Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 17, 2024

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024, companies including Hyundai, Nikola , and Bosch presented their most recent fuel cells and hydrogen technology innovations, indicating a potential comeback for this environmentally friendly energy choice. This resurgence might be influenced by the announcement of a $7 billion U.S. government initiative last year aimed at developing hydrogen infrastructure in the country.

Asia 233

Asia Modeling Software Waste Reduction Logistics Network Optimization Software 233

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 15, 2024

The much-delayed Tesla Semi has finally hit the road. The Semi started its first consumer deliveries in 2022. The vehicles have only been delivered to one customer – PepsiCo. Since then, the PepsiCo’s Tesla Semi fleet has grown to almost 100 vehicles. The Tesla Semi is a battery electric Class 8 semi-truck built by Tesla. Unlike Tesla’s electric cars the Semi does not support an upgrade to Enhanced Autopilot.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 272

Logistics Network Optimization Software United States Study Just-in-Time 272

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 8, 2024

Detainees listening to speeches in a camp in Lop County, Xinjiang, April 2017 All countries claim that they have outlawed slavery. But slavery still exists. Today we refer to slavery as “forced labor.” Forced labor can be imposed by State authorities, by private enterprises, or by individuals. It is observed in all types of economic activity and exists in every country.

China 201

China Malaysia Apparel Vietnam 201

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 1, 2024

Historically, omnichannel software solutions were not capable of optimization. This meant that retailers were not maximizing their profitability. That is changing. Omnichannel refers to the ability of a consumer to get products fulfilled to them in various ways. A customer can of course buy goods in a store. They can also order online and have goods shipped to their home.

Omnichannel 211

Omnichannel Modeling Optimization Software Optimization Modeling 211

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 14, 2023

Now more than ever, organizations must prepare their supply chain for the present and the unknown challenges and opportunities in the future. And even before they begin, they must realize these problems are too big for any single team—supply chain must connect with finance and procurement to treat the n-tier suppliers as an extended part of their network and become their preferred customer.

Supply Chain Design Software 232

Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply Chain Planning Software 232

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

People will steal just about anything these days. I saw an article this week about criminals in the Mediterranean that are stealing olives due to the surging price of olive oil. Warehouse break-ins, accounting scams, and oil tampering are on the rise in the olive growing regions of Greece, Spain, and Italy. But thieves are also raiding unprotected groves and cutting off branches or even cutting down whole trees.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 234

Logistics Network Optimization Software Inventory Reduction Expense Reduction Price Reduction 234

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 6, 2023

Suppliers are facing increasing pressure from the buyers of their goods and services to report their environmental, social, and governance data. As corporations announce plans to be Net Zero across their end-to-end supply chain at some point in the future – often 2050 – they then need their suppliers to participate in helping them meet their goals. Corporations are kicking off these initiatives both because their customers expect it and because of increasing regulatory pressure.

Resource Reduction 223

Resource Reduction Material Savings Supply Chain Planning Software Procurement Analytics 223

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 1, 2023

Ten years ago, an ARC Advisory Group colleague described the China residential telecommunications landscape to me as one that advanced from traditional in-person communication (think Rocky Balboa saying “ I’ll just call you…I’ll go ‘Hey yo! ’ ”) directly to cellular networks – virtually skipping the entire 20th century paradigm of landline telephone communications.

China 241

China Cost Reduction Strategies Warehousing Supply Chain Network Software 241

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 19, 2023

I should have known better. I work in supply chain. Even worse, I work for a company who makes solutions to help companies solve these kinds of problems, which I listen, speak and write about for a living! What was the problem? I ordered a table online without checking reviews sufficiently. If I had done due diligence, I’d have seen the warnings – the retailer had pretty pictures on their website, but their supply chain failed them, creating an eleven-month saga and unhappy customer.

Supply Chain Planning Software 225

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning 225

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

In the United States, there are a lot of billion dollar industries , led by hospitals, pharmaceuticals, commercial banking, life insurance, and petroleum wholesaling to name a few. However, there is probably one industry that most of us would not think of in this list: the cargo theft industry. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NCIB), cargo theft in the United States is a $15 to $35 billion industry.

Cargo 239

Cargo Supply Chain Planning Software United States Pharmaceutical 239

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

Supply chain resiliency and sustainability are top priorities for CEOs today. To achieve these goals, corporate leadership must focus on two key areas: shift from internally focused supply chains to collaborative supply networks and actively design their supply chains. Resiliency, which is the ability to withstand supply chain shocks and bounce back quickly, has become the most important requirement for supply chains.

Supply Chain Design Software 231

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Design Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software 231

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

Earlier this morning I was thinking about something different, yet interesting to discuss in the intro paragraph of this week in logistics news. Then it occurred to me, why not talk about what I want to discuss? So I will. I will use this paragraph as an inquiry for my own selfish interests. I am looking for good quality beer crafted to remove gluten.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 233

Logistics Network Optimization Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Forecasting Software 233

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 4, 2023

Procuring transportation for freight is much different than any other procurement category. There are different tools, goals, and market dynamics. Transportation procurement needs to support both customer service and a company’s internal supply chain goals. The freight market is mercurial. It can move quickly from a situation where there is too much capacity in the market and buyers having the whip hand, to a situation where shippers are begging carriers to take their loads at almost any price.

