February, 2021

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Searching for Sustainability: Balancing Economics and Environmental Objectives in Logistics

The Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society

The vital role of logistics and its decarbonisation in the fight against climate change is undisputed. Yet there are still concerns that environmental improvements might impair the economic efficiency of logistics. A new study by the Center for Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chains (CSLS) at Kühne Logistics University, in cooperation with the European Freight & Logistics Leaders’ Forum, clearly shows that environmental and economic objectives are not in conflict and often well aligned.

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Mass Personalization: An Emerging Trend and What it Means for Supply Chains

Kuebix

What is Mass Personalization? Personalization is formally defined as “the act of tailoring a product or service based on what customers desire.” Most companies that incorporate personalization have a base product that shoppers can customize as they’re checking out. Manufacturers are able to produce large quantities of the base product and only add personalizations when […].

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Supply Chain Planning FUTURE THINKING

Prophetic Technology

The already complicated Supply Chain Planning (SC) tool gain significant complexity due to COVID-19. Without delay, industries of all kinds started pressing for better SC demand volatility strategies and building more robust sourcing materials and goods from suppliers.

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Outsource or Keep In-House: How to Make Your Next Package Engineering Project a Reality

CHAINalytics

If the time has come for a revamp of your packaging systems, you may be weighing the pros and cons of outsourcing. Bringing in consultants, especially for the first time, has its own set of considerations. Yet finding the ideal partner can raise your package engineering game quickly and help you realize gains that much … The post Outsource or Keep In-House: How to Make Your Next Package Engineering Project a Reality appeared first on Chainalytics.

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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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Why the CPO and CSCO are Smarter Together!

Logistics Viewpoints

Over the years, cost and efficiency ruled the supply chain agenda. In light of the global pandemic, resiliency and business continuity come to the fore for the C-suite across many businesses and industries. The Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) has gained prominence as organizations tackle the disruption and prepare for a post-COVID world. At the same time, the Chief Purchasing Officer (CPO) has taken on a pivotal role by securing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect the workforce and

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Autonomous Supply Chains Are on the Horizon

Supply Chain Brain

Companies are discovering that “people-less” operations lead to more efficient supply chains.

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How Confident is the U.S. in the Vaccine Roll-out Plan?

NC State SCRC

Professor Dan Finkenstadt and I have completed a recent analysis of relative attitudes towards the COVID vaccine’s effectiveness and the distribution plan. This survey was conducted over the last four weeks, with a diverse population.bThe sample included a diverse set of respondents in terms of race, and the distribution of higher education and income were slightly on the higher end.

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America Needs a Tune-up for Its Innovation Engine

Enterra Insights

For a century or more, the United States has been known as one of the most innovative countries on Earth. Mir Sadat ( @Dr_Sadat_USN ), a former National Security Council Policy Director, observes, “From health care to finance, education to navigating space, agriculture to climate research, and from Hollywood to the Pentagon, innovation has been America’s lifeblood.”[1] Many pundits now believe America’s innovation engine is sputtering and is in need of tune-up.

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AI This. If Only.

Supply Chain Shaman

After a dramatic drop at the beginning of the pandemic, Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software public valuations are near twice the ten-year average. A consolidation wave continued with 299 Mergers and Acquisitions in 2020. The majority of the transactions are in Enterprise Resource Planning (91) versus supply chain planning (31).

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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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How Machine Learning is Transforming Logistics

Logistics Viewpoints

ARC Advisory Group engaged in an informative discussion with Derek Gittoes, VP Supply Chain Management Product Strategy at Oracle , as part of ARC’s Digital Supply Chain Forum. Derek recently authored an article on Logistics Viewpoints describing recent advancements in logistics predictability through the application of machine learning. And we thought this to be a great opportunity to get further details on this hot topic from a practitioner on the front line of logistics application developmen

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Virtual Twins, Global Operations and Sustainability

DELMIA Quintiq

I spent a total of five years in AIESEC, the world’s largest student-run organization. My last year there was as Global Chief Information Officer—I was responsible for enabling the operations of the 50,000-student organization via digital technology. It was an opportunity for me to help accelerate AIESEC’s mission of fulfilling humankind’s potential.

