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Turn Off the Fog Machine: Move Past Groupthink to Drive A Positive, Data-Driven Narrative

Supply Chain Shaman

I shudder when someone uses the term VUCA. The term antifragile racks my brain. When a speaker wafts eloquently on one of these terms that I hate, I have to manage the inner Lora. As an adult with ADHD, the inner Lora can spark. In a controlled state, my brain questions, “What the ? Why can’t we put the same energy that we put into inventing new words, tossing around acronyms, and parading on a stage to advocate for maturity models to improve supply chains?

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The Data-Driven Supply Chain: AI, Cybersecurity, and Real-Time Monitoring

Logistics Viewpoints

Digital infrastructure is now integral to logistics execution. Supply chain networks depend on structured data, exchanged through APIs, middleware, and telemetry, to coordinate across facilities, regions, and partners. Three enabling capabilities stand out: artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and real-time monitoring. While each presents unique benefits, their value depends on disciplined implementation and integration into business-critical workflows.

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The Role of Supply Chain Planning in Today’s Complex Business Environment

Logistics Viewpoints

Over the past five years, supply chains have faced unprecedented challenges. E-commerce demands, trade pressures, and increasingly complex supplier networks have necessitated executives to raise concerns about their supply chain operations. Recently, tariffs have become a focal point in major headlines, and the looming fear of a trade war persists. Supply chain planners are now frequently tasked with initiating transformations to address these various pressures.

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How the Iran conflict triggered a 1,400% supply chain scenario planning surge

Kinaxis

How the Iran conflict triggered a 1,400% supply chain scenario planning surge sharkins Thu, 06/26/2025 - 12:54 When U.S. strikes hit Iranian military targets on June 22, the world held its breath, and so did the global supply chain. Oil markets surged. Airspace closed. Investment conversations paused. Behind the scenes, scenario planning models were lit up.

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AI-Enabled Robotics Software for Manufacturing Automation: Speeding Time-to-Value

Robots are a cornerstone of a smart factory, automating a wide range of manufacturing tasks that are monotonous, physically straining, or even hazardous. However, real-world robotics deployments have not lived up to the revolutionary potential the industrial sector had originally envisioned. Robot implementations are typically confined to specific applications, carry high costs, and are time-consuming.

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A Killer App for Warehouse Robots

Talking Logistics

When I returned from ProMat in 2023, I wrote that based on the number of automation solutions I saw at the conference focused on this application, “loading and unloading trailers/containers is apparently a killer app for warehouse robots.” In my post, I highlighted solutions in this area by ArcBest, Pickle Robot Company, Boston Dynamics, Slip. Read more The post A Killer App for Warehouse Robots appeared first on Talking Logistics with Adrian Gonzalez.

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Reflection: The Journey to be Market Driven

Supply Chain Shaman

In 2002, I had the opportunity to work with General Mills. I walked away thinking, “What a great company!” At that time, the sales organization used more point-of-sale data than their competitors, they had an impressive and innovative IT team, and their supply chain processes were what I considered best-in-class. Over time, as I watched, this changed.

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Human Decision-Making in the AI Age: Why It Still Matters

ToolsGroup

As artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionizes business operations , one critical question remains: What is the role of human decision-making in the AI age? While AI excels at processing data, scaling operations, and identifying patterns, it lacks core human strengths like creativity , ethics , and empathy —skills essential for nuanced, strategic choices.

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What is the State of AI in Logistics?

Talking Logistics

If you’re like many logistics executives, you’re likely very curious and interested in how AI can improve your logistics operations and deliver business value, but you’re also probably a bit skeptical or confused by all the noise and buzz in the market. Therefore, it’s not surprising that many companies are still in the “early awareness”. Read more The post What is the State of AI in Logistics?

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Warehouse automation surging ahead despite predicted slowdown

Freight Waves

Warehouse automation appears to be gaining traction despite prior forecasts of a dip in market growth for autonomous mobile robots. Global market researcher Interact Analysis released a report in January predicting growth in the mobile robotics market would dip by 18% over the next two years. However, advances in technology paired with significant supply chain partnerships and increasing affordability for robotics may be reasons to reevaluate.

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Tail Inventory: The Silent Cost Driver You Shouldn't Ignore

Learn how centralizing slow-moving SKUs can help reduce fulfillment costs by $300M+ while boosting fulfillment efficiency.

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Supply Chain & Logistics News June 23rd – 26th 2025

Logistics Viewpoints

As June comes to a close, the Northeast is experiencing a record-breaking heat wave, with temperatures in some areas exceeding 100 degrees. This week in supply chain and logistics news includes Blue Yonder being selected to support Border States, an electrical distribution company, with their warehouse management needs. DHL Canada Express and Unifor have reached a tentative new labor contract, signaling that the over two-week strike will soon come to an end once the deal is signed.

