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Are Micro Fulfillment Centers the Next Frontier in Retail Logistics?

The Network Effect

Skip to content The Network Effect Beyond Supply Chains Menu Home Business Networks Supply Chain Management Logistics Resilience AI About Submit a Post Are Micro Fulfillment Centers the Next Frontier in Retail Logistics? July 24, 2025 Hariprasad Balasubramanium Distribution , Logistics , Warehousing This post has already been read 259 times! With customer demand for faster delivery rising and supply chains under pressure, retailers are exploring Micro Fulfillment Centers (MFCs) as a potential so

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Smart Logistics in Warehousing – From Legacy Protocols to Green IoT – How Technology Is Reshaping the Sustainable Supply Chain

Logistics Viewpoints

The modern warehouse is no longer just a storage facility, it’s a living, intelligent ecosystem. Increasingly, logistics operations rely on connected devices, real-time analytics, and automation to reduce cost, increase throughput, and meet sustainability goals. Central to this evolution is the use of wireless sensor networks and IoT platforms. While early deployments often relied on protocols like Zigbee and Z-Wave, the logistics technology stack has since diversified, with newer solutions offe

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What is the Role of Sourcing and Procurement in Business Success?

Supply Chain Game Changer

Subscribe Strategic Supplier Relationship Management – Do’s and Don’ts At any given time, working with the resources of any business depends on procuring the right materials at the right time and at the right cost. In today’s varying and dynamic business environment, sourcing and procurement have matured from approaches to securing inventory to becoming important arbiters of strategic advantage.

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Analysis: What a Union Pacific – Norfolk Southern merger would look like

Freight Waves

The proposed merger between Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) would fundamentally reshape the U.S. railroad landscape, creating a single-line transcontinental network poised to redefine freight transportation. If successful, the deal would blend the strengths of both carriers—UP’s western U.S. dominance and NS’s eastern operations—facilitating seamless coast-to-coast service.

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Mid-Year Performance Review Checklist for HR and People Leaders

Ensure your mid-year performance reviews are focused, productive, and growth-oriented with this practical checklist from Mitratech Trakstar. Designed for HR professionals, people managers, and team leads, this guide walks you through the full review process—from pre-meeting prep and feedback collection to action planning and follow-up. It also includes tips for creating a comfortable and effective review experience, plus ways to leverage tools like self-evaluations, PIPs, and development plans.

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Warehouse Picking Guide: Methods, Technology & Trends

RFgen

What Is Warehouse Order Picking? Warehouse order picking is a dynamic, multi‑step process that serves as the critical link between your on‑hand inventory and customer satisfaction. At its core, picking begins when a customer order is released and transforms digital order details into actionable pick lists that guide workers through optimized routes.

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Free Download: Transportation Management Systems (TMS) Executive Summary – Optimize Freight, Routing, and Cost Control with Modern TMS Platforms

Logistics Viewpoints

Logistics Viewpoints is offering a free executive summary of its market research report on Transportation Management Systems (TMS) , a core solution for managing today’s increasingly complex logistics and freight operations. As companies seek to reduce transportation costs, improve routing efficiency, and respond to market volatility, TMS platforms offer the visibility and control needed to succeed.

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7 Forklift Innovations That Are Driving Supply Chain Efficiency!

Supply Chain Game Changer

Subscribe Forklift Load Capacity: Avoiding Common Overloading Mistakes! In the heart of every successful warehouse or distribution centre, forklifts play a vital role in keeping goods moving. But as the demands on supply chains grow more complex—with tighter delivery windows, higher volumes, and increased customer expectations—the humble forklift is undergoing a major transformation.

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Steves & Sons to launch autonomous trucking pilot with Bot Auto

Freight Waves

Autonomous trucking company Bot Auto and Steves & Sons, a leader in door manufacturing and millwork, have announced a strategic partnership to utilize autonomous trucks to haul freight. The collaboration was made possible through J.B. Hunt Transport, its managed logistics provider. Bot Auto is an autonomous trucking company focused on revolutionizing freight logistics through Level 4 (L4) autonomous driving technology.

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The Power of End-to-End Visibility: Using Data to Drive Smarter Logistics

TransAudit

In today’s complex logistics landscape, shippers are demanding more than just periodic tracking updates. They want granular, real-time insights into every leg of the journey. End-to-End visibility —once a buzzword—is now a business imperative, unlocking the power of data analytics to improve performance, reduce costs, and manage risk with confidence.