Procurement Solutions 203

Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing 203

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 30, 2023

A transportation management system ( TMS ) helps companies move freight from origin to destination efficiently, reliably, and cost-effectively. The primary reason companies buy a TMS is for freight savings. These freight savings can be attributed to simulation and network design, load consolidation and lower cost mode selections, and multi-stop route optimization.

Optimal Sourcing 194

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Supply Chain Network Software Modeling Software 194

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 14, 2023

The global trade compliance market is one crazy market. The market grew by double digits year over year, yet there is no standard user and consequently there is no common understanding of what the end-to-end global trade compliance process should be. Linda McKee, the director for global trade services management at SAP, expressed the idea this way, “I don’t think we currently have any real standard global trade scenarios.

Global 176

Global Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Sourcing Strategies 176

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 21, 2023

Seven years ago, I wrote that Cyberdyne Systems’ Skynet division was working on teleportation capabilities that will eliminate the need to wait for products to ship entirely. While still in the early stages of development, the emerging technology will instantly transport an item once it is picked at a warehouse or store to your living room. According to Dr.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 193

Logistics Network Optimization Software Purchasing Skills Pricing Training Procurement Analytics 193

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 12, 2023

I engaged in numerous discussions with robotics executives last year as I was developing ARC Advisory Group’s mobile warehouse robotics (AMR) research. I noticed that many of them obtained valuable experience at Kiva Systems (Amazon Robotics) prior to their current roles. One such executive credited Mark Messina with Amazon’s ability to scale its rollout of Kiva Systems subsequent to its acquisition of the company.

Supply Chain Design Software 130

Supply Chain Design Software Warehousing Supply Chain Planning Software Optimization Software 130

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 10, 2023

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted tougher greenhouse gas emission targets for the global shipping industry on Friday. The IMO is a United Nations agency responsible for creating a regulatory framework for the global shipping industry. The member states have agreed to tougher standards. The new pledge is squishy. It targets a reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net-zero “by or about 2050.

Marshall Islands 166

Marshall Islands Shipping Liberia Expense Reduction 166

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 21, 2023

In February 2023 I wrote the article What Does 2023 Have In-Store for Global Supply Chains? It introduced the survey we had just launched to determine the perceptions, priorities, and strategic initiatives of today’s supply chain and logistics executives. This post was subsequently followed by two articles that discussed some of the findings from the survey.

Supply Chain Planning Software 235

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software Supply Chain 235

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 9, 2023

All week in the Boston area, and really the greater Northeast, there has been a smoky haze blanketing the sky. The cause: dense smoke from wildfires burning in Quebec. Around 75 million people in the United States are experiencing dangerous air conditions because of the smoke, with officials urging them to limit time outdoors and mask up for safety.

Los Angeles 194

Los Angeles Logistics Network Optimization Software Logistics Rhode Island 194

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 24, 2023

Raymour & Flanigan, the Northeast’s largest mattress and furniture retailer, is a family-run company with a strong corporate culture. A core tenet of its culture is a focus on providing a positive customer experience and ensuring everyone’s furniture and home décor needs are met. Part of this positive experience is supported by high product availability and rapid white-glove delivery.

Supply Chain Planning Software 185

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Network Software Demand Planning Software Logistics Network Optimization Software 185

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 22, 2023

A Supply Chain Design Solution from Coupa Imagine you’ve just received the job offer of your dreams. The company is willing to relocate you thousands of miles away from home and your family is in full support. The interview process is over, but more challenges are ahead. Which school are your children going to attend? Are you going to rent a house or an apartment?

Supply Chain Design Software 179

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Design Supply Chain Software Modeling Software 179

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 11, 2023

The concept of digital twins has emerged as a powerful foundational tool to drive improvements in warehouse productivity and efficiency. To define what exactly it is, a digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset, process, or system. In the warehouse context, a digital twin can be created to represent the physical layout, inventory, equipment, and workflows of a warehouse.

Modeling 236

Modeling Analytics Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimization Software 236

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 12, 2023

I recently attended Körber Supply Chain’s user conference, Elevate 2023. I was in the midst of updating ARC Advisory Group’s research on the independent WMS consultancy market at that time. I therefore took the opportunity to meet with a few of the independent consultants in attendance. I also met with some the consultants’ customers that adopted Körber solutions.

Maryland 244

Maryland Warehousing Inventory Management Software Supply Chain Network Software 244

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 10, 2023

Harriet Tubman Day is an American holiday in honor of the anti-slavery activist Harriet Tubman, observed on March 10, and in the U.S. state of New York. Observances also occur locally around the U.S. state of Maryland. After Juneteenth became a federal holiday, there are growing calls for this day to also be observed at the federal level. Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross (c. 1822 – March 10, 1913) was an American abolitionist, humanitarian, and an armed scout and spy for the United States Army

Logistics 213

Logistics New York Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software 213

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 9, 2023

Commerce is global and regional at the same time, the world is getting smaller and more interconnected, and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturers operate in this build-anywhere and sell-anywhere market. Consumers are ever more conscious of value, sensitive to health and environmental issues – especially after the COVID pandemic, each demanding more options for their money.