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3 Supply Chain Security Processes that Drive Business Growth!

Supply Chain Game Changer

Why Cyber Security is Important! Supply chains are unsung heroes in most businesses. Customers rarely interact with them since supply chain processes take place in the background, away from the spotlight. However, they directly impact customer experience and business growth. Everything from procurement to last-mile delivery comes under the supply chain umbrella, and boosting efficiency here drives better business results.

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Is there a mismatch between supply chain leaders’ confidence in new technology and their ability to implement it?

EFT

Implementing new technologies is the top strategic priority among the 671 supply chain leaders interviewed by Blue Yonder for their 2025 Supply Chain Compass , and it is a goal they are highly confident in achieving, however, digging into the report reveals legacy technologies and data structures might hold them back in these ambitions. High confidence in new tech Among the supply chain leaders interviewed, 51% said that implementing new technology was a strategic priority, making it the top goa

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Top Talking Logistics Posts & Episodes – Plus Indago Highlights (Q2 2025)

Talking Logistics

We’ve crossed the midway point of 2025. If you had to pick a song as the soundtrack for the first half of this year, which of the following would you pick: If you have another song suggestion, please post it in the comments. Maybe it’s cheating, but my soundtrack is a melody of all those. Read more The post Top Talking Logistics Posts & Episodes – Plus Indago Highlights (Q2 2025) appeared first on Talking Logistics with Adrian Gonzalez.

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Tariffs on the Table: How to Brief the Board and C‑Suite With Confidence

“What should we do about the tariffs?” There’s no straightforward answer — every leader has a different expectation. CFOs want numbers. COOs want action. CEOs want strategy. And supply chain and procurement leaders need to be ready with the right response — fast. That’s why GEP has created a simple three-part framework that will help CPOs and CSCOs brief the board and C-suite with clarity and confidence.

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Estes Forwarding Worldwide hit by cyberattack 

Freight Waves

A cyberattack occurred against Estes Forwarding Worldwide (EFW) on May 28, the company told FreightWaves on Wednesday. Richmond, Virginia-based EFW is a subsidiary of Estes Express Lines, one of the largest less-than-truckload carriers and the largest private carrier in North America. EFW specializes in a full suite of logistics and freight forwarding services.

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AI-Tuned Pricing and Inventory Strategies are the Way Forward for Retailers

Supply Chain Brain

Advertise Contact Us Supplier Directory SCB YouTube About Us Login Subscribe Logout My Profile LOGISTICS Air Cargo All Logistics Facility Location Planning Freight Forwarding/Customs Brokerage Global Gateways Global Logistics Last Mile Delivery Logistics Outsourcing LTL/Truckload Services Ocean Transportation Parcel & Express Rail & Intermodal Reverse Logistics Service Parts Management Transportation & Distribution TECHNOLOGY All Technology Artificial Intelligence Cloud & On-Dema

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How COOs are Achieving Results with Supply Chain Software!

Supply Chain Game Changer

The Supply Chain Renaissance Has Begun! As a former COO, overseeing Kaizen events, value-stream mapping analysis , upgrading ERP systems, and implementing customer success programs, I recall how easy it was for functional leaders to get bogged down in their own imperatives and lose sight of the big picture. Individual silo objectives can inadvertently be at cross purposes with others – most commonly between sales and operations.

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Key Innovations Shaping the Future of Supply Chain Planning

Arkieva

Explore 4 innovations reshaping the future of supply chain planning. From AI to automation, all designed to improve agility, visibility and real-time execution. Key Innovations Shaping the Future of Supply Chain Planning was first posted on July 2, 2025 at 10:03 am. ©2017 " Supply Chain Link Blog - Arkieva " Use of this feed is for personal non-commercial use only.

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How to Modernize Manufacturing Without Losing Control

Speaker: Andrew Skoog, Founder of MachinistX & President of Hexis Representatives

Manufacturing is evolving, and the right technology can empower—not replace—your workforce. Smart automation and AI-driven software are revolutionizing decision-making, optimizing processes, and improving efficiency. But how do you implement these tools with confidence and ensure they complement human expertise rather than override it? Join industry expert Andrew Skoog as he explores how manufacturers can leverage automation to enhance operations, streamline workflows, and make smarter, data-dri

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[Video] Five Practical & Effective Ways To Mitigate Tariff Impacts

Talking Logistics

2025 has been a roller coaster ride for supply chain and global trade executives. It’s not just that new tariffs have been implemented on U.S. imports from virtually every country in the world, it’s that these tariffs keep changing, sometimes within just a few days. All of this back-and-forth change is adding risk and complexity. Read more The post [Video] Five Practical & Effective Ways To Mitigate Tariff Impacts appeared first on Talking Logistics with Adrian Gonzalez. 2025 has been a roll

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DOT Secretary plans to use AI to solve carrier identity

Freight Waves

The Freight Fraud Crisis The trucking industry is grappling with a surge in freight fraud, leaving carriers, brokers, and shippers vulnerable to sophisticated scams like identity theft and unauthorized double brokering. These schemes disrupt supply chains, undermine trust, and cause significant financial and logistical challenges. The root cause is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) inadequate management of carrier identities, which allows criminals to exploit outdated sys

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5 Ways Scenario Planning Transforms Your Supply Chain Strategy

John Galt

Explore how operationalizing scenario planning plays out across key dimensions of your supply chain, and the potential impacts on your overall strategy.

