A simple example is that of a cold chain using blockchain within the supply chain to hold a transport node accountable for mishandling: Tracking provenance, traceability, and historical procurement for materials, assets, and products as they move downstream to retailer with blockchain finality. Outcomes: reduction in delays/human error in paperwork, visibility into procurement, international compliance. Blockchain Omnichannel Supply Chain Transportation Management MORE

However, logistics focuses expressly on the movement and storage of products, while the supply chain goes into deeper detail, including manufacturing processes, procurement, and the flow of goods. In other words, more robotic systems will be used for order fulfillment warehousing and delivery operations by up to 45% of mainstream global e-commerce and omnichannel commerce companies. TMS Transportation Management MORE

Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) have been around for several years, and while 3PLs may have existing software suites, such as our very own transportation management system, the Cerasis Rater, many supply chain managers are still implementing in-house technology solutions that have severe capability limitations. Supply Chains Will Develop and Take Advantage of Transformative Supply Chain Technologies, like Freight Sharing Apps. MORE

The next time you feel the need to toast someone, raise your glass to all the supply chain professionals involved in omnichannel retail operations. Omnichannel logistics challenges. From a consumer perspective, omnichannel retail is about enjoying a seamless shopping experience across channels and selecting a delivery method that meets personal timing and location preferences. Finding the Right Transportation. … Omnichannel is not just a logistics decision. MORE

Omnichannel Supply Chains Will Become Standard. Omnichannel is perhaps the biggest of the 2018 supply chain trends. 2018 will see more supply chains pursue omnichannel strategies , eliminating inconsistencies and disparate systems and creating a cohesive, shopping experience for consumers. In addition, greater use of 3PLs, which usually offer better benefits, pay and freight rates than national carriers, may help actively reduce spikes in freight rates. MORE

This is the omnichannel supply chain, and it will require shippers to rethink their strategies. To stay competitive, logistics companies will begin offering more unique services, such as invoice auditing, automated freight classification, better rates on dimensional pricing, and a host of last-mile services , which Amazon has already taken great strides in with the creation of Amazon Key. With the rise of e-commerce, the value of logistics has grown. MORE

One is time to recover (TTR), the time it would take for a particular node in the supply chain — a supplier facility, a distribution center, or a transportation hub — to be restored to full functionality after a disruption. Yet many companies, lulled by efficient and relatively inexpensive logistics and transport, have been applying lean and just-in-time production methods that span global networks. MORE

Today is day three of our annual year-end series highlighting the top blog posts in each of our 5 main categories: Manufacturing , Supply Chain , Logistics , Transportation , Freight. This year, most were interested in logistics management trends, and transportation - specifically in the last mile and white glove services. What Is Last Mile Logistics & Why Are More Shippers Looking at This Transportation Function? MORE

Bed Bath & Beyond @BedBathBeyond Bed Bath & Beyond has discovered a way to save millions of dollars on freight over the next few years, thanks to a new 755,000 square-foot distribution facility slated to open in the fall of 2019. The company is also focusing on freight savings, expanding its TMS to include more destinations and vendors, shipping more volume through a consolidated network (instead of direct to store) and working with suppliers on various savings strategies. MORE

The blog spends a lot of time focusing on the use of transportation management systems and how they can increase efficiency in your supply chain. Its topics include upcoming supply chain conferences, warehouse technology innovation, logistics insights, and transportation cost control. The blog reports on recent changes to policies, best practices in supply chain management, whitepapers detailing procurement through reverse logistics and much more. Freight Hub. MORE

Omnichannel retail operations are well on their way to becoming the norm. Michael Jones ( @mdjonesy ), a business consultant, explains, “Consumers don’t shop ‘omnichannel.’ ”[1] Successful companies make omnichannel operations seamless and easy for consumers; but, behind the scenes complexity rules. Tom Redd, a marketing expert, observes, “Omnichannel is a marvelous thing, and all cogs in the retail mechanism play a part.”[2] MORE

Our supply chain involves a contract manufacturer, a third-party testing facility, warehouses to store inventory and a freighting company. For example, if my contract manufacturer is late with an order it can cause me to incur excess costs with the freighting and warehousing companies, respectively. Many areas of the supply chain might not feel as if they are affected by this omnichannel revolution, but it disturbs every part of the supply chain. MORE

In 2016, we saw this with Unilever’s partnership with technology startup Convoy—an on-demand freight business. Examples include everything from enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions and factory communications to freight forwarders and forecasting and inventory management software. Multi-carrier transportation strategies supporting eCommerce businesses. Supply chain is now a key competitive advantage for businesses. MORE

Today, is day two of our annual year-end series highlighting the top blog posts in each of our 5 main categories: Manufacturing , Supply Chain , Logistics , Transportation Management , Freight. We want to make sure that supply chain practitioners, as well as manufacturers, understand how all of these technologies are affecting the entire supply chain, including the supply chain & procurement side of a manufacturing operation. MORE

One of the most flexible trucking apps that allow those who work within transport sector to spend less time completing paperwork and instead tracks GPS locations, making this app the easiest way to stay compliant, track GPS and find your truck routes. With easy API integrations with any Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tool, inventory managers can automate procurement and replenishment processes that historically were guesswork cutting into profit margins. MORE

As the biggest players in fulfillment, distribution and omnichannel retail continue to push boundaries, logistics and planning strategists are forced to innovate. Implement supply chain actions, including with internal procurement teams, with suppliers and through broader collaboration, and develop measurable targets for these efforts. Take a fresh look at your omnichannel fulfillment. “Innovation is crucial for expanding the current footprint of omni-channel fulfillment. MORE

This, combined with efforts to move sources closer to domestic markets (driven by the overwhelming growth in omnichannel retail), will all but eradicate offshore production, at least for industries in which off-shoring benefits relate purely to labour. Ten years is plenty of time in which to overcome legal and safety issues which currently stand in the way of transporting goods by airborne drone or driverless truck. MORE

Even giants like General Mills, Tyson Foods, and Campbell have reported strained budgets due to a rise in transportation costs over the past few months. A mix of weather-led constraints in 2017, a continual shortage of semi-truck drivers, and the enforcement of hours of service (HOS) rules with electronic logging devices ( ELDs ) have all accelerated a rise in transportation costs. Holistic View – Looking at transportation holistically can make a massive difference. MORE

In the age of Amazon, her voice is a beacon for companies struggling to find the bridge between omnichannel retail and last-mile delivery success. . His works remain expansive—from procurement through reverse logistics and even facilities management for the supply chain itself. . He’s also the author of the blog, Critical Cargoes, where he encourages the industry to upgrade systems and leverage new technology to improve supply chain processes and reduce unnecessary freight spend. . MORE