This site uses cookies to improve your experience. To help us insure we adhere to various privacy regulations, please select your country/region of residence. If you do not select a country, we will assume you are from the United States. Select your Cookie Settings or view our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Cookie Settings
Cookies and similar technologies are used on this website for proper function of the website, for tracking performance analytics and for marketing purposes. We and some of our third-party providers may use cookie data for various purposes. Please review the cookie settings below and choose your preference.
Used for the proper function of the website
Used for monitoring website traffic and interactions
Cookie Settings
Cookies and similar technologies are used on this website for proper function of the website, for tracking performance analytics and for marketing purposes. We and some of our third-party providers may use cookie data for various purposes. Please review the cookie settings below and choose your preference.
Strictly Necessary: Used for the proper function of the website
Performance/Analytics: Used for monitoring website traffic and interactions
To build an outside-in model, and use new forms of analytics, we must start the discussion with the question of, “what drives value?” ” Traditional planning models optimize functional processes to improve cost and customer service. You are right. What should we do? What should be on the scorecard?
However, as carbon taxes and emissions reporting requirements continue increasing, supply chain professionals face mounting pressures from inside and outside their organizations to measure and improve performance against new, nebulous sustainability metrics. Freight transportation makes up over 10% of total global carbon emissions.
The transition to renewable energy and the adoption of sustainable practices are now essential for reducing environmental impact, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining competitiveness. Businesses face heightened uncertainty in managing costs and securing stable energy supplies.
The adoption of AI in supply chain automation is enabling companies to make more accurate decisions, reduce cycle times, and better manage complexity. AI in supply chain automation is gradually reshaping how core functions operate, particularly in procurement, warehousing, and logistics.
Many large organizations have multiple systems for order, warehouse, or transportation management that are barely integrated frequently not at all. Standard sizes and categorizations play a crucial role in determining the costs associated with shipping products that meet standard criteria in fulfillment centers.
For most CPOs and CFOs, deciding on the right purchasing setup — centralized or decentralized — is no small task. Each model has its perks, and choosing the best fit can feel like walking a tightrope. Keep reading to learn: What is centralized purchasing? What is centralized purchasing?
Procurement and supply chain management are often used interchangeably—but in practice, the lines between them can blur in ways that create real friction. Misaligned priorities, siloed systems, and unclear ownership can directly impact key performance indicators like cost savings percentage and procurement cycle time.
Supply chain efficiency is the cornerstone of success and involves the effective management of processes, resources, and technologies from procurement to production, transportation to warehousing. In the automotive sector, manufacturers are simultaneously reducing inventory costs and delivery times.
Given the many aspects of retail operations outside a business’ control—from supply chain disruptions and labor shortages to inflation and interest rates impacting both operational costs and customer behavior—the fulfillment challenge this peak holiday season is acute.
Rising costs, supply chain chaos, and economic swings put businesses under enormous pressure to protect their margins. According to McKinsey & Company, procurement accounts for 50% to 80% of a company’s cost base. That’s why organizations zero in on strategies to achieve procurementcostreduction.
A disruption at any point in the global logistics network including the average of 12 touch points from shipment packaging to final delivery can prove disastrous for profits, service levels, customer loyalty, and other key metrics. With the global e-commerce market predicted to reach $8.1
In May, the total number of job cuts in the US were 696,309 – an increase of 80% from the 385,859 jobs cut in the first five months of 2024. During the first week of June 2025, job cuts continued with 90,000 layoffs with iconic brands like Kimberly-Clark (1500-1900), Microsoft (6,000), P&G (7000), and Wal-Mart (1,500).
This unlocks enormous value as you eliminate time lags, lower costs, and slash inventory buffers across the network. This strategy enables companies to achieve four critical objectives: Unlock value trapped in the supply network that is due to poor data quality and communication. The Downfall of Enterprise-Centric Technology.