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6 Common Causes of Supply Chain Disruptions and How to Overcome Them!

Supply Chain Game Changer

Disaster Strikes!!! Is Your Supply Chain Ready To Recover? In the multifaceted world of supply chain management, there are numerous variables that can cause unexpected disruptions. From natural disasters and IT issues to fluctuations in global politics, these challenges require strategic planning. We’ve laid out six common causes of such Supply Chain disruptions along with potential solutions for each one, giving you the means to put your own contingencies in place. 1.

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Breaking The Commerce Bottleneck: Your SAP Exit Plan Starts Now

Speaker: Jason Cottrell and Gireesh Sahukar

Retailers know the clock is ticking–legacy SAP Commerce support ends in 2026. Legacy platforms are becoming a liability burdened by complexity, rigidity, and mounting operational costs. But modernization isn’t just about swapping out systems, it’s about preparing for a future shaped by real-time interactions, AI powered buying assistants, and flexible commerce architecture.

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From Theory to Practice: How AI Improves Supply Chain Planning Workflows

Arkieva

Explore how AI in supply chain planning workflows reduces manual work, flags risks early and supports smarter decisions for modern planning teams. From Theory to Practice: How AI Improves Supply Chain Planning Workflows was first posted on June 25, 2025 at 10:19 am. ©2017 " Supply Chain Link Blog - Arkieva " Use of this feed is for personal non-commercial use only.

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Watch: Preparing Supply Chains Against Tariffs and Turbulence

Supply Chain Brain

How can companies prepare their supply chain networks against a wave of uncertainty and disruption? Ray DeMelfi, senior vice president of strategic services with Hy-Tek Intralogistics, offers some advice.

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Navigating the complexities of cross-border freight

Freight Waves

As nearshoring efforts accelerate, shippers are increasingly rethinking their cross-border strategies. Unlike transporting goods across state lines, cross-border shipping demands specialized expertise, robust infrastructure and comprehensive security measures. To fully capitalize on the advantages of nearshoring, companies need partners who understand that success hinges on more than just moving trucks –– it requires mastery of compliance, purpose-built infrastructure and vigilant security proto

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Costs increases and supply chain reconfiguration the widespread consequences of tariffs and trade dislocation

EFT

According to a global survey of over 5,000 international firms , companies are reeling from rising costs generated from tariffs to open 2025, with the overwhelming majority expecting upward pricing pressure to increase, leading to a reconsideration of supply chain strategy. The HSBC 2025 Global Trade Pulse Survey from May found that two-thirds of businesses had already experienced cost increases due to ‘tariffs and trade uncertainty’, 72% expect further increases in the short term and 73% in the

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Speeding Robotics Automation with AI

The $53 trillion manufacturing economy in the US is undergoing a major automation paradigm shift due to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Thanks to new practical frameworks, automation projects that were once impossible or inefficient to implement are now being fast-tracked, and robotics automation is becoming increasingly relevant to a growing number of users and scenarios.

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Essential Tips for Choosing Wooden Crates Melbourne Suppliers!

Supply Chain Game Changer

Subscribe An Essential Guide to Using Wood Pallets for Business Operations! Choosing a wooden crate supplier involves more than just comparing prices. If you need reliable protection for your goods during transport, the type of crate and the capabilities of the supplier matter. Mistakes in selection can lead to product damage, shipping delays, or compliance issues.

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From Reactive to Proactive: How Arena Supply Chain Intelligence Tackles Component Risk

Arena Solutions

Although we’re years removed from the COVID-19 pandemic, sourcing electronic components remains a struggle. Shortages, long lead times, and volatile pricing haven’t gone away. And with new tariffs in the mix, product teams have even more to juggle—making it harder to deliver high-quality products on schedule. We recently sat down with Arena Product Manager Nathan Ng and Senior Director, Head of GTM for Supply Chain, Guy Eron, to learn how the new supply chain intelligence (SCI) capabilities in A

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Supply Chain Execs Reacting Defensively to Tariff Chaos

Supply Chain Brain

Q2 findings reveal a "tariff tap dance" of short-term, reversible moves in response to frequently changing policies and mounting costs.