Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 22, 2023

I’ve said it before (right here in Logistics Viewpoints), but it’s worth repeating: the digital transformation of our complex global supply chains is an ongoing journey. And progress comes in increments both large and small as we build on the breakthroughs and innovations that have come before. Nine years ago, my company FourKites pioneered the market for real-time transportation visibility.

Supply Chain Planning Software 187

Supply Chain Planning Software Real-time Visibility Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software 187

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 17, 2023

Chief supply chain officers feel overwhelmed navigating the intense digital fog surrounding AI in supply chain, so I offer five principles for navigation. For sure, the opportunity for AI in supply chains is massive.

Supply Chain 564

Supply Chain Supply and Demand 564

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.

Supply Chain Design Software 178

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Global Supply Chain Software 178

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 11, 2023

Long live rock! At the beginning of this week, I took a “boy’s trip” with my son and my dad to Ohio to check out the Football Hall of Fame and the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Both venues were incredible, and it was an amazing bonding experience for the three of us. The Football Hall of Fame was especially fun as we were able to see old and new equipment up close, and my son got to try on a Joe Burrow game worn jersey.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 182

Logistics Network Optimization Software Logistics Negotiating Skills Purchasing Skills 182

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.

Warehousing 210

Warehousing Optimization Software Demand Planning Software Modeling Software 210

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 7, 2023

We have a plastic bottle problem. Around the world, 1 million plastic bottles are purchased every minute. I am one of the culprits. I love to combine my morning walk with the consumption of caffeine. In my case, I consume what I call a “walking Diet Coke” – 16.9 ounces of a tasty wake-me-up beverage in a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle. The Coca-Cola Company assures me that PET is a “recyclable material” that can play “a role in the circular economy.

Procurement Analytics 172

Procurement Analytics Purchasing Skills Cost Reduction Strategies Waste Reduction 172

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 31, 2023

Unilever is consistently rated a company with one of the best supply chains in the world. They are also one of the world’s best in terms of succeeding at integrating digital technology into all areas of business. Much of this success is related to their relentless commitment to S-Curve programs. Unilever is rather unique in applying S-curves to their ongoing digital transformation.

Supply Chain Planning Software 172

Supply Chain Planning Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Planning 172

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 17, 2023

Growing protectionism and modernized trade enforcement are significantly affecting importers and exporters. Increased protectionism is leading to increases in landed costs for imported products. Better systems at customs agencies can lead to increases in cycle times for companies that are not on top of the complex documentation requirements associated with trade.

Supply Chain Planning Software 189

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Strategy Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Optimization 189

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.

Shipping 167

Shipping Marshall Islands Cost Reduction Strategies Expense Reduction 167

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.

Warehousing 228

Warehousing Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software 228

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 29, 2023

In today’s interconnected global economy, supply chains play a vital role in the success of businesses. However, recent disruptions have highlighted the vulnerabilities of these complex networks, resulting in significant financial losses for companies. It is crucial for organizations to understand the importance of Purchase Order collaboration to effectively manage their direct spend, optimize operations, and mitigate risks.

Manufacturing Procurement 187

Manufacturing Procurement Inventory Reduction Procurement Analytics Optimal Sourcing 187

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 14, 2023

Last week, I sat down to speak with Chris Jones, Executive Vice President, Industry and Services at Descartes Systems Group about sustainable home delivery. Home delivery and sustainability are two topics that I have written about quite a bit in the last few years, and Descartes just released its home delivery sustainability consumer sentiment study, so the timing seemed perfect.

Sustainability 199

Sustainability Logistics Network Optimization Software Supply Chain Logistics 199

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 206

Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Modeling Supply and Demand 206

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 31, 2023

Manhattan Associates hosted its annual user conference, Manhattan Momentum, in Phoenix, AZ this week. “Move Life and Commerce Forward” was the theme of the conference. I believe many of us can relate to this theme on a business and personal level, as the impacts of COVID-19 were felt by virtually all businesses and individuals. But the worst of that appears to be behind us – making forward progress especially appealing.

Real-time Visibility 207

Real-time Visibility Conference Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Optimization 207

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 204

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Supply Chain Software 204

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 19, 2023

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to speak with Asena Yosun Denizeri, Vice President, Retail Solutions at Solvoyo. In this conversation, Asena and I talked about autonomous planning in supply chain. I asked Asena to give some deeper insights on a few key points. First, give me a little background on Solvoyo for those people that may not be familiar.

Supply Chain Planning Software 222

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Optimal Sourcing Scenario Planning 222

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 5, 2023

Digital transformation is a term that is thrown around a lot, and people have different ways to interpret what it means. Essentially, digital transformation is the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business. ARC Advisory Group, where I work, publishes an analysis of the 25 manufacturers with the most mature digital transformations.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 248

Logistics Network Optimization Software Logistics Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Design Software 248

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 3, 2023

Aera Technology offers a solution they call “Aera Decision Cloud” A key challenge for manufacturers is connecting integrated business planning (IBP) – a longer term plan – to operational planning and execution – what needs to be done in the near term. IBP is a collaborative process involving diverse business functions that is designed to balance demand against supply in a manner that maximizes the goals of that company.

Supply Chain Planning Software 253

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning 253

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.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 163

Logistics Network Optimization Software Logistics Los Angeles Warehousing 163

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 27, 2023

Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology won the Financial Time’s business book of the year award. Economic historian Chris Miller, a professor at Tufts, recounts the story of the ongoing battle for semiconductor supremacy. It also provides a good explanation for why the semiconductor supply chain is the world’s most vulnerable supply chain.

Supply Chain Design Software 223

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Design Supply Chain 223

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 13, 2023

There are a handful of insightful reports I look forward to every year. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report is one of them. This year’s report is based on interviews with over 1,200 experts across academia, business, government, the international community and civil society. “’Global risk’” is defined as the possibility of the occurrence of an event or condition which, if it occurs, would negatively impact a significant proportion of global GDP, population or natural resources.

Supply Chain Planning 203

Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Scenario Planning Supply and Demand 203

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 9, 2023

One of the first things people ask when investigating voice picking and other mobile applications for their DC is “how will the new applications work with my existing systems?” There are 3 common myths when it comes to adding new voice solutions to existing host or warehouse management systems (WMS): The Legacy Myth – You need a Tier 1 WMS to use voice-directed mobile applications so you should replace your custom-built systems or upgrade your legacy WMS package before looking at other solutions

Optimization Software 169

Optimization Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Inventory Management Software 169

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 8, 2023

Last month I wrote about my return to the NRF Big Show. As a quick recap, 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. This year, the recurring theme was all about customer empowerment and how this leads to a positive customer experience.

Forecasting Software 228

Forecasting Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Forecasting Procurement Solutions 228

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 6, 2023

Yulin, locating in Shenfu coalfield, together with Ordos and Shuozhou (ShanXi), is called the “Golden Triangle of Coal” in China. Ana Swanson of the New York Times wrote an article called Climate Change May Usher in a New Era of Trade Wars. The key point of the article is that legislation and policies aimed at fighting climate change could also further erode free trade.

Price Reduction 167

Price Reduction China Logistics Network Optimization Software United States 167

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 23, 2023

Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem) needed a technology that facilitated fast solutions to pressing problems. The solution needed an intuitive user interface, easy workflows, and had to enable collaboration to drive adoption and allow for cultural acceptance. They chose an analytics platform from Seeq. Seeq helped create a common framework in which the sites could collaborate within and across sites.

Supply Chain Design Software 28

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Analytics Software Chemicals 28

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 16, 2023

Matt Elenjickal, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of FourKites, has pointed out that “data is the raw fuel of a digital transformation.” But it must be quality data! “Just as any chef will tell you that anything less than the best quality ingredients can render a dish inedible, so too, bad data can turn any data-driven IT effort sour.”. When enterprise implementations take longer than expected, almost all do, the amount of time needed to clean up the data is often the leading factor.

Supply Chain Planning Software 198

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning Data 198

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 11, 2023

In early November, my colleague Steve Banker wrote an article looking at the top supply chain trends for 2023 and beyond. Unlike some of the other trends articles we have covered at Logistics Viewpoints, which take a deeper dive into technology and application specific trends, this article looked at the top trends executives need to be paying attention to before their strategic planning meetings commence.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 218

Logistics Network Optimization Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software 218

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 29, 2022

The World Cup is upon us, which is an odd thing to be saying in November. Setting aside some of the issues related to this specific one, I’m excited as I am every four years, whether it is the women’s or men’s cup (Don’t go to a biennial cup, FIFA. Don’t do it.). It is the world’s biggest sporting event that highlights the globe’s most popular sport.

Sustainability 201

Sustainability Industrial Industry Company 201

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 22, 2022

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 Emerge and offers tips for trucking companies to decrease their insurance premiums. The number of accidents in the trucking industry is up, and so are insurance premiums.

Cost Reduction Strategies 211

Cost Reduction Strategies Expense Reduction Company Supply Chain Strategy 211

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 8, 2022

As global supply chains continue to tackle ongoing disruptions, one major headwind that most organizations are faced with is the inflationary environment we are living through. This is starting to mount cost pressures just at the time when additional investments are needed to build resilience. So, how can organizations tackle the inflationary environment by finding significant cost savings opportunities while improving resiliency?

Supply Chain Software 206

Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Strategy Supply Chain Optimization Supply Chain 206

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 7, 2022

Inflation is Broad Based. As we near the end of the year, many supply chain executives will become embroiled in their firm’s annual strategic planning process. Before executives do that, it is worth reviewing the top trends that will be impacting supply chain management for the coming year and beyond. What follows are the top trends executives need to be paying attention to before their strategic planning meetings commence.

Supply Chain Planning Software 213

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning 213

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 1, 2022

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 Can Buyuk at Solvoyo and examines the benefits of vendor collaboration. When it comes to business, companies aim to maximize their own objectives, such as sales and margin rates.

Vendor Strategies 184

Vendor Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain 184

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 31, 2022

ZF Began their Digital Resilience Transformation 20 Years Ago! I interviewed John Sobeck, Vice President Material Management Services and Supply Chain 4.0 at the ZF Group, about their digital supply chain transformation journey. It turns out ZF has been on this journey for over 20 years! They began this journey before the term “digital transformation” was even being used.

Agile and Lean Supply Chain 199

Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software 199

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 27, 2022

The United States Transportation Security Administration ( TSA ) announced a new cybersecurity security directive regulating designated passenger and freight railroad carriers. Building on the TSA’s work to strengthen defenses in other transportation modes, this security directive is designed to further enhance cybersecurity preparedness and resilience for the nation’s railroad operations.

Freight 212

Freight Transportation Security Supply Chain Network Software 212

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 25, 2022

Consumption and Emissions – A Growth Story. Global retail sales are expected to grow to $27.3 trillion USD in 2022 , up 5.0% from last year. Paralleling this growth in e-commerce is a growth in carbon emissions – parcel deliveries are estimated to increase by 78% globally by 2030, resulting in up to 30% greater emissions. Companies have many levers to pull to reduce their impact on the environment such as altering the materials used in products, using more sustainable packaging and e

Supply Chain Planning Software 232

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Optimization Supply Chain Planning 232

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 21, 2022

Artificial intelligence has been applied to just about every supply chain application imaginable, including transportation management and execution, demand planning, supply chain planning, warehouse management, and order management. It has also been embedded in autonomous trucks, robots, and drones for navigation. There are myriad applications outside of the supply chain world as well.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 208

Logistics Network Optimization Software Supply Chain Planning Software Logistics Cost Reduction Strategies 208

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 6, 2022

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 FarEye and examines the challenges around last mile delivery. With the continued growth of e-commerce, last mile delivery has become more important than ever for consumers and more complex and challenging for shippers.

Supply Chain Strategy 161

Supply Chain Strategy Procurement Solutions Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain 161