Shippers need to reevaluate their existing last mile logistics processes and devise an effective last mile logistics strategy that aligns consumer and business expectation. In fact, an effective last mile logistics strategy must consider these nine key points. Planning Is Essential To Have an Effective Last Mile Logistics Strategy.
Rising costs, geopolitical tensions, and tariffs demand a strategic and holistic approach to maintain profitability and competitive advantage. There are many ways an organization can cut supply chain costs. Mastering Direct Spend Management Procurement teams generally do not report to the chief supply chain officer.
We remain committed to growing our business with prudent investments and cost discipline to build the premier network and technology for logistics-intensive businesses." Issuances of common shares, net of issuance costs 3.6 Issuances of common shares, net of issuance costs 3.6 million, up 12% from $151.3 Net change in cash (59.7)
But between rising costs, complex logistics, and the constant struggle to optimize space and labor, staying ahead can feel like an uphill battle. By maximizing space utilization, improving inventory control , and boosting workflow efficiency, you can unlock significant cost savings and elevate your customer service game.
The path to perfect implementation of a new e-commerce shipping strategy is not always clear, and it comes with several challenges that can undermine the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of e-commerce. International trade and customs issues reports Toby Gooley of DC Velocity. Minimize product packaging costs and add-ons.
Decoding the Procurement Department: A Comprehensive Guide to Roles and Responsibilities This supply chain article provides a comprehensive overview of the procurement department within an organization. Read In Detail About Procurement Department Here 2.
Next Steps: Start to model demand based on market data to align the organization on baseline demand. Resist the temptation to place deeper analytics on top of existing data models. Instead, rethink the model and the approach. Out of desperation, they turned to the use of descriptive analytics. Next Steps.
Last mile logistics is among the most misunderstood parts of transportation networks. On the surface, last mile may not seem very important, but it can make up 28 percent of a shipments total cost. Penny Co, reports William B. This improves visibility from end to end and reduces risk. .
The importance of an omnichannel supply chain strategy cannot be overstated. Up to 62 percent want to purchase online and have the option of returning it in-store, and 47 percent want promotions and coupons available through their smartphone. What’s Wrong With Omnichannel Supply Chain Strategy and Customer Service?
To achieve lasting success, shippers need to understand how e-commerce shipping strategies are quintessential steps in this process. An Effective E-Commerce Shipping Strategy Mitigates Losses From the “Retail Apocalypse.” This is the making of an effective e-commerce shipping strategy. GET YOUR COPY HERE. Download White Paper.
An omnichannel retail strategy is the new norm in today’s supply chains. The days of managing channels on an individual basis are over, and consumers are using multiple devices and e-commerce platforms for nearly all purchases. This is most obvious in business models allowing for ship-to-store and curbside pickup of online orders.
The sixth assessment report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published in August 2021 once again stressed the importance and urgency of decarbonising all sectors of the economy. Unlike their customers, usually large shippers with their own sustainability strategies and targets that often span their entire supply chain.
E-commerce has transformed how consumers shop and purchase their favorite products, as well as try new products and services. In addition, poor web design or lag time could dramatically increase e-commerce logistics costs by leading to greater instances of cart abandonment or even lackluster customer support. Think about it.
That was one of the primary conclusions of the annual logistics report released last week by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) at a media briefing in New York. This year’s report was entitled “Navigating Through the Fog.” The CSCMP report puts an estimate on what it calls total U.S.
FourKites CEO, Matt Elenjickal One of the two leaders in the real-time transportation visibility market is FourKites. FourKites is on the cutting edge of applying artificial intelligence (AI). A sales order, for outbound tracking, or purchase order for inbound tracking, becomes the unique identifier. The solutions reduce fines.
In this scenario, by adopting an adaptive supply chain, the retailer uses real-time data analytics to identify emerging trends and collaborate closely with suppliers to quickly adjust production and inventory levels to meet customer demand. This collaboration enables faster response times and cost savings.
As an old gal, with over forty-years of supply chain experience, writing this report for ten years taught me many lessons. I find in the orbit chart analysis that 45% of companies in the report are unconsciously incompetent. The group’s response is, “Are these supply chain metrics?” I admit it.
