vice president, strategy and business development, Psion Teklogix, offers these tips for selecting your new system. 1. Understand the needs of your staff. The wireless and mobile systems that deliver the most value solve a defined problem. Examine current operations and […]
Read MoreTightening Supply Chain Security
Theft, terrorist activities, or cargo loss can happen on ocean vessels, at ports, in airports, at loading docks, or in transit. Don’t leave your inventory and equipment vulnerable. Here are 10 tips for tightening security along your supply chain, from Chris Corrado, vice president customer support, APL Logistics. 1. Participate in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against […]
Read MoreBoosting Your Logistics Skillset
Is your job secure? With outsourcing at an all-time high, logistics and transportation professionals are pressured now, more than ever, to keep their skills sharp and their resumes up to date. Todd Provost, general manager of California-based Management Recruiters of Dana Point, offers these tips for boosting your skillset in the ever-changing logistics industry. 1. […]
Read MoreOutsmarting Scope Creep
Scope creep. What is it? Will it hurt you? How can you avoid it? Scope creep occurs when the boundaries of an original project agreement begin to wander. It’s not uncommon to venture outside the lines and consider new ideas and approaches, but if scope creep is not effectively managed it can lead to budget […]
Read MoreChoosing a Warehouse Management System
Purchasing a new Warehouse Management System (WMS) for your company is a little more complicated than simply interviewing a group of companies and picking the most newfangled or expensive product on the market. You have to know what drives your company and be able to weed through all the bells and whistles to target your […]
Read MoreSelecting a Transportation Management System
To help you select a transportation management system, here are 10 tips from Kevin Lynch, CEO of Minneapolis-based Nistevo, which provides a collaborative logistics network for transportation management: 1. Insource or outsource? Streamlined transportation management can be achieved through purchasing TMS technology or selecting a 3PL with TMS capabilities. Your level of internal expertise and […]
Read MoreWorking With Transportation Salespeople
Working with transportation salespeople can be a pleasant or frustrating experience. You have to separate the person who wants to sell you something from the professional who wants to provide the appropriate solution that will meet your needs. To help you get the most bang for your buck and establish a relationship that leaves you […]
Read MoreMaximizing Your CRM System
Two-thirds of all Customer Relationship Management (CRM) initiatives fail, according to a recent study by Gartner Inc. Proper implementation and direction may be one problem. But many businesses overlook the fact that the CRM information they store and manage is inaccurate, outdated, or redundant. Here are 10 tips to help you maximize the effectiveness of […]
Read MoreSelecting Core Carriers
Choosing core carriers can be a daunting task, especially with so many carriers out there wooing your business. Here are 10 tips to help you keep a clear head when carriers come courting with all their bells and whistles, from Bob Belshaw, vice president business development and Robert Harper, product support manager, transportation, Insight Inc., […]
Read MoreLogistics Contingency Planning
Can your company weather a logistics disaster such as a terrorist attack, airport closure, or worker strike? These sudden disruptions can strand you—along with your customers’ freight. Here are tips on planning for a crisis, and handling emergency shipping when a major disruption happens, from Joel Childs, vice president of marketing, FedEx Custom Critical. 1. […]
Read MoreChoosing Cross-Border Partners
Moving goods across U.S. borders into Mexico can be difficult if you don’t align yourself with the right partners and establish solid relationships with carriers and brokers. Here are suggestions to help you select your cross-border partners wisely, from Gene Sevilla-Secasa, vice president, managing director for Ryder Latin America. 1. Invest adequate time and do […]
Read MoreChoosing the Right Logistics Consultant
Choosing a logistics consultant should not be a search for the lowest-cost solution, but rather a search for experience and success based on definitive criteria. Dr. Dick Powers, CEO and president of the Bend, Ore., and Manassas, Va.-based consulting firm INSIGHT, which solves logistics and supply chain issues with optimization-based solutions, offers these tips for […]
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