The Ecommerce Logistics Revolution

It’s a vast understatement to say that e-commerce has changed the way the logistics and supply chain game is played.

In fact, it’s much safer to say that the world of digital commerce has introduced more risk and complexity than logistics and supply chain professionals have ever faced.

From rapid order intake to omnichannel order fulfillment to establishing the optimal distribution network for next-day or same-day delivery windows, both retailers and manufacturers now have to innovate, adapt and evolve - or get knocked out of their markets.

The editorial staff of Logistics Management has compiled feature stories that encapsulate the software, technology, and processes that are helping today’s retail and manufacturing professionals exceed ever-increasing customer demands - whether in B2B or direct to consumers.

We hope this helps guide you along your digital transformation journey.

Major modes join e-commerce mix
While last mile carriers receive much of the attention, the traditional modal heavyweights are in charge of connecting the growing web of facilities that enable e-commerce. Today, all modes, as well as freight intermediaries, must be poised for growth and flexible enough to keep evolving.

The battle for the last mile
Established carriers and logistics services providers are clashing with tech-savvy newcomers to gain market share in this critical, final piece in the e-commerce puzzle.

Parcel Express Roundtable: Paying for peak performance
Our panel provides an update on all the market shifts in store for parcel shippers - especially when it comes to pricing, service and managing an e-commerce-centric supply chain.

Freight Forwarding: Digitization & e-commerce continues to reshape the marketplace
The global freight forwarding market has grown by 2.7% in real terms since this time last year, but owing to a continuation of excess capacity issues and lower average oil prices, rates continue to fall in both air and sea freight. Forwarders now need to ramp up the value-add visibility services in an effort to boost revenues and keep shippers smiling.

Warehouse/DC Operations Survey: In the thick of e-commerce adjustments
As e-commerce fulfillment pressure continues to climb, our annual survey points to the many changes taking hold - from more investment in automated approaches to piece picking, more use of robotics, increased interest in throughput metrics and general process improvement.

State of Mobility: Part of the playbook
By taking the process to the product, mobility enables a more streamlined, more accurate and faster approach to warehouse and DC management in today’s e-commerce age.

The evolving DC tech stack
With the growth of e-commerce, the technology stack for distribution centers is expanding. We explore why WES/WCS software is gaining prominence and share how operations are expanding their use of data science.