Collaboration & Visibility: The Building Blocks of a Stronger, More Agile Supply Chain

Welcome to the ever-changing, always interesting world of global trade. Dramatic changes have taken place in recent years, often driven by political cycles and economic shifts.

With e-commerce a staple of everyday life and the global nature of trade of increasing importance, consumers and businesses feel the impact like never before.

Trade wars with China, Brexit, new trade treaties - geopolitical issues like this have a significant impact on manufacturers, retailers, shippers, and logistics firms as they circumnavigate changing regulations.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Consumers, meanwhile, are continuing to buy more and more products online, with the internet making global markets accessible via smart devices. In fact, in 2016, consumers bought more purchases online than in stores.

A recent survey by the United Parcel Service Inc. found 51% of shoppers made purchases online compared with 48% in 2015 and 47% in 2014. The survey polled shoppers who make at least two online purchases in a three-month period, excluding groceries.

This shows the speed of change in shopping patterns. This growth in online shopping and omni-channel retailing means customers are expecting the same level of service they would receive in a store when they shop via the internet.

They want more products delivered faster. To keep up with demand, some online retailers not only promise next-day delivery, but now offer same-day delivery.