Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 22, 2024

Mike Carroll, a vice president at Georgia-Pacific, and Ron Norris, director of innovation at GP While Generative AI has sparked great excitement, a form of artificial intelligence called Causal AI might offer much greater potential. Causal AI offers the tantalizing promise of being able to unravel the intricate web of cause-and-effect relationships that govern business operations.

Georgia 245

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Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 19, 2024

After months of anticipation, the day is finally here. On February 4 at the 2024 Grammy Awards, Taylor Swift announced that she would be releasing a new album, which had secretly been in the works for two years. The album, The Tortured Poets Department , was released overnight. But in a shocking twist, just two hours later, Swift surprise-released a 15-track expansion of the album, dubbed The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 233

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Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 14, 2024

As digital threats loom larger than ever, automating your warehouse is not just about enhancing operational efficiency — it’s equally about safeguarding your digital and physical assets. The relentless rise in cyber threats such as ransomware and phishing attacks underscores the imperative need for robust cybersecurity measures, especially in sectors as vital as warehousing and logistics.

Warehousing 254

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Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 13, 2024

At the ARC Industry Leadership Forum in February, I had the opportunity to sit down with Rick Rys, Director of Consulting at ARC Advisory Group, to discuss the electric power supply chain. I asked Rick to give some deeper insights on a few key points. First, what are the overall supply chain issues make power greener? Second, what are the driving forces for this transition to renewable and how quickly is it happening?

Supply Chain Design Software 240

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Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 4, 2024

IBM’s Institute for Business Value found that 75% of CEOs believe generative AI will be key to competitive advantage. However, in the supply chain realm, despite the rhetoric, the current use cases for generative AI are limited. At supply chain and enterprise application conferences, software companies have talked about using generative AI to create user manuals.

Modeling Software 239

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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 292

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Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 11, 2023

I’ve completed research on supply chain planning (SCP) boutiques. My colleague Clint Reiser has completed a study on warehouse management system (WMS) boutiques. We are teaming up to bring you the coolest supply chain boutiques, listed alphabetically, that we identified through those studies. What is a boutique? A boutique is a small, regionally focused system integration and consulting firm.

Supply Chain Design Software 263

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Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 1, 2023

To say that Black Friday weekend shopping was a success would be an understatement. In fact, to kick off the holiday shopping season, a record 200.4 million shoppers hit the stores and the internet to capitalize on Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation. The turnout topped last year’s figure of 196.7 million shoppers and the NRF’s forecast for about 182 million people during the five-day weekend.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 251

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Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 3, 2023

The Beatles are back! The Fab Four have released their first song since 1995, Now and Then , which will officially be their final song. Obviously, it is not a new collaboration between the foursome, what with John Lennon’s assassination in 1980, and George Harrison’s passing in 2001. The song was built using a demo track from John Lennon dating back to the 1970s and a guitar track from George Harrison from 1995.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 239

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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 259

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Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 11, 2023

A couple of weeks ago I wrote an article outlining how cargo theft is on the rise. In the United States alone, cargo theft is a $15 to $35 billion industry. The most common type of theft in recent years has been what is called strategic cargo theft, which uses deceptive means to commit theft, including the use of fraud and deceptive information to trick brokers into giving up a load.

Packaging 239

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Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

My colleague Fox Chen and I just kicked-off the update to ARC Advisory Group’s research on the global mobile warehouse robotics market. Fox is located in Singapore, and I am in Boston. With a solid 12-hour time zone difference between him and me, together we should be able to speak with any robotics provider at virtually any time – we are the around-the-clock research team.

Research 268

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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 250

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Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

The combination of supply chain planning and real-time visibility can lead to bigger benefits than either can provide alone.

Supply Chain Planning Software 621

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Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 31, 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. Today’s article comes from Kyle Franklin, Senior Solutions Consultant, Lucas Systems, and looks at warehouse distribution errors. Being a veteran of the warehouse industry throughout my career has given me a unique insight into many aspects of distribution interaction.

Warehousing 244

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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 213

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Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 29, 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 232

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Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 9, 2023

This year’s research on the global WMS market has revealed many of the perennial factors influencing demand for WMS solutions – such as e-commerce fulfillment needs. However, there is one dynamic that became ubiquitous across market segments this year. I refer to this dynamic as demand for “WMS-plus.” — I have now completed ARC Advisory Group’s research on the global warehouse management systems (WMS) market , and it is currently in editing.