Supply Chain Planning Software 200

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Forecasting Software Optimization Software 200

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 6, 2023

GEON Performance Solutions purchases plastic pellets and add plastic compounders to make products of different strength, resilience, and flexibility. When a company undergoes a digital transformation, the transformation should be based on an understanding of what they want to achieve. A transformation that is based on the idea that by putting in new applications the company will automate a process, or processes, and provide more and better data to make decisions, is a poor foundation for a true

Supply Chain Planning Software 235

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Transformation Modeling Scenario Planning 235

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 3, 2023

For the second straight year between the conference championships and the Super Bowl, Tom Brady has announced his retirement from the NFL. This time, however, he says it is for good. As a Boston fan, Tom Brady forever changed my sports landscape. He brought the region its first championship since 1986, against a team that was supposed to destroy the Patriots.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 187

Logistics Network Optimization Software Negotiating Skills Purchasing Skills Supply Chain Planning Software 187

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 30, 2023

I am getting questions from friends and acquaintances about whether the US’s supply chain woes are over. Afterall, port congestion has cleared, transportation costs have gone down, we are seeing far fewer product shortages, and the looming recession will likely take some of the pressure off hiring and retention woes. The people I talk to are surprised when I say supply chain challenges are not going to disappear any time soon.

China 244

China Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Predictive Analytics Software 244

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 25, 2023

Last week I returned to the National Retail Federation (NRF) Big Show for the first time in 3 years. A crowd of nearly 37,000 people flocked to the Javits Center in New York City to see what new solutions and innovations software suppliers had in store for 2023 and beyond. The usual themes were still very present as solution providers and retailers alike were more than happy to talk about omni-channel, mobility, and machine learning, to name a few.

Supply Chain Planning Software 206

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimization Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Optimal Sourcing 206

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 9, 2023

Infor is one example of a supplier that offers both advanced visibility and supply chain planning. There is a vintage television commercial for Reese’s Peanut Butter cups. One character says to another, you got chocolate in my peanut butter.” The other responds, “no, you got peanut butter on my chocolate.” The two then conclude that peanut butter and chocolate are better together.

Supply Chain Planning Software 247

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Supply Chain Network Software 247

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 4, 2023

ARC Advisory Group’s Global Warehouse Automation Research study is now complete and available for purchase. The research process includes an analysis of large amounts of information and interviews with executives from numerous warehouse automation providers; and concludes with the publication of ARC’s research study. I provided a glimpse of the study content in an article in October that lists the top 20 warehouse automation suppliers , based on ARC’s estimates of 2021 revenues.

Supply Chain Software 257

Supply Chain Software Warehousing Supply Chain Planning Software Purchasing Skills 257

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 3, 2023

Note: Today’s post is part of our “ Editor’s Choice ” series where we highlight recent posts published by our sponsors that provide supply chain insights and advice. This article is written by Atakan Kantar & Doğa Kurt from Solvoyo, and examines the ongoing trend CPG companies going direct-to-consumer (D2C). The trend of CPG companies going direct-to-consumer (D2C) is on the rise.

Modeling 202

Modeling Supply and Demand Supply Chain Optimization Optimization Modeling 202

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 13, 2022

What almost cost $2B a day and more than 700,000 jobs in the US alone, but would have led to global reverberations? The rail industry was on the brink of a strike-induced labor shortage that would have happened overnight if the President hadn’t intervened. This averted disruption is just one recent example of the impact of a labor shortage on supply chain planning and execution.

Supply Chain Planning Software 190

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Analytics Software Predictive Analytics Software 190

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 12, 2022

Jeff Baker, Vice President of Shared Services at Myers Industries. Companies implementing supply chain planning (SCP) have traditionally been very big companies or companies with complex supply chains. Neither of the customers highlighted in this article fall into that category. Supply chain planning is not just for the big boys. Myers Industries Implements John Galt Solutions.

Supply Chain Planning Software 201

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Procurement Solutions Scenario Planning 201

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 7, 2022

Fuel prices and a shortage of drivers are putting transport logistics under immense pressure. The biggest challenge in the transport sector today: there just aren’t enough drivers. A recent survey conducted by the International Road Transport Union (IRU) industry association shows that this bottleneck has exacerbated worldwide over the past two years.

Big Data 250

Big Data Logistics Network Optimization Software Transportation Data 250

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 14, 2022

Digital Twin from Infor Nexus Drives Supply Chain Agility. When it comes to driving supply chain agility there are several solutions that are important, but the key solution is a Multi-enterprise Supply Chain Network (MSCN). A multi-enterprise supply chain network platform provides network-based order fulfillment applications and/or advanced network-based supply chain risk analytics.

Agile and Lean Supply Chain 224

Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Network Software 224