Articles
Logistics
Drones in last-mile logistics: hype or help?
“Drones will complement the strategies of complex supply chains and cultivate a culture that focuses on innovation. Drones will eventually provide more control/consistency of last-mile logistics, which will improve industry efficiencies; however, we are years from realizing this full potential.”
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INTTRA CEO John Fay: Trading Stocks for Ships
John Fay made his name on Wall Street, at companies that operate digital platforms for trading securities and other financial instruments. In 2014, he moved into the logistics world, taking the helm at INTTRA, a global marketplace for ocean transportation. That’s not as big a leap as it might sound. MORE TO THE STORY: Time […]
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Dave Christensen: A Spirited Approach to Supply Chain Management
Dave Christensen is vice president of supply chain with Glazer’s Inc., a Dallas-based distributor of alcoholic beverages. He has been with Glazer’s since 2004. Responsibilities: Demand planning, replenishment, logistics, and master data management. Experience: Supply chain consultant, Accenture. Education: BS, industrial engineering, Purdue University, 1998. Dave Christensen: A Spirited Approach Growing up, math and science […]
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Trends—May 2016
Robots Coming Soon to A Warehouse Near You Even with the rise of the Internet of Things and the advancement of automation technologies, 80 percent of global logistics facilities still operate manually, according to Robotics in Logistics, a report by Deutsche Post DHL. But the time for robots in logistics is upon us. "Robots work […]
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Global Logistics—May 2016
Earthquakes Shake Up Global Supply Chains The global supply chain is still feeling the aftershocks of a 6.5-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan on April 14, 2016, followed by a 7.3-magnitude earthquake two days later on Japan’s island of Kyushu. With property and local infrastructure severely damaged, many companies will continue to feel the effects in […]
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Changing the Shape of Supply and Demand
Demand sensing and demand shaping have become important strategies when considering customer collaboration and downstream visibility to improve supply chain efficiency. Demand sensing refers to forecasting methods that use mathematical techniques and real-time information to create more accurate demand forecasts (a variety of supply chain analytics), while demand shaping is the act of influencing demand […]
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Social Media Puts Supply Chain Change at Your Fingertips
More and more companies are using social media to better understand the needs of consumers. When it comes to supply chain management, shippers can gain insight into which products are selling, how they’re being distributed, and how to improve the entire supply chain. Like any tool, social media is a way to collect more information, […]
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CBP’s ACE Reporting Will Reduce Global Trade Risks
Even though the rollout of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) has had a bevy of delays, quicker and easier data access will benefit government agencies and the trading industry. As the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues to roll out the ACE Single Window program throughout 2016, the goal remains the same: to eliminate […]
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Three Key Points to Communicate to Become Your Customers’ Dream Provider
Communication and transparency are key to being a good partner to your clients. If your logistics organization is in the process of responding to RFP questions from a plum potential customer, positioning your logistics organization as the ideal fit for that customer depends on clear communication of three defining factors of your business: specialization, size, […]
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Managing Warehousing Requirements During Peak Periods (Without Committing to Long-term Contracts)
Managing peak period shipment volume is a structural challenge in the U.S. economy. Those preoccupied with executing order fulfillment services spend much of the year thinking about and planning for it. The surge is a three- to four-month peak in first inbound, and then outbound shipments, with overlap. Shipments to retailers come first, followed by […]
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TMS: Time to Make Your Move?
Transportation management systems are becoming less expensive and easier to own. Now, companies of any size can get in the game.
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Advantages of Waveless Order Fulfillment
Q: What is waveless order fulfillment? A: It is a software-driven order fulfillment processing methodology that continuously pulls orders into a fulfillment operation based on the availability of the resources, people, and inventory needed to fulfill orders. Q: How does waveless order fulfillment differ from wave processing? A: In traditional wave processing, a warehouse management […]
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Unleash the Full Potential of Your Supply Chain
Q: What are the compelling reasons a shipper seeks outsourced logistics support? A: Companies are realizing the differentiated value their supply chains provide in the areas of customer retention, brand reputation and overall bottom-line performance. However, the focus and commitment to enhance supply chain programs are often viewed as a distraction from core functions. Shippers […]
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An Incremental Approach to TMS Acquisition
Q: If savings from a TMS deployment can be significant, what are the benefits of an incremental approach to acquisition? A: It’s true, studies show that savings from a TMS deployment can exceed eight percent of annual freight spend in some verticals. These savings are derived from visibility, analytics, optimization, process improvement and enforcement. In […]
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Best Practices for Effective Carrier Management
Q: Can you share some best practices for effective carrier management? A: There are three that I always recommend. First, seek a TMS platform supporting the use of carriers of all sizes—small to mid-sized to large. It should support EDI and other contemporary technologies utilized by the larger carriers, but also deliver things like a […]
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Pallets: The Power Behind the Supply Chain
Pallet contributions to supply chain efficiency are letter perfect.
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Sapa Puts a Dent in Freight Costs
An aluminum solutions producer extrudes costs and ineffi ciencies with a cloud-based TMS.
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Perfect Security by 2025?
Our annual technology issue highlights evolving approaches that drive supply chain performance. New technology will also bring advances to security. Here’s a look at what I envision for security in 2025: Wi-Fi umbrellas cover entire areas, making any movement or off-baseline measurement (such as heat or sound) cause for alarm once the facility is locked […]
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What hobbies/activities make you better at supply chain and logistics management?
MORE TO THE STORY: Comments from LinkedIn Supply chain management is like cooking a complicated meal. You must plan well, execute with excellence, and serve perfectly and promptly. Have great tools and multitask. Be creative to create outstanding results. Hannah Kain President & CEO, ALOM Staying active and participating in team sports definitely translates to […]
Read MoreCreating a Lean and Green Culture
Focusing on saving money or going green doesn’t have to be an either/or proposition. Fabio Duque, global head of consumer vertical for APL Logistics, offers tips for creating efficiencies that have both environmental and financial benefits. 1. Re-examine your international expedited transportation mix. If you routinely use air cargo to expedite global shipments, consider switching […]
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