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Reducing Global Lead Times To Improve Customer Experience At Becton Dickinson

Product lead time is crucial in the life sciences industry and represents a key consideration for customers’ purchasing decisions. For this reason, BD Biosciences aimed to optimize its global supply and distribution network to reduce delivery lead time to customers and optimize its global inventory. How BD Biosciences was successful in reducing global distribution lead times between 30% and 60% in addition to: Increasing agility to prioritize urgent and ad-hoc customer requests Increasing global

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What is AI in Supply Chain? Benefits & Challenges

QAD

AI in Supply Chain: Transformative Technologies and Strategies Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the supply chain landscape, offering powerful tools to help streamline operations, boost resilience, and increase visibility across every link in the chain. From predictive analytics that forecast demand with remarkable accuracy to automation that accelerates warehouse and logistics workflows, AI is enabling supply chain leaders to make smarter, faster decisions in real time.

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How Electronic Shelf Labels Are Quietly Reshaping the Grocery Supply Chain

Logistics Viewpoints

Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) are becoming more common in grocery stores, particularly in European markets like Norway, where some retailers now change prices dozens of times per day. The immediate value for retailers is clear: ESLs offer flexibility to adjust pricing in response to competition, demand, or product shelf life. But as this capability becomes more widespread, it’s starting to reshape expectations and operations across the supply chain.

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Visual Supply Chain: How Better Presentation of Data Can Drive Operational Decisions!

Supply Chain Game Changer

Subscribe How Artificial Intelligence (AI) Will Change Decision Making! In an age where supply chains stretch across continents and rely on increasingly complex data streams, the ability to present data clearly and effectively is no longer a luxury—it’s a strategic necessity. From procurement to delivery, supply chain leaders are expected to make faster, smarter decisions based on volumes of performance indicators, forecasts, and reports.

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NATO warns ports vulnerable to ‘unprecedented’ cyber threats

Freight Waves

A new report from NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) warns that global ports are vulnerable in the wake of escalating cyber threats. The policy brief highlights that ports, which handle approximately 80% of international trade, “face unprecedented cybersecurity threats from state-linked actors” from Russia, Iran, and China.

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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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AI Automated Order Allocation Saves Time, Money, and Margins

Logility

AI-powered automated order allocation helps supply chain leaders reduce costs, improve fulfillment accuracy, and protect margins by replacing manual processes with intelligent, real-time decision-making. Look around, and nearly every company is talking about AI. It’s on every boardroom agenda, woven into annual reports, and showcased at industry events.

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How Lean Logistics Saves Brands Millions

Stord

With steady fulfillment rates, on-time deliveries, and few customer complaints, it can be easy for an e-commerce brand to assume that its logistics operations are performing well. But an e-commerce system that functions isn’t necessarily efficient. It might be overstaffed. It might rely on manual processes and redundant steps. It might be doing more work than needed to get the same result.

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Sustainable Supply Chain Planning: Best Practices Make Business Sense

Arkieva

Learn how sustainable supply chain planning can reduce costs, cut emissions and build long-term resilience. Discover business-focused sustainability strategies. Sustainable Supply Chain Planning: Best Practices Make Business Sense was first posted on July 22, 2025 at 8:25 am. ©2017 " Supply Chain Link Blog - Arkieva " Use of this feed is for personal non-commercial use only.

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How to Streamline Your Work in Process Inventory Management!

Supply Chain Game Changer

Featuring Our 10 Best Inventory Management Articles! Work in process (WIP) inventory is a crucial part of inventory management for businesses, yet many face complex challenges that impede smooth operations, create bottlenecks, and increase costs. However, with the right strategies and tools, businesses can overcome these obstacles and streamline their WIP inventory management processes.

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Why Smart Factories Are the Only Path to Successful Onshoring

The golden age of offshoring is over, and simply bringing production home isn’t enough. This eBook breaks down why smart factories are the essential path to successful onshoring in a volatile global economy. You'll explore a shift from nostalgia to reinvention: how digital-first systems, real-time feedback loops, and empowered frontline teams make onshore production faster, more adaptive, and more resilient.

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What Is Last Mile Management? Why It Matters in 2025?