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The New Normal: Predictions for Retail in 2021

ToolsGroup

In episode six of Be Ready for Anything, ToolsGroup’s Pre-Sales Manager for Europe, Birger Klinke, talks about what retailers should expect in 2021 and how they can leverage probabilistic forecasting and automation to adjust to a changing marketplace. Check out the video below. Or listen and follow on Spotify. Transcript. This podcast was designed for video or audio enjoyment.

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Bottom Line: What is the ROI of Supply Chain Network Design Software?

AIMMS

We often get asked what kind of return on investment you should expect to see when using our network design technology. Like others in our peer group, we often find ourselves sharing a range based on results typically seen in the market. Given that we are a data-driven (math-loving) company, we wanted to test this range by running some scenarios to see what kind of results companies can expect across a variety of verticals.

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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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Using Technology to Integrate Your Return Management Strategy

GlobalTranz

Supply chain leaders have faced significant challenges in the past, and in 2020, the coronavirus pandemic spotlighted the need for supply chain resilience and integration. Among these, an integrated return management strategy can make or break successful operations. Failure to consider how the disruption affects all parts of the supply chain will lead to delays and added costs.

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Pandemic Lessons For Supply Chain Leaders

Supply Chain Shaman

The Covid-19 pandemic tested the global supply chain. While prior risk management disruptions occurred and quickly established a new normal, in the COVID-19 pandemic, the only normal is constant change. Like riding a bumpy road, the supply chain leader is riding the ups and downs of changing market conditions facing greater variability day-to-day. It will not be over soon.

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Warehouse Automation in a Time of Rapid Change

Logistics Viewpoints

Last week I had the opportunity to speak with Markus Schmidt, President of Swisslog Americas , about warehousing in today’s environment of rapid and often unpredictable change. The coronavirus pandemic exerted widespread impact on order fulfillment operations. But even prior to the pandemic, warehousing and fulfillment were evolving rapidly due to a number of factors, most notably the transition to direct-to-consumer fulfillment.

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The Reality of Last Mile Delivery Challenges

Talking Logistics

The end-to-end supply chain encompasses many logistics functions, but the rise of e-commerce, especially over the past year due to the pandemic, has put an intense spotlight on last mile delivery. What makes last mile delivery so challenging? How has the pandemic transformed this process? What will separate the leaders from the laggards in winning. Read more The Reality of Last Mile Delivery Challenges.

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A Roadmap For Modernization: How To Break Free From Your Monolith Before July 31, 2026

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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Video: Dancing the Supply Chain

SCM Research

JSCM talked to me about my new paper, entitled Dancing the Supply Chain: Toward Transformative Supply Chain Management :

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How to Maximize Delivery Efficiency and Cut Logistics-Related Costs in 2021 and Beyond

DELMIA Quintiq

In the crowded retail marketplace, customer experience is key, and logistical capabilities are what set the winners apart from the less prepared. Companies that are not able to deliver goods at the right time and place will risk losing their customers to one of many competitors. Furthermore, failing to deliver against the lowest costs may mean setting back business goals.

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How to Use Data to Fuel Your Retail Reverse Logistics Strategy

GlobalTranz

How often do you think about your retail reverse logistics strategy? It’s easy to assume retail reverse logistics is solely based on returns. While this is partially true, all retail reverse logistics involve a backward flow of products that return to their origin. Returns may derive from buyer’s remorse, damage to items, defects, end-of-life disposal, and even recycling.

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Trends 2021: Machine Learning

Enterra Insights

In both the academic and business arenas, there is a lot of buzz about artificial intelligence (AI); however, many computer experts point out that the term applies to so many different techniques it is often meaningless. Eric Siegel ( @predictanalytic ), a former computer science professor at Columbia University, writes, “The much better, precise term would instead usually be machine learning — which is genuinely powerful and everyone oughta be excited about it.”[1] Why is machine learning (ML)

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Revolutionizing Hiring: Remote-Insourcing That Slashes Turnover & Training Costs!