Demand Planning Software 215

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Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 8, 2023

References to the new gig economy are ubiquitous nowadays and many say it has revolutionized the way businesses operate in today’s world. But what exactly is it? As defined by Oxford Languages, it is “a labor market characterized by the prevalence of short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs.” The warehouse and DC industry has always had somewhat of a gig culture, owing to seasonal and temporary labor needs.

Optimization Software 227

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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 213

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Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 6, 2023

The marijuana supply chain is an interesting market to follow. Like any agricultural product, there are ebbs and flows to its supply and demand. However, there is one caveat in the marijuana supply chain that makes things a bit trickier: in most states, cannabis products can only be sold and consumed within the state that the original plant was grown.

Supply Chain Design 199

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Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 5, 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 246

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Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 19, 2023

Experts have recently warned about the possibility that artificial intelligence (AI) could lead to the destruction of 400 million jobs by 2030. These same pundits also predict that AI could lead to increases in global GDP by trillions of dollars in the same time frame. However, AI’s inability to solve the very limited problem of ensuring that inventory is located in the right place in a warehouse suggests that planners don’t have to worry too much about job security.

Supply Chain Design Software 251

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Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 5, 2023

Manhattan Associates, a supplier of supply chain management software solutions and the market share leader for warehouse management systems (WMS), had their Momentum user conference a couple of weeks ago. Sanjeev Siotia, the chief technology officer at Manhattan, spoke about the role of ChatGPT for supply chain management in one of the keynotes on day one of the conference.

Supply Chain Software 223

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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 192

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Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 28, 2023

I’m back after a quick family vacation to New Orleans. The trip was amazing, as we experienced a zipline swamp tour, a second line parade on our street, the opportunity to see the greatest clarinet player in the world (Doreen Ketchens), as well as a full culinary tour of the city. While it was a bit tough to jump right back into the swing of work, I saw an interesting article about workplace conditions when I got back.

Material Savings 222

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Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 27, 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. Today’s article comes from Eric Mcpherson at Open Sky Group and looks at a WMS budget and preparing for implementation. When you begin researching Warehouse Management System ( WMS ) software, you’re probably running into some difficulties in the budgeting process because pricing is not always readily available.

Supply Chain Planning Software 222

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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 261

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Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 11, 2023

Companies and supply chains continue to face unprecedented challenges and, in some cases, unprecedented opportunities. The post-COVID-19 (if we can claim to be post COVID) “new normal” will continue to be defined by new challenges and more importantly by the ability of the supply chain executives to manage disruption and their ability to power organization strategy and growth.

Supply Chain Planning Software 224

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Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 24, 2023

A few weeks ago I wrote that Little Brown Bakers, the manufacturer behind Girl Scout Cookies , is warning of unforeseen supply issues that will be impacting both manufacturing and distribution of its treats. The company said that digital orders could take longer than normal to fulfill due to unforeseen supply chain shortages, but in-person distribution of cookies will not be impacted by the supply chain issues.

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Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 8, 2023

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York , nearly three years after Covid-19 was declared a pandemic, supply chains are back to normal. Actually, when looking a bit closer at the numbers, supply pressures actually fell below normal. Zero marks the historical average, and changes in either direction mark standard deviations from that trend. The February reading in the New York Fed’s Global Supply Chain Pressure Index was -0.26, reaching negative territory for the first time since August

Supply Chain Planning Software 240

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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 253

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Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 16, 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 from Descartes and it discusses the pitfalls to avoid when choosing a Transportation Management System (TMS). The logistic environment is demanding and new challenges keep on rising to the surface.

Price Reduction 143

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Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 15, 2023

There are numerous indications that supply chain is more critical than ever. Results from The Conference Board’s C-SUITE OUTLOOK survey showed supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and rising inflation to be 3 of the 5 high impact external factors on the minds of CEOs. In addition, the Board asked executives what steps they were taking in response to the war in Ukraine.

Supply Chain Planning 215

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Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 27, 2023

A sign that says “Drug Testing Ahead.” The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has mandatory drug tests that any safety-sensitive employee must complete. Truck drivers are routinely tested during their employment for a variety of drugs, ranging from marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine to oxycodone, morphine and ecstasy. One drug that seems to be missing from the DOT’s list is fentanyl.

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Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 26, 2023

The international aviation industry accounts for 2-3 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions annually and can no longer operate in a sustainable manner without major transformation. In October 2022, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) met for their 41st assembly. 2,500 delegates from 184 States and 57 organizations adopted a collective long-term global aspirational goal (LTAG) of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Sustainability 221

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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 226

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