Locus

Last mile delivery powered by connected logistics tech. Key Takeaways Last mile delivery accounts for over 50% of total logistics costs and directly shapes customer experience. Fragmented routing, dispatch, and tracking systems lead to inefficiencies and SLA failures. Key components include real-time visibility, automated dispatching, and centralized orchestration. 2025 best practices focus on weekly KPI tracking, AI-based reassignments, and scalable control towers.

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U.S.–Japan Trade Deal Adjusts Auto Tariffs, Alters Global Sourcing Dynamics

Logistics Viewpoints

On July 22, the U.S. and Japan finalized a trade agreement that lowers tariffs on Japanese vehicles and parts imported into the U.S. from roughly 25% to 15%. The adjustment comes after months of negotiation and removes uncertainty for automakers that had been planning around steeper costs. Direct Implications for Supply Chains Japanese OEMs, most notably Toyota, had been absorbing additional costs to remain competitive in the U.S. market.

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Trans-Pacific shippers’ turn to pause as box rates end slide

Freight Waves

While trans-Pacific shippers fatigued from the Great Tariff War step back, the market has seen a pause in plunging container rates just as the peak season is supposed to be getting underway. Spot rates on various trade routes have seen dramatic shifts, said analyst Xeneta in a market update, reflecting broader industry challenges and responses. Market average spot rates for container shipping on July 18 for the Far East to U.S.

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Shipping to Hawaii: How to Navigate the Obstacle Course

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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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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The Importance of Packaging in Supply Chain!

Supply Chain Game Changer

Product Packaging Ideas to Reduce Costs! Packaging systems play an integral role in supply chain operations, from manufacturing to distribution of products to end users. Many packaging options are available in the market, providing excellent protection for items people buy online or in physical stores. Aside from that, packaging is also considered valuable in marketing and sales.

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Route Mapping 101: Meaning, Tools, and Importance

Locus

A regional grocery chain launched same-day delivery to improve customer satisfaction. But within weeks, complaints surged. Drivers missed time windows, struggled with navigation, and often returned with undelivered packages. Fulfillment costs climbed, and support teams were overwhelmed with reattempt requests. The biggest problem here was not the demand, but the lack of clear, optimized delivery routes.

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Lean Into Agentic AI

Supply Chain Shaman

As an old gal, I sidestep hype cycles. I watch in amusement as supply chain leaders surf the ups and down of each cycle. Concepts like cloud computing, Big Data and Digital Transformation are hot until they are not. The focus comes and goes, as the advantages of new tech are absorbed into IT infrastructure. My observation? Over the years, the cycles are shorter in duration and deliver less value.

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Fong bill: Green light for driverless trucks?

Freight Waves

WASHINGTON — New legislation introduced in Congress could help pave the way for driverless trucks that supporters say will improve safety and alleviate the trucking industry’s driver retention problem. “While Europe and China are rapidly integrating autonomous trucks into their supply chains, America is asleep at the wheel, hamstrung by a confusing patchwork of state regulations that threaten public safety, innovation, and economic growth,” said U.S.

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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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Reimagining Mobile AIDC: AI, Hybrid Tracking & Zero-Trust Security at the Edge

RFgen

As CEO of RFgen Software, I have a front-row seat to how mobile technologies and automated data capture are transforming supply chains. The real challenge lies not in chasing every new tech trend but in pinpointing the breakthroughs that deliver measurable gains to our clients. As we work through our product roadmap refresh, I’ve been reflecting on the three core areas we’re investing in to ensure RFgen’s Mobile Edge solutions continue enabling our customers to stay ahead of that change.

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How to Manage Construction Supply Chain Risks!

Supply Chain Game Changer

Subscribe 4 Inventory Management Tips for Construction Companies to Lock Project Success! Managing construction supply chain risks is critical to ensuring the successful completion of projects. The construction industry is inherently complex, involving numerous stakeholders, materials, and processes that can be disrupted by various internal and external factors.

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What Is Routing Efficiency? A Guide to Smarter, Leaner Logistics – Locus

Locus

Key Takeaways Routing efficiency directly impacts cost per delivery, on-time rates, and asset utilization. Inefficiencies often stem from static plans that ignore driver shifts, time windows, and vehicle constraints. Measuring efficiency requires tracking metrics like first-attempt delivery rate, vehicle utilization, and route adherence. High-performing logistics teams use data, segmentation, and automation to improve routing outcomes.