What is Remote-Insourcing? Sounds like an oxymoron, right? Not anymore. Remote-Insourcing isn’t outsourcing—it’s a revolutionary staffing model that lets our clients fill key entry-level positions with top-tier, loyal, long-term talent, integrated seamlessly into their businesses—just like local employees but without the turnover or W2 HR hassles. With under 4% unwanted attrition, you train once and keep the same team for years.

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What is Supply Chain Visibility and Why Isn’t It Enough?

Logistics Viewpoints

In a survey of 150 global manufacturing executives, 47% committed to improving supply chain visibility and tracking. According to the Global Supply Chain Disruption and Future Strategies Survey Report, this goal was the top-ranked planned tool investment. But what does supply chain visibility mean and will this investment really give the executives what they want?

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Technology Trends in 2021 and Beyond

Talking Logistics

One of the key lessons learned from 2020 is that companies can no longer afford to stand on the sidelines when it comes to investing in technology and digital transformation. This is not only true for manufacturers and retailers, but for logistics service providers (LSPs) too. How is technology helping logistics service providers meet the. Read more Technology Trends in 2021 and Beyond.

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Green Corridor: Counting Carbons

The Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society

Do you know how carbon is counted? Six years ago when I took on the role as Head of Go Green at DHL eCommerce, the first thing I needed to know was where the company stood in its carbon footprint trail. The first and foremost question was: “How much carbon was being produced and emitted into the atmosphere by DHL?”. This began for me a quick education in carbon accounting and I want to share what I’ve learned with you to answer the question of how carbon counting is done.

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The Perfect Partner for the Owner-Operator with Mandy Morrow

The Logistics of Logistics

The Perfect Partner for the Owner-Operator with Mandy Morrow. Mandy Morrow and Joe Lynch discuss the perfect partner for the owner-operator. Owner-operators in the trucking business face a myriad of challenges including cash flow issues, high fuel costs, access to good freight, business development, and growing their business. About Mandy Morrow. Mandy Morrow is the Plus Power Regional Manager at USA Truck.

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Enterprise ABM Marketing Tools: A Marketers Guide

Savvy B2B marketers know that a great account-based marketing (ABM) strategy leads to higher ROI and sustainable growth. In this guide, we’ll cover: What makes for a successful ABM strategy? What are the key elements and capabilities of ABM that can make a real difference? How is AI changing workflows and driving functionality? This Martech Intelligence Report on Enterprise Account-Based Marketing examines the state of ABM in 2024 and what to consider when implementing ABM software.

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Ivalua Continues Momentum with Record Annual Sales and Customer Acquisition

ivalua

Continued recognition from top analysts and rapid growth spanning all regions. Redwood City, CA. February 17, 2021 – Ivalua, a leading provider of global Spend Management Cloud solutions, today announced another record year in 2020. The company continued to grow rapidly, achieving record new subscription sales, customer acquisition and revenue. Empowering Procurement & Supply Chain Leaders Across the Globe.

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COVID-19, Manufacturing, and What to Expect in 2021

River Logic

In 2020, manufacturing took a huge hit as a result of the constraints around COVID-19. In April 2020, year-on-year output dropped by nearly 20%. Since then, there's been a dramatic recovery, although November 2020 figures are still 3.7% lower than those from November 2019. On the other hand, the October and November 2020 Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) is higher than any time since 2018, indicating a pent-up demand for manufacturing.

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Megatrends Reshaping Supply Chain Management

Logistics Viewpoints

Booming Ecommerce is a Megatrend; AMR last mile delivery is one potential solution. ARC is getting ready for our Supply Chain Forum on February 16 th and 17 th. I was originally scheduled to speak. But we ended up with a good problem. We have so many good, high level executives speaking, we canned my speech ( Forum Agenda ). End users – supply chain practitioners working for manufacturers, distributors, or retailers – can attend for free.