Much of the world is clamoring for finished products from their usual suppliers; but dwindling cargo space, skyrocketing transportationcosts, and component delays make it difficult to keep shelves stocked. 7 practical strategies to minimize risk and manage supply chain shortages. Get your product portfolio in shape.
planning offers an alternative to swinging the pendulum and as the strategy that provides the supply chain resilience leaders seek. As you evaluate strategies to mitigate risk and build resilience, beware of headlines blaming JIT inventory practices and recommending a move to JIC. A change to one link (e.g. on-time delivery).
Manifesting this trend is the terminology and concept of Digital Path to Purchase — the omni-channel, tech-focused approach to supporting and acting on a consumer’s purchase. Supporting an efficient digital path to purchase requires comprehensive digital collaboration. Download white paper. from the global economy by 2022.
E-commerce is growing faster than ever, and more consumers are leveraging online platforms in making purchasing decisions. In fact, two-thirds of consumer shopping journeys include internet research, reports McKinsey & Company , as well as word-of-mouth recommendations and past experiences. Get Your Free White Paper.
Some logistics involves transportation or warehouses or both. Top 3 Benefits of a Reverse Logistics Management Program: As shippers strive to wring every cent out of their logistics costs, they’re increasingly taking a hard look at their reverse logistics management practices. The logistics for such matters is reverse logistics.
Economic downturns can disrupt the flow of goods, increase operational costs, and reduce profit margins. In this blog post, well explore the importance of robust supply chains, the key risks they face during economic downturns, and practical strategies. Recession-proofing a supply chain doesn’t mean eliminating all risks.
In the end-to-end source-to-pay (S2P) process , strategic sourcing is the link between spend analytics, category management and contracts management, and is supported by supplier intelligence. Which Suppliers Are Truly Strategic? Even the largest organizations have limited time and resources.
In companies, there is no standard model for demand processes. New forms of analytics make new capabilities possible. Let’s start with these: Demand Sensing: The reduction of time to sense purchase and channel takeaway. Demand sensing is a process, automated by technology, that reduces demand latency.
What Contractors Need to Streamline Procurement in 2025 By Ian Summers (pictured) Content Writer 111 Views You’re on-site before dawn, the framing crew’s ready, but the steel shipment’s stuck in limbo, the invoice isn’t approved, and your project management app just pinged you for the fourth time.
That’s why staying on top of the latest supply chain planning trends is so important – they can make all the difference when it comes to staying competitive, reducingcosts, and meeting your customers’ needs. They are more likely to shop for discounts and sales and may delay purchases of some items.
As businesses globally focus on reducing lost productivity, costly downtime, and rising inventory expenses, effective spare parts management has become a top priority—especially for asset-intensive industries. This balance ensures that spare parts are always available for critical needs while reducing unnecessary inventory costs.
The jobs reduction will save $1 billion this year, Tomé said on an earnings conference call with analysts on Tuesday. Higher labor costs and lower package demand resulted in fourth-quarter sales and 2024 guidance that missed analysts expectations. Soft demand in Europe and the US led to an overall decline of 7.5 Retailers estimate 13.7
Conversely, just 8% of businesses with less capable supply chains report above-average growth. Again then, it’s not difficult to see how the financial health of a business depends on that of the supply chain, or how probable it is that supply chain costs feature strongly in the demise of many companies that become insolvent.
A solid supply chain and logistics strategy is essential for large companies. A global chemical manufacturer recently had to replace ships that transported bulk materials to ports. Using a logistics-oriented strategy helps companies better understand their suppliers, improve customer service, and optimize shipping.
We organize all of the trending information in your field so you don't have to. Join 102,000+ users and stay up to date on the latest articles your peers are reading.
You know about us, now we want to get to know you!
Let's personalize your content
Let's get even more personalized
We recognize your account from another site in our network, please click 'Send Email' below to continue with verifying your account and setting a password.
Let's